Curcuma xanthorrhizae rhizoma

Curcumae xanthorrhizae rhizoma, also called Javanese turmeric, is a drug used in herbal medicines for the treatment of dyspeptic complaints and biliary disorders, among other things, see also under turmeric, Curcuma longa rhizoma.

HMPC monograph: traditional- use: digestive disorders, functional disorders of the biliary system, dyspeptic complaints. Curcuma longa rhizoma and the Javanese turmeric (see under turmeric): traditional-use for digestive complaints, bloating, slowed digestion and flatulence.
ESCOP monograph: symptomatic treatment of mild digestive complaints, mild hepatobiliary complaintsCommission
E monograph: dyspeptic complaints.

Javanese turmeric contains 3 to 12% essential oil, including sesquiterpenes, xanthorrhizole and beta-curcumene. Further ingredients are didesmethoxycurcumin, ferulic acid, caffeic acid derivatives. The drug must have a minimum content of 5% essential oils and at least 1% dicinnamoylmethane derivatives.

Javanese turmeric has a cholecytic, choleretic, antiphlogistic and antibacterial effect against gram-negative germs. It also has tumour-inhibiting, antiviral, antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects.

see also Curcuma longa rhizoma. Curcumae xanthorrhizae rhizoma is used for dyspeptic complaints, inflammatory diseases of the gallbladder and bile ducts, mild hepatobiliary dysfunction, pain and inflammation due to rheumatoid arthritis diarrhea, skin diseases, amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea and peptic ulcers.

The average daily dose of the drug is 2 g. It is used as a galenical preparation for ingestion.

Prolonged use may cause stomach problems.

In the case of an existing obstruction of the bile ducts, the patient should refrain from taking any medication. In the case of gallstone disease, such as smaller gallstones, the medication should only be taken after consulting a doctor.

There are no known interactions with other drugs.

Curuma rootstock and the Javanese turmeric are derived from almost related plant species and have almost identical ingredients, properties and areas of application.

The total extract and the aqueous extract of the drug have a greater choleretic effect than the isolated essential oil.

1. Schilcher H (Ed.) in, Guide to Phytotherapy, Urban & Fischer Verlag (2016) Munich, p.105 ff.