Curcuma comosa explained

Curcuma comosa is a species of flowering plant in the ginger family. It is native to much of Asia, including Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia.^[1] The herb is cultivated in Thailand, especially in the Northern Province, including Petchaboon, and the Northeastern Province, including Loei. Curcuma comosa is widely used as a traditional herbal remedy.

Research

Studies in Thailand researched the effects of crude extract from the root of Curcuma comosa on the uterus of the rat as compared to female estradiol hormone. Results reported included an increase in the thickness of the uterus epithelial cells lining the vagina and improved growth and induction of keratin synthesis in the mucous membrane of the vagina. However, estrogenic activities of Curcuma comosa were milder than those of estradiol.^[2]

Methanolic extract of rhizome of C. comosa has been proven to kill the roundworm Caenorhabditis elegans. The extract was purified to its active ingredients and it was found that some diphenylheptanoid compounds, such as 1,7-diphenyl-3-acetoxy-hept-trans-6-ene, can inhibit the motility of the roundworm.^[3]

Butanolic and ethyl acetate extract of rhizome of C. comosa had a stimulative effect on bile secretion and a decrease in blood cholesterol was reported. Separation of the active ingredients from diarylheptanoids and phloracetophenone glucoside compounds were carried out and some active compounds, such as 1,7-diphenyl-5-hydroxy-(1E)-1-heptene and 4,6-dihydroxy-2-o-(b-D-glucopyranosyl) acetophenone, were found to have a stimulative effect on bile secretion in rats.^[4]

A 95% ethanol extract of C. comosa decreased uterine smooth muscle contraction in rats.^[5]

An ethyl acetate extract of the rhizome was orally administered to male sheep and hamsters and a decrease in cholesterol and triglyceride were reported.^{[6] [7]}

Further reading

• Piyachaturawat, P. et al., (1998). Growth-suppressing effect of Curcuma comosa extract on male reproductive organs in immature rats. Pharmaceutical Biol 36(1): 44–49.
• Anonymous. (2000). Bureau of Agricultural Commodities Promotion and Management. Department of Agricultural Extension. Handbook of Medicinal Plants and Spices.
• Drugs from Medicinal Plants. 1st ed. Bangkok
• Jantaratnotai, N., et al. (2006). Inhibitory effect of Curcuma comosa on NO production and cytokine expression in LPS-activated microglia. Life Sci 78(6): 571–577.
• Rattanachamnong P., et al. (2008). Effects of hexane extract of Curcuma comosa on plaque formation and platelet aggregation in hypercholesterolemic rabbits. Thai J Pharmacol 30(1): 88–92.
• Kittichanun C., et al. (2010). Effects of Curcuma comosa extracts on hepatic cytochrome P450 activities in rats. J Health Res 24 (1): 1–6.

Notes and References

1. Qu, Y., et al. (2009). Sesquiterpenes from Curcuma comosa. Journal of Natural Medicines 63 102.
2. Piyachaturawat, P., S. Ercharuporn, and A. Suksamrarn, A. (1995). Uterotrophic effect of Curcuma comosa in rats. Int J Pharmacog 33(4): 334-338.
3. Jurgens, T. M., et al. (1994). Novel nematocidal agents from Curcuma comosa. J Nat Prod 57(2): 250-262.
4. Suksamrarn, A., et al. (1997) A phloracetophenone glucoside with choleretic activity from Curcuma comosa Phytochemistry 45(1): 103-104.
5. Sawasdipanich, A., 1994, Effects of ethanol extract from Curcuma comosa Roxb. on the contraction of intact and isolated rat uterus. Chulalongkorn University. MSc Thesis Abstract.
6. Piyachaturawat, P., N. Teeratagolpisal, C. Toskulkao, and A. Suksamrarn. (1997). Hypolipidemic effect of Curcuma comosa in mice. Artery 22(5): 233-241.
7. Piyachaturawat, P., J. Charoenpiboonsin, C. Toskulkao, and A. Suksamrarn. (1999). Reduction of plasma cholesterol by Curcuma comosa extract in hypercholesterolemic hamsters. J Ethnopharmacol 66(2): 199-204.