Curcumin: A medicinal plant and its effects in medicine and dentistry

Since ancient time plants have been a major source of medicine. Curcumin (diferuloylmethane) is an orange-yellow component of turmeric (Curcuma longa), a spice often found in curry powder. Traditionally known for its anti-inflammatory effects, C. longa has a long history of the curative use in the Ayurvedic and Chinese systems of medicine. Curcumin, a polyphenolic constituent, is the active ingredient in dietary spice turmeric. While numerous pharmacological activities, including antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, anti-inflammatory properties have been attributed to curcumin, turmeric can also be used as a pit and fissure sealant, mouthwash, and subgingival irrigant in various preparations. In gel form, it is a component in local drugs delivery system. This review gives a bird’s eye view mainly on the biological activities of the miswak and plausible medicinal and dental application