The active substance in turmeric is curcumin. Curcumin is what makes turmeric a “functional food,” defined by the Mayo Clinic as “foods that have a potentially positive effect on health beyond basic nutrition.” Arguably, the most powerful aspect of curcumin is its ability to control inflammation. The anti-inflammatory effects of curcumin have also been studied as a possible treatment for Alzheimer’s disease. Nirgundi is a common ingredient in various healing sciences. It is an analgesic and anti-inflammatory which is effective in treating headaches, venereal diseases such as syphilis, rheumatism, sprains, fever, cough, urinary problems and various other ailments.