An update review of biological activity of essential oils from Curcuma genus

Abstract

Curcuma L. is one of the largest genera (about 108 species) belonging to Zingiberaceae family. Many Curcuma plants have been used for many purposes, including possessing preservative, flavoring, and medicinal properties. Curcuma plants are a prominent material for extracting essential oils (EOs). Over the last five years, many studies have been reported for the biological effects of the EOs isolated from Curcumaplants such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammation, anti-trypanosomal, antileishmanial, anti?acetylcholinesterase, antiproliferative, cytotoxic, larvicidal, and insecticidal activities. In this brief review, an updated version of the bioactivities of EOs from different species belonging to Curcuma genus are presented.