Murraya koenigii - Girinimba

Karibevu, Murraya koenigii, Curry tree

Murraya koenigii, commonly known as curryleaf or kari patta in Indian dialects, belonging to Family Rutaceae which represent more than 150 genera and 1600 species. Murraya Koenigii is a highly values plant for its characteristic aroma and medicinal value. It is an important export commodity from India as it fetches good foreign revenue.

Plant Description

Kari patta is a beautiful green tree, growing 31 feet tall. The aromatic leaves are pinnate, with 11–21 leaflets. The plant produces small white flowers which can self-pollinate to produce small shiny-black berries containing a single, large viable seed.

Useful Parts of the plant

• Leaves, Root, Crust and Fruits.

Health Benefits of Curry Leaves

1. It is an antioxidant: The antioxidant properties of the curry tree are compared to that of methanol extracts from Amaranthus. The curry leaf can be beneficial for people who are exposed to cadmium.
2. Antinoiciceptive: The presence of methanol in the leaves make the plant antinoicieptive. This plant has proven to be work as an analgesic and relieve problems such as paw edema as well as pain due to inflammation.
3. Lipid Lowering: The MKD and MKE extracts from the Murraya Koenigii is used to lower lipid levels in the body. It helps in preventing obesity and can be prescribed to diabetic patients as well.
4. Alzheimer’s disease: Dementia and Alzheimer has become a common ailment seen in aging people. This plant has the property of improving cognitive functions and reducing stress levels.
5. Anti diabetic and islet protective: The extracts of the curry tree help in protecting the pancreatic beta cells and improving the functioning of pancreatic islets that are responsible to produce insulin.
6. Gastrointestinal disorders: The extract from the seeds of the curry tree are beneficial for gastrointestinal problems.
7. Anti cancer: The properties of Murraya Koenigii make it a herb that acts as a preventive for cancer. It is known to improve cell immunity as well.
8. Hepatoprotective: The leaf extracts of Murraya Koenigii is known to reduce levels of aspartae, bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase. This leaf extract is known to relieve the problem of liver dysfunction and relieving hepatic complications.
9. Antibacterial: The curry leaf has antibacterial properties.

Common name

• English - Curry Leaves
• Kannada - ಕರಿಬೇವು
• Hindi - कढी पत्ता ; गन्धेल

External Links

• wikipedia