Bioactive Compounds and Biological Activities of Curculigo orchioides Gaertn

Curculigo orchioides Gaertn. is a rare herb belonging to the family Hypoxidaceae, popularly known as “Kali Musli” in India, “Sam Cau”, “Tien Mao” in Vietnam, “Xian Mao” in China. This species is native and widely distributed in Asian countries such as India, Nepal, Pakistan, South China, Laos, Vietnam, Myanmar, and the Philippines. C. orchioides contains several classes of chemicals, including saponins, alkaloids, flavonoids, phytosterols, steroids, free reducing sugars starch, proteins, resins, tannins, mucilage, fats, and inorganic compounds. Rhizoma Curculiginis is used in traditional medicine remedies in various countries for the treatment of a range of ailments, including impotency, aphrodisiacs, tonics, jaundice, and skin conditions. The scientific evidence indicates its aphrodisiac, spermatogenic, estrogenic, immunomodulatory, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiosteoporosis, antidepressant, hepatoprotective, nephroprotective, antidiabetic, antimicrobial. Antiasthmatic, antistress, anticancer, antigout, antihypertensive, antimalarial, and cardiovascular activities. As traditional herbal medicine, C. orchioides has been investigated for its pharmacological activity against diabetes, fungi, bacteria, inflammation, osteoporosis, oxidative stress, cancer, and neurodegeneration. Findings of bioactive compounds and the biological effects of the extract of C. orchioides provide scientific support for the folk use of this plant in the traditional, unvalidated herbal drugs as aphrodisiac and rejuvenating tonics.