American researchers of Indian origin, Suman K. Das and Hari Har P. Cohly of the University of Mississippi Medical Center, put a claim to the US Patent and Trademark Office, maintaining that they had discovered haldi’s (turmeric) healing properties. They were granted a patent in March 1995.

Later, The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) applied to the US Patent Office for a reexamination (because, turmeric already used in Ayurveda and also it is our traditional knowledge). US Patent Office acknowledged it had made a mistake and cancelled the patent on turmeric.

  • History Turmeric has been used for thousands of years in India, where it was first cultivated over 4,000 years ago. It was used in Vedic culture as a culinary spice and for religious purposes. Turmeric was also used in ancient Indian medicine systems like Ayurveda and Siddha.
  • Spread Turmeric spread through trade routes to other parts of the world, including China, East Africa, West Africa, and Jamaica. It became a staple in Ethiopian cuisine.
  • Culinary and medicinal use Turmeric is a culinary spice and dye that comes from the underground stems of the turmeric plant. It’s also used in medicine and as a coloring agent.
  • Importation Many countries, including the US, import turmeric. India is the world’s largest producer, consumer, and exporter of turmeric.
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