Turmeric as a Traditional Medicinal Plant in Selected Countries: A Review

Abstract

Medicinal plants play a crucial role in both traditional and modern healthcare systems  worldwide, providing abundant bioactive compounds essential for disease prevention and drug discovery. Globally, thousands of plant species are known for their therapeutic value and form the basis for traditional medical practices such as Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Unani, African traditional medicine, and other indigenous systems. Among several of these plants turmeric (Curcuma longa) holds a distinguished status due to its long-standing ethnomedicinal applications and well-established pharmacological effects supported by scientific research. This review emphasizes the importance of turmeric as a medicinal plant in selected countries and examines its cultivation practices, processing methods, and socio-economic importance. Overall, the review underscores turmeric’s continued cultural significance and economic value, as well as its strong potential for enhancing agricultural productivity, integration into healthcare systems, and pharmaceutical advancement.