mainly as wild growth and to a
limited extent under cultivation. The yield levels of C. zedoaria and
C. malabarica are also high compared to C. longa (turmeric) besides
being free fromany major pests. Though poor in color, (curcumin about
1–2%) the easy availability coupled with very low price would attract
turmeric powder manufacturers to use C. zedoaria/C. malabarica as an
adulterant of C. longa, irrespective of the spice/medicinal value or its
toxicity. C. zedoaria/C. malabarica are reported as toxic