Turmeric (Curcuma longa L. Zingiberaceae), whose scientific synonyms are C. domestica Valeton and Amomum curcuma is a rhizomatous herbaceous perennial plant. This species is native to Southeast Asia and extensively cultivated in the tropical and subtropical regions of the world. In India, and in several other countries, it is one of the most important spices and used as a natural yellow food pigment and in herbal medicine.

Turmeric oil is prepared from the rhizome of turmeric by steam distillation. Turmeric oil is different from oleoresin of turmeric where curcuminoids are the major compounds while ar-turmerone is the major constituent of turmeric oil . Several medicinal and pharmacological properties such as antifungal, insect repellent, anti-bacterial, anti-platelet and antimutagenic activities of turmeric oil have been reported. Turmeric oil also possess anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-arthritic and antinociceptive properties. It has shown efficacy in neuroprotective activity against cerebral ischemia and attenuation of delayed neuronal death via a caspase dependent pathway