Ethnobotany, Phytochemistry, and Pharmacological Activities of Curcuma aromatica Salisb. and Curcuma angustifolia Roxb.: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Curcuma aromatica Salisb. and Curcuma angustifolia Roxb. are medicinally important members of the family Zingiberaceae with established roles in traditional healthcare and nutritional practices. This review comparatively examines their diversity, ethnomedicinal applications, phytochemical composition, pharmacological activities, and GC–MS-based chemical profiles. The available literature indicates that C. aromatica is mainly associated with antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, wound-healing, and anticancer properties, whereas C. angustifolia is particularly valued for its digestible starch, gastroprotective relevance, and use in functional food preparations. Both species contain bioactive constituents such as curcuminoids, flavonoids, phenolics, terpenoids, sesquiterpenes, and essential oil components, which may contribute to free radical scavenging, modulation of inflammatory pathways, inhibition of microbial growth, and tissue-protective effects. GC–MS studies have reported several volatile and semi-volatile constituents, including germacrone, curdione, curzerene, camphor, cineole, β-elemene, and related terpenoids. The comparative evidence suggests that these species have potential relevance for phytopharmaceutical, nutraceutical, cosmeceutical, and functional food applications. However, many reported activities remain dependent on preliminary phytochemical and experimental studies. Further standardised pharmacological evaluation, toxicity assessment, bioactivity-guided isolation, and controlled clinical investigations are needed to support evidence-based use and product development.