Vol. 7, Issue 1, Part B (2025)

Curcuma caesia (Black Turmeric), a rare and valuable medicinal herb belonging to the Zingiberaceae family, is native to Southeast Asia and has been used in traditional healing practices for centuries. This study offers a detailed assessment of the plant’s pharmacognostic attributes, emphasizing its macroscopic and microscopic features, powder microscopy, physicochemical characteristics, and phytochemical composition. Key diagnostic markers, including major chemical constituents, extractive values, and other essential physicochemical parameters, have been documented to create a standardized basis for its medicinal assessment. Curcuma caesia is recognized for its broad spectrum of therapeutic properties, such as antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, analgesic, anticonvulsant, and muscle relaxant effects. Owing to its distinctive pharmacological profile, the plant demonstrates great potential for the development of innovative medicinal formulations targeting a variety of health conditions. This review highlights its traditional applications, active compounds, and growing relevance in modern pharmacological research.