Biological activities of Curcuma longa L.

There are several data in the literature indicating a great variety of phar macological activity of Curcuma longa L. (Zingiberaceae), which exhibit ant i-inflammatory: anti-human immunodeficiency virus. anti-bacteria, antioxida nt effects and nematocidal activities. Curcumin is a major component in Cur cuma longa L., being responsible for its biological actions. Other extracts of this plant has been showing potency too. In vitro, curcumin exhibits an ti-parasitic, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory and gastrointestinal effects : and also inhibits carcinogenesis and cancer growth. In vivo, there are ex periments showing the anti-parasitic. anti-inflammatory potency of curcumin and extracts of C. longa L. by parenteral and oral application ill animal models. In this present work we make an overview of the pharmacological act ivities of C. longa L., showing its importance.