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.^1-3

The plant has vibrant leaves that grow throughout the spring, summer and monsoon and fall off in winters. 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.^2,3

Nutritional Value of Curry Leaves: 

Both dried and fresh curry leaves possess good nutritional value and are beneficial for health.  

Nutritional Value	Fresh Curry Leaves	Dried Curry Leaves
Protein (g)	6	12
Carbohydrate (g)	18.7	64.31
Fat (g)	1	5.4
Vitamin C (mg)	4	4
β-carotene ( µg)	7560	5292
Calcium (mg)	830	2040
Iron (mg)	0.93	12

Also Read: Dhania (Cilantro): Uses, Benefits & Side Effects

Properties of Curry Leaves:

According to Ayurveda, curry leaves may have many beneficial properties:¹

• It may have a 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 wound-healing action
• It may have anti-cancer activity
• It may have anti-diabetic activity
• It may have 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.^1,3

Also Read: Pudina: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects, and More!

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

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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:

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. 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.^1,3,4

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 take consultation with doctors and only have it as a medicine.

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 be also helpful in dealing with skin problems such as boils, acne, pimples, itching, ringworm, athlete’s foot, etc.^1-3

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 up of curry leaves. In addition, we advise you not to discontinue or replace ongoing medicines with an ayurvedic or herbal preparation without consulting a doctor.

Potential Uses of curry leaves for high cholesterol

In an animal study 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-lipid (bad cholesterol); this suggests it may have a potential role in lowering cholesterol and fat metabolism.^3,4,6  

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.

Potential Uses of curry leaves for the liver

Animal model studies 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.⁴

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 take consultation with your concerned doctors.

Based on some studies, curry leaves might be as effective as chlorhexidine in treating gum inflammation (gingivitis) caused due to plaque.

Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS

Other Potential Uses of curry leaves (Kadi Patta)

• Curry leaves oil is rich in vitamins and calcium and may be used for strengthening the bones, might reduce the possibilities of osteoporosis (weak bones) and managing calcium deficiency.²
• The branches of Murraya koenigii are called ‘datum’. They may be used to strengthen the gums and clean teeth.⁴
• According to animal studies perfoemed 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 solubilisation.^3,4

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.

Also Read: Fennel Seeds: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects, and More!

How to Use Curry Leaves? 

Curry leaves can be used in the following ways:

• Fresh leaves and dried leaves add flavours, aroma, and fragrance to curries, soups, fish, meat, and egg dishes.^1,2
• The fresh leaves juice can be taken with lime and sugar. ^1,3
• Leaves can also be used in the preparation of tonic.¹

People need to consult a qualified doctor before having 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 recorded evidence that shows the side effects of curry leaves in humans. However, some studies by Xie et al. 2006 in animal models showed localised gut irritation.⁶

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

Also Read: Neem: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects, and More!

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 leaves 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.⁷
• 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 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.⁷

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 you the best way to have curry leaves based on your conditions.

Also Read: Moong Dal: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects and more!

Frequently Asked Questions: 

References:

1.          Bhusal D, Thakur DP. CURRY LEAF: A REVIEW. Reviews in Food and Agriculture. Rev in Food and Agri. 2021;2(1):36–38. Available from: http://doi.org/10.26480/rfna.01.2021.36.38

2.          Jain M, Gilhotra R, Pal Singh R, Mittal J. Curry leaf (Murraya Koenigii): a spice with medicinal property. MOJ Biol Med. 2017;2(3):236-256.; Available from: http://dx.doi.org/ 10.15406/mojbm.2017.02.00050

3.          Supe D, Deshpande PB, Kandhare P, Swami S. Review on Murraya koenigii : Multipurpose Role in Management of Human Health. 2021;22(1):64–81. Available from: https://www.ijppr.humanjournals.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/6.Dipak-Supe-Padmanabh-B.-Deshpande-Priyanka-Kandhare-Sandeep-Swami.pdf

4.          Bhandari PR, Professor A. Curry leaf (Murraya koenigii) or Cure leaf: Review of its curative properties. J of Medi Nutri and Nutraceu.;1(2):92-97. Available from: https://www.jmnn.org/temp/JMedNutrNutraceut1292-3343608_091716.pdf

5.          Mankar SD, Bhosale MS, Shelke M, Sonawane P. A Review on Murraya koenigii: for Hair Growth Promoter. Res J of Pharmaco and Phytochem. 2021;13(1):39–43. Available from: https://rjpponline.org/AbstractView.aspx?PID=2021-13-1-7

6.          Xie JT, Chang WT, Wang CZ, Mehendale SR, Li J, Ambihaipahar R, et al. Curry leaf (Murraya koenigii Spreng.) reduces blood cholesterol and glucose levels in ob/ob mice. Am J Chin Med (Gard City N Y) . 2006;34(2):279–284. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16552838/

7.          Barve KH, Kaur G, Kumar A, Daftardar S. The Effect of Murraya koenigii Extract on Therapeutic Efficacy of Amlodipine in Rats: Possi Drug-Herb Interac. 2015;3(1000153):1-4. ; Available from: http://dx.doi.org/10.4172/2327-5146.1000153

Disclaimer: The information included at 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.