What is the common name for Curcuma zedoaria?
Curcuma zedoaria (zedoary /ˈzɛdəʊərɪ/, white turmeric, or temu putih) is a perennial herb and member of the genus Curcuma, family Zingiberaceae. Often called Curcuma zedoaria or zedoary, this rare rhizome stands out with its fruity notes and soft aroma. Less known than orange turmeric, it has been used for centuries across Asia and the Middle East, both in cooking and in traditional preparations.Curcumin in Curcuma zedoaria acts as an anti-bacterial, anti-oxidant and anti-hepatoxic. The rhizome is efficacious to strengthen digestion and appetite, stimulate bowel movements and eliminate flatulence [3].Although turmeric and curcumin can be beneficial, it is possible for overuse to cause gastrointestinal side effects. These can include stomach discomfort, indigestion, nausea, loose stools and diarrhea. That said, there is no credible evidence that this would lead to an intestinal perforation or abscess.Curcumin is an active ingredient in turmeric and appears to have anti-inflammatory and blood-thinning or anticoagulant properties. A 2019 review indicates that turmeric may help block blood clotting. However, it advises caution when combining turmeric with blood-thinning drugs.The cholesterol-lowering effects of turmeric are attributed to its ability to enhance bile production, which aids in the excretion of cholesterol from the body. Additionally, curcumin’s antioxidant properties prevent the oxidation of LDL cholesterol, a critical step in plaque formation within arteries.
What are the active ingredients in Curcuma zedoaria?
Curcuma zedoaria EO contains a range of bioactive compounds including 1,8-cineole, curzerenone, eudesmol, germacrone, and curdione, which have been reported to exhibit multiple pharmacological properties such as antimicrobial, antidiabetic, anticancer, antivenom, antihepatotoxic, and antiviral activities (Lobo et al. Curcumin in Curcuma zedoaria acts as an anti-bacterial, anti-oxidant and anti-hepatoxic. The rhizome is efficacious to strengthen digestion and appetite, stimulate bowel movements and eliminate flatulence [3].Curcuma zedoaria, also known as zedoary, is a rhizome used medicinally in the East as a carminative and digestive stimulant, and for treating colds and infections; it contains various sesquiterpenoids and an active curcuminoid called demethoxycurcumin.
What is better, Curcuma or turmeric?
There is no official consensus on whether it’s best to take curcumin or turmeric supplements. Most studies use extracted turmeric with a high concentration of curcumin or curcumin alone. Both turmeric and curcumin can reduce joint inflammation, cholesterol, blood sugar, and tumor, fungal, and bacterial growth. It’s also important not to combine it with certain meds. Turmeric can interact with NSAIDs, aspirin, statins, diabetes meds, blood pressure meds, as well as blood thinners. Turmeric may also interact with supplements taken for the reduction of blood clots like garlic, ginkgo, and ginseng.It is usually safer to eat the food rather than take the supplement. However, even in food form, turmeric might interfere with certain chemotherapy drugs, as has been seen with some drugs used to treat breast cancer, so always check with your doctor to see if you should avoid this spice.People with diabetes should also be aware that turmeric can lower blood sugar, he added. Dr. Lim also recommends that women who are pregnant, breastfeeding or being treated for hormone-sensitive cancers and people with gallstones or kidney stones avoid taking turmeric supplements.People with diabetes should also be aware that turmeric can lower blood sugar, he added. Dr. Lim also recommends that women who are pregnant, breastfeeding or being treated for hormone-sensitive cancers and people with gallstones or kidney stones avoid taking turmeric supplements.