Turmeric belongs to the elite group of spices of Indian origin. Its proven efficacy as a digestive aid, against gastric and peptic ulcers, inflammation, rheumatold-and osteo-and arthritis attracted special attention of the western world in recent years. Clinical trials also corroborated the anti-atherosclerotic, anti-carcinogenic (specially related to colon and prosrate) and anti-mutagenic effect of its active constituent, curcumin. The book fulfills a timely need of a comprehensive account of all aspects of turmeric, namely cultivation, identification, uses in modern medicine, specially established by clinical trials, as well as in other systems of traditional medicines, Ayurvedic formulations and home remedies. It covers the up-to-date researchers on the pharmacological, microbiological, immunopharmacological and biochemical actions as also the detailed phytochemistry of turmeric and curcumin, syntheses and biosynthesis and structure-activity relationships of the curcuminoids with 532 references. It also includes glossary of medical terms, selected classified glossary of medical terms, selected classified Patents (-170) and a classified list of (-200) US and World-wide patents. The book is thus expected to be well received by specialists, students and entrepreneurs like its predecessor, "Ginger -A Versatile Healing Herb".