Pharmacognostic evaluation of Curcuma aeurigenosa Roxb

Curcuma aeruginosa Roxb. (FamilyZingeberaceae), commonly known as "pink and blue ginger" is widely used in Indian system of medicine since time immemorial. The plant is found well in wild habitat and cultivated in southern India. The plant is distinguished by red corolla lobes and ferruginous or greenish-blue rhizome. Rhizoma is used medicinally as anti-diarrheal, anti-fungal; external use as astringent for wounds. A detailed pharmacognostic evaluation of its rhizome showed total ash 6.1%, acid insoluble ash 1.20%, alcohol soluble extractives 3.70%, water soluble extractives 14.50%, sugar 20.93%, starch 41.85%, and tannins 0.68%. On hydro distillation, the rhizomes and sessile tubers yielded 0.17% oil.