320 POWDERED VEGETABLE DRUGS 



77. (Fig. 86.) Curcuma. 



Fine powder. As a spice. 



Turmeric. The Rhizomes of Curcuma longa L., Scitamineae. 



Dry feel. 



Bright orange yellow which disappears in the presence of alkalies. 



Aromatic but not strongly so, recalling ginger. 



Pungent, somewhat bitter. 



Typical parenchyma cells filled with the agglurinated pasty starch 

 granules (due to placing in boiling hot water preparatory to drying), 

 forming masses equal in size to lumen of cells. A few unchanged starch 

 granules; simple, irregularly ovoid with the small hilum (a mere dot) at 

 the extreme tip of the abruptly narrowing end ; 30/z to 40/x ; lamellation 

 distinct, polarizing bands rathet indistinct. A few simple trichomes 

 may be found. Yellow color prevails throughout. 



Ash 8 per cent. Impurities should not exceed 5 per cent. 



Not generally adulterated but very much used as an adulterant 

 (in ground mustard, prepared mustard, etc.), and as a coloring sub- 

 stance. An ingredient in curry powders; also forming a well-known 

 test reagent in chemical laboratories. 



