Ethnomedicinal uses, phytochemistry, pharmacological properties and toxicology of Curcuma caesia Roxb.: a review

Curcuma caesia or commonly known as black turmeric is belongs to family Zingiberaceae. The rhizome which is the most important part of this species is widely used as a folk medicine for the treatment of asthma, fever, cancer, wounds, allergies, toothache, leprosy, bronchitis, epilepsy, hemorrhoids, leukoderma and rheumatoid arthritis. C. caesia is one of the important species of Curcuma which possess various bioactive compounds that responsible for numerous pharmacological activities. The rhizome which is the most prominent feature of the plant is rich with essential oil. In addition, the leaves of this species also consist of essential oil with various bioactive compounds. This review article is aimed to discuss in-depth on botany, ethnomedicinal uses, geographical distribution, propagation, phytochemical studies, pharmacological activities and toxicity of C. caesia. The phytochemical studies revealed that a total of 17 functional groups were detected from rhizome extract of C. caesia. The pharmacological studies conducted demonstrated that C. caesia extract exhibited anti-acne, analgesic, anthelmintic, anti-asthmatic, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-diabetic, antiproliferative, anticancer, antiulcer, hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, neurotoxicity and cytotoxicity effects. Furthermore, toxicity studies revealed that C. caesia extract is safe for consumption and does not cause toxicity.