Common Name:

General Information

Curcuma comosa is a herbaceous perennial plant growing from a large, tuberous rootstock with sessile tubers; it produces a clump of unbranched, leafy pseudo-stems around 150 - 180cm tall.
The plant is commonly used in southeast Asia as a medicinal plant, especially in the treatment of problems related to the menstrual cycle. It is often cultivated for medicinal purposes in southeast Asia.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

E. Asia - northeastern India, Myanmar, Thailand

Habitat

Deciduous and bamboo forests.

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	1.50 m
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Wild

Cultivation Details

Plants in this genus generaly prefer a humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil in partial shade[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The rhizome has proven oestrogenic activity. It is used to treat post-partum uterine swelling, as a general tonic after childbirth, to alleviate menstrual symptoms and treat post-menopausal symptoms[]. It is also used as an aromatic stomachic and choleretic, and has been shown to have antiinflammatory, antioxidative and cholesterol-lowering activities[].

An ethyl alcohol extract of the rhizome has shown interesting oestrogenic properties. In addition, it has shown a growth-promoting effect on skin cells and also reduces cell death from oxidation. The plant has potential as an active ingredient in preparations for the treatment of skin-ageing in post-menopausal women[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe. Germinates best at temperatures around 20°c[].
Cuttings of the rhizomes[]. Traditionally, these are planted in raked soil at the beginning of the monsoon, frequently in arecanut plantations and on the banks of rivers and irrigation channels[].

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