Curcuma longa or Turmeric is a well studied plant. It grows throughout India and Asia and looks a bit like ginger root.
It is sometimes known as 'Indian Saffron' due to its deep yellow colour.
The rich colour of Turmeric is down to its curcuminoids, which also happen to be responsible for turmeric's health benefits. The plant chemical Curcumin in Turmeric is the best studied and has been shown to work at a molecular level to reduce inflammation. It is particularly good if you suffer from arthritis or any other inflammatory condition.
Turmeric has shown in numerous studies to support good liver function.