Curcuma Zedoaria (Zedoary / White Turmeric)

Curcuma Zedoaria (Zedoary / White Turmeric)

Product Name: Куркума зедоария, Curcuma zedoaria, Zedoarwurzel, Cúrcuma zedoaria, Curcuma zédoaire, الكركم الأبيض, กระชายขาว, Zedoariya, Зедоария, Zədoarya, Зедоария, Ciberžolė, Zedoārija, Куркума зедоарія, Zədoariya, כורכום לבן

Synonyms: куркума белая, зедоария, зедоар, цедоар, curcuma white, white turmeric, zedoary root, kentjur, Zedoar, Weiße Kurkuma, Curcuma blanche, cúrcuma blanca, cúrcuma blanca de la India, الكركم الأبيض الهندي, เคนเจอร์, เคอเจอร์, ขมิ้นขาว, ขมิ้นอ้อย

Parts Used: rhizome, root, shoots, leaves, seeds.

Main Indications for Use of Curcuma zedoaria: Gallstone disease, biliary dyskinesia, chronic hepatitis, steatohepatitis, irritable bowel syndrome, dyspeptic disorders, gastritis with reduced acidity, colpitis, vaginosis, vaginal candidiasis, psoriasis, dermatitis, alopecia, osteoarthritis, chronic pelvic pain, cervical dysplasia, mycoses of the skin and nails, bacterial vaginitis, pyelonephritis, prostatitis.

Use of Curcuma zedoaria in Mixtures and Complexes: Endometrial hyperplasia, climacteric syndrome, hypomenstrual syndrome, infertility of unclear origin, chronic cystitis, cholecystitis, pancreatitis, neurodermatitis, acne, hyperpigmentation, chronic bronchitis, post-COVID syndrome, iron-deficiency anemia.

Pharmacological Properties of Curcuma zedoaria: antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, choleretic, spasmolytic, antiseptic, antimicrobial, fungicidal, immunomodulatory, antiproliferative, analgesic, cytotoxic, antitumor, antiparasitic, antibacterial, antiulcer, antifungal, neuroprotective, carminative, wound-healing, antihyperglycemic, antidepressant, anti-stress, mucolytic, antiallergic.

Dosage of Pharmaceutical Forms — Curcuma zedoaria

Powder — Curcuma zedoaria

Indications (Powder): Chronic hepatitis, steatohepatitis, dyspeptic disorders, gastritis with reduced acidity, irritable bowel syndrome, osteoarthritis, alopecia, dermatitis, vaginal candidiasis, prostatitis, chronic pelvic pain.

Standard Dosage (Powder): 1 g of powder twice daily orally, 20 minutes before meals, washed down with warm water or honey solution. Course — 21 days.

Enhanced Dosage (Powder): 1.5 g 3 times a day for osteoarthritis, chronic hepatitis, vaginosis, and recurrent vaginal candidiasis.

Maximum Dosage (Powder): No more than 6 g of powder per day. Permissible only under conditions of pronounced inflammation in the absence of liver and kidney pathology. No more than 10 consecutive days.

Preventive Dosage (Powder): 0.5 g per day in the morning hours, for 30 days, 2 times a year. Recommended for chronic gastritis, irritable bowel syndrome, cervical dysplasia, and in women over 35 years of age with an irregular cycle.

Pediatric Dosage (Powder): Permitted from 12 years of age and a body weight of at least 35 kg: 0.25 g once daily for 10 days. Not recommended for children under 12 years of age.

Contraindications (Powder): Exacerbation of gastric ulcer, acute pancreatitis, mechanical jaundice, gallstone disease with large concretions, pregnancy. Data on contraindications during lactation and in children under 12 years of age have not been scientifically registered.

Side Effects (Powder): In case of overdose, nausea, headache, irritation of the gastric mucosa, heartburn, and diarrhea are possible. Isolated cases of skin rash have been recorded.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight (Powder): For body weight below 60 kg — reduce the dose by 25%. For body weight above 90 kg — increase the dose by 25%, but do not exceed the maximum daily dose.

Preparation Method (Powder): Take 100 g of fresh Curcuma zedoaria rhizomes. Thoroughly wash, peel, and cut into thin slices. Dry in the shade at a temperature not exceeding 45 degrees Celsius until brittle. Grind into powder in a porcelain mortar or mill. Sift through a sieve with a mesh size of 0.5 mm. Store in an airtight glass container.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Powder): Store in a dark, dry place at a temperature of 15 to 25 degrees Celsius. Avoid exposure to direct light, moisture, and electromagnetic fields. Shelf life — up to 12 months. After opening, use within 60 days.

Dry Extract — Curcuma zedoaria

Indications (Dry Extract): Gallstone disease, biliary dyskinesia, chronic hepatitis, pyelonephritis, colpitis, cervical dysplasia, bacterial vaginitis, dermatitis, psoriasis.

Standard Dosage (Dry Extract): 300 mg of dry extract 1–2 times a day orally, 30 minutes before meals. Course — 14–21 days.

Enhanced Dosage (Dry Extract): 500 mg twice daily for recurrent colpitis, chronic hepatitis, and dysplasia of degree 1–2. Only under medical supervision.

Maximum Dosage (Dry Extract): Up to 1000 mg per day. No more than 7 days. Used for pronounced bacterial load and concomitant dermatitis of allergic nature.

Preventive Dosage (Dry Extract): 150–200 mg per day, course of 30 days every 6 months. Recommended for women over 40 years of age with signs of hormonal imbalance and patients with metabolic syndrome.

Pediatric Dosage (Dry Extract): Permitted from 14 years of age and body weight from 45 kg: 100 mg per day, course — no more than 10 days. Not recommended for younger children.

Contraindications (Dry Extract): Gallstone disease with stones more than 5 mm in diameter, acute cholecystitis, pregnancy. Data on safety in breastfeeding women and children under 14 years of age have not been registered.

Side Effects (Dry Extract): Mild dizziness, a feeling of heat in the epigastrium, and hypotension may be observed; when the dose is exceeded — weakness and nausea.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight (Dry Extract): For patients with body weight up to 60 kg — a 20% dose reduction. For patients over 90 kg — a 20% increase.

Preparation Method (Dry Extract): 100 g of dried Curcuma zedoaria powder are poured with 1000 ml of water. Boiling in a water bath for 1 hour. The liquid is filtered and evaporated to.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Dry Extract): Store in an airtight dark glass container at a temperature of 15 to 25 degrees Celsius, in a dry place, away from electromagnetic fields. Shelf life — 18 months. After opening, use within 45 days.

Alcohol-Based Tincture — Curcuma zedoaria

Indications (Tincture): Chronic hepatitis, biliary dyskinesia, vaginal candidiasis, dermatitis, alopecia, pyelonephritis, osteoarthritis, cervical dysplasia, bacterial vaginitis.

Standard Dosage (Tincture): 20 drops twice daily before meals, diluted in 50 ml of warm water. Course — 21 days.

Enhanced Dosage (Tincture): 25–30 drops 3 times a day for chronic vaginosis, alopecia, and dermatitis with a fungal component. Only under medical supervision.

Maximum Dosage (Tincture): Up to 90 drops per day. No more than 10 days. Permissible for pronounced inflammation and bacterial load.

Preventive Dosage (Tincture): 10 drops once daily in the morning, course of 30 days. Prevention of dermatitis, candidiasis, and hormonal disorders in women over 40 years of age.

Pediatric Dosage (Tincture): Not used in children under 14 years of age. For adolescents from 14 years of age and body weight from 50 kg — no more than 5 drops once daily.

Contraindications (Tincture): Pregnancy, lactation, chronic alcoholism, epilepsy, gastric ulcer. In children under 14 years of age — contraindicated.

Side Effects (Tincture): Headache, irritation of the gastric mucosa, insomnia, and irritability. In case of overdose — dizziness and hypotension.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight (Tincture): For weight less than 60 kg — a 25% dosage reduction. For weight over 90 kg — correction up to 30 drops per dose is possible.

Preparation Method (Tincture): Take 100 g of crushed dried Curcuma zedoaria rhizome. Pour 500 ml of 70% ethyl alcohol. Infuse in dark glassware for 14 days at a temperature of 20–25 degrees Celsius, shaking daily. Then strain through multi-layer gauze and store in an airtight dark glass bottle.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Tincture): Store in a dark, cool place at a temperature of 15–25 degrees Celsius. Avoid exposure to light and electromagnetic fields. Shelf life — 3 years. After opening, use within 90 days.

Oil Infusion — Curcuma zedoaria

Indications (Oil Infusion): Alopecia, dermatitis, psoriasis, fungal lesions of the skin and nails, colpitis, bacterial vaginitis, cervical dysplasia of degree 1–2.

Standard Dosage (Oil Infusion): Externally — 1–2 ml twice daily, rubbing into the affected area or applying to the mucosa after hygiene. Course — 14–21 days.

Enhanced Dosage (Oil Infusion): 3 ml twice daily for pronounced psoriasis, fungal skin lesions, and atrophic vaginitis.

Maximum Dosage (Oil Infusion): Up to 10 ml per day externally. Permissible for extensive skin lesions, but no more than 10 consecutive days.

Preventive Dosage (Oil Infusion): 1 ml once daily for 10 days, 2 times a year. Prevention of dermatitis, mycoses, and alopecia in women in peri- and postmenopause.

Pediatric Dosage (Oil Infusion): Permitted from 7 years of age with a body weight from 25 kg. Externally — 0.5 ml once daily for dermatitis or fungal skin lesions. Do not apply to mucous membranes.

Contraindications (Oil Infusion): Open wounds, individual intolerance, pregnancy (when applied to the abdomen and lower back). In childhood — external use only.

Side Effects (Oil Infusion): Burning, irritation, and skin redness in case of hypersensitivity. In case of overdose — itching and contact dermatitis.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight (Oil Infusion): Up to 60 kg — a 30% dosage reduction. Over 90 kg — the standard dosage or an increase up to 3 ml is permissible.

Preparation Method (Oil Infusion): 100 g of fresh or dry crushed Curcuma zedoaria rhizome are poured with 500 ml of cold filtered coconut oil. Infuse for 7 days in a dark place at a temperature of 22–26 degrees Celsius, then heat in a water bath for 2 hours at 45 degrees Celsius. Strain through gauze. Pour into a dark glass container. Yield — about 450 ml of infusion.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Oil Infusion): Store in a dark glass bottle at a temperature of 15–20 degrees Celsius. Avoid sunlight and heating. Shelf life — up to 6 months. After opening, use within 30 days.

Ointment — Curcuma zedoaria

Indications (Ointment): Psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, eczema, fungal dermatitis, alopecia, neurodermatitis, bacterial vaginitis (external use), cervical dysplasia (external use in the perineal area), skin mycoses.

Standard Dosage (Ointment): Externally — apply in a thin layer twice daily to the affected area, avoiding mucous membranes. Course — 10–14 days.

Enhanced Dosage (Ointment): 3–4 times a day for pronounced psoriatic inflammation, fungal dermatitis, and neurodermatitis. Course — up to 21 days.

Maximum Dosage (Ointment): No more than 5 applications per day and no more than 10 g per day. Used only for extensive inflammatory skin lesions. Duration no more than 10 days.

Preventive Dosage (Ointment): Once daily for 7–10 days every 3 months. Used for a tendency to seasonal dermatitis, eczema, and recurrent fungal skin lesions.

Pediatric Dosage (Ointment): From 6 years of age, with a body weight from 20 kg — once daily on limited skin areas (up to 3×3 cm). Do not apply to mucous membranes or under a dressing.

Contraindications (Ointment): Individual intolerance, weeping eczema, active purulent processes on the skin, pregnancy and lactation — no contraindications have been registered, but use should be avoided without medical supervision.

Side Effects (Ointment): Contact urticaria, peeling, skin hyperemia, and itching. In case of overdose — skin maceration.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight (Ointment): Up to 60 kg — use minimum doses, up to 2 g per day. Over 90 kg — an increase in applications up to 3 times a day is permissible.

Preparation Method (Ointment): Per 100 g of ointment: curcuma zedoaria powder — 10 g; cold-pressed coconut oil — 60 g; purified beeswax — 30 g. Mix the powder with coconut oil melted in a water bath. Add the melted wax and stir until a homogeneous mass is obtained at a temperature of 45–50 degrees Celsius. Cool and pour into tubes.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Ointment): Store in a tightly closed dark glass or medical plastic container at a temperature of 10–25 degrees Celsius. Avoid sunlight. Shelf life — up to 6 months. After opening — 30 days.

Toxicity and Biosafety of Curcuma zedoaria

Animal studies have shown that Curcuma zedoaria possesses low acute toxicity. According to in vivo experiments on mice and rats, the oral LD50 value for the alcohol extract of Curcuma zedoaria exceeds 5000 mg/kg body weight, which indicates a high degree of biosafety with oral administration. The absence of lethality and significant behavioral changes in laboratory animals with prolonged intake of doses up to 1000 mg/kg is also noted.

In addition, subacute toxicological studies with 28-day administration of the extract did not reveal significant histopathological changes in the liver, kidneys, heart, and lungs. No mutagenic or carcinogenic action was detected in the Ames and Micronucleus tests.

Based on the totality of data, Curcuma zedoaria is classified as a non-toxic plant raw material with oral and external use in therapeutic dosages confirmed clinically. 

Reference: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/p...

Pharmacodynamics — Curcuma zedoaria

The pharmacodynamic activity of Curcuma zedoaria is due to the combined action of sesquiterpenes, flavonoids, and curcuminoid compounds contained in the rhizomes. Experimental studies have shown that these substances realize their biological action predominantly through systemic and local targets, including enzyme complexes of the inflammatory cascade, membrane receptors, and signaling pathways of cellular regulation.

The anti-inflammatory action is realized predominantly through inhibition of the expression of pro-inflammatory mediators such as cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and interleukins (IL-1β, IL-6). A decrease in the level of pro-inflammatory prostaglandins has been confirmed both in the tissues of the gastrointestinal tract and in peripheral tissues. The active components of Curcuma zedoaria possess the ability to stabilize cell membranes and reduce capillary permeability, which complements the anti-exudative effect.

The antioxidant action is achieved through direct inactivation of reactive oxygen species and stimulation of antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase. This contributes to the protection of cellular structures from lipid peroxidation and reduces oxidative stress in tissues.

Curcuma zedoaria has a modulating effect on the immune system, regulating lymphocyte proliferation and macrophage activity. It has been established that extracts can suppress hyperreactive immune responses, while simultaneously contributing to the restoration of phagocytic function in chronic inflammatory processes.

On the part of the nervous system, a moderate sedative effect is observed, associated with suppression of excitatory mediator pathways and a possible influence on GABAergic transmission. The neuroprotective effect is realized through a decrease in inflammatory activation of microglia and stabilization of mitochondrial function in neurons.

Skin receptors and dermal structures are also a pharmacological target with local application. Pronounced antifungal and antimicrobial effects are realized through disruption of the membrane integrity of microorganisms and inhibition of enzymatic processes in pathogen cells.

In addition, in vitro studies confirm the ability of individual terpenes from Curcuma zedoaria to induce apoptosis in proliferative cells by activating the caspase cascade, which allows the plant to be considered within the framework of studying cytostatic and antiproliferative action.

The pharmacodynamic profile of Curcuma zedoaria includes systemic and local levels of action with a predominant effect on the gastrointestinal tract, immune, skin, and nervous systems. In total, a multilevel regulatory influence is observed with the participation of receptor, enzyme, and signaling mechanisms.

Reference:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/p...
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31860349
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11418-018-1252-6
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S222116911530114X

Pharmacokinetics — Curcuma zedoaria

Pharmacokinetic data on Curcuma zedoaria are limited; however, analysis of the properties of the main classes of active substances, such as sesquiterpenes and curcuminoids, allows us to identify typical routes of absorption, metabolism, and excretion. With oral administration of extracts and powders, the main route of absorption is through the mucosa of the stomach and small intestine. Lipophilic components penetrate transcellularly, partially entering into micellar complexes with dietary fats.

Biotransformation of active substances begins already at the stage of absorption with the participation of enterohepatic microflora. Individual sesquiterpenes and flavonoids undergo oxidative and conjugative modification in enterocytes. The main stage of metabolism occurs in the liver with the participation of cytochrome P450 enzymes, glucuronyltransferase, and sulfotransferase. This leads to the formation of polar metabolites capable of systemic action or rapid excretion.

Distribution throughout the body is heterogeneous. With systemic use, active substances reach significant concentrations in the liver, intestines, and skin. Flavonoid and terpenoid components can partially accumulate in lipophilic structures — in particular, in subcutaneous fat and the omentum. With local application through the skin and mucous membranes, limited penetration into the epidermis and superficial capillaries is possible.

Excretion occurs predominantly through bile and feces. It has been established that a significant part of the metabolites is excreted into the intestine as part of bile, where it can undergo reabsorption. The renal excretion pathway is less significant — predominantly for flavonoid metabolites. Trace amounts can be found in the skin and exhaled air.

The pharmacokinetic features of Curcuma zedoaria depend on the dosage form: the powder is characterized by slow absorption and prolonged action, the alcohol tincture — by rapid penetration into the systemic bloodstream, and oil forms provide transdermal penetration into the surface layers of tissues.

References:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/p...
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S222116911530114X
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24211508/
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11418-018-1252-6

Mechanisms of Action and Scientific Rationale — Curcuma zedoaria

The pharmacological action of Curcuma zedoaria is realized through a complex of biochemical interactions, predominantly due to the content of sesquiterpenes (including curzedolactones), flavonoids, curcuminoids, and essential oils. Studies confirm the participation of these compounds in the modulation of inflammatory, oxidative, and immune cascades.

One of the key mechanisms is the inhibition of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and lipoxygenase (LOX), which leads to a decrease in the production of pro-inflammatory prostaglandins and leukotrienes. This action is realized both through direct binding to the catalytic centers of enzymes and through suppression of the expression of the corresponding genes by blocking the transcription factor NF-κB. Experimentally, a decrease in the activity of NF-κB and related cytokines (in particular, TNF-α and IL-6) has been shown when acting on immune system cells.

The immunomodulatory action is realized through activation or inhibition of the functions of macrophages, lymphocytes, and neutrophils. It has been established that aqueous and alcohol extracts of Curcuma zedoaria are capable of reducing hyperproliferation of lymphocytes and simultaneously increasing the phagocytic activity of macrophages, regulating the balance of Th1/Th2 responses. This is complemented by antioxidant activity associated with suppression of oxidative stress, increased activity of antioxidant enzymes, and decreased production of reactive oxygen species.

Sesquiterpenes and flavonoids of Curcuma zedoaria interact with the MAPK and JAK/STAT cascades, inhibiting cell proliferation and activating apoptotic signals. In vitro studies have shown the ability of individual components to cause caspase-dependent cell death mediated by disruption of the mitochondrial membrane potential and activation of cytochrome c.

In addition, the essential oils of Curcuma zedoaria possess an antimicrobial effect realized through damage to bacterial and fungal cell membranes, inhibition of protein biosynthesis, and suppression of the activity of microbial enzymes. These effects have been confirmed for both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, as well as yeast and filamentous fungi.

Neurotropic effects are also observed, including possible interaction with GABA receptors and a decrease in acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, which suggests potential in the modulation of neuroinflammation and cognitive regulation. The effect on the skin is due to the ability of active components to penetrate the stratum corneum of the epidermis, interact with Langerhans cells, and suppress local expression of pro-inflammatory mediators.

Thus, the biochemical targets of Curcuma zedoaria cover a wide range of systemic and tissue-specific processes: suppression of inflammation, regulation of apoptosis, antioxidant protection, modulation of the immune response, and antimicrobial activity.

References:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/p...
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31860349
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S222116911530114X
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11418-018-1252-6

Synergy — Curcuma zedoaria

Data on the pharmacological synergy of Curcuma zedoaria with other natural and synthetic substances have been confirmed by a number of experimental and clinical studies. The most significant interactions have been found in combination with other components possessing anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant activity.

The combination of Curcuma zedoaria with Curcuma longa demonstrates a potentiating effect due to additive suppression of inflammatory mediators (TNF-α, IL-6) and enhanced inhibition of the COX and LOX enzyme systems. This interaction enhances the regulation of the cytokine profile and reduces the expression of pro-inflammatory genes, which has been confirmed in cellular models and in vivo.

Combined use with Zingiber officinale (ginger) enhances the antioxidant properties of the mixture, which is due to a synergistic increase in the activity of SOD and catalase enzymes, as well as increased neutralization of reactive oxygen species. This combination contributes to the modulation of the MAPK and PI3K/AKT signaling cascades, which improves cellular protection against oxidative damage.

Interaction with Boswellia serrata exhibits a modulating effect with respect to the caspase cascade and NF-κB expression, which increases the ability to suppress the expansion of inflammatory cells. Such synergy suggests the potential for tissue-specific application in zones subject to chronic inflammation.

The addition of Piper nigrum (black pepper) to compositions with Curcuma zedoaria leads to an increase in the bioavailability of active substances due to inhibition of hepatic metabolic enzymes, including CYP3A4 and P-gp. This interaction is potentiating in nature and contributes to the enhancement of systemic activity without increasing the dosage.

An additive antimicrobial effect has also been confirmed when combining Curcuma zedoaria with essential oils of Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree), where joint damage to the cell membrane of pathogens and inhibition of the growth of microbial cultures are observed.

Thus, the synergy of Curcuma zedoaria is realized through potentiation of action on common signaling cascades, enzyme systems, and cellular targets, enhancing the effects in multicomponent phyto-formulations and complex preparations.

References:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/p...
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30598447
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S222116911530114X
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11418-018-1252-6

Geography of Use and Traditional Medicine — Curcuma zedoaria

Curcuma zedoaria has long been used in the medical and ritual practices of the peoples of South and Southeast Asia. It has received the widest distribution in India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, as well as in South China and the islands of the Malay Archipelago. In Indian traditional medicine (in particular, in Ayurveda and Siddha), the plant is mentioned under the name "Karchura" and is considered part of the historical heritage of phytotherapy, using rhizomes in the form of powder and paste. The first recorded mentions of its use date back to the pre-Aryan period, approximately to the turn of the 1st millennium BC, where it is described in ancient Indian herbals as "bitter turmeric," possessing a cleansing and cooling nature.

In the Chinese ethnomedical tradition, zedoary turmeric is known as E Zhu (表术) and is used predominantly in the context of folk phytotherapy of the provinces of Yunnan and Sichuan. The main method of application here was an alcohol tincture or decoction of rhizomes, used as an external remedy for compresses and washes. Chinese treatises of the Tang dynasty also mention it as a component of herbal preparations used in restorative and cleansing practices. In Thai traditional medicine (TAM), zedoary turmeric has received wide application as part of oil extracts and pastes for rubbing, especially in the northern provinces, where the zedoary root was considered a universal warming remedy and was used by women after childbirth. The Lanna and Karen peoples also used the plant as a component of ritual steam inhalations.

In the territory of Indonesia and Malaysia, zedoary is part of traditional medicinal mixtures "jamu." It is consumed in the form of juices and infusions, and is also used in mixtures for rubbing into the skin. There is a practice of rubbing the abdomen of infants with fresh root for restlessness, which reflects a deep connection with family ethnomedicine. In the culture of the peoples of Bali, the root of Curcuma zedoaria was used as an element of ritual cosmetics, as well as an aromatic body agent before sacred ceremonies.

In Southern Thailand and Cambodia, evidence of the use of zedoary in magical practices is noted. In particular, fresh zedoary roots were sometimes placed under the threshold of a house or sewn into talismans for protection from evil spirits. In the cultures of the peoples of the Mon-Khmer language group, the plant was considered a talisman for women, especially in the postpartum period.

Despite the loss of part of its ritual significance, zedoary turmeric remains an important component of traditional recipes even today, especially in Ayurvedic and Thai schools of phytotherapy. Its ethnographic significance is confirmed by numerous oral sources preserved in the form of practices of family and community use.

Olga Ivanovna G.

From August to November, I took the powders prescribed after a consultation. I had complaints of headaches, papillomas, lymph nodes, joint pain, increased nervousness, and others. Now I have noticed that the world has changed! My head no longer hurts, the lymph nodes have dissolved, my joints have become surprisingly mobile, and my lower back no longer pulls or hurts. Psychoses and worries no longer bother me. In general, I assess my well-being as excellent! I took: powders of 330 g each: Krachai, Turmeric, Thunbergia, Turmeric, Centella, Ginkgo Biloba, Squalene, Royal Jelly. I am currently taking capsules and waiting for a package with capsules for menopause.