Botanical and Phytochemical Study of Temu Ireng (Curcuma aeruginosa Roxb.) as a Therapeutic Agent for Respiratory Disorders

Abstract

Temu ireng (Curcuma aeruginosa Roxb.) is a medicinal plant from the Zingiberaceae family that is widely used in traditional medicine. The Zingiberaceae family, or ginger family, contains anti-inflammatory, analgesic, immunomodulatory, antioxidant, and anti-SARS-CoV-2 properties. Ginger family plants have become very popular during the COVID-19 pandemic through the use of empon-empon herbal mixtures.  However, scientific data regarding its morphoanatomical characteristics and phytochemical composition still require further investigation. This study aims to analyse the morphological, anatomical, and phytochemical characteristics of black turmeric (Curcuma aeruginosa Roxb.) as a scientific basis for its utilisation as a therapeutic agent for respiratory disorders. Research methods included visual morphological observation, anatomical examination of leaves, stems, rhizomes, stomata, and pollen using a light microscope, as well as qualitative phytochemical testing of rhizome extracts. The results showed that Curcuma aeruginosa Roxb. possesses morphological characteristics typical of the Zingiberaceae family, with well-developed rhizomes serving as storage organs. Anatomically, the arrangement of epidermal tissue, parenchyma, vascular bundles, storage tissue, stomata, and pollen was found to be normally developed. Phytochemical tests yielded positive results for alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, phenols, saponins and triterpenoids. Temu ireng (Curcuma aeruginosa Roxb.) possesses morphological and anatomical characteristics that support the plant’s physiological functions and contains various bioactive compounds with potential for development as a medicinal plant and raw material for phytopharmaceuticals, particularly as a therapeutic agent.