Invitro Study of Anti-inflammatory, Anti-Oxidant & Anti-Microbial Activities of Turmeric

Abstract

Turmeric, or Curcuma longa Linn, is a popular spice that is grown all throughout the Indian subcontinent. Turmeric has been used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including cough, diabetes, and liver issues. Over the past few decades, numerous investigations have been carried out to ascertain the pharmacological effects of turmeric and its compounds. Curcumin, the main chemical component of turmeric, has been demonstrated to possess anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimutagenic, antidiabetic, antibacterial, hepatoprotective, expectorant, and anticancer qualities. This study mainly offers a safety evaluation and an update on the pharmacological characteristics of turmeric, its preparations, and its therapeutic applications. Interest in turmeric increased in the 1970s after researchers found that the herb may have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Safety evaluation tests have shown that both curcumin and turmeric are well tolerated at very high doses without any negative effects. Thus, turmeric and its constituents have potential for the development of modern medicine to treat a variety of ailments. Turmeric extract decreased fungal aflatoxin production by 90% in addition to curcumin and turmeric\'s capacity to repair necrosis, lipid changes, and biliary hyperplasia. Diabetes, cancer, gastrointestinal problems, and neurological disorders have all been demonstrated to benefit from oral curcumin treatment. Curcumin can also be applied topically to lessen inflammation and irritation caused by inflammatory skin conditions and allergies. Curcumin can stop the three stages of carcinogenesis: angiogenesis, tumor development, and tumor promotion. This review focuses on the pharmacological and medicinal benefits of turmeric in treating and preventing illness.

Introduction

Turmeric (Curcuma longa), a perennial herb of the Zingiberaceae family, has been cultivated for thousands of years across Asia, especially in India where it holds cultural, culinary, and medicinal significance. Traditionally used in Ayurveda for conditions such as digestive issues, inflammation, liver disorders, skin diseases, and wound healing, turmeric continues to be widely valued for its therapeutic properties. Its rhizome contains key bioactive compounds—primarily curcumin and other curcuminoids—which are responsible for its yellow color and extensive pharmacological activities. Turmeric also yields essential oils rich in sesquiterpenes such as zingiberene and ar-curcumene.

Botanically, turmeric is a stemless plant with broad leaves, yellowish flowers, and a characteristic aromatic rhizome. Cultivation varies depending on soil type, mineral composition, and environmental conditions, all of which influence yield and phytochemical content. Extraction of turmeric components may involve drying, powdering, and solvent-based techniques.

Phytochemistry

Turmeric rhizomes contain:

• Curcuminoids: curcumin, demethoxycurcumin, bisdemethoxycurcumin

• Essential oils: zingiberene, ar-curcumene, sabinene, 1,8-cineole

• Other phytochemicals such as alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenes, tannins, and saponins

Pharmacological Activities

Turmeric and curcumin demonstrate a wide range of therapeutic effects:

• Antioxidant: Neutralize free radicals and protect against oxidative stress

• Antimicrobial: Effective against bacteria, fungi, parasites

• Anti-inflammatory: Comparable to some NSAIDs, reduces edema and arthritis symptoms

• Anticancer: Inhibits proliferation, affects signaling pathways, and shows cytotoxicity in cancer models

• Anti-allergic: Stabilizes mast cells and reduces histamine release

• Hepatoprotective: Guards the liver from toxins such as CCl?

• Antidiabetic: Enhances adipocyte differentiation; curcuminoids + sesquiterpenoids show strong effects

• Cardioprotective: Lowers cholesterol, reduces LDL oxidation, prevents platelet aggregation

• Antifungal: Active against Aspergillus, Penicillium, and others

Traditional and Health Benefits

Turmeric is used as:

• A natural antiseptic for wounds and burns

• A remedy for cancers, joint pain, infections, digestive issues, and liver detoxification

• A preventive agent for conditions like Alzheimer’s and cardiovascular diseases

• A cosmetic ingredient for complexion, skin healing, and rituals in Indian culture

Preliminary Phytochemical Screening

Qualitative tests confirm the presence of proteins, carbohydrates, alkaloids, glycosides, flavonoids, tannins, steroids, and terpenes in various turmeric extracts.

Case Study

In vitro and in vivo studies show turmeric extract and curcumin exert cytotoxic effects on Dalton’s lymphoma cells, lymphocytes, and CHO cells, demonstrating strong anticancer potential at low concentrations.

Conclusion

Turmeric\'s health benefits are often obtained through long-term dietary use, even at low concentrations. Understanding the effective dosage, safety, and mechanism of action of turmeric is essential for its rational application in the treatment of human ailments.If turmeric is to be used to address human needs and enhance human welfare, more clinical research is necessary. The actions of turmeric include antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antitumor,anti- oxidant,anti-septic,hepatoprotective, nephroprotective, radioprotective, and digestive activities. Phytochemical research of turmeric has identified a vast number of chemicals, including curcumin, volatile oil, and curcuminoids, which have been discovered to have powerful pharmacological activities.[21]

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Copyright

Copyright © 2025 Dhabal Kumar Satapathy, Mohan Eswar Raju Thotakura, Vinay Sai Vella, Yasaswini Yedlapalli, Bhaskara Raju Vatchavai, Srinivasu Matta. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.