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CHAPTER 2
Scientific Approach to the Role
of Turmeric in Ayurvedic
Formulations and Their
Phytochemistry
GURMEET SINGH,* NADANA VINAYAGAN AND
ABDUL MATEEN
Centre for Ayurveda Biology and Holistic Nutrition, The University of
Trans-Disciplinary Health Sciences and Technology (TDU), Bengaluru,
Karnataka 560064, India
*Email: gur meet.singh@tdu.edu.in
2.1 Introduction
Ayurveda, one of the oldest traditional healthcare systems in the world, has
more than 2000 medicinal plants in its Materia Medica.
1
Turmeric (Curcuma
longa L.) is one of the renowned herbs mentioned in Ayurveda and is part of
the many medicinal formulations for a wide range of disease conditions.
Besides Ayurveda, its medicinal applications are also mentioned in Unani,
Siddha and Chinese traditional medicine systems. Turmeric has at least 53
Sanskrit and vernacular names in India, indicating its widespread use across
the country and pointing to its cultural importance. Many of these names are
suggestive of the therapeutic properties exhibited by the herb.
2
Turmeric has been a part of the daily diet in India for thousands of years
and, more recently, has also transcended into global cuisines and diets, and
names such as ‘‘golden spice’’ and ‘‘Indian saffron’’ with which the spice is
Chemistry, Biological Activities and Therapeutic Applications of Medicinal Plants in Ayurveda
Edited by Augustine Amalraj, Sasikumar Kuttappan and Karthik Varma A. C.
r The Royal Society of Chemistry 2023
Published by the Royal Society of Chemistry, www.rsc.org
22
https://t.me/med1917
referenced are suggestive of the hallowed position it occupies as a culinary
ingredient with perceived wellness benefits. Its popularity continues to grow
globally through products such as turmeric lattes and turmeric teas, besides
its culinary uses as a spice because of its perceived health benefits. Besides
foods and beverages, it also finds use in various supplements and cos-
metics.
3
India is the largest producer of turmeric. In 2020, 15 888 tons of
turmeric were cultivated, which accounted for 80% of the global pro-
duction.
4
Turmeric is also one of the more researched plants in modern
science and has been the subject of study in 4600 publications on PubMed
and 200 clinical studies conducted over the last three decades
5
(Figure 2.1).
The Curcumin Resource Database shows an even larger number with over
9000 publications and 500 patents listed.
Turmeric is a perennial herb belonging to the family of Zingiberaceae. The
rhizome and leaves are the parts used for medicinal and culinary purposes.
The rhizome ispungent and bitterin taste. Scientific research on turmerichas
focussed on its nutritional profile, phytochemical composition and pharma-
cological uses. Almost 180 nutritional components and 100 additional phy-
tochemicals
6
and more than 15 pharmacological actions have been reported
for turmeric. A number of studies have shown that the herb consists of phy-
tochemicals expressing anticancer,
7
antidiabetic,
8
antiinflammatory,
9
Figure 2.1 The number of references for turmeric in PubMed since 1998: turmeric
research (left), clinical trials (right).
Scientific Approach to the Role of Turmeric in Ayurvedic Formulations 23
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antimicrobial,
10
antimutagenic,
11
and cardio- and neuro-protective activ-
ities.
12,13
Turmeric and its phytochemical constituents show oxygen-
scavenging action in biological assays, inhibit the production of histamine
thereby acting as an antimicrobial and anti-allergic herb, and show inhibitory
action on lipopolysaccharides in inflammatory conditions. They have also
been shown to induce apopt osis, autophagy and mitochondrial action in
many cancers and mutagenic conditions.
14
However, this extensive research
on its pharmacology has not yet led to convincing evidence of its therapeutic
benefits.
15
Much of this research has used reductionist frameworks where
purified single molecules (e.g. curcumin) obtained from turmeric have been
investigated. Turmeric stands at the cross-roads of scientific query, seeking a
new holistic approach for understanding its compositions and activity that
can help unravel its benefits to human health.
This chapter reviews the use of turmeric in Ayurveda and provides an
analysis of its Ayurvedic formulations and pharmacological actions with
more recent scientific literature. In addition, this chapter summarizes the
major phytochemicals present in the turmeric rhizome based on mining
from various online databases, classical literature and research articles, and
presents their therapeutic action based on evidence. Furthermore, a mo-
lecular mapping is presented based on their polarity and volatility, which
may help in deconstructing the formulations and understanding the active
molecules in different formulations.
2.2 Data-mining Classical Texts for Insights
The use of turmeric for its health benefits predates Ayurveda. Its reference in
Vedic literature (Table 2.1) s uggests that it was a symbol of prosperity. It
appears to have been highly regarded as a cleansing herb for the entire body
and it was used in cosmetic conditions involving depigmentation of the skin
and greying of the hair, and therapeutic applications.
The many names of turmeric in the vernacular literature also point to its
widespread use and deep cultural embedding. Many of these names and
synonyms are based on turmeric’s therapeutic action, morphological char-
acter and pharmacological properties (Table 2.2).
Table 2.1 Turmeric mentions in Vedic literatures.
S. no. Vedic literature Total medicinal plants mentioned
1 Rigveda 67
2 Yajurveda 82
3 Atharva veda 288
4 Brahman grantha 129
5 Upnishidha 31
6 Kalpasutra 319
7 Paniniya Ashtadhyayi 152
8 Vartik 31
9 Patanjal mahabhasaya 109
10 Yaskkrit Nirukta 26
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Table 2.2 Some vernacular names and synonyms of turmeric mentioned in
Ayurveda classical texts.
Some vernacular
names and
synonyms used for
turmeric Context Ref.
Haridra Plant description: yellow-coloured
plant
74–76
Krimighna Medicinal property: it is
antihelminthic in action, which
reduces worm infestations
74–76
Nishakhya, Nisha Plant description: it looks beautiful
in the moonlight
76
Mehaghni Medicinal property: specially
denoted that this drug is a choice
to treat Prameha (diabetes)
74–76
Vishaghni Medicinal property: removes toxins
and purifies the blood circulation
in the body
77–79
Vamavati/vamada/
Vamapradayini,
Vamavilasini/
Varyamini
Medicinal property: used as a dyeing
agent for cloths and skin and
enhancing the complexion
74 and 78–81
Harita Medicinal property: it is an effective
drug for jaundice
77–80
Bhadralata Plant description: holly climber-like
shrub
77, 78 and 80
Vanvilasini Plant description: grows wildly in
forests
74–76 and 78–82
Romashmoolika Plant description: having hairy roots 74–76 and 78–82
Pindaharidra/
Pindabhadra
Plant description: roots are
cylindrical/tubular
80
Pita/pitangi/Gauri/
garangi
Plant description: roots have
attractive yellow colour
74–76 and 78–82
Suvama, Kanchani Plant description: roots are golden
yellow colour
76 and 83
Pavitra Religious significance: holy plant or
used in holy events (daily pooja
karma)
76 and 83
Mangalya Religious significance: Laxmi,
Bhadra
80
Subhaga Religious significance: root powder
is auspicious and used for
religious purposes
80
Hattavilasini It attracts itself and enhances beauty
of the market
76
Yoshitpriya/
Shreevallabha/
Shobhana
Cosmetic use: it has been used by
women as a cosmetic (udvartana)
and enhances the complexion and
colour of skin
77 and 80
Vaishya It sells daily in markets 77 and 80
Scientific Approach to the Role of Turmeric in Ayurvedic Formulations 25
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Turmeric has been well studied in Ayurveda as indicated by the extent of
documentation it has received in the Samhitas (the key classical medical
treatises of Ayurveda such as Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita and Ash-
tanga Hridaya) as well as the Nighantu’s (the Materia Medicas of Ayurveda).
These texts describe the poly-pharmacological action of drugs on the basis of
rasapanchaka, the Ayurveda pharmacology. The rasapanchaka includes the
Rasa (equivalent of in-mouth sensory experience), Guna (equivalent of bio-
physical properties), Virya (equivalent of potency) and Vipaka (equivalent of
post-digestion effect). These properties describe how a medicine works
pharmacologically. Turmeric’s Rasais tiktha andkatu (bitterand pungent) , its
Guna is rooksha (dry), its Virya is ushna (hot) and its Vipaka is katu (pun-
gent).
16
In addition, turmeric helps to balance all three doshas: the vata, pitta
and kapha. Many of the Nighantus inclu de turmeric under the group of bo-
tanicals called ‘‘OshadhiVarga’’ ormedicinal group, suggestingits prominent
use in formulations used across a diverse set ofdiseases. It has been also used
as a home remedy for thousands of years, and repeated use has demonstrated
its effectiveness in treating a variety of illnesses.
Ten Ayurvedic classical texts, namely Caraka Samhita (CS), Susruta Sam-
hita (SS), Astanga Sangraha (AS), Astanga Hridya (AH), Charakadatta (CD),
Sarangadhara Samhita (SAR), Bhaisajyaratnavali (BR), Yogaratnakar (YR),
Bhavaprakasa (BP) and Vangasen Samhita (VS), were mined for turmeric-
based orally administered formulations, their methods of preparation and
their therapeutic uses.
This search resulted in 88 turmeric formulations used for 26 disease con-
ditions (Table 2.3). Among them, vatarakta (inflammatory conditions like arth-
ritis), prameha (diabetes), panduroga (symptoms of iron deficiency) and
kustharoga (skin diseases) were more frequently associated with these formu-
lations.Otherdiseaseslike visaroga (poisoning),svasa(respiratorydiseases)and
kamala (jaundice) are also mentioned (Figure 2.2). Further, an analysis of the
botanical composition of the 88 formulations was done to understand its pair-
ing. Fifty-eight ingredientswere curated fromthis analysis, where Amla (Emblica
officinalis), Musta (Cyperus rotundus), Pippali (Piper longum)andNimba(Aza-
dirachta indica) were found to be the more prevalent with turmeric as shown in
Figure 2.3. The improved bioavailability of curcuminoids, a key group of mol-
ecules of turmericand also themost studied inmodern science, whenused with
piperine is wellestablished. Interestingly, turmeric is paired with Piperlongum,a
botanical rich in piperine, in many Ayurveda formulations, indicating that the
improved efficacy of turmeric in the presence of Piper longum was recognized in
Ayurveda. Even more interesting is thefact that this pairing is not used in all the
formulations as this suggests specificity of formulationsfor different treatments.
Suchanalysis can help in deconstructingformulations and arrivingat the group
of molecules that Ayurveda may be leveraging for different therapeutic
conditions.
Deconstruction of various formats used for the formulations can provide
additional insights. The different formats mentioned in the classical texts
include curna (dry powder), kvatha (decoction), kalka (paste), gutika (tablet),
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peya (soup), leha (semi-solid syrup) and ghee macerations (ghrita). Of these
kvatha, kalka and peya are the water-based formats, while leha and ghrita are
fat-based formats. Overall, curna, kvatha and ghrita formats are more fre-
quently prescribed for treating illnesses (Figure 2.4). This is interesting when
it is considered with the fact that many of the turmeric phytochemicals that
have been of interest in modern scientific studies are poorly water soluble.
Further, water-based formats are used more often for diseases such as
Prameha (diabetes), vatarakta (inflammation conditions like arthritis), in-
flammation in the abdomen, trsna (morbid thirst) and jvara (fever), whereas
fat-based formats are more often used for medhya (brain health), kamala
(jaundice), svasa (dyspnoea) and kas a (cough). Both water-based and fat-
based formulations seem to be frequently used for diseases such as
Table 2.3 Number of turmeric formulations mentioned for various health benefits
in a few important Ayurveda classical texts.
S.
no. Diseases CS SS AS AH HS CD SAR BR YR BP VS Total
1 Vatarakta (arthritis) 1 1 2 1 1 5 11
2 Prameha (diabetes) 2 1 4 1 1 1 10
3 Pandu (anaemia) 1 3 2 1 3 10
4 Kusthroga (skin
diseases)
113 1 1 2 1 10
5 Visaroga (poisoning) 1 5 2 8
6 Asthma 2 1 1 1 1 6
7 Kamala (jaundice) 1 1 1 2 5
8 Oedema 1 2 3
9 Kasa (cough) 1 1 1 3
10 Jwara (fever) 2 1 3
11 Dyspnoea 1 2 3
12 Medya (brain health) 1 1 2
13 Balaroga (strength) 1 1 2
14 Trsna (morbid thirst) 1 1 2
15 Slipada (stone-like
enlargement of the
foot)
112
16 Purgative 1 1 2
17 Vataroga 1 1
18 Gulma (phantom
tumour)
11
19 Udara roga (diseases of
the abdomen)
11
20 Parasites 1 1
21 Atisara (diarrhoea) 1 1
22 Sirsasula 1 1
23 Svarabheda (hoarseness
of voice)
11
24 Sitalika vikara 1 1
25 Asmari (calculus) 1 1
26 Phiranga (syphilis) 1 1
Total 15 9 17 8 8 4 9 6 7 6 3
Scientific Approach to the Role of Turmeric in Ayurvedic Formulations 27
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kustharoga (skin diseases), panduroga (anaemia) and balaroga (paediatrics).
This type of analysis can help in deconstructing formulations from a mo-
lecular partitioning and bioavailability perspective.
2.3 Therapeutic Uses of Turmeric
Turmeric and its phytochemicals have been studied extensively for their
health benefits using modern scientific tools. We briefly discuss these in the
context of the four lead therapeutics shown in Figure 2.2.
2.3.1 Antidiabetic and Prameha
Turmeric appears in many Ayurveda formulations used for Prameha, a dis-
ease with symptoms similar to type-2 diabetes. This has led to a number of
enzyme-based, in vitro, animal and clinical studies involving extracts of
Figure 2.2 Number of turmeric formulations in Ayurveda for various health
benefits.
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turmeric and purified curcumin, one of the key molecules of turmeric, to
evaluate their antidiabetic activity. Curcumin-rich extracts of turmeric have
been shown to delay diabetes development, enhance b-cell functions, con-
trol b-cell death and decrease insulin resistance in animal studies.
17
Cur-
cumin has been shown to reduce the level of blood glucose and HbA1c, and
to increase the antioxidant status of pancreatic b-cells. It has been shown to
enhance the activation of PPAR-g, the phosphorylation of AMPK (AMP-acti-
vated protein kinase), glycogen synthesis and stimulation of glucose uptake
by activating GLUT4, GLUT2 and GLUT3 gene expressions.
18,19
In addition,
curcumin appears to aid glucose metabolism in differentiated C
2
C
12
skeletal
muscle cells, curcumin-mediated glucose absorption necessitates the acti-
vation of the AMPK/ACC pathway and improves insulin sensitivity.
20
Besides,
turmeric compounds may also protect against non-insulin-dependent dia-
betes mellitus through multiple mechanisms such as insulin upregulation,
enhancing insulin sensitivity, lipid profile modulation and lowering the level
Figure 2.3 Pairing frequency of various ingredients with turmeric in Ayurveda
formulations.
Scientific Approach to the Role of Turmeric in Ayurvedic Formulations 29
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of glucose at the cellular level.
17,21,22
A study to test the antihyperglycaemic
effect of curcumin (80 mg kg
1
) in mice subjected to a high-fat diet showed
that it rapidly reduced the glucose levels and TNF-a concentrations and
significantly inhibited the lowering of glucose tolerance.
23
Besides curcumin, ar-turmerone, a major volatile compound in the tur-
meric rhizome, has also been studied for its antidiabetic activity. In one such
study it was found to exhibit antidiabetic activity by inhibition of alpha-
glucosidase and alpha-amylase.
24
The ingestion of whole turmeric (6 g) was also found to enhance post-
prandial serum insulin levels and alleviate the glycaemic response in healthy
adults without affecting plasma glucose levels, and these findings suggest
that turmeric may influence insulin secretion.
25,26
Such whole turmeric studies have also led to interest in understanding the
effects of the non-curcuminoid, non-turmerone fractions of turmeric. These
minor components, found widely in the botanical world besides turmeric,
also show promising activity and could complement or supplement that
activity of curcuminoids and turmerones. One such volatile molecule, eu-
genol, which is more commonly associated with clove and cumin essential
oils where it is present at higher levels, but that is also present in turmeric,
has one of the highest alpha-amylase inhibition activities.
27
These studies
suggest that not only do phytoche micals of turmeric have therapeutic po-
tential for diabetes but also standardized whole turmeric extracts that in-
clude the non-volatile curcuminoids and the volatile turmerones along with
Figure 2.4 Formats of turmeric-based Ayurvedic formulations used in the treatment
of diseases.
30 Chapter 2
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all the other minor phytochemicals have the potential to be the basis of
functional foods and supplements for post-prandial glycaemic modulation.
2.3.2 Antiarthritic and Vatarakta
Turmeric’s use for managing inflammation is well documented in Ayurveda
and it is also used widely as a home remedy in medical conditions ranging
from arthritis to skin inflammations.
28
Arthritis affects over 250 million
people globally, with the three most commonly occurring subtypes being
gout, osteoarthritis (OS) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
29,30
Turmeric ex-
tracts and fractions have therefore been widely studied in modern science
for their antiinflammatory properties. An in vivo antiarthritic efficacy of
turmeric study stated that daily administration of turmeric curcuminoids
(23 mg kg
1
per day) showed significantly inhibited joint inflammation in
both the acute inflammatory (64% inhibition) and chronic destructive
phases (72% inhibition) of arthritis.
31
A comparison study emphasized that
turmeric extracts with ginger showed antiarthritic activity by reducing the
production of antiinflammatory/pro-inflammatory cytokines and by in-
ducing antioxidant mechanism.
32
Turmeric essential oils of ar-
turmerone, r-turmerone and b-turmerone have also been shown to possess
inhibitory activities towards arthritic joint inflammation.
33
Eugenol, another
volatile compound found in turmeric, inhibits cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2)
expression and tumour necrosis factor (TNF) signalling, while eugenol
oligomers prevent inflammatory cytokine expression and NF-kappa B
(nuclear factor-kappa B) activation in macrophages.
34,35
2.3.3 Anaemia and Panduroga
Turmeric powder is very rich in iron (46.08 1.83 mg/100 g). In fact, on a
weight basis, it is an ingredient with one of the highest iron contents
amongst our daily foods. Its contribution to iron in our diet is usually small
as it is mainly used as a spice.
36
However, at therapeutic levels, it could
contribute 10–30% of the daily required intake of iron. Here too, the bioa-
vailable iron may be low as the curcuminoid and other polyphenolic con-
stituents of turmeric chelate iron. This was observed in mice where
administering turmeric lead to iron deficiency.
37
Interestingly, formulations
that include turmeric are used for treating anaemia in Ayurveda.
38
These
formulations also contain other botanicals such as Amla (Emblica officinalis),
Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellerica), honey and ghee,
39,40
which may play a role in
speciation of iron and making it more absorbable in these formulations than
that present in just turmeric. It has also been suggested that iron from such
turmeric-based sources may be safer as they avoid situations of iron excess
that cause haemochromatosis or haemolytic anaemias.
41
In the context of
the continued widespread prevalence of anaemia and the caution around
iron overload throug h supplem ents, studying turmeric-based iron formu-
lations may provide a new generation of safe yet effective iron supplements.
Scientific Approach to the Role of Turmeric in Ayurvedic Formulations 31
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