Bioavailability

Background: Curcuma longa (turmeric) has been widely utilized in Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and Unani for the treatment of inflammatory and metabolic problems. The principal bioactive ingredient, curcumin, demonstrates anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory characteristics. Objective: This systematic review sought to rigorously investigate randomized controlled trials (RCTs) regarding the efficacy and safety of Curcuma longa extracts in inflammatory and metabolic illnesses. Methods: In accordance with PRISMA rules, databases such as PubMed, Embase, Cochrane CENTRAL, Web of Science, and prominent Chinese repositories were examined till February 2025. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) examining Curcuma longa or curcumin (administered orally or topically) for arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, metabolic syndrome, or associated conditions were included. The evaluated outcomes included clinical indicators (e.g., pain scores, glycemic control), biochemical markers (e.g., CRP, IL-6, lipid profile), and safety metrics. The Cochrane methodology was utilized to assess the risk of bias, and meta-analyses were performed when possible. Results: Twenty randomized controlled trials including 1,754 participants were considered. Curcuma longa markedly alleviated pain (mean difference [MD] −1.2; 95% CI −1.6 to −0.8) and enhanced WOMAC and DAS28 scores in arthritis. It also reduced levels of CRP, ESR, IL-6, and TNF-α. In metabolic diseases, curcumin enhanced HbA1c (MD −0.6%; 95% CI −0.8 to −0.4), fasting glucose, LDL, triglycerides, and elevated HDL levels. Markers of oxidativestress diminished, accompanied by enhanced activity of antioxidant enzymes. Adverse effects were minor, primarilygastrointestinal, and dosages of up to 12 g/day were well tolerated. Conclusion: Extracts of Curcuma longa exhibitconsiderable promise as a supplementary treatment for inflammatory and metabolic illnesses, providing clinicallysignificant enhancements in pain, inflammation, and metabolic indicators with a favourable safety profile.Comprehensive, long-term randomized controlled trials with standardized, bioavailability-enhanced formulations arenecessary to validate these results and improve clinical integration.

Ayurvedic polyherbal formulations are increasingly explored internationally as a budding field of therapeutic potential based on thousands of years of traditional medicinal practice. However, the absence of standardization protocol and stringent quality control measures is a significant barrier, and the adoption of their safe and effective use in western healthcare is a challenge. The goal of this review is to evaluate the standardization and quality control measures related to Ayurvedic polyherbal formulations. The review discusses the complexity of multi-component herbal mixtures, variability of raw material and absence of marker compounds and synergistic effects which make reproducibility more difficult. The review emphasizes the use of modern techniques including High-Performance Thin Layer Chromatography (HPTLC), Liquid Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS) methods, and microbiological analyses, all increasingly common approaches to assess the variance in products. While there have been advances in the use of HPTLC and LC-MS for standardization and quality control, many regulatory frameworks do not exist, and harmonized quality standards are absent. The review indicates a need for the traditional Ayurvedic approach and modern science to work collaboratively to develop standardized strategies. A successful collaborative effort would lead to increased global/consumer recognition, acceptance and contribution to enhanced public safety regarding the quality and efficacy of these established therapeutic preparations.

Heavy metals like lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and chromium (Cr) are common environmental pollutants that constitute a major hazard to soil and plant health. The metals are known to inhibit plant growth and development, and they have implications for agriculture and food security. The present research seeks to explore the effect of these heavy metals on the germination and seedling growth of Trigonella foenum-graecum (fenugreek), a widely grown crop of both agricultural and medicinal value. The experiment, carried out under controlled laboratory conditions, subjected fenugreek seeds to different concentrations (0, 25, 50, 100, and 200 ppm) of each metal. The findings showed drastic reduction in seed germination percent, shoot and root growths, and vigor of the seedlings as concentration of heavy metal increased, but lead exhibited worst effects. Results highlight adverse influence of heavy metal pollution on the growth of plant, thereby bringing into perspective requirements for remediation measures against the environmental pollution for its detestable effect on agricultural produce.