# Naga Yellow (Curcuma longa) **Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/naga-yellow **Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia **Updated:** 2026-03-24 **Evidence Score:** 2 / 10 **Category:** Other **Also Known As:** Curcuma longa var. Naga Yellow, Turmeric Naga Yellow, Yellow Naga Turmeric, Haldi Naga, Jiang Huang Naga, Naga Haldi, Indian Saffron Naga ## Overview Naga Yellow (Curcuma longa) is a turmeric variant containing curcumin as its primary bioactive compound. Curcumin modulates [inflammatory pathway](/ingredients/condition/inflammation)s through inhibition of NF-κB signaling and cyclooxygenase enzymes. ## Health Benefits • No clinical evidence available in the research dossier • No meta-analyses or RCTs provided • No mechanism of action studies included • No safety or efficacy data presented • Evidence quality: Not assessed due to lack of clinical research ## Mechanism of Action Naga Yellow turmeric's curcumin inhibits nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), a key inflammatory transcription factor. The compound also suppresses cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and lipoxygenase enzymes involved in [prostaglandin](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) synthesis. Additional mechanisms include modulation of tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-6 production. ## Clinical Summary No specific clinical trials have been conducted on Naga Yellow turmeric as a distinct variety. General curcumin research includes randomized controlled trials with 500-1000mg daily doses showing modest [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects. Most studies focus on standardized curcumin extracts rather than specific turmeric cultivars. Evidence quality for this particular variant remains insufficient due to lack of dedicated research. ## Nutritional Profile Naga Yellow (Curcuma longa) is a turmeric variety with a nutritional profile characteristic of dried turmeric rhizome powder. Key macronutrients per 100g dried powder: carbohydrates ~65g (including starch ~40-50g, dietary fiber ~13g), protein ~8g, fat ~10g (including essential fatty acids). Micronutrients: potassium ~2525mg, iron ~55mg, manganese ~19mg, magnesium ~208mg, phosphorus ~299mg, calcium ~183mg, zinc ~4.5mg, copper ~0.6mg. Vitamins: vitamin C ~26mg, vitamin B6 ~1.8mg, niacin ~5.1mg, riboflavin ~0.23mg, folate ~20mcg. Primary bioactive compounds: curcuminoids comprising 2-5% by weight (curcumin as dominant fraction at ~75% of total curcuminoids, alongside demethoxycurcumin and bisdemethoxycurcumin); volatile essential oils ~3-7% including turmerone, ar-turmerone, and zingiberene; polysaccharides (ukonan types). Bioavailability note: curcumin exhibits inherently poor oral bioavailability (<1% absorption) due to low aqueous solubility and rapid hepatic [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) to glucuronide and sulfate conjugates; co-administration with piperine (black pepper extract, 20mg per 2g curcumin) increases bioavailability by approximately 2000% by inhibiting hepatic and intestinal glucuronidation. Lipid-based or phospholipid complexed formulations (phytosomes) also significantly enhance absorption. The 'Naga Yellow' designation likely refers to a regional cultivar from Northeast India with potentially elevated curcuminoid concentration compared to standard commercial turmeric varieties, though specific cultivar-level compositional data remains limited in published literature. ## Dosage & Preparation No clinically studied dosage ranges are available in the provided research. Without pharmacological or clinical trial data, appropriate dosing cannot be determined. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement. ## Safety & Drug Interactions Turmeric may increase bleeding risk when combined with anticoagulant medications like warfarin. High doses can cause gastrointestinal upset including nausea and diarrhea in sensitive individuals. Turmeric may enhance blood sugar-lowering effects of diabetes medications, requiring monitoring. Pregnant women should avoid therapeutic doses due to potential uterine stimulant effects. ## Scientific Research The research dossier contains no clinical trials, meta-analyses, or PMIDs related to Naga Yellow or Curcuma longa's biomedical properties. Without access to peer-reviewed clinical literature, no evidence-based health claims can be made. ## Historical & Cultural Context The research dossier does not contain information about traditional or historical use of Naga Yellow specifically. While Curcuma longa has documented traditional uses, this specific cultivar's cultural context cannot be established from the available horticultural information. ## Synergistic Combinations Cannot be determined without bioavailability or interaction studies ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What makes Naga Yellow turmeric different from regular turmeric? Naga Yellow is a specific cultivar of Curcuma longa that may have distinct curcumin content and composition. However, no comparative studies have analyzed the specific bioactive profile differences between Naga Yellow and standard turmeric varieties. ### How much Naga Yellow turmeric should I take daily? No specific dosage guidelines exist for Naga Yellow turmeric due to lack of clinical studies. General turmeric supplementation typically ranges from 500-1000mg daily of standardized extract, though individual needs may vary. ### Can Naga Yellow turmeric help with joint pain? While general curcumin research suggests potential anti-inflammatory benefits, no clinical trials have specifically tested Naga Yellow turmeric for joint pain. Any potential benefits would be extrapolated from broader curcumin research. ### Is Naga Yellow turmeric safe with blood pressure medication? Turmeric may enhance the effects of blood pressure medications, potentially causing hypotension. Consult your healthcare provider before combining Naga Yellow turmeric with antihypertensive drugs, as monitoring may be necessary. ### Where does Naga Yellow turmeric come from originally? Naga Yellow turmeric originates from Northeast India, particularly the Naga Hills region. This variety has been traditionally cultivated in the area for its distinct characteristics, though scientific documentation of its unique properties remains limited. ### What is the curcumin content in Naga Yellow turmeric compared to other turmeric varieties? Naga Yellow turmeric, originating from the Nagaland region of India, is prized for its naturally higher curcumin concentration compared to many common turmeric varieties. The specific curcumin percentage can vary based on growing conditions and harvest timing, but Naga Yellow is generally recognized among cultivar variants for its robust golden color and potent composition. This higher curcumin content is one reason it is preferred by supplement manufacturers seeking concentrated turmeric extracts. ### Is Naga Yellow turmeric suitable for people with turmeric allergies or sensitivities? Individuals with turmeric allergies or sensitivities should exercise caution with Naga Yellow turmeric, as it is still Curcuma longa and contains the same allergenic compounds as other turmeric varieties. Those with known sensitivities to ginger or other plants in the Zingiberaceae family may experience cross-reactivity. It is advisable to consult a healthcare provider before use if you have any documented turmeric allergies or related food sensitivities. ### How does the flavor profile of Naga Yellow turmeric differ from other turmeric cultivars? Naga Yellow turmeric is known for its warm, slightly earthy flavor with subtle peppery notes, which can be more pronounced than some lower-curcumin varieties due to its concentrated volatile oil profile. The intensity and complexity of flavor make it a preferred choice in culinary applications as well as supplement formulations where taste matters. Its distinctive flavor characteristics reflect its unique terroir and growing conditions in the Nagaland region. --- *Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com* *License: CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — Attribution required. Commercial use: admin@hermeticasuperfoods.com*