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Kasturi Manjal: Uses, Benefits And Side Effects By Dr. Rajeev Singh

By Dr Rajeev Singh +2 more

Introduction

Did you know that many of your natural skin care products contain Kasturi manjal? It is grown throughout the year and it is a light-yellow rhizome. Kasturi manjal is grown all over India, but it is mainly grown in West Bengal and Kerala. It is commonly known as Arishne and Pasuppu in South India. The scientific name of Kasturi manjal is Curcuma aromatica and it belongs to the family Zingiberaceae. Curcuma longa Linn, Curcuma aromatica, Curcuma angustifolia, Curcuma caesia, Curcuma amada and Curcuma zedoaria are some of the important varieties of curcumin. Curcuma aromatica (Kasturi manjal) is the second most widely used variety.1,2 Let us glance through some of the health benefits of Kasturi manjal. 

Nutritional Value of Kasturi Manjal:

Kasturi manjal may contain several bioactive compounds like d-camphor, alpha and beta-turmerone, Alpha-curcumene and Beta curcumene. Additionally, the nutritional value of a variety of Kasturi manjal found in Chhattisgarh are: 

kasturi manjal benefits
  • Carbohydrates: 775.15 µg/mg
  • Lipids: 0.72 µg/mg
  • Proteins: 128.08 µg/mg
  • Amino acids: 157.73 µg/mg
  • Carotenoid: 5.46 µg/mg
  • Vitamin C: 0.22 µg/mg

Properties of Kasturi Manjal:

Several studies have shown that Kasturi manjal may have the following properties: 

  • It may reduce inflammation. 
  • It may kill cancer-causing cells. 
  • It may enhance the immune system. 
  • It may act as an antimicrobial. 
  • It may inhibit the growth of fungus. 
  • It may lower blood sugar levels. 
  • It may act as a mosquito repellent. 
  • It may remove worms from the body. 
  • It may be an antioxidant. 
  • It may reduce the risk of heart disease.2 

Potential Uses of Kasturi Manjal for Overall Health

Some of the potential uses of Kasturi manjal are: 

1. Potential Use of Kasturi Manjal for Reducing Inflammation

A study by Kumar et al. in 2009 on mice showed that Kasturi manjal might reduce inflammation. Kasturi manjal may inhibit the release of inflammatory mediators (molecules responsible for inflammation).2 However, more studies are yet to be done to check the anti-inflammatory activity of Kasturi manjal. Therefore, you must consult your doctor if you suspect any inflammation. 

2. Potential Use of Kasturi Manjal for Cancer

A study by Bing et al. in 2011 showed that Kasturi manjal might be beneficial in the case of colon cancer. Kasturi manjal may cause apoptosis (death of cancer-causing cells) and arrest the cell cycle (inhibit the growth of cells).4 However, further studies are required to check if Kasturi manjal may help in the case of colon cancer. Cancer is a dangerous disease; therefore, you must consult your doctor if you suspect any symptoms of cancer instead of self-medicating. 

3. Potential Use of Kasturi Manjal as an Antioxidant

A study by Srividya et al. in 2012 showed that Kasturi manjal might have antioxidant activity. It may deactivate the free radicals (harmful molecules present in the body) and protect the body from various damages.5 Further studies are required to check the antioxidant activity of Kasturi manjal. 

4. Potential Use of Kasturi Manjal for Reducing Blood Sugar Levels

A study by Srividya et al. in 2012 showed that Kasturi manjal might be beneficial in the case of diabetes mellitus. Kasturi manjal may decrease blood glucose levels. 5 Further studies are yet to be done to check if Kasturi manjal may be beneficial in the case of diabetes. You must check your blood sugar levels regularly and consult your doctor in case of abnormal blood sugar levels. 

5. Potential Use of Kasturi Manjal for Bacterial Infections

A study by Revathi et al. in 2011 showed that Germacrone present in Kasturi manjal might possess antibacterial activity. Kasturi manjal may inhibit the development of gram-positive bacteria like Streptococcus sp., S. aureus and Enterococcus faecalis. 6 However, further large-scale studies are required to check if Kasturi manjal may act against bacterial and fungal infections. You must immediately consult your doctor if you suspect a bacterial or fungal infection. 

6. Potential Use of Kasturi Manjal for Cough

A study by Marina et al. in 2008 showed that Kasturi manjal might reduce cough. The result of the study suggested a decrease in cough after oral administration of Kasturi manjal.7 However, further studies are required to check if Kasturi manjal is beneficial for cough. You must consult your doctor if you cough for a prolonged period. 

7. Potential Use of Kasturi Manjal for Pain

Kasturi manjal may possess analgesic activity, due to which it may be used to reduce pain. Bioactive compounds like linalool, camphene and camphor may be responsible for their analgesic activity.7 However, further studies are required to check if Kasturi manjal may be used to reduce pain. You must consult your doctor if you experience pain for a prolonged period. 

8. Potential Use of Kasturi Manjal for Healing Wounds

Studies by Govindarajan et al. in 2004 and Mukherjee et al. in 2000 showed that powdered rhizome of Kasturi manjal consisting of bioactive compounds like Linalool, camphene, borneol and camphor which may be used for healing wounds. Kasturi manjal can be used as an alternative to NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). In the study, an ointment was prepared using Kasturi manjal and tested on mice to check if it could be used to heal wounds.7 However, further studies on humans are required to check if Kasturi manjal can be used to heal wounds. You must consult your doctor if you have a severe wound instead of self-medicating. 

Though studies show the benefits of Kasturi manjal in various conditions, these are insufficient and there is a need for further studies to establish the true extent of the benefits of Kasturi manjal on human health. 

Curcuma aromatica (Kasturi manjal) has many medicinal properties like antimicrobial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, etc. Due to these properties, it maybe useful as a hair tonic.

Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)

How to Use?

Kasturi manjal can be used in the following way: 

  • Rhizome of Kasturi manjal has been used as a dietary supplement in Ayurveda and Chinese medicine systems. 
  • A paste made from Kasturi manjal has been used for various skin conditions.8 

You must consult a qualified doctor before taking Kasturi manjal in large quantities or any herbal supplements. Do not discontinue or replace an ongoing treatment of modern medicine with an ayurvedic/herbal preparation without consulting a qualified doctor. 

Some studies show that Kasturi manjal (Curcuma aromatica) may have some phenolic compounds that may keep you safe from UVB exposure. It also may have antioxidant properties. Therefore, Kasturi manjal might have an anti-ageing effect against UVB-induced skin ageing.

Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS

Side Effects of Kasturi Manjal:

A study by Susan et al. in 2017 showed that curcumin in excessive amounts might show the following side effects: 

  • It may cause nausea. 
  • It may cause a headache. 
  • You may see yellow stools. 
  • It may cause rashes. 
  • It may cause bloating. 

If you notice any reaction to consuming Kasturi manjal, seek immediate medical attention. Consult your ayurvedic physician who has prescribed it to you; they will be able to identify the cause and treat it effectively. 

Precautions to Take with Kasturi Manjal:

Kasturi manjal is generally considered safe when consumed in normal amounts, but you shall take the following precautions: 

  • Pregnant and lactating women should be cautious before consuming Kasturi manjal.8  
  • People with gallbladder diseases shall be careful before consuming Kasturi manjal.10 

It is advised to consult your doctor before consuming Kasturi manjal if you have any pre-existing diseases. 

Interactions with Other Drugs:

Kasturi manjal may interact with blood-clotting medications.10 You must consult your doctor before consuming Kasturi manjal if you are undergoing medical treatment. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the health benefits of Kasturi manjal? 

There are several Kasturi manjal benefits. Kasturi manjal may be used as an antioxidant and may deactivate the free radicals (harmful molecules present in the body) and protect the body from various damages. It may reduce inflammation, inhibit cancer-causing cells and lower blood glucose levels. It may be used against bacterial infections and help in healing wounds and reducing pain.1,2,4,5,6,7 You must consult your doctor if you suspect any of the mentioned conditions instead of self-medicating. 

What are the side effects of Kasturi manjal? 

Kasturi manjal may cause nausea, rashes, bloating and headaches. You may see yellow stools.9,10 If you notice any reaction to consuming Kasturi manjal, seek immediate medical attention. Consult your ayurvedic physician who has prescribed it to you; they will be able to identify the cause and treat it effectively. 

Which drugs interact with Kasturi manjal? 

Kasturi manjal may interact with blood-clotting medications.10 You must consult your doctor before consuming Kasturi manjal if you are undergoing medical treatment. 

What precautions should you take before consuming Kasturi manjal? 

Pregnant and lactating women should be cautious before consuming Kasturi manjal. People with gallbladder diseases shall be careful before consuming Kasturi manjal.8,10 You should consult your doctor before consuming Kasturi manjal if you have any pre-existing diseases. 

How does Kasturi manjal help in the case of diabetes? 

Kasturi manjal may decrease blood glucose levels. 5 However, you must check your blood sugar levels regularly and consult your doctor in case of abnormal blood sugar levels. 

How to use Kasturi manjal? 

Kasturi manjal haldi can be used in several ways. Rhizome of Kasturi manjal can be used as a dietary supplement in Ayurveda and Chinese medicine systems. A paste made from Kasturi manjal can be used for various skin conditions.8 

Which vitamin is present in Kasturi manjal? 

Vitamin in Kasturi manjal may be vitamin C.3 

References:

  1. Bhende SS, Jessykutty PC. Major biochemical traits of kasthuri turmeric (Curcuma aromatica Salisb.). Influenced by organic manurial practices. IJCS. 2017;5(4):550-3. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/320395893_Major_biochemical_traits_of_kasthuri_turmeric_Curcuma_aromatica_Salisb_Influenced_by_organic_manurial_practices 
  1. Sikha A, Harini A. Pharmacological activities of wild turmeric (Curcuma aromatica Salisb): a review. Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry. 2015;3(5). Available from: https://www.phytojournal.com/vol3Issue5/Issue_jan_2015/1.1..pdf 
  1. Jain A, Dk P. Nutritional evaluation of Curcuma species collected from different agro climatic regions of chhattisgarh. American Journal of Ethnomedicine. 2014. Available from: https://www.imedpub.com/articles/nutritional-evaluation-of-curcuma-species-collected-from-different-agro-climatic-regions-of-chhattisgarh.php?aid=22316#:~:text=It%20has%20a%20high%20nutritional,fatty%20acid%20and%20essential%20oil. 
  1. Hu B, Shen KP, An HM, Wu Y, Du Q. Aqueous extract of Curcuma aromatica induces apoptosis and G2/M arrest in human colon carcinoma LS-174-T cells independent of p53. Cancer biotherapy & radiopharmaceuticals. 2011 Feb 1;26(1):97-104. Available from: https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/abs/10.1089/cbr.2010.0853 
  1. Srividya AR, Dhanabal P, Bavadia P, Vishnuvarthan VJ, Kumar MN. Antioxidant and antidiabetic activity of Curcuma aromatica. International Journal of Research in Ayurveda & Pharmacy. 2012 May 1;3(3). Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ammayappan-Rajam-Srividya/publication/286940088_Antioxidant_and_antidiabetic_activity_of_Curcuma_aromatica/links/577cc6c708ae355e74f2abeb/Antioxidant-and-antidiabetic-activity-of-Curcuma-aromatica.pdf 
  1. Revathi S, Malathy NS. Antibacterial activity of rhizome of Curcuma aromatica and partial purification of active compounds. Indian journal of pharmaceutical sciences. 2013 Nov;75(6):732. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3928740/ 
  1. Umar NM, Parumasivam T, Aminu N, Toh SM. Phytochemical and pharmacological properties of Curcuma aromatica Salisb (wild turmeric). Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Science. 2020 Oct 5;10(10):180-94. Available from: https://japsonline.com/admin/php/uploads/3230_pdf.pdf 
  1. Turmeric [Internet]. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; [cited 2023Jan15]. Available from: https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/turmeric 
  1. Hewlings SJ, Kalman DS. Curcumin: A review of its effects on human health. Foods. 2017 Oct 22;6(10):92. Available from: https://www.mdpi.com/2304-8158/6/10/92/pdf 
  1. Team W. 7 health benefits of Turmeric [Internet]. Cleveland Clinic. Cleveland Clinic; 2022 [cited 2023Jan15]. Available from: https://health.clevelandclinic.org/turmeric-health-benefits/ 

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