CURRY LEAVES: A SPICY AND BITTER HERB THAT HOLDS THE KEY TO HEALTH

Written By: Vivian Benjamin

Let's talk about Murraya Koenigii
Murraya koenigii or as it is commonly called curry leaves comes from the family Rutaceae. It is native to India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and the Andaman Islands. Presently, the curry leaves have been found thriving in other parts of the world. 


Curry leaves grows as a small tree between 4 and 6cm tall. The leaves are pinnate with 11 to 21 leaflets. The flowers can be found in white, which self-pollinate to produce seeds. The plant blooms well in the sun or the shade but must be protected during winter. 



Culinary and Medicinal Usage
In Ayurveda holistic healing, the leaves, fruits, bark and roots from this plant are used to treat conditions such as inflammation, itchiness, piles, dysentery, body aches, oedema and snakebites.


The leaves have a spicy and bitter taste, which is significant in flavouring dishes, especially curries.


Curry leaves contain many vitamins and minerals that are essential for overall health and well-being. It contains B-carotene, calcium, vitamin C, vitamin B, phosphorus and iron. 



Let's dive deeper into the 6 health benefits of curry leaves


1. Antioxidant properties
Free radicals are created as a byproduct of pollutants such as environmental pollution, smoking, certain types of food and UV radiation. These free radicals can damage the human body if they remain for an extended period. As a result, humans get ill and develop chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes and renal impairments.


Antioxidant compounds can aid in destroying the free radicals in your body. According to several studies, curry leaves contain flavonoids, alkaloids and phenolic (antioxidant properties), which are higher than lemon peels. Moreover, some other studies demonstrate that curry leaves comprise higher levels of antioxidant properties than green leafy vegetables.



2. Anti-inflammatory properties
Inflammation can happen anytime when the human body fights off foreign stimuli. Certain foods have the power to heal inflammation naturally. Curry leaves contain anti-inflammatory properties that have been evidenced to heal oedema. Oedema is a build-up of fluids, which causes swelling on the legs, ankles, and feet. 




3. Regulates glucose and cholesterol levels
Long-term high glucose and cholesterol levels in the human body, lead to chronic illnesses such as diabetes and heart disease. Presently, many people around the world are incorporating unhealthy food and lifestyle hence; there is an increase in these chronic diseases.


Several studies display that curry leaves and fruits contain high levels of anti-diabetic properties. Apart from that, studies also reveal that curry leaves inhibit stress-induced damage to islets of Langerhans (pancreatic cells that secrete insulin and glucagon).


In addition, curry leaves also potentially decrease cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the human body. Therefore, this herb is a healthy food to be consumed to protect heart, liver, brain and kidney health. 

4. Anti-microbial properties
Most people around the world don’t realise that the way they live or the environment they live in is prone to microbial invasion. Not many people wash their hands with soap after going to the toilet; they don’t wash their hands before and after cooking and many habits practised by humans these days invite germs in their lives.


Some people tend to have stronger immune function and don’t fall ill but some people may not be as lucky. Consequently, people rely on antibiotics (modern medicine) to get treated. Many individuals depend on antibiotics even for minor illnesses and this practice damages the immune function in the long run.


Various studies portray evidence that curry leaves and its seeds fight against Bacillus, Salmonella, Staphylococcus and Corynebacterium species bacteria. 

5. Prevents carcinogenesis
In the year 2020, more than 12 million deaths were recorded worldwide due to cancer. Many individuals are developing this chronic illness due to unhealthy diet, poor lifestyle and environmental hazards. It is essential to consume healthy foods that are rich in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.


Numerous studies done on curry leaves display that it inhibits breast and prostate cancer. Presently, both prostate and breast cancer are the third and fourth leading causes of death globally. 



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6. Neuroprotective properties
Alzheimer’s disease is a brain impairment that destroys memory and thinking skills subsequently; hindering an individual from performing the simplest task.


Parkinson's disease is caused by the loss of nerve cells in the brain consequently; leading to slow movement and stiffness.


​Various studies done on curry leaves show that this herb can prevent Alzheimer’s and Parkinson's disease, thanks to its neuroprotective properties.  

All in All
Murraya koenigii or curry leaves are a versatile culinary herb that is used mostly in Indian dishes especially curries to enhance flavouring. The leaves are famous for their distinct aroma due to the presence of volatile oils. This medicinal herb holds plenty of health benefits that can nurture your health and well-being from the inside and outside.


Nutrition Takes explores the medicinal advantages of curry leaves to inspire you to nourish your mind, soul and body. I hope you can take these tips to start a healthy food choice in your holistic health journey. Share in the comments section if you find this article inspiring or if you have used curry leaves in your food journey. I’m always open to more insights.
 
 
 








References
1. Anggriani D et al (2023); Antioxidant Activity of Aceh Curry Leaves (Murraya Koenigii) Extracted Using Various Solvents; Journal of
   Applied Technology; 10(1): 24-29.
2. Hobani, Y. H. (2022); Cytotoxicity of Mahanimbine from Curry Leaves in Human Breast Cancer Cells (MCF-7) via Mitochondrial
    Apoptosis and Anti Angiogenesis; Molecules; 27(3): 971.
3. Gowri R & Vinotha S (2022); A Review of Anti-hyperglycemic Effects of Curry Leaf Tree (Murraya koenigii); Borneo Journal of
    Pharmacy; 5(2): 104-114.
4. Syeda S et al (2023); Effect of Fenugreek Seeds and Curry Leaves Powder on Dyslipidemia- A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study;
    International Journal of Health and Allied Sciences; 11: 229-237.
5. Tan MA & Sharma N (2022); An SSA. Multi-Target Approach of Murraya koenigii Leaves in Treating Neurodegenerative Diseases;
    Pharmaceuticals (Basel); 15(2):188. 
6. Shriya B et al. (2021); Study of physiochemical, nutritional and anti-cancer activity of Murraya koenigii extract for its fermented
   beverage; Journal of Food Processing and Preservation; 46(1): 1-11.
7. Abeysinghe D.T. et al. (2021); Nutritive Importance and Therapeutics Uses of Three Different Varieties (Murraya
   koenigii, Micromelum minutum, and Clausena indica) of Curry Leaves; Evidence Based Complimentary Alternative Medicine;
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