title: Use of Curcuma longa L. extract to stain various tissue samples for histological studies.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Curcuma longa L. is a perennial herb and a member of the Zingiberaceae (ginger) family, which is used extensively in foods as well as in Ayurvedic and Chinese systems of medicine. Current researches have focused on its antioxidant, hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, anticarcinogenic and antimicrobial properties. Until now, very few studies suggested its role as a histological stain.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To ascertain its efficacy to be used as a counterstain after hematoxylin, to compare it's staining ability with that of routinely used eosin dye and also to ascertain its role in various collagen diseases.
  
  
  METHODS
  Turmeric rhizomes were cut into small pieces and were dried. These dried turmeric rhizomes were milled to form fine powder, which was then processed to form dye for staining tissue structures.
  
  
  RESULTS
  It revealed that turmeric can be used as a counterstain after hematoxylin, its staining ability was also good and comparable to that of eosin dye with a special affinity for collagen and muscle fibers.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Turmeric dye can be used as a histological stain, which stains similar to eosin dye and its specific affinity for collagen and muscle fibers authenticates its role in the treatment of collagen and muscle disorders.
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology, Kothiwal Dental College and Research Centre, Moradabad, India.
authors.forename: Sachin
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kumar
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology, Kothiwal Dental College and Research Centre, Moradabad, India.
authors.forename: Narendra Nath
authors.initials: NN
authors.lastname: Singh
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology, Kothiwal Dental College and Research Centre, Moradabad, India.
authors.forename: Arun
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Singh
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology, Teerthankar Mahaveer University, Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, India.
authors.forename: Neelakshi
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Singh
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology, Sarjug Dental College, Laheriasarai, Darbhanga, Bihar, India.
authors.forename: Raman Kant
authors.initials: RK
authors.lastname: Sinha
keywords: Counterstain; Curcuma longa; Zingiberaceae; eosin; hematoxylin; turmeric