Curcuma Longa for COVID-19: A Review

Abstract

Curcuma longa, Linn (Manjal) – Turmeric is a herb, a well known Siddha drug is used wide variety of Siddha formulations. It has wide spectrum of biological actions including anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, Immuno-modulator, anti-microbial and anti-oxidant activity. Turmeric has been described in Siddha literatures, especially for the treatment of respiratory diseases and inflammatory diseases. COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by a newly discovered Corona virus. Several studies revealed that turmeric is well tolerated at high dose without any toxic effects. Recent studies have proven the medicinal uses of Turmeric for respiratory diseases, liver diseases, diabetes, cancer, alzheimer’s disease and AIDS. Thus the turmeric may have the potential effect against COVID-19. This paper reviews the pharmacological properties, medicinal uses of Turmeric against COVID-19.