TLDR Curcuma species improve skin health but need more research for best use.
Curcuma species, particularly Curcuma longa and Curcuma aeruginosa, demonstrated significant dermatological benefits, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, improved wound healing, and reduced chronic UVB damage. The review analyzed 12 studies from the past decade, highlighting Curcuma's role in increasing skin moisture, reducing axillary hair growth, and alleviating symptoms of psoriasis and radiodermatitis. Despite promising results, further clinical trials are needed to determine optimal delivery methods and dosages for various skin conditions.
5 citations,
January 2018 in “Skin Pharmacology and Physiology” Curcuma aeruginosa extract lotion significantly reduces underarm hair growth.
15 citations,
November 2017 in “Drug Delivery and Translational Research” Certain extracts from Curcuma aeruginosa Roxb. and germacrone can boost the skin's absorption of minoxidil, a hair growth promoter, making it more effective.
18 citations,
December 2016 in “Phytomedicine” Curcuma aeruginosa essential oil effectively reduces hair growth and lightens underarm skin.
9 citations,
July 2018 in “Current Pharmaceutical Design” HO-1 helps skin health and healing but can worsen melanoma; it's a potential treatment target for skin diseases.
16 citations,
September 2018 in “Journal of Ethnopharmacology” Plant-based remedies may treat hair loss by reducing inflammation and improving insulin resistance.
170 citations,
September 2019 in “Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine” Some medicinal plants can help heal wounds and may lead to new treatments.
133 citations,
July 2020 in “Cells” Creating fully functional artificial skin for chronic wounds is still very challenging.
Plant-based compounds can improve wound dressings and skin medication delivery.
