(+)-ar-Turmerone is an aromatic compound from the rhizomes of C. longa, a perennial plant of the ginger family, Zingiberaceae, commonly used in traditional Asian medicines. It is also a major constituent of essential oil of turmeric, which is known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-nociceptive properties. Two structurally and physiologically distinct forms of turmerone have been isolated from C. longa, (+)-ar-Turmerone and α-turmerone. (+)-ar-Turmerone stimulates the proliferation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells and increases the production of TNF-α, IL-2, and IFN-γ. It also promotes the maturation of dendritic cells and induces the proliferation of neural stem cells both in vitro and in vivo.
