Abstract:

Curcuma caesia Roxb. is a perennial, erect rhizomatous herb with large leaves, commonly known as kali haldi. It belongs to the family Zingiberaceae. It is a multipurpose medicinal plant widely used in the traditional system of medicine, mainly fresh and dried rhizomes, in treating leucoderma, asthma, tumours, piles, bronchitis, bruises, snack bites, etc.The plant is reported to contain camphor, ar-turmerone, (Z)‑ocimene, ar-curcumene, 1, 8‑cineole, elemene, borneol, bornyl acetate and curcumin as the major constituents. The plant has been scientifically reported to have antifungal, antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-asthmatic activities. Other medicinal properties are muscle relaxant, analgesic, locomotor depressant, anticonvulsant and anti-inflammatory. It is now considered as one of the potential sources of unique natural products for the development of medicines.