Curcuma longa (turmeric) is a spice and a flavouring agent more often used in Asia. Turmeric is mostly used as a herbal medicine for a number of diseases. Curcumin is the main component present in turmeric which is responsible for anti-infective, anti-carcinogenic, anti-inflammatory, anti-aging and anti-oxidant properties. Recently, turmeric is mostly studied for its wound healing property. Wound healing process involves hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling steps naturally. First step is hemostasis which includes formation of blood clot to stop the bleeding from the site of injury. Turmeric speeds up the process of wound healing by reducing inflammation by inhibiting TNF-α and IL-1 and reducing oxidation which are responsible for regulation of inflammation. Presence of fibroblast at the site of injury is an important component for sealing of the wound. While during tissue granulation process fibroblast differentiates into myofibroblasts and their presence is the sign of granulation tissue formation. Curcumin loaded myofibrils bandages placed on wound speeds up the tissue formation process. Last step in wound healing is collagen deposition or formation of tissue scar which consist of collagen fibers mostly. Collagen content of wound treated with curcumin is higher than untreated wound. For remodeling curcumin actually improves contraction of the wound by increasing the production of TGF-β responsible for repairing and collagen deposition at the site of injury. Curcuma longa is used as a home remedy for a number of other skin infections.
Key words: Curcuma longa, hemostasis, anti-inflammatory, collagen deposition