Kasturi Manjal: Uses, Benefits And Side Effects By Dr. Rajeev Singh
By Dr Rajeev Singh +2 more
Medically reviewed by Dr Rajeev Singh
Last updated: Aug 4, 2023Click to rate this article!
[Total: 12 Avg: 3.8]
Get insightful and
helpful tips to treat
your symptoms for FREE
Register to Avail the Offer
Send OTPBy continuing, you agree with our Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions
By Dr Rajeev Singh +2 more
Medically reviewed by Dr Rajeev Singh
Last updated: Aug 4, 2023Table of Contents
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.
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:
| Nutritional Component | Value (µg/mg) |
| Carbohydrates | 775.15 |
| Lipids | 0.72 |
| Proteins | 128.08 |
| Amino acids | 157.73 |
| Carotenoid | 5.46 |
| Vitamin C | 0.22 |
Table 1: Nutritional Value of Kasturi Manjal3
Several studies have shown that Kasturi manjal may have the following properties:
Some of the potential uses of Kasturi manjal are:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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)
Kasturi manjal can be used in the following way:
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
A study by Susan et al. in 2017 showed that curcumin in excessive amounts might show the following side effects:
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.
Kasturi manjal is generally considered safe when consumed in normal amounts, but you shall take the following precautions:
It is advised to consult your doctor before consuming Kasturi manjal if you have any pre-existing diseases.
Kasturi manjal may interact with blood-clotting medications.10 You must consult your doctor before consuming Kasturi manjal if you are undergoing medical treatment.
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.
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.
Kasturi manjal may interact with blood-clotting medications.10 You must consult your doctor before consuming Kasturi manjal if you are undergoing medical treatment.
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.
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.
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
Vitamin in Kasturi manjal may be vitamin C.3
Disclaimer: The information included on this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional. Because of unique individual needs, the reader should consult their physician to determine the appropriateness of the information for the reader’s situation.
Leave your comment...
Comments