Two Traditional Chinese MedicinesCurcumae RadixandCurcumae Rhizoma: An Ethnopharmacology, Phytochemistry, and Pharmacology Review

Abstract

Curcumae Rhizoma, known as Ezhu (Chinese: 莪术), andCurcumae Radix, known as Yujin (Chinese: 郁金), are different plant parts coming from three same species according to China Pharmacopoeia. Actually, they are used in different ways in TCM clinical treatment.Curcumae Rhizomais mainly used as antitumor drug, whileCurcumae Radixhas been used as antidepressant and cholagogue.Curcumae RhizomaandCurcumae Radixare confused in variety and source, even in clinical trials by some nonprofessional workers. So it is important for us to make them clear. This review is aimed at summarizing the ethnopharmacology, phytochemical, and pharmacological differences betweenCurcumae RadixandCurcumae Rhizomaby SciFinder, CNKI, and so on, to use them exactly and clearly. Further studies onCurcumae Rhizoma and Curcumae Radixcan lead to the development of new drugs and therapeutics for various diseases on the basis of the TCM theory.