Definition

An East Indian plant that is a member of the ginger family and is used as a spice and food color. It is a major ingredient found in curry powder. The underground stem of the Indian saffron plant has been used for many years in traditional Asian medicine to treat certain conditions. The substance in Indian saffron that gives it a yellow color is called curcumin, which may have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in the body. Indian saffron can be made into a capsule, tablet, extract, powder, or tea and taken by mouth as a dietary supplement. It can also be made into a paste to treat skin conditions. Indian saffron is being studied in the prevention and treatment of some types of cancer. Its scientific name is Curcuma longa. Also called jiang huang and turmeric.