curcuma caesia

*Curcuma caesia*, commonly known as black turmeric or blue turmeric, is a perennial aromatic herb in the Zingiberaceae family native to India. It is characterized by its unique bluish-black rhizomes and a high concentration of bioactive secondary metabolites, including camphor, curcumenol, curzerenone, and germacrone. Preclinical research has identified a broad spectrum of pharmacological activities for *C. caesia* extracts, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, and antihyperglycemic effects. The plant's therapeutic potential is attributed to its ability to modulate oxidative stress via the Nrf2 pathway, inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokines like TNF-α and IL-6, and interact with specific targets such as Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP9) and the Receptor for Advanced Glycation End-products (RAGE). It is currently being investigated in preclinical models for applications in osteoarthritis, diabetes, gastric ulcers, and various malignancies including oral and cervical cancers.

Other names

black turmericblue turmericCurcuma caesia Roxb.