Curry Leaves (Kadi Patta): Uses, Benefits, Side Effects and More!

Introduction

Curry leaves are a part of a small deciduous aromatic shrub, scientifically named Murraya koenigii, belonging to the family Rutaceae. It may be considered a natural medicinal plant. South Asia is home to this plant, and it is found in countries like Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, China and India. In India, it is found at the bottom of the Himalayas, in Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Assam^[1].

The plant has vibrant leaves that grow throughout the spring, summer and monsoon and fall off in winter. There are references in Tamil and Kannada literature that describe Murraya koenigii as ‘Kari, ‘ which means ‘spiced sauce’ used as a flavouring agent for vegetables. It is recognised as the most popular spice and condiment in India. It is commonly called Kadipatta or Mitha neem in Hindi, Karuvepillei in Tamil, and Kariveppilee in Malayalam.

Nutritional Value of Curry Leaves

Both dried and fresh curry leaves possess good nutritional value and are beneficial for health. Nutritional value of curry leaves per 100 grams.

Fresh Curry Leaves:

• Protein: 6 g^[1]
• Carbohydrates: 18.7 g^[1]
• Fat: 1 g^[1]
• Vitamin C: 4 mg
• β-Carotene: 7560 µg
• Calcium: 830 mg
• Iron: 0.93 mg

Dried Curry Leaves:

• Protein: 12 g
• Carbohydrates: 64.31 g
• Fat: 5.4 g
• Vitamin C: 4 mg
• β-Carotene: 5292 µg
• Calcium: 2040 mg
• Iron: 12 mg

Properties of Curry Leaves

According to Ayurveda, curry leaves may have many beneficial properties:

• It may have blood pressure-lowering effect
• It may have antibacterial activity
• It may have antiviral activity
• It may have antifungal activity
• It may have antiprotozoal activity
• It may have a laxative effect (helps constipation)
• It may have anti-diarrhoeal activity
• It may have a wound-healing action
• It may have anti-cancer activity
• It may have anti-diabetic activity
• It may have an anti-inflammatory action (reduces swelling)
• It may act as an antioxidant
• It may have a cholesterol-lowering effect
• It may have anti-ulcer activity
• It may have anti-tumour activity.

Potential Uses of Curry Leaves

The potential uses of curry leaves might be for various health conditions. The benefits of curry leaves found in several studies are as follows:

1. Potential uses of curry leaves for diabetes

The efficacy of curry leaves in managing blood sugar was studied in an animal model by Dusane et al. 2012^[2]. There was a significant reduction in blood sugar levels. This blood sugar-lowering property of the leaf extract might help with blood sugar levels. This effect may be an insulin-like effect, which might reduce blood sugar either by increasing pancreatic insulin production or glucose uptake by the cells due to specific enzymes. This shows that curry leaves may be effective in managing Diabetes mellitus.

Diabetes is a major disease and must be adequately diagnosed. Unfortunately, the above information is insufficient due to the fact that these studies are not done on humans. However, more human trials are required to show the positive effect of curry leaves on managing blood sugar levels in the body. Hence, it is essential to consult with doctors and only have it as a medicine.

2. Potential uses of curry leaves (Kadi Patta) for the skin

The benefit of curry leaves and their essential oil is that they may act against inflammatory cells. When applied to external superficial injuries like skin eruption, burns, and bruises, they might show wound healing activity. The essential oil from leaves may be used in creams and other formulations that might be effective for sun protection, skin lightening, glowing and moisturising rough skin. Curry leaf oil may also be helpful in dealing with skin problems such as boils, acne, pimples, itching, ringworm, athlete’s foot, etc^[3].

There is a need for further studies to develop the beneficial effects of curry leaves to maintain skin health. Therefore, people should consult a doctor before taking any herbal preparations made from curry leaves. In addition, we advise you not to discontinue or replace ongoing medicines with an Ayurvedic or herbal preparation without consulting a doctor.

3. Potential uses of curry leaves for high cholesterol

In an animal study^[4] conducted by Xie et al. 2006, curry leaves significantly reduced the total cholesterol and triglyceride (fat) levels. This hypolipidemic (lipid-lowering) activity of curry leaves might be because of its antioxidant properties. It may help to reduce cholesterol and low-density lipids (bad cholesterol); this suggests it may have a potential role in lowering cholesterol and fat metabolism.

However, these studies are not sufficient to understand the effect on humans. We require more information on the benefits of curry leaves in managing cholesterol levels in the human body. Therefore, before using curry leaves for a cholesterol check, it is better to speak with a doctor.

4. Potential uses of curry leaves for the liver

Animal model studies^[9] by Desai et al. 2012, revealed that the extract of the curry leaves significantly increased the activity of the liver enzymes that support the oxidation of lipids in the liver. The extract also showed liver-protecting activity that prevented liver damage.

The information mentioned above is insufficient as these studies are done on animals. However, more studies on humans are essential to know the benefits of curry leaves on human health. Hence, it is crucial to consult with your concerned doctors.

Other Potential uses of Curry Leaves (Kadi Patta)

• Curry leaf oil is rich in vitamins and calcium and may be used for strengthening the bones, reducing the possibilities of osteoporosis (weak bones) and managing calcium deficiency.
• The branches of Murraya koenigii are called ‘datum’. They may be used to strengthen the gums and clean teeth.
• According to animal studies^[5] performed by Birari R et al. 2010, the curry leaves extract shows the presence of phytochemicals and dietary fibre that may help in weight management and fat solubilization.

Though there are studies showing the benefits of curry leaves in several health conditions, these are insufficient, and there is a need for further studies to establish the true extent of the benefits of curry leaves on human health. Additionally, every person may respond differently to these herbs. Therefore, it is essential to take the advice of a doctor before using curry leaves for any medical condition.

Based on some studies^[11], curry leaves might be as effective as chlorhexidine in treating gum inflammation (gingivitis) caused by plaque.

Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS

How To Use Curry Leaves?

Curry leaves can be used in the following ways:

• Fresh leaves and dried leaves add flavour, aroma, and fragrance to curries, soups, fish, meat, and egg dishes^[6].
• The fresh leaves juice can be taken with lime and sugar^[6]. 
• Leaves can also be used in the preparation of tonic^[6].

People need to consult a qualified doctor before taking any herbal supplements made from curry leaves. We recommend that you not replace or discontinue your current medicines with Ayurvedic or herbal preparations without consulting an Ayurvedic doctor.

Side Effects of Curry Leaves (Kadi Patta)

There is no major study that recorded evidence that shows the side effects of curry leaves in humans. However, some studies^[8] by Xie et al. 2006 in animal models showed localised gut irritation.

However, If you feel such irritation in the stomach, you should consult an Ayurvedic doctor and get treated immediately.

Based on some studies^[10], consuming curry leaves might have a potential effect on the management of colon cancer with minimal toxicity.

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

Precautions To Take With Curry Leaves

In general, using curry leaves is safe. However, to avoid any problems, general precautions need to be taken.

• A doctor’s advice is necessary for people taking blood pressure medicines. Various study reports suggest that when curry leaf extract is taken together with blood pressure medicine, it may have negative effects. The components of the extract might interact with the drug, resulting in low blood pressure. So, taking both the herb and drug together should be avoided.
• Sufficient information is not available to suggest the safe use of curry leaves for pregnant and breastfeeding women. However, consulting a doctor is highly recommended.
• More precautions must be taken while giving curry leaves to small children and older adults due to their weak immune systems, which might develop reactions in the body.

You must follow general precautions and instructions given by your doctor while consuming curry leaves regularly, and you should never self-medicate even with natural fruits, vegetables and herbs. 

Interactions With Other Drugs

• Kalyani et al. 2015 conducted an animal study^[7] that demonstrated that the extract of curry leaves effectively reduces high blood pressure, similar to the action of amlodipine (blood pressure-lowering drug).
• In the co-administration experiment of herb-drug, the interaction between extract and amlodipine drug resulted in the death of the test model, even at the lowest dose. The synergistic effect of both (herb and drug) lowered the blood pressure to below-average level, resulting in death.

Therefore, it is essential to discuss your ongoing treatments with your doctors and follow their advice on the dosage and form of the herb. They will recommend the best way to have curry leaves based on your conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

References

1. Bhusal D, Thakur DP. Curry leaf: a review. Rev Food Agric. 2021;2(1):36–8. doi:10.26480/rfna.01.2021.36.38. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/355876813_CURRY_LEAF_A_REVIEW
2. Xie JT, Chang WT, Wang CZ, Mehendale SR, Li J, Ambihaipahar R, Ambihaipahar U, Fong HH, Yuan CS. Curry leaf (Murraya koenigii Spreng.) reduces blood cholesterol and glucose levels in ob/ob mice. Am J Chin Med. 2006;34(2):279–84. doi: 10.1142/S0192415X06003825. PMID: 16552838. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16552838/
3. Darvekar VM, Patil VR, Choudhari AB. Anti-inflammatory activity of Murraya koenigii Spreng on experimental animals. J Nat Prod Plant Resour. 2011;1(3):65–9. Available from: https://www.scholarsresearchlibrary.com/abstract/antiinflammatory-activity-of-murraya-koenigii-spreng-onrnexperimental-animals-1258.html
4. Xie JT, Chang WT, Wang CZ, Mehendale SR, Li J, Ambihaipahar R, Ambihaipahar U, Fong HH, Yuan CS. Curry leaf (Murraya koenigii Spreng.) reduces blood cholesterol and glucose levels in ob/ob mice. Am J Chin Med. 2006;34(2):279–84. doi: 10.1142/S0192415X06003825. PMID: 16552838. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16552838/
5. Birari R, Javia V, Bhutani KK. Antiobesity and lipid lowering effects of Murraya koenigii (L.) Spreng leaves extracts and mahanimbine on high fat diet induced obese rats. Fitoterapia. 2010 Dec;81(8):1129–33. doi: 10.1016/j.fitote.2010.07.013. Epub 2010 Jul 23. PMID: 20655993. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20655993/
6. Indian Culture. Curry leaf: the versatile wonder plant [Internet]. New Delhi: Ministry of Culture, Government of India; [cited 2025 Apr 15]. Available from: https://indianculture.gov.in/food-and-culture/spices-herbs/curry-leaf-versatile-wonder-plant
7. Gopal R, Ambiha R, Sivasubramanian N, Bhupendrabhai PV, Itishaben Girishbhai SI, Govindbhai SN, Narendrabhai SD, Jigneshkumar SN, Rameshbhai VA. Effect of curry leaves in lowering blood pressure among hypertensive Indian patients. Bioinformation. 2023 Oct 31;19(10):1020–4. doi: 10.6026/973206300191020. PMID: 37969660; PMCID: PMC10640786. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10640786/
8. Xie JT, Chang WT, Wang CZ, Mehendale SR, Li J, Ambihaipahar R, Ambihaipahar U, Fong HH, Yuan CS. Curry leaf (Murraya koenigii Spreng.) reduces blood cholesterol and glucose levels in ob/ob mice. Am J Chin Med. 2006;34(2):279–84. doi: 10.1142/S0192415X06003825. PMID: 16552838. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/7225959_Curry_Leaf_Murraya_koenigii_Spreng_Reduces_Blood_Cholesterol_and_Glucose_Levels_in_obob_Mice
9. Desai SN, Patel DK, Devkar RV, Patel PV, Ramachandran AV. Hepatoprotective potential of polyphenol rich extract of Murraya koenigii L.: An in vivo study. Food Chem Toxicol. 2012 Feb;50(2):310–4. doi: 10.1016/j.fct.2011.11.023. PMID: 22119599. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0278691511005710
10. Patterson J, Verghese M. Anticancer and toxic effects of curry leaf (Murraya koenigii) extracts. J Pharmacol Toxicol. 2015;10(2):49–59. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/283778005_Anticancer_and_Toxic_Effects_of_Curry_Leaf_Murraya_koenigii_Extracts
11. Varghese A, Babu HM, Kukkera PN. Comparative evaluation of efficacy of Murraya koenigii and chlorhexidine gluconate in the treatment of gingivitis: A randomized controlled clinical trial. J Indian Soc Periodontol. 2018 Sep-Oct;22(5):427-432. doi: 10.4103/jisp.jisp_112_18. PMID: 30210192; PMCID: PMC6128125. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6128125/

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

38

5