Mango Ginger – Curcuma amada – The Uncommon Spice with Uncommon Pharmacotherapeutic Potentials

Mango ginger, or Curcuma amada Roxb., is an uncommon spice that looks like ginger but flavors like fresh mango. Pickles and other culinary items are typically made with mango ginger rhizomes. Mango ginger is widely regarded in Ayurvedic and Unani medicinal systems as a digestive aid, aphrodisiac, antipyretic, emollient, diuretic, laxative, and expectorant as well as a cure for biliousness, itching, skin disorders, bronchitis, asthma, hiccups, and inflammation caused by accidents. Aside from its numerous biological benefits, mango ginger has antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, antiplatelet, cytotoxic, anti-allergic, hypotriglyceridemic, CNS depressing properties, analgesic, etc. Some of the major chemical constituents are volatile oils, phenolic acids, curcuminoids, starch, terpenoids, etc. The primary active components of C. amada are highlighted in this review article along with their biological roles, which may be important from a pharmacological standpoint.