Murraya koenigii (L.) Spreng.   

• Botanical Name: Murraya koenigii (L.) Spreng.
• Family: Rutaceae
• Genus: Murraya
• Species: koenigii
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Synonyms:
• Bergera koenigii (L.)
• Murraya odorata
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Common Names:
• English: Curry leaf tree, Sweet neem
• Hindi: Curry Patta
• Tamil: கறிவேப்பிலை (Kariveppilai)
• Malayalam: കറിവേപ്പില (Kariveppila)
Botanical Description:
Murraya koenigii, commonly known as the curry leaf tree, is a tropical to subtropical plant native to India and Southeast Asia. Here are the key features of this plant:
• Plant Type: Small to medium-sized deciduous shrub or tree.
• Height: Typically grows up to 4–6 meters in height.
• Stem: The trunk is slender and light brown or grayish.
• Leaves: The plant is famous for its aromatic pinnate leaves, each compound leaf containing 11–21 leaflets. The leaflets are ovate-lanceolate, glossy, and dark green in color, with a strong aromatic scent when crushed.
• Flowers: Small, white or cream-colored, fragrant flowers are borne in clusters. They appear in the summer months.
• Fruits: The fruit is a small, round, purple or black berry that contains a single seed.
• Root: The root system is fibrous and spread out.
Uses of Murraya koenigii:
1. Culinary Uses:
• Curry leaves are widely used in South Asian cooking, especially in Indian, Sri Lankan, and Southeast Asian cuisines, to flavor curries, rice, soups, and chutneys.
• The fresh leaves are often sautéed in oil or ghee and added to dishes as part of tempering (tadka or popu in various regional languages).
• The dried leaves are also used to flavor spice mixes, and they are commonly added to dal (lentil dishes) and sambar.
2. Medicinal Uses:
• Anti-inflammatory Properties: Murraya koenigii has anti-inflammatory effects and is used in traditional medicine to treat conditions such as arthritis and joint pain.
• Digestive Health: The leaves are used as a remedy for digestive disorders, including indigestion, diarrhea, and nausea.
• Antioxidant Properties: The plant is rich in antioxidants, which are beneficial for reducing oxidative stress in the body.
• Blood Sugar Regulation: Studies suggest that curry leaves can help in lowering blood sugar levels and are used as a traditional remedy for diabetes.
• Hair Care: Curry leaves are believed to promote hair growth, reduce hair loss, and prevent premature greying when applied as a paste or in oils.
• Antibacterial and Antifungal: The leaves have antibacterial and antifungal properties and have been used in treating infections, especially those related to the skin.
3. Aromatic and Cosmetic Uses:
• The essential oil derived from Murraya koenigii leaves is used in the preparation of soaps, shampoos, and lotions due to its fragrance and skin-beneficial properties.
4. Insect Repellent:
• The plant is known for its insect-repellent qualities. The leaves and extracts are used to deter pests and mosquitoes.