Botanical Overview
Murraya koenigii, commonly known as Curry leaf or Curry tree, belongs to the Rutaceae family. It is native to South and Southeast Asia. The plant’s mainly used parts include leaves, roots, bark, and fruit. Widely used in culinary and traditional medicine, especially in South Asian cultures.
Energetics
This herb has warming temperature and drying moisture qualities. Its taste profile is predominantly bitter and pungent, with descending and outward directionality. It is considered tonifying in action and primarily affects the body’s qi energy.
Primary Actions
- Carminative
- Antioxidant
- Antimicrobial
- Digestive tonic
Indications
Western
- Indigestion
- Diarrhea
- Dysentery
- Diabetes-related symptoms
- Inflammation
- Microbial infections
Syndromes
- Metabolic syndrome
- Gastrointestinal disorders
- Oxidative stress related conditions
- Inflammatory conditions
TCM
No well-established traditional uses documented in TCM.
Ayurveda
- Loss of appetite
- Digestive sluggishness
- Vata and Kapha imbalance symptoms
- Skin conditions
Syndromes
- Agni mandya (weak digestive fire)
- Vata prakopa (vata aggravation)
- Medoroga (obesity and lipid disorders)
Unani
- Dyspepsia
- Flatulence
- Febrile conditions
Syndromes
- Nafkh (bloating)
- Su’ Mizaj (dystemperament related to digestive organs)
Constituents & Mechanisms
Murraya koenigii contains alkaloids including carbazole alkaloids, flavonoids, essential oils, and coumarins, which contribute to its antioxidant, antimicrobial, and digestive properties.
Dosage & Preparations
- Decoction: 5-10 g leaf daily
- Powder: 1-3 g leaf powder once or twice daily
- Tincture: 1:5 hydroalcoholic extract 20-30 drops 2-3 times daily
Safety & Contraindications
Generally safe when used in culinary amounts or traditional medicinal doses. Caution is advised during pregnancy and lactation due to insufficient data. It may enhance effects of blood sugar-lowering medicines. Avoid high doses in sensitive populations.
Astrological Correspondences
No credible planetary or elemental rulers identified with sufficient evidence.
Selected References
- Plants For A Future Database: Murraya koenigii (Curry Leaf)
- WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants: Murraya koenigii (1999)
- Pharmacognosy Review: Phytochemical and Pharmacological Profile of Murraya koenigii (2015)
- Ethnobotany of India: Traditional Uses of Murraya koenigii in Ayurveda and Unani Medicine (2016)