Chemistry and biochemistry of Terpenoids from Curcumaand related species

Several curcuminoids have been identified from rhizome of the common spice Curcuma longa (Zingaberaceae) and related plant species. Curcuminoids are known to display several pharmacological properties summed up in numerous papers and reviews. In addition to curcuminoids, more than 250 mono-, sesqui- di-, and triterpenoids have been identified from curcuma species. These lipophilic compounds have better absorption than curcuminoids and also exhibit a wide spectrum of pharmacological properties. Little attention has been paid to these lipophilic compounds, which may be as physiologically active, if not more, as curcuminoids. This review focuses on Curcuma terpenoids and their physiological properties.