The traditional uses and pharmacological activities of turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) in traditional Thai and Chinese medicine for treating dyspepsia
Article Sidebar
Main Article Content
Abstract
Curcuma longa (turmeric) is a well-known medicinal herb widely used in both Thai traditional medicine and Chinese medicine. This article compiles and compares the principles of turmeric usage and its therapeutic properties in treating dyspepsia from the perspectives of Thai and Chinese traditional medicine. It also explores the pharmacological actions and related scientific research. The findings reveal that turmeric has been utilized in both traditions for its anti-inflammatory effects and treatment of digestive disorders, albeit based on different conceptual frameworks. This study highlights the potential for integrative application of knowledge from both medical systems to improve health outcomes, enhance public understanding of proper turmeric usage, and promote academic development among practitioners of Thai and Chinese traditional medicine.
Article Details
References
Talley NJ, Silverstein MD, Agréus L, Nyrén O, Sonnenberg A, Holtmann G. AGA technical review: evaluation of dyspepsia. Gastroenterology. 1998;114(3):582-95.
Sukhato K. Dyspepsia: a common symptom with uncommon significance in primary care practice [Internet]. 2014 [cited 2024 Dec 23]. Available from: https://www.rama.mahidol.ac.th/fammed/sites/default/files/public/pdf/how%20to%20app%20dyspepsia.pdf (in Thai)
Chungsathianthap K, Sri-ngernyuang L, Paunil W. Drugs and the community: social and cultural dimensions. 1st ed. Nonthaburi: Institute of Social and Health Studies; 2007. (in Thai)
Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Department of Agriculture, Horticulture Research Institute. Turmeric ( Curcuma longa L.): an academic monograph [Internet]. 2023 [cited 2024 Dec 23]. Available from: https://www.doa.go.th/hort/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/เอกสารวิชาการ-ขมิ้นชัน-กลุ่มวิชาการ-สวล.pdf (in Thai)
Department of Medical Sciences, Ministry of Public Health. Thai herbal pharmacopoeia vol.1. 1st ed. Bangkok: Prachachon; 1995. (in Thai)
Faculty of Pharmacy, Silpakorn University. National list of essential medicines 2013, Herbal-based medicines: Turmeric drug [Internet]. 2013 [cited 2025 Feb 15]. Available from: https://pharmacy.su.ac.th/herbmed/drug/text/drug.php?drugID=51 (in Thai)
Uttaradit Provincial Public Health Office. Guidelines for the use of herbal medicine and treatment of 12 diseases [Internet]. 2024 [cited 2025 Feb 15]. Available from: https://utoapp.moph.go.th/e_doc/views/uploads/67f61422ae3e2-282b981d7434806f23ccdda72c665454-1673.pdf. (in Thai)
Herbal Products Division, Thai Food and Drug Administration. National list of essential medicines: Herbal medicines 2023. 1st ed. Pathum Thani: Minnie Group; 2023. (in Thai)
Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine, Ministry of Public Health. Economic medicinal plants 2021 [internet]. 2021 [cited 2024 Dec 23]. Available from: https://thaicam.dtam.moph.go.th/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/2.พืชสมุนไพรเศรษฐกิจ-2564.pdf (in Thai)
Medicinal Plant Information Center, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mahidol University. Curcuma longa [Internet]. 2024 [cited 2024 Dec 24]. Available from: https://medplant.mahidol.ac.th/pub-health/curcuma.html (in Thai)
Burusliam N. The gastroesophageal reflux is a degenerative disease of the body in Thai traditional medicine. Chonburi Hospital Journal. 2021;46(2):165-8. (in Thai)
Information and Communication Technology Center, Department of Agricultural Extension. Herbs and spices 2019: Curcuma longa L. 2020 [cited 2025 Feb 16]. Available from: http://www.agrinfo.doae.go.th/year63/plant/rortor/herb/ขมิ้นชัน.pdf (in Thai)
Laohaphan T. Development of Thai traditional medicine education management: (2) development of curriculum and learning content. Journal of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine. 2015;13(2):92-103. (in Thai)
Ling YK, Yan ZH, editors. Chinese herbology. 1st ed. Shanghai: Shanghai Scientific & Technical Publishers; 1984. (in Chinese)
Panahi Y, Karbasi A, Valizadegan G, Ostadzadeh N, Soflaei SS, Jamialahmadi T, et al. Effect of curcumin on severity of functional dyspepsia: a triple blinded clinical trial. Adv Exp Med Biol. 2021;1308:119-26.
Sawasdichai C, Im-iam S. Review of Thai herbal medicine research. The Journal of Prapokklao Hospital Clinical Medical Education Center. 2016;33(3):265-9. (in Thai)
Kongkam P, Khongkha W, Lopimpisuth C, Chumsri C, Kosarussawadee P, Phutrakool P, et al. Curcumin and proton pump inhibitors for functional dyspepsia: a randomised, double blind controlled trial. BMJ Evid Based Med. 2023;28(6):399-406.
Chen O, Li CP. Treatment of ulcerative colitis with curcumin: mechanisms and efficacy. World Chinese Journal of Digestology. 2010;18(24):2569-73. (in Chinese)
Li R, Xiao Y, He XY, Wang XY. Advance in the research on chemical constitute, biological activity and in vivo metabolism of Curcuma longa L. Journal of Xihua University (Natural Science Edition). 2013;32(3):98-104. (in Chinese)
Hanazawa K, Sangvichien S, Phurahong K. Satisfaction of using Thai medical herbs Curcuma longa in dyspepsia patients. In: Sooksornchitra A, editors. 12th Proceedings National & International Conference. 2021 Jan 15, Bangkok, Thailand. Bangkok: Graduate School, Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University; 2021. p.701-9. (in Thai)
