curcumae rhizoma

Curcumae rhizoma (Chinese name: 莪术; pinyin: Ezhu) is the dried rhizome of several Curcuma species in the Zingiberaceae family, most commonly Curcuma zedoaria and related species. It is a well-established traditional Chinese medicine used primarily for its ability to activate blood circulation, resolve blood stasis, promote qi movement, and relieve pain. In modern pharmacology, curcumae rhizoma has demonstrated antitumor effects and is mainly used as an antitumor agent in TCM practice[2][3]. Its main bioactive constituents include sesquiterpenoids (such as curcumol and curdione), volatile oils (including β-elemene), and other compounds with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, neuroprotective, hepatoprotective, antibacterial/antiviral properties[1][3][7]. Mechanistically it acts on multiple molecular targets including inhibition of NF-κB signaling pathways (anti-inflammatory/antitumor), modulation of MAPKs and PI3K/AKT pathways (cell survival/apoptosis), reduction of thrombus formation via effects on platelet aggregation and vascular factors such as NO/TXB2/ET-1[1][3]. It is widely used for conditions such as tumors/cancer therapy support (especially gynecological cancers), dysmenorrhea/amenorrhea due to blood stasis or qi stagnation syndromes in TCM[7], digestive disorders with fullness or slow digestion[5], pain syndromes from trauma or rheumatism[4], cardiovascular/cerebrovascular protection[1], liver protection/hepatobiliary diseases[2], among others.

Other names

莪术EzhuCurcuma zedoaria rhizomeRhizoma CurcumaeZedoary Rhizome