Javanese Turmeric

OTHER NAME(S): Curcuma, Curcuma de Java, Curcumae Xanthorrhizae Rhizoma, Java Turmeric, Safran des Indes, Témoé-lawacq, Témoé-lawaq, Temu Lawak, Temu Lawas, Tewon Lawa, Curcuma xanthorrhiza, Cúrcuma Javanesa, Curcuma Javanais

Overview

Javanese turmeric (Curcuma xanthorrhiza) is a plant native to Indonesia and Malaysia. The root and rhizome are traditionally used for stomach disorders.

Javanese turmeric contains chemicals that might increase bile production in the body.

People use Javanese turmeric for indigestion, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), gallbladder problems, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Don't confuse Javanese turmeric with Turmeric (Curcuma longa), Goldenseal, or Zedoary. These are different plants with different effects.

References
  1. Blumenthal M, ed. The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Trans. S. Klein. Boston, MA: American Botanical Council, 1998.
  2. Wichtl MW. Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals. Ed. N.M. Bisset. Stuttgart: Medpharm GmbH Scientific Publishers, 1994.
  3. Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C. PDR for Herbal Medicines. 1st ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 1998.
  4. Brinkhaus B, Hentschel C, Von Keudell C, et al. Herbal medicine with curcuma and fumitory in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome: a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial. Scand J Gastroenterol 2005;40:936-43.
  5. Rusdiana T, Mardhiani YD, Putriana NA, et al. The influence of Javanese turmeric (Curcuma xanthorrhiza) on the pharmacokinetics of warfarin in rats with single and multiple-dose studies. Pharm Biol. 2021;59(1):639-646.
  6. Geraldi A, Wardana AP, Aminah NS, et al. Tropical Medicinal Plant Extracts from Indonesia as Antifungal Agents against Candida Albicans. Front Biosci (Landmark Ed) 2022;27(9):274.
  7. Kang J, Won J, Hwang JK, Kang W. Bioavailability of xanthorrhizol following oral administration of a supercritical extract of Java turmeric. Food Sci Biotechnol 2022;31(10):1309-1313.
  8. Ismail HF, Hashim Z, Zaidel DNA, et al. Triple-action of the standardized antidiabetic polyherbal extract; Synacinn(™) through upregulation of GLUT(4) and inhibition of DPP(IV), a-amylase, and a-glucosidase activity. Med J Malaysia 2022;77(Suppl 1):16-22.
  9. Rosidi A, Ayuningtyas RA, Jauharany FF, et al. Pre-exercise supplementation with curcuma xanthorrhiza roxb has minimal impact on red blood cell parameters but reduces oxidative stress: a preliminary study in rats. Phys Act Nutr 2024;28(3):52-57.