Vol. 7, Issue 2, Part A (2025)

Black turmeric, commonly referred to as Curcuma caesia Roxb., is an important medicinal member of the family Zingiberaceae. It has long been utilized in traditional systems of medicine such as Ayurveda, Siddha, and various tribal healthcare practices for the treatment of a wide range of ailments, including respiratory discomfort, inflammatory disorders, pain, skin diseases, gastrointestinal complications, and neurological conditions.^{[1, 2]} The characteristic bluish-black coloration of its rhizome is associated with a complex array of secondary metabolites comprising curcuminoids, essential oils, monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, flavonoids, and phenolic compounds. ^[3] These bioactive constituents have demonstrated multiple pharmacological effects notably antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anticancer, analgesic, anti-asthmatic, and neuroprotective properties across diverse in vitro and in vivo studies. ^{[2, 4]}

Although C. caesia has received increasing scientific attention, the available research remains disjointed owing to limited phytochemical standardization, undefined dosage parameters, insufficient toxicological studies, and a lack of clinical validation. ^[5] Additionally, unsystematic and excessive wild collection has led to a reduction in natural populations, emphasizing the urgency of adopting conservation and sustainable propagation strategies. ^[1] This review aims to consolidate existing scientific evidence regarding the botanical characteristics, ethnomedicinal applications, phytochemical diversity, and pharmacological potential of Curcuma caesia Roxb., while identifying research limitations and future perspectives. Bridging these gaps will pave the way for the development of standardized herbal formulations and ensure the sustainable utilization of this pharmacologically and culturally significant plant.