# Javanese turmeric (Curcuma xanthorrhiza)

*Temoe lawak; *Curcuma xanthorrhiza* Roxb. (*C. xanthorrhiza* D. Dietrich); in pharmacy *Curcumae xanthorrhizae rhizoma**

**Known today as.** The dried rhizome, cut in slices, of *Curcuma xanthorrhiza*, a relative of turmeric in the family Zingiberaceae. The European Medicines Agency’s assessment report finds two characteristic classes of constituent: 1 to 2 per cent of curcuminoids, curcumin among them, and 3 to 12 per cent of volatile oil, made mainly of sesquiterpenes and of xanthorrhizol, at about 44.5 per cent of the oil. The presence of xanthorrhizol distinguishes it from common turmeric, *Curcuma longa*.

Kind: Plant

> **Caution.** Because it may stimulate the secretion of bile, the European agency does not recommend it in obstruction of the bile duct, cholangitis, liver disease, gallstones, or any other disease of the bile passages, nor under eighteen, nor in pregnancy or breast-feeding, since curcumin or its metabolites may pass into milk. Mild stomach symptoms such as dry mouth, flatulence, and gastric irritation may occur; the German authority also reported fullness, heartburn, vomiting, diarrhoea, and skin reactions. Animal tests suggest an influence on the cytochrome P450 system, so other medicines metabolised by it call for careful supervision.

## What was it used for?

A digestive. The assessment report finds it used in Europe at least since 1963, “mainly against dyspepsia, skin and liver diseases and infections,” on the Dutch market in a combination product since then and in three German preparations since at least 1976.

## What does modern science say?

The European Medicines Agency’s herbal committee accepts the rhizome as a traditional herbal medicine, “exclusively based upon long-standing use,” for the symptomatic treatment of digestive disturbances such as fullness, slow digestion, and flatulence (monograph of 2014). The committee judged its use plausible in “digestive complaints related to insufficient bile secretion,” but did not word the indication that way, because a lack of bile secretion cannot be diagnosed without a doctor. It found no clinical studies.

## Pharmacognosy and toxicology

- **curcumin**: among the curcuminoids, 1 to 2 per cent
- **xanthorrhizol**: about 44.5 per cent of the volatile oil; distinguishes it from common turmeric

**Mechanism.** It may stimulate the secretion of bile, the European agency notes; animal tests suggest an influence on the cytochrome P450 system.

**Standing.** European Union herbal monograph (2014): traditional use, “exclusively based upon long-standing use,” for digestive disturbances such as fullness, slow digestion, and flatulence.

## Sources

- European Medicines Agency, Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products. *European Union herbal monograph on Curcumae xanthorrhizae rhizoma (Javanese turmeric)*. EMA/HMPC/604600/2012, 28 January 2014.
- European Medicines Agency, Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products. *Assessment report on Curcumae xanthorrhizae rhizoma*. EMA/HMPC/604598/2012, 28 January 2014.
- European Medicines Agency, Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products. *European Union herbal monograph on Curcumae xanthorrhizae rhizoma (Javanese turmeric)*. EMA/HMPC/604600/2012, 28 January 2014.
- European Medicines Agency, Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products. *Assessment report on Curcumae xanthorrhizae rhizoma*. EMA/HMPC/604598/2012, 28 January 2014.

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*Javanese turmeric.* In *Materia Medica*, edited by B. C. P. Statema. Version 1, revised 2026-10-16. The Thinking Press. https://thethinkingpress.org/materia-medica/javanese-turmeric

Historical description, not medical advice.