Safety and Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Curcumin: A Component of Tumeric ( Curcuma longa )

Tumeric is a spice that comes from the root Curcuma longa, a member of the ginger family, Zingaberaceae. In Ayurveda (Indian traditional medicine), tumeric has been used for its medicinal properties for various indications and through different routes of administration, including topically, orally, and by inhalation. Curcuminoids are components of tumeric, which include mainly curcumin (diferuloyl methane), demethoxycurcumin, and bisdemethoxycurcmin.

The goal of this systematic review of the literature was to summarize the literature on the safety and anti-inflammatory activity of curcumin.