Investigation Of Antimicrobial And Anti-Inflammatory Activity Of Curcuma Longa

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a rhizomatous herbaceous perennial plant used as a food additive. It has been reported that rhizome of this plant have antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antitumor property. Methanol extract of Rhizome of Curcuma longa was investigated here to see the antimicrobial actions and anti-inflammatory effect. During the extraction process a purified single compound (D1) was isolated and investigated for its antimicrobial activity. Significant antimicrobial activity than penicillin were found for 500 mu g C. longa extract. Anti-inflammatory action of C. longa was also assessed using mice models. The purified compound D1 fraction showed antimicrobial action in 50 mu g concentration. Our study reveal that C. longa has antimicrobial activity against various gram positive and gram negative bacteria where curcumin may not be the only compound that is responsible for the antimicrobial activity. On the other hand, C. longa extract had shown significant anti-inflammatory action.