Benefits of Temu Lawak Tablets
Introduction
Curcuma xanthorrhiza Roxb., commonly known as Temulawak or Javanese turmeric, has a long history of traditional use in Indonesia as both a medicinal and nutritional plant [1] [2]. Its rhizome is a key ingredient in traditional Indonesian medicine (jamu) and is traditionally used for various ailments including lack of appetite, stomach disorders, liver illness, constipation, and arthritis [1]. Modern research has explored its diverse pharmacological activities, attributing many benefits to its active compounds, particularly terpenoids, curcuminoids, and xanthorrhizol [1] [3].
Key Findings
Curcuma xanthorrhiza and its compounds, notably xanthorrhizol, demonstrate anticancer properties by inhibiting proliferation, angiogenesis, and metastasis across various cancer types [3] [4] [5].
Supplementation with C. xanthorrhiza has shown potential in improving nutritional status and weight gain in children with poor nutrition or stunting, with one study reporting an average weight gain of 0.66 Kg in an intervention group over 15 days [6] [7].
C. xanthorrhiza exhibits hepatoprotective effects, significantly reducing acute liver damage induced by toxins in mice [2].
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Anticancer and Anti-inflammatory Properties
Curcuma xanthorrhiza and its primary active compound, xanthorrhizol (XTZ), have demonstrated significant anticancer activities. A systematic review found that XTZ has preventive and therapeutic effects against various cancers, including breast, cervical, colon, liver, lung, oral, esophageal, and skin cancers. XTZ achieves this by regulating multiple signaling pathways, blocking carcinogenesis and proliferation, suppressing angiogenesis and metastasis, and activating apoptosis and cell cycle arrest [3]. An in vitro and bioinformatic study on the T47D breast cancer cell line showed that C. xanthorrhiza ethanol extract (ECx) induced apoptosis by increasing the expression of p53, Bax, caspase-3, and caspase-9, and inhibiting AKT-1 via the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway [5]. Furthermore, a study on mice indicated that C. xanthorrhiza extract reduced the average number of tumors and the percentage of tumor-bearing mice in a multistage skin carcinogenesis model [4].
Beyond cancer, C. xanthorrhiza and xanthorrhizol also exhibit anti-inflammatory effects. In a study on human gingival fibroblast-1 cells, C. xanthorrhiza supercritical extract (CXS) and xanthorrhizol (XAN) reduced LPS-upregulated inflammatory factors like nuclear factor kappa B p65 and interleukin-1β, and inhibited osteoclastic factors in RAW264.7 cells by suppressing the MAPK/AP-1 pathway [8]. This anti-inflammatory action also contributes to its traditional use for conditions like arthritis and skin inflammations [1] [4].
Nutritional and Metabolic Benefits
Curcuma xanthorrhiza has been investigated for its role in improving nutritional status and metabolic health. A quasi-experimental study involving 40 children aged 1-3 years with poor nutritional status found that a 15-day intervention with C. xanthorrhiza and honey supplement resulted in an average weight gain of 0.66 Kg in the intervention group, compared to 0.18 Kg in the control group [6]. Another 90-day quasi-experimental study with 40 stunted children showed that supplementation with honey-black cumin and C. xanthorrhiza significantly increased lymphocyte count (p <0.001) and decreased neutrophil count (p <0.001), improving hematological profiles [7]. Additionally, C. xanthorrhiza rhizome extract demonstrated antioxidant activity and significant antidiabetic activity, achieving 70% alpha-amylase inhibition at 100 µg/ml, comparable to the standard Acarbose at 72% inhibition [9].
Organ Protection and Other Health Effects
C. xanthorrhiza has shown protective effects on various organs. A study in mice demonstrated that C. xanthorrhiza extract could significantly reduce acute elevation of serum transaminases and alleviate liver damage induced by hepatotoxins like acetaminophen and carbon tetrachloride, suggesting its potential as a broad-spectrum hepatoprotective agent [2]. The plant is traditionally used for liver illness [1]. Furthermore, xanthorrhizol-rich extracts have been shown to protect against particulate matter-induced skin damage in human keratinocytes and 3D-reconstructed skin models by inhibiting oxidative stress, inflammation, and extracellular matrix degradation [10]. For dysmenorrhea, a pre-experimental study with 24 adolescent girls found that administering 200 ml of boiled C. xanthorrhiza twice a day for one day significantly reduced pain intensity, with the average pain score decreasing from 6.54 to 1.50 (p <0.05) [11].
However, it is important to note that a double-blind RCT involving Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) patients with hypovitamin D found no significant effects of Curcuma xanthorrhiza supplementation combined with vitamin D3 on SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) reduction or serum levels of IL-6 and TGF-β1 [12]. Additionally, C. xanthorrhiza extracts and constituents like xanthorrhizol have the potential to cause herb-drug interactions by inhibiting UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) and glutathione transferase (GST) activities, suggesting caution with co-administration of drugs metabolized by these enzymes [13].
Conclusion
Curcuma xanthorrhiza (Temu Lawak) offers a range of potential health benefits, primarily through its active compounds like xanthorrhizol and curcuminoids. These benefits include significant anticancer activities against various malignancies, hepatoprotective effects against liver damage, and improvements in nutritional status and weight gain in children, with reported average weight gains of 0.66 Kg. It also shows promise in reducing inflammation, protecting against skin damage, and alleviating dysmenorrhea. However, potential herb-drug interactions due to its effects on drug-metabolizing enzymes should be considered.
References:
1) E Rahmat et al. Javanese Turmeric (Curcuma xanthorrhiza Roxb.): Ethnobotany, Phytochemistry, Biotechnology, and Pharmacological Activities. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM (2021). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34194529/
2) SC Lin et al. Protective and therapeutic effects of Curcuma xanthorrhiza on hepatotoxin-induced liver damage. The American journal of Chinese medicine (1995). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8571920/
3) A Simamora et al. Xanthorrhizol, a potential anticancer agent, from Curcuma xanthorrhiza Roxb. Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology (2022). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35933899/
4) JH Park et al. Cancer chemoprotective effects of Curcuma xanthorrhiza. Phytotherapy research : PTR (2008). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18350518/
5) Nur Fitriana et al. Potential of Curcuma xanthorrhiza ethanol extract in inhibiting the growth of T47D breast cancer cell line: In vitro and bioinformatic approach. Journal of Pharmacy & Pharmacognosy Research (2022). https://doi.org/10.56499/jppres22.1448_10.6.1015/
6) Linawati Novikasari et al. Efektivitas pemberian temulawak dan madu terhadap peningkatan berat badan anak dengan status gizi kurang. HOLISTIK JURNAL KESEHATAN (2021). https://doi.org/10.33024/hjk.v15i2.1666/
7) Lukman Hardia et al. A 90-day intervention study of honey-black cumin and Curcuma xanthorrhiza supplementation on hematological profiles in stunted children. Pharmaciana (2025). https://doi.org/10.12928/pharmaciana.v15i2.30300/
8) S Kim et al. Inhibitory Effects of Curcuma xanthorrhiza Supercritical Extract and Xanthorrhizol on LPS-Induced Inflammation in HGF-1 Cells and RANKL-Induced Osteoclastogenesis in RAW264.7 Cells. Journal of microbiology and biotechnology (2018). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29996622/
9) Ahmad Anas Nagoor Gunny et al. In-vitro antioxidant and antidiabetic activity of Curcuma xanthorrhiza. AIP conference proceedings (2021). https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0044369/
10) H Kang et al. Protective Effects of Xanthorrhizol-Rich Extracts Against PM-Induced Skin Damage in Human Keratinocytes and 3D-Reconstructed Skin Models. Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland) (2025). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40573205/
11) Dhea Ayu Retno Palupi et al. Pengaruh Pemberian Temulawak terhadap Penurunan Dismenorea pada Remaja Desa Batuwarno. Quantum Wellness : Jurnal Ilmu Kesehatan (2025). https://doi.org/10.62383/quwell.v2i3.2296/
12) C Singgih Wahono et al. Effect of Curcuma xanthorrhiza Supplementation on Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patients with Hypovitamin D Which Were Given Vitamin D3 towards Disease Activity (SLEDAI), IL-6, and TGF-β1 Serum. International journal of rheumatology (2018). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29445400/
13) NA Salleh et al. Effects of Curcuma xanthorrhiza Extracts and Their Constituents on Phase II Drug-metabolizing Enzymes Activity. Pharmacognosy research (2016). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27695274/