c


c

are various plants thought by some to have medicinal properties, but few plants or
their phytochemical constituents have been proven by rigorous science or approved by regulatory
agencies such as the United States Food and Drug Administration or European Food Safety Authority to
have medicinal effects.

The articles in this Category can be about traditional healing uses of plants, allopathic medicines derived
from plants, and pharmacological research results about a plant.

Pharmacognosy is the study of medicines derived from natural sources, including plants. The American
Society of Pharmacognosy defines pharmacognosy as "the study of the physical, chemical, biochemical
and biological properties of drugs, drug substances or potential drugs or drug substances of natural
origin as well as the search for new drugs from natural sources." [1]

!


!


Aloe vera plant with flower detail inset.

!
, also known as the  or
 , is a species of succulent plant that probably
originated in the southern half of the Arabian peninsula, Northern Africa, the Canary islands and Cape
Verde. Aloe vera grows in arid climates and is widely distributed in Africa, India and other arid areas. The
species is frequently cited as being used in herbal medicine. Many scientific studies of the use of aloe
vera have been undertaken, some of them conflicting.[1][2][3][4] Despite these limitations, there is some
preliminary evidence that Aloe vera extracts may be useful in the treatment of wound and burn healing,
minor skin infections, Sebaceous cyst, diabetes and elevated blood lipids in humans.[3] These positive
effects are thought to be due to the presence of compounds such as polysaccharides, mannans,
anthraquinones and lectins.[3][5][6]
Aloe vera is a stemless or very short-stemmed succulent plant growing to 60ʹ100 cm (24ʹ39 in) tall,
spreading by offsets. The leaves are thick and fleshy, green to grey-green, with some varieties showing
white flecks on the upper and lower stem surfaces.[7] The margin of the leaf is serrated and has small
white teeth. The flowers are produced in summer on a spike up to 90 cm (35 in) tall, each flower
pendulous, with a yellow tubular corolla 2ʹ3 cm (0.8ʹ1.2 in) long.[7][8] Like other Aloe species, Aloe vera
forms arbuscular mycorrhiza, a symbiosis that allows the plant better access to mineral nutrients in
soil.[9]

˜ 
  

Spotted forms of Aloe vera are sometimes known as Aloe vera var. chinensis.

The species has a number of synonyms: A. barbadensis Mill., Aloe indica Royle, Aloe perfoliata L. var.
vera and A. vulgaris Lam.,[10][11] and common names including Chinese Aloe, Indian Aloe, true Aloe,
Barbados Aloe, burn Aloe, first aid plant.[8][12][13][14][15] The species name vera means "true" or
"genuine."[12] Some literature identifies the white spotted form of Aloe vera as Aloe vera var.
chinensis,[16][17] however, the species varies widely with regard to leaf spots [18] and it has been suggested
that the spotted form of Aloe vera may be conspecific with A. massawana.[19] The species was first
described by Carl Linnaeus in 1753 as Aloe perfoliata var. vera,[20] and was described again in 1768 by
Nicolaas Laurens Burman as Aloe vera in Flora Indica on the 6th of April and by Philip Miller as Aloe
barbadensis some ten days after Burman in the Gardener's Dictionary.[21]

Techniques based on DNA comparison suggest that Aloe vera is relatively closely related to Aloe perryi, a
species that is endemic to Yemen.[22] Similar techniques, using chloroplast DNA sequence comparison
and ISSR profiling have also suggested that Aloe vera is closely related to Aloe forbesii, Aloe inermis, Aloe
scobinifolia, Aloe sinkatana and Aloe striata.[23] With the exception of South African species, A. striata,
these Aloe species are native to Socotra (Yemen), Somalia and Sudan.[23] The lack of obvious natural
populations of the species have led some authors to suggest that Aloe vera may be of hybrid origin.[24]


 

The natural range of Aloe vera is unclear, as the species has been widely cultivated throughout the
world. Naturalised stands of the species occur in the southern half of the Arabian peninsula, through
North Africa, from Morocco to Egypt and Sudan, along with the Canary, Cape Verde and Madeira
Islands. This distribution is similar to the one of Euphorbia balsamifera, Pistacia atlantica and a few
others, suggesting that a dry sclerophyl forest once covered large areas, but has been dramatically
reduced due to desertification in the Sahara, leaving these few patches isolated. The species was
introduced to China and various parts of southern Europe in the 17th century.
!   


- In India, the plant is known as Ghrtakumari and is sometimes used in Ayurvedic healing. In states of
Rajasthan and Gujarat it is known as GwarPatha, In Tamilnadu it is known as Katralai.

- In Pakistan, the plant is known as Quargandal and is used in Unani (Greek-Islamic) medicine.

- In South America it is known as Sabila.

- In Indonesia, it is known as Lidah Buaya.

In many parts of India the plant extract is used as a home remedy for numerous skin allergies, acne,
fungus infections and beauty-aid. In the state of Kerala, where it is known as kattar vazha, Aloe Vera is a
common household name and for a long time it is being used for Ayurvedic treatment. And in the state
of Tamil nadu, Aloe vera is known as katraazhai (Tamil: †††††††) and it has also a pet name kumari.
The pulp of the plant is highly regarded for its anti-ageing potential, hence the name kumari. The pulp is
used extensively in Siddha medicines for treating constipation, enlargement of spleen, zymotic disease,
chengamaari (a type of venereal infection) etc.[27]

-In Mexico and Latin America it is often referred to as either "Savia", "Savila", or "Sabila." It is widely
used both by Indigenous Peoples as well as by some Mestizos as a traditional medicine.

ë  

Aloe vera can be grown as an ornamental plant.

Aloe vera has been widely grown as an ornamental plant. The species is popular with modern gardeners
as a putatively medicinal plant and due to its interesting flowers, form and succulence. This succulence
enables the species to survive in areas of low natural rainfall, making it ideal for rockeries and other low-
water use gardens.[7] The species is hardy in zones 8ʹ11, although it is intolerant of very heavy frost or
snow.[8][28] The species is relatively resistant to most insect pests, though mealy bugs, scale insects and
aphid species may cause a decline in plant health.[29][30] In pots, the species requires well-drained sandy
potting soil and bright sunny conditions. The use of a good quality commercial propagation mix or pre-
packaged "cacti and succulent mix" is recommended as they allow good drainage.[31] Terracotta pots are
preferable as they are porous.[31] Potted plants should be allowed to completely dry prior to re-watering.
During winter, A. vera may become dormant, during which little moisture is required. In areas that
receive frost or snow the species is best kept indoors or in heated glasshouses.[8] Large scale agricultural
production of Aloe vera is undertaken in Australia,[32] Bangladesh, Cuba,[33] the Dominican Republic,
China, Mexico,[34] India,[35] Jamaica,[36] Kenya and South Africa,[37] along with the USA[38] to supply the
cosmetics industry with Aloe vera gel.

R



c




Scientific evidence for the cosmetic and therapeutic effectiveness of Aloe vera is limited and when
present is typically contradictory.[1][2] Despite this, the cosmetic and alternative medicine industries
regularly make claims regarding the soothing, moisturising and healing properties of Aloe vera,
especially via Internet advertising.[3][39][40][41][42] Aloe vera gel is used as an ingredient in commercially
available lotion, yogurt, beverages and some desserts.[43][44][45] Aloe vera juice is used for consumption
and relief of digestive issues such as heartburn and irritable bowel syndrome. It is common practice for
cosmetic companies to add sap or other derivatives from Aloe vera to products such as makeup, tissues,
moisturizers, soaps, sunscreens, incense, razors and shampoos.[43] Other uses for extracts of Aloe vera
include the dilution of semen for the artificial fertilization of sheep,[46] use as fresh food preservative,[47]
and use in water conservation in small farms.[48]

Aloe vera has a long association with herbal medicine, although it is not known when its medical
applications were first discovered. Early records of Aloe vera use appear in the Ebers Papyrus from 16th
century BCE,[15] in both Dioscorides' De Materia Medica and Pliny the Elder's Natural History written in
the mid-first century CE[15] along with the Juliana Anicia Codex produced in 512 CE.[43] Aloe vera is non-
toxic, with no known side effects, provided the aloin has been removed by processing. Taking Aloe vera
that contains aloin in excess amounts has been associated with various side effects.[3][4][49] However, the
species is used widely in the traditional herbal medicine of China, Japan, Russia, South Africa, the United
States, Jamaica and India.[3]

Aloe vera is alleged to be effective in treatment of wounds.[4] Evidence on the effects of Aloe vera sap on
wound healing, however, is limited and contradictory.[4] Some studies, for example, show that Aloe vera
promotes the rates of healing,[50][51] while in contrast, other studies show that wounds to which Aloe
vera gel was applied were significantly slower to heal than those treated with conventional medical
preparations.[52][53] A more recent review (2007) concludes that the cumulative evidence supports the
use of Aloe vera for the healing of first to second degree burns.[54] In addition to topical use in wound or
burn healing, internal intake of Aloe vera has been linked with improved blood glucose levels in
diabetics,[55][56] and with lower blood lipids in hyperlipidaemic patients,[57] but also with acute hepatitis
(liver disease).[49] In other diseases, preliminary studies have suggested oral Aloe vera gel may reduce
symptoms and inflammation in patients with ulcerative colitis.[58] Compounds extracted from Aloe vera
have been used as an immunostimulant that aids in fighting cancers in cats and dogs;[5] however, this
treatment has not been scientifically tested in humans. The injection of Aloe vera extracts to treat
cancer has resulted in the deaths of several patients.[59]

Topical application of Aloe vera may be effective for genital herpes and psoriasis.[60] However, it is not
effective for the prevention of radiation-induced injuries. Although anecdotally useful, it has not been
proven to offer protection from sunburn or suntan.[61] In a double-blind clinical trial the group using an
Aloe vera containing dentifrice and the group using a fluoridated dentifrice both demonstrated a
statistically significant reduction of gingivitis and plaque.[62]
Aloe vera extracts have antibacterial and antifungal activities, which may help in the treatment of minor
skin infections, such as boils and benign skin cysts. Aloe vera extracts have been shown to inhibit the
growth of fungi that cause tinea;[63] however, evidence for control beneath human skin remains to be
established. For its anti-fungal properties, Aloe vera is used as a fish tank water conditioner. For
bacteria, inner-leaf gel from Aloe vera was shown to inhibit growth of Streptococcus and Shigella species
in vitro.[64] In contrast, Aloe vera extracts failed to show antibiotic properties against Xanthomonas
species.[65]

ë 
 



Aloe vera is now widely used on face tissues, where it is promoted as a moisturiser and/or anti-irritant
to reduce chafing of the nose of users who suffer hay-fever or cold.[66] It has also been suggested that
biofuels could be obtained from Aloe vera seeds.[67] It can also be used to retwist dreadlocked hair, a
favourite agent for vegans and those who prefer natural products. To add Aloe Vera is also used for
soothing the skin, and keeping the skin moist while eliminating the risk of flaky scalp and skin in harsh
and dry weather.

Ë




Aloin was the common ingredient in OTC laxative products in the United States prior to 2003, when the
FDA ruled that aloin was a class III ingredient, therefore banning its use.[68] It should be noted that
processed aloe that contains aloin is used primarily as a laxative, whereas processed aloe vera juice that
does not contain significant amounts of aloin is used as a digestive healer. Manufacturers commonly
remove aloin in processing due to the FDA ruling.

ë



Aloe is also used as a foodstuff. Some molecular gastronomists have begun to take advantage of its
gelling properties. Perhaps most notably among these is Chef Quique Dacosta's "Oysters Guggenheim,"
created at El Poblet in Spain.[69]

   



Aloe vera leaves contain a range of biologically active compounds, the best studied being acetylated
mannans, polymannans, anthraquinone C-glycosides, anthrones and anthraquinones and various
lectins.[3][5][6]
ë 
!


Aloe vera growing on a roadside in

Aruba Aloe vera fields
Some varieties of Aloe vera have
no spots.

! 
 
!

 

! 
 
 ( ) is a tree in the mahogany family Meliaceae. It is one of two species in the
genus ! 
, and is native to India, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Malaysia and Pakistan,
growing in tropical and semi-tropical regions. Other vernacular names include Neem (Hindi, Urdu and
Bengali), Nimm (Punjabi), Arya Veppu (Malayalam), Azad Dirakht (Persian), Nimba (Sanskrit and
Marathi), DogonYaro (in some Nigerian languages), Margosa, Neeb (Arabic), Nimtree, Vepu, Vempu,
Vepa (Telugu), Bevu (Kannada), Kohomba (Sinhala), Vembu (Tamil), Tamar (Burmese), s u đâu, xoan n
Đ (Vietnamese), Paraiso (Spanish), and Indian Lilac (English). In East Africa it is also known as
Muarubaini (Swahili), which means the tree of the 40, as it is said to treat 40 different diseases.

Neem is a fast-growing tree that can reach a height of 15ʹ20 m (about 50ʹ65 feet), rarely to 35ʹ40 m
(115ʹ131 feet). It is evergreen, but in severe drought it may shed most or nearly all of its leaves. The
branches are wide spread. The fairly dense crown is roundish or oval and may reach the diameter of 15ʹ
20 m in old, free-standing specimens.

ë 


˜

The trunk is relatively short, straight and may reach a diameter of 1.2 m (about 4 feet).It is classified as a
bush but it is not very weak.


  


The opposite, pinnate leaves are 20ʹ40 cm (8 to 16 in.) long, with 20 to 31 medium to dark green
leaflets about 3ʹ8 cm (1 to 3 in.) long. The terminal leaflet is often missing. The petioles are short. Very
young leaves are reddish to purplish in colour. The shape of mature leaflets is more or less asymmetric
and their margins are dentate with the exception of the base of their basiscopal half, which is normally
very strongly reduced and cuneate or wedge-shaped.


  


The (white and fragrant) flowers are arranged axillary, normally in more-or-less drooping panicles which
are up to 25 cm (10 in.) long. The inflorescences, which branch up to the third degree, bear from 150 to
250 flowers. An individual flower is 5ʹ6 mm long and 8ʹ11 mm wide. Protandrous, bisexual flowers and
male flowers exist on the same individual.


  

The fruit is a smooth (glabrous) olive-like drupe which varies in shape from elongate oval to nearly
roundish, and when ripe are 1.4-2.8 x 1.0-1.5 cm. The fruit skin (exocarp) is thin and the bitter-sweet
pulp (mesocarp) is yellowish-white and very fibrous. The mesocarp is 0.3-0.5 cm thick. The white, hard
inner shell (endocarp) of the fruit encloses one, rarely two or three, elongated seeds (kernels) having a
brown seed coat.

The neem tree is very similar in appearance to the Chinaberry, all parts of which are extremely
poisonous.


 

The neem tree is noted for its drought resistance. Normally it thrives in areas with sub-arid to sub-humid
conditions, with an annual rainfall between 400 and 1200 mm. It can grow in regions with an annual
rainfall below 400 mm, but in such cases it depends largely on ground water levels. Neem can grow in
many different types of soil, but it thrives best on well drained deep and sandy soils. It is a typical
tropical to subtropical tree and exists at annual mean temperatures between 21-32 °C. It can tolerate
high to very high temperatures and does not tolerate temperature below 4 °C . Neem is a life-giving
tree, especially for the dry coastal, southern districts of India. It is one of the very few shade-giving trees
that thrive in the drought-prone areas. The trees are not at all delicate about the water quality and
thrive on the merest trickle of water, whatever the quality. In India it is very common to see neem trees
used for shade lining the streets or in most people's back yards. In very dry areas the trees are planted in
large tracts of land.


 
 

Neem is considered an invasive species in many areas where it is non-native, including some parts of the
Middle East, and most of Sub-Saharan Africa including West Africa where in Senegal it has been used as
a malarial drug and Tanzania and other Indian Ocean states where in Kiswahili it is known as 'the
panacea', literally 'the tree that cures forty [diseases]', where ayurvedic uses are practitioned.

Ecologically, it survives well in similar environments to its own, for example replacing the babul acacia
tree from India with African acacia species.


 ë  



The late Pakistani scientist Salimuzzaman Siddiqui was the first scientist to bring the plant to the
attention of phytopharmacologists.[citation needed] In 1942, while working at the Scientific and Industrial
Research Laboratory at Delhi University, British India, he extracted three bitter compounds from neem
oil, which he named  ,  , and   respectively.[1] The seeds contain a complex
secondary metabolite azadirachtin.


 R



In India, the tree is variously known as "Sacred Tree," "Heal All," "Nature's Drugstore," "Village
Pharmacy" and "Panacea for all diseases." Products made from neem tree have been used in India for
over two millennia for their medicinal properties: Neem products have been observed to be
anthelmintic, antifungal, antidiabetic, antibacterial, antiviral, contraceptive and sedative.[1] Neem
products are also used in selectively controlling pests in plants. It is considered a major component in
Ayurvedic medicine and is particularly prescribed for skin disease.

O? All parts of the tree have medicinal properties (seeds, leaves, flowers and bark) and are used for
preparing many different medical preparations.
O? Part of the Neem tree can be used as a spermicide[2]
O? Neem oil is used for preparing cosmetics (soap, shampoo, balms and creams, for example Margo
soap), and is useful for skin care such as acne treatment, and keeping skin elasticity. Neem oil
has been found to be an effective mosquito repellent.
O? Neem derivatives neutralise nearly 500 pests worldwide, including insects, mites, ticks, and
nematodes, by affecting their behaviour and physiology. Neem does not normally kill pests right
away, rather it repels them and affects their growth. As neem products are cheap and non-toxic
to higher animals and most beneficial insects, they are well-suited for pest control in rural areas.
O? Besides its use in traditional Indian medicine, the neem tree is of great importance for its anti-
desertification properties and possibly as a good carbon dioxide sink.
O? Practitioners of traditional Indian medicine recommend that patients suffering from chicken pox
sleep on neem leaves.
O? Neem gum is used as a bulking agent and for the preparation of special purpose food (for
diabetics).
 O? Aqueous extracts of neem leaves have demonstrated significant antidiabetic potential.
O? Traditionally, slender neem branches were chewed in order to clean one's teeth. Neem twigs
are still collected and sold in markets for this use, and in India one often sees youngsters in the
streets chewing on neem twigs.
O? A decoction prepared from neem roots is ingested to relieve fever in traditional Indian medicine.
O? Neem leaf paste is applied to the skin to treat acne, and in a similar vein is used for measles and
chicken pox sufferers.
O? Neem blossoms are used in Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka to prepare Ugadi
pachhadi. "Bevina hoovina gojju" (a type of curry prepared with neem blossoms) is common in
Karnataka throughout the year. Dried blossoms are used when fresh blossoms are not available.
In Tamilnadu, a rasam (veppam poo rasam) made with neem blossoms is a culinary speciality.

O? A mixture of neem flowers and bella (jaggery or unrefined brown sugar) is prepared and offered
to friends and relatives, symbolic of sweet and bitter events in the upcoming new year.

Extract of neem leaves is thought to be helpful as malaria prophylaxis despite the fact that no
comprehensive clinical studies are yet available. In several cases, private initiatives in Senegal were
successful in preventing malaria.[3] However, major NGOs such as USAID are not supposed to use neem
tree extracts unless the medical benefit has been proved with clinical studies.

R






 

Neem is deemed very effective in the treatment of scabies, although only preliminary scientific proof,
which still has to be corroborated, exists,[citation needed] and is recommended for those who are sensitive to
permethrin, a known insecticide which might be an irritant. Also, the scabies mite has yet to become
resistant to neem, so in persistent cases neem has been shown to be very effective. There is also
anecdotal evidence of its effectiveness in treating infestations of head lice in humans. A tea made of
boiled neem leaves, sometimes combined with other herbs such as ginger, can be ingested to fight
intestinal worms.[citation needed]

The oil is also used in sprays against fleas for cats and dogs.

!
   

The tender shoots and flowers of the neem tree are eaten as a vegetable in India. Neem flowers are very
popular for their use in Ugadi Pachhadi (soup-like pickle), which is made on Ugadi day in the South
Indian States of Andhra Pradesh, Tamilnadu and Karnataka. A souplike dish called Ôeppampoo Rasam
(Tamil) (translated as "neem flower rasam") made of the flower of neem is prepared in Tamil Nadu.

Neem is also used in parts of mainland Southeast Asia, particularly in Cambodia, Laos (where it is called
kadao), Thailand (where it is known as sadao or sdao), Myanmar (where it is known as tamar) and
Vietnam (where it is known as s u đâu and is used to cook the salad: g i s u đâu). Even lightly cooked,
the flavour is quite bitter and thus the food is not enjoyed by all inhabitants of these nations, though it is
believed to be good for one's health. Neem Gum is a rich source of protein. In Myanmar, young neem
leaves and flower buds are boiled with tamarind fruit to soften its bitterness and eaten as a vegetable.
Pickled neem leaves are also eaten with tomato and fish paste sauce in Myanmar.
!

  Ë






Neem leaf or bark is considered an effective pitta pacifier due to its bitter taste. Hence, it is traditionally
recommended during early summer in Ayurveda (that is, the month of Chaitra as per the Hindu Calendar
which usually falls in the month of March - April), and during Gudi Padva, which is the New Year in the
state of Maharashtra, the ancient practice of drinking a small quantity of neem juice or paste on that
day, before starting festivities, is found. As in many Hindu festivals and their association with some food
to avoid negative side-effects of the season or change of seasons, neem juice is associated with Gudi
Padva to remind people to use it during that particular month or season to pacify summer pitta. In
Tamilnadu during the summer months of April to June, the Mariamman temple festival is a thousand
year old tradition. The Neem leaves and flowers are the most important part of the Mariamman festival.
The goddess Mariamman statue will be garlanded with Neem leaves and flowers. During most occasions
of celebrations and weddings the people of Tamilnadu adorn their surroundings with the Neem leaves
and flowers as a form of decoration and also to ward off evil spirits and infections.

  ë  


In 1995, the European Patent Office (EPO) granted a patent on an anti-fungal product, derived from
neem, to the US Department of Agriculture and multinational W. R. Grace and Company.[4] The Indian
government challenged the patent when it was granted, claiming that the process for which the patent
had been granted had actually been in use in India for over 2,000 years. In 2000, the EPO ruled in India's
favour but the US multinational mounted an appeal claiming that prior art about the product had never
been published in a scientific journal. On 8 March 2005, that appeal was lost and the EPO revoked the
Neem patent rights keeping the tree free of these patent restrictions.[4]

 

Animals under a Neem tree in

Neem flowers in closeup
a rural Punjabi home
Flowers in Hyderabad,
India. Trunk

´
  
!

˜

´
  
 (also 
, 
!, or Ë
) is an aromatic plant in the family Lamiaceae which
is native throughout the Old World tropics and widespread as a cultivated plant and an escaped weed.[1]
It is an erect, much branched subshrub 30-60 cm tall with hairy stems and simple opposite green leaves
that are strongly scented. Leaves have petioles, and are ovate, up to 5 cm long, usually slightly toothed.
Flowers are purplish in elongate racemes in close whorls.[2] There are two main morphotypes cultivated
in IndiaͶgreen-leaved (Sri or Lakshmi tulsi) and purple-leaved (Krishna tulsi).[3]

Tulsi is cultivated for religious and medicinal purposes, and for its essential oil. It is widely known across
South Asia as a medicinal plant and an herbal tea, commonly used in Ayurveda, and has an important
role within the Vaishnavite tradition of Hinduism, in which devotees perform worship involving Tulsi
plants or leaves.

There is also a variety of ´cimum tenuiflorum which is used in Thai cuisine, and is referred to as ˜ 

, or   (††††††)[4]Ͷnot be confused with "Thai Basil", which is a variety of
´cimum basilicum.
!


˜
 
"

Tulsi has been used for thousands of years in Ayurveda for its diverse healing properties. It is mentioned
by Charaka in the Charaka Samhita,[5] an ancient Ayurvedic text. Tulsi is considered to be an
adaptogen,[6] balancing different processes in the body, and helpful for adapting to stress.[7] Marked by
its strong aroma and astringent taste, it is regarded in Ayurveda as a kind of "elixir of life" and believed
to promote longevity.[8]

Tulsi͛s extracts are used in ayurvedic remedies for common colds, headaches, stomach disorders,
inflammation, heart disease, various forms of poisoning, and malaria. Traditionally, tulsi is taken in many
forms: as herbal tea, dried powder, fresh leaf, or mixed with ghee. Essential oil extracted from Karpoora
Tulsi is mostly used for medicinal purposes and in herbal cosmetics, and is widely used in skin
preparations due to its anti-bacterial activity. For centuries, the dried leaves of Tulsi have been mixed
with stored grains to repel insects.[9]

Recent studies suggest that Tulsi may be a COX-2 inhibitor, like many modern painkillers, due to its high
concentration of eugenol (1-hydroxy-2-methoxy-4-allylbenzene).[10][11] One study showed Tulsi to be an
effective treatment for diabetes by reducing blood glucose levels.[12] The same study showed significant
reduction in total cholesterol levels with Tulsi. Another study showed that Tulsi's beneficial effect on
blood glucose levels is due to its antioxidant properties.[13] Tulsi also shows some promise for protection
from radiation poisoning[14] and cataracts.[15]

Some of the main chemical constituents of Tulsi are: Oleanolic acid, Ursolic acid, Rosmarinic acid,
Eugenol, Carvacrol, Linalool, and ɴ-caryophyllene.[6]
˜ 
 

Closeup of Tulsi leaves.

The leaves of holy basil, known as kraphao in the Thai language (††††††), are commonly used in
Thai food.[16][17] Thai holy basil (Thai: kraphao / ††††††) should not be confused with horapha
(Thai: w
), which is normally known as Thai basil,[16][17] or with Thai lemon basil (Thai: 
).

The best-known dish made with this herb is Phat kraphao (Thai:  
 
)Ͷbeef, pork or chicken stir
fried with Thai holy basil.

Ë



Tulsi, which is Sanskrit for "the incomparable one", is worshiped throughout India, most often regarded
as a consort of Vishnu in the form of Mahalakshmi.[18][19] According to Brahma Vaivarta Purana she is the
expansion of Radha.[20] There are two types of Tulsi worshiped in HinduismͶ"Rama Tulsi" has light
green leaves and is larger in size; "Shyam Tulsi" has dark green leaves and is important for the worship
of Vishnu.[21] Many Hindus have tulsi plants growing in front of or near their home, often in special Tulsi
pots. It is also frequently grown next to Vishnu temples, especially in Varanasi.[22]

In the ceremony of Tulsi Vivah, Tulsi is ceremonially married to Vishnu annually on the eleventh bright
day or twelfth of the month of Aartika in the lunisolar calendar. That day also marks the end of the four
month cāturmāsya period, which is considered inauspicious for weddings and other rituals, and so the
day inaugurates the annual marriage season in India. The ritual lighting of lamps each evening during
Aartika includes the worship of the Tulsi plant, which is considered auspicious for the home. Vaishnavas
especially follow the daily worship of Tulsi during Aartika.[23]

Vaishnavas traditionally use japa malas made from tulsi stems or roots, which are an important symbol
of initiation. Tulsi malas are considered to be auspicious for the wearer, and believed to put them under
the protection of Vishnu or Krishna. They have such a strong association with Vaishnavas, that followers
of Vishnu have long been called "those who bear the tulasi round the neck".[19]
  

Close up of tulsi flowers and seeds

Tulsi plants

˜ 

˜ 

˜  (Curcuma longa) is a rhizomatous herbaceous perennial plant of the ginger family,

Zingiberaceae.[2] It is native to tropical South Asia and needs temperatures between 20 °C and 30 °C, and
a considerable amount of annual rainfall to thrive.[3] Plants are gathered annually for their rhizomes, and
re-seeded from some of those rhizomes in the following season.
The rhizomes are boiled for several hours and then dried in hot ovens, after which they are ground into
a deep orange-yellow powder commonly used as a spice in curries and other South Asian and Middle
Eastern cuisine, for dyeing, and to impart color to mustard condiments. Its active ingredient is curcumin
and it has a distinctly earthy, slightly bitter, slightly hot peppery flavor and a mustardy smell.

In medieval Europe, turmeric became known as 
#, since it was widely used as an
alternative to the far more expensive saffron spice.[4]

Erode, a city in the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu, is the world's largest producer and most important
trading center of turmeric in Asia. For these reasons, Erode in history is also known as "Yellow City"[citation
needed]
or "Turmeric City".[citation needed] Sangli, a town in the southern part of the Indian western state of
Maharashtra, is the second largest and most important trading center for turmeric in Asia.

   
  

Kingdom | Plantae (plants), Phylum | Magnoliophyta (flowering plants), Class | Liliopsida

(monoctyledons), Order | Zingiberales (gingers, bananas, birds-of-paradise, heliconias, costus, cannas,
prayer plants, arrowroots, ...), Family | Zingiberaceae (ginger family), Genus | Curcuma (curcuma),
Species | Curcuma longa (common turmeric),

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Turmeric powder is used extensively in South Asian cuisine.

Commercially packaged turmeric powder

Turmeric grows wild in the forests of Southeast Asia. It has become the key ingredient for many Indian,
Persian, Thai and Malay dishes, not only in curry, but also in masak lemak, rendang and many more.
In Indonesia, the turmeric leaves are used for Minangese or Padangese curry base of Sumatra such as
rendang, sate padang and many other varieties.

Although most usage of turmeric is in the form of root powder, in some regions (especially in
Maharashtra), leaves of turmeric are used to wrap and cook food. This usually takes place in areas
where turmeric is grown locally, since the leaves used are freshly picked. This imparts a distinct flavor.

In non-South Asian recipes, turmeric is sometimes used as an agent to impart a rich, custard-like yellow
color. It is used in canned beverages and baked products, dairy products, ice cream, yogurt, yellow
cakes, orange juice, biscuits, popcorn color, sweets, cake icings, cereals, sauces, gelatins, etc.[citation needed]
It is a significant ingredient in most commercial curry powders. Turmeric is mostly used in savory dishes,
as well as some sweet dishes such as the cake Sfouf.

Although usually used in its dried, powdered form, turmeric is also used fresh, much like ginger. It has
numerous uses in Far Eastern recipes, such as fresh turmeric pickle which contains large chunks of soft
turmeric.

Turmeric (coded as E100 when used as a food additive)[5] is used to protect food products from sunlight.
The oleoresin is used for oil-containing products. The curcumin/polysorbate solution or curcumin
powder dissolved in alcohol is used for water-containing products. Over-coloring, such as in pickles,
relishes, and mustard, is sometimes used to compensate for fading.

In combination with annatto (E160b), turmeric has been used to color cheeses, yogurt, dry mixes, salad
dressings, winter butter and margarine. Turmeric is also used to give a yellow color to some prepared
mustards, canned chicken broths and other foods (often as a much cheaper replacement for saffron).

Turmeric is widely used as a spice in South Asian and Middle Eastern cooking. Many Persian dishes use
Turmeric, for the coloring of rice bottoms as well as a starter ingredient for almost all Iranian fry ups
(which typically consist of oil, onions and turmeric followed by any other ingredients that are to be
included). In Nepal, turmeric is widely grown and is extensively used in almost every vegetable and meat
dish in the country for its color as well as for its medicinal value. In South Africa turmeric is traditionally
used to give boiled white rice a golden color.

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Turmeric plant

Main article: Curcumin

In Ayurvedic practices, turmeric has many medicinal properties and many in South Asia use it as a
readily available antiseptic for cuts, burns and bruises. It is also used as an antibacterial agent.

It is taken in some Asian countries as a dietary supplement, which allegedly helps with stomach
problems and other ailments. It is popular as a tea in Okinawa, Japan. Pakistanis also use it as an anti-
inflammatory agent, and remedy for gastrointestinal discomfort associated with irritable bowel
syndrome, and other digestive disorders. In Afghanistan and northwest Pakistan, turmeric is applied to a
piece of burnt cloth, and placed over a wound to cleanse and stimulate recovery. Indians, in addition to
its Ayurvedic properties, use turmeric in a wide variety of skin creams that are also exported to
neighboring countries.

  

 

Turmeric is currently being investigated for possible benefits in Alzheimer's disease,[6] cancer, arthritis,
and other clinical disorders.[7]

Turmeric rhizome

In the latter half of the 20th century, curcumin was identified as responsible for most of the biological
effects of turmeric. According to a 2005 article in the all Street Journal, research activity into curcumin
and turmeric is increasing, with supplement sales increased 35% from 2004. The U.S. National Institutes
of Health currently has registered 19 clinical trials underway to study use of dietary turmeric and
curcumin for a variety of clinical disorders (dated February 2010).[8]

ë



Turmeric is currently used in the formulation of some sunscreens.[citation needed] Turmeric paste is used by
some Indian women to keep them free of superfluous hair. Turmeric paste is applied to bride and groom
before marriage in some places of India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan, where it is believed turmeric gives
glow to skin and keeps some harmful bacteria away from the body.

The government of Thailand is funding a project to extract and isolate tetrahydrocurcuminoids (THC)
from turmeric. THCs are colorless compounds that might have antioxidant and skin-lightening properties
and might be used to treat skin inflammations, making these compounds useful in cosmetics
formulations.

 

Inflorescence in Goa, India.

Turmeric makes a poor fabric dye as it is not very lightfast (the degree to which a dye resists fading due
to light exposure). However, turmeric is commonly used in Indian clothing, such as saris.




Turmeric can also be used to deter ants. The exact reasons why turmeric repels ants is unknown, but
anecdotal evidence suggests it works.[9]

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Turmeric is also used in various rituals, such as the turmeric ceremony or gaye holud, part of the Bengali
wedding. It is widely used in all parts of India during wedding ceremony, particularly in North India and
the Deccan Plateau.

It is also used in Pujas to make a form of the elephant God Ganesha. It is made by mixing turmeric with
water and forming it into a cone-like shape.

During the south Indian festival Pongal, a whole turmeric plant with the root is placed as part of the
ceremonial decorations. Also, fresh root is some times tied around the pot boiling the ceremonial rice.

In southern India, as a part of the marriage ritual, a piece of dried turmeric tied with string is sometimes
used to replace the Thali necklace temporarily or permanently.

Modern Neopagans list it with the quality of fire, and it is used for power and purification rites.

In Goa and Dakshina Kannada (Karnataka state, India) turmeric plant leaf is used to prepare special
sweet dishes, patoleo, by layering on the leaf Ͷ rice flour, and coconut-jaggery mixture, and then
closing and steaming in a special copper steamer (goa).