Curry leaves also known as kadi patta and scientifically named as Murraya Koenigii. Curry leaves are noted for their distinct flavor and aroma, are not only a classic in Indian cuisine, but they also provide numerous health advantages.
Murraya koenigii is a native of Sri Lanka and India and is a member of the Rutaceae family.
Various names have been given to Murraya koenigii in India, including Karepaku in Andhra Pradesh, Curry/Kari Patta in Hindi, Karivempu in Tamilnadu, Mitha Neemin in Himachal Pradesh, Kariveppilei in Kerala.
These little, aromatic leaves are high in nutrients and bioactive substances, which provide numerous health benefits.
Curry leaves are traditionally used in treating piles, inflammation, itching, fresh cuts, dysentery, bruises, and edema.
Its medicinal properties are not just limited to its leaves, the roots are purgative to some extent. They are stimulating and used for common body aches.
The essential oil extracted from curry leaves are reported to possess anti-oxidative, hepatoprotective, antimicrobial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and nephroprotective activities in animal models.
The medicinal properties of Murraya koenigii have been accredited to several biochemical compounds in it.
In India, curry leaves are added in dishes, curries especially dal, and used to treat diarrhoea, periodic infections. Curry leaves are known for their medicinal and cooking applications.
This post discusses about curry leaves benefits, its nutrient profile and how to include it in your diet.
Health Benefits
Let us have a look at curry leaves benefits for hair.
1. Rich in Antioxidants
Curry leaves are loaded with antioxidants, which help protect the body against oxidative stress and free radical damage.
Curry leaves contains various bioactive compounds such as alkoloids, flavonoids, terpenoids and polyphenols. Some flavonoids in curry leaves include quercetin, apigenin, kaempferol, rutin, catechin and myricetin.
Some major bioactive compounds in curry leaves include mahanine, mahanimbine, isolongifolene, koenimbine, girinimbine, isomahanine, koenoline, and others, which exhibit remarkable antioxidant properties.
In a study of antioxidative activity of curry leaves, it was found that two carbazole alkaloids, mahanimbine and koenigine extracted from curry leaves showed antioxidant activity. Specifically, Koenigine demonstrated strong anti-radical (refers to substances or actions that counteract or neutralize free radicals) effects.
Curry leaf extracts have also shown excellent antioxidant activity, comparable to the compound quercetin.
The antioxidants in curry leaves, including flavonoids, carotenoids, and alkaloids, contribute to their protective effects.
2. May Fight Against Cancer
Koenigii has certain natural compounds that might have cancer-fighting properties.
A cellular study reveals that curry leaves, rich in polyphenols, may slow down cancer cell growth by inhibiting the proteasome, an enzyme involved in protein breakdown. This study on breast cancer cells showed reduced cell survival, inhibited growth, and triggered programmed cell death (apoptosis), while leaving healthy cells unaffected.
In a laboratory study, the benzene extract of curry leaves demonstrated dose-dependent antimutagenic effects, reducing 72-86% of mutagenicity caused by harmful chemicals in a bacterial mutagenicity assay.
Mutagenicity refers to the ability of a substance to cause genetic mutations, which may lead to cancer or other diseases.
These findings suggest curry leaves as potent proteasome inhibitors with potential in cancer treatment.
However, these effects were observed in only in cellular or laboratory studies, further research on animals and humans is needed to validate curry leaves as anti-cancer drug.
3. May Help Treat Ulcers
One of the most prevalent gastrointestinal diseases is the peptic ulcer. Curry leaves’ extract has been found to have anti-ulcer properties.
Animal studies suggest that aqueous and ether extracts of curry leaves significantly reduce stomach lesions, acidity, and ulcerative damage. Their anti-ulcer effects were even comparable to ranitidine, a common anti-ulcer drug, indicating that curry leaves may naturally protect the stomach.
These findings suggest that the aqueous extract of curry leaves may serve as a potent and effective anti-ulcer treatment, but human research is needed.
4. May Improve Cognition
Supplementation with curry leaf extracts has been reported in the management of a wide spectrum of neurodegenerative diseases, like Alzheimer’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease, and others.
An animal study evaluated the effects of curry leaves on Alloxan-induced cognitive impairment in diabetic rats. Ethanolic and aqueous extracts improved memory, reduced oxidative stress, and decreased acetylcholinesterase activity. Results suggest potential benefits for dementia, but further research on toxicity and pharmacological interactions is needed.
Another study investigated the effects of mahanimbine, a compound from curry leaves, on age-related memory loss and brain health in older mice. After 30 days of daily mahanimbine treatment, it improved memory, reduced oxidative stress, lowered harmful proteins and enzymes, and boosted important brain chemicals.
However, the detailed mechanism behind how mahanimbine improves cognitive function and protects the brain needs more investigation.
5. May Promote Kidney Health
Curry leaves may promote kidney health by offering protective effects against kidney damage and oxidative stress.
Animal studies show that curry leaf extract may protect the kidneys by reducing blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, and oxidative stress. It also boosts antioxidants like glutathione and superoxide dismutase, prevents tissue damage, and supports kidney recovery in cases like diabetes and drug-induced injury.
These findings suggest that curry leaves could support overall kidney function and may be beneficial in managing kidney-related conditions naturally, though clinical research is necessary to confirm the findings.
6. May Regulate Blood Sugar Levels
Curry leaves may help manage blood sugar levels, especially in diabetes.
Animal studies show that compounds like mahanimbine from Murraya koenigii can lower blood glucose by enhancing insulin secretion and improving glucose uptake. The extract even showed greater effectiveness than some standard diabetes medications in research.
Another study on diabetic rats found that both aqueous and methanolic extracts of curry leaves significantly lowered blood sugar levels over 28 days. Unlike the untreated group, the treated rats maintained stable body weight, suggesting strong antidiabetic potential of curry leaves.
Though promising, plant-based treatments may work more slowly than conventional drugs, so more long-term studies are needed to confirm these benefits in humans.
7. Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Curry leaves possess anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce inflammation in the body. Chronic inflammation is linked to various diseases, including arthritis, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer.
Animal studies suggest that methanolic extracts of curry leaves may help reduce inflammation and relieve pain. In fact, they have been shown to reduce swelling and increase pain tolerance, with effects comparable to standard painkillers like diclofenac.
These findings suggest that curry leaves may be beneficial in treating inflammatory pain and related conditions.
However, these results are gained through animal studies and more research is essential to confirm its effectiveness on human.
8. May Protect your Liver from Damage
Curry leaves possess significant hepatoprotective properties, making them beneficial for liver health.
Liver is the site of drug metabolism and the detoxification site of toxic products, and so it is the organ most exposed to chemical contaminants.
Curry leaves may support liver health by protecting against damage caused by alcohol and toxins. Animal and cell studies show that their extracts help maintain liver enzymes, boost antioxidant levels, and preserve liver cell integrity in conditions like ethanol- and CCl₄-induced toxicity.
Regular consumption of curry leaves may help protect the liver from damage caused by toxins, medications, and disease—supporting overall liver health and possibly preventing conditions like fatty liver and hepatitis. However, these findings are based on animal studies, and more clinical research is needed to confirm their effects in humans.
9. May Support Heart Health
Curry leaves support heart health by helping lower bad cholesterol (LDL) and increasing good cholesterol (HDL), thanks to their rich antioxidant content. They reduce oxidative stress, which can protect the heart from damage and inflammation.
A study examined the cardioprotective effects of curry leaves extract against doxorubicin-induced heart damage in rats. Results showed that the extract reduced cardiac injury markers, improved antioxidant levels, decreased oxidative stress, reduced inflammation, and preserved heart tissue.
However, the specific way curry leaves extract protects against oxidative damage is still unknown and needs further study.
Another study evaluated the effects of curry leaves on managing cholesterol and preventing atherosclerosis caused by repeated heated vegetable oils in rabbits.
Results showed that the aqueous extract of curry leaves reduced cholesterol levels, fat buildup, and oxidative stress in a dose-dependent manner. At 500 mg/kg/day, its lipid-lowering effects were similar to lovastatin, but with fewer side effects. The extract also reduced oxidative stress more effectively than statins.
This study suggests curry leaves extract as an effective, affordable, and safe natural alternative to statins for reducing cholesterol and preventing atherosclerosis when used in the right doses.
10. May Help in Weight Management
Curry leaves can support weight management due to their rich antioxidant and fiber content.
A 2020 study explored the effects of LI85008F, a proprietary herbal blend made from Moringa leaves, curry leaves, and turmeric, on weight loss in rats made obese by a high-fat diet. After 28 days on this diet, the rats were given LI85008F for another 28 days.
The results were promising. LI85008F significantly increased energy expenditure and led to reductions in body weight, fat mass, liver weight, and triglyceride levels. It also improved several metabolic markers in the blood, such as glucose, cholesterol, and leptin.
Researchers concluded that LI85008F helps regulate body weight and fat accumulation by boosting energy metabolism and reducing fat production. It also appears to protect against fatty liver and may offer broader metabolic health benefits in the context of a high-fat diet.
11. May Fight Against Cancer
Curry leaves contain natural compounds like mahanine and mahanimbine that have shown promising anticancer properties in lab studies.
In a cellular study, researchers extracted three carbazole alkaloids—mahanine, mahanimbicine, and mahanimbine—and essential oil from curry leaves. These compounds showed significant anticancer activity against MCF-7 (breast cancer), HeLa (cervical cancer), and P388 (leukemia) cells, especially mahanimbine and the essential oil.
While early research is encouraging, more human studies are needed to confirm their potential as a natural aid in cancer prevention or support.
12. Antimicrobial and Antibacterial Properties
Curry leaves are rich in powerful compounds like mahanimbine and essential oils that show strong antibacterial activity.
A study found that ethanol extracts of Nilgiri wormwood and curry leaves were effective against Mycobacterium smegmatis and Mycobacterium bovis BCG in combination with anti-TB drugs. Ethanol extracts were most effective, with curry leaves extracts showing significant synergy with anti-TB drugs.
The previously mentioned study also found that curry leaf extracts had strong antibacterial effects against drug-resistant bacteria.
Remember, these results are demonstrated on cellular and laboratory studies, suggesting the need of further research.
Traditional Use
Curry leaves have been used in traditional medicine for centuries. Here are the curry leaves benefits for which it has been revered in traditional medicine.
- Curry leaves are utilised as an excellent hair tonic or maintaining healthy hair tone and promoting hair development.
- Curry leaves are boiled in coconut oil until a thick residue forms, which is used for hair care. This mixture helps promote hair growth, reduce hair loss, and improve scalp health.
- When consumed uncooked, curry leaves assist alleviate morning sickness and diarrhoea.
- Green curry leaves eaten raw along with lime juice can aid in the treatment of diarrhoea and morning sickness.
- Boils and kidney pain are respectively relieved by root juice and leaf paste.
- The dried curry leaf powder is combined with honey and betel nut juice in the Ayurvedic medical system as an anti-periodic remedy (means the mixture is used to prevent the recurrence of diseases or symptoms that occur in regular intervals, such as malaria).
However, while curry leaves have been traditionally used for various health benefits, many of these claims still lack strong scientific backing.
How to Incorporate Curry Leaves into Your Diet
Curry leaves are incredibly versatile, which can be used in various culinary preparations to enhance flavor and nutrition. Here are some simple ways to include curry leaves in your diet:
- Cooking: Add fresh curry leaves to curries, soups, and stews for an aromatic flavor.
- Tempering: Use curry leaves in tempering (tadka) to add a unique flavor to dishes like dal, chutneys, and rice.
- Smoothies: Blend curry leaves into smoothies for a nutrient boost.
- Salads: Chop fresh curry leaves and add them to salads for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Teas: Brew curry leaves with water to make a refreshing and detoxifying tea.
The Bottom Line
Including curry leaves in your diet is easy and adds a burst of flavor to your meals. Whether used fresh, dried, as a powder, or oil, they’re a versatile ingredient with impressive health benefits.
From supporting digestion and brain health to offering anti-cancer and ulcer-fighting properties, curry leaves are more than just a garnish. They’re also a popular addition in hair care for promoting strong, healthy hair.
While many benefits are backed by early research, more human studies are needed to confirm their full potential. Still, don’t forget to toss a few curry leaves into your next dish — your body might thank you for it.
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