Botanical Overview
Taro (Colocasia esculenta) is a flowering plant in the Araceae family. Traditional medicine systems have documented several valuable applications for this species, supported by its observed therapeutic effects. The arum family (Araceae) includes herbs, climbers, and aquatics with a distinctive inflorescence consisting of a fleshy spike (spadix) surrounded by a modified leaf (spathe). Many species produce calcium oxalate crystals and acrid compounds that cause intense irritation. Despite this, several are used medicinally after proper preparation.
General Description
It is the most widely cultivated species of several plants in the family Araceae that are used as vegetables for their corms, leaves, stems and petioles. Taro corms are a food staple in African, Caribbean, Oceanian, East Asian, Southeast Asian and South Asian cultures.
Family Context
The Araceae family is widely distributed. Notable medicinal members include:
- Jack-In-The-Pulpit — 34 documented uses
- Skunk Cabbage — 33 documented uses
- Dumbcane — 27 documented uses
- Ban-Xia — 24 documented uses
Geographic Distribution
Taro has been recorded in 10 countries and territories worldwide, including Australia, China, Colombia, India, Papua New Guinea, and others.
Traditional Uses
Taro has been traditionally used for digestive health, skin and wound care, and pain and inflammation, among other applications.
Digestive health.
- Dyspepsia
- Vermifuge
- Carminative
- Laxative
For digestive complaints, the herb is typically prepared as a tea or decoction taken before meals. The bitter compounds stimulate digestive secretions and improve nutrient absorption. Some traditions use the powdered root or leaves in small doses as a stomachic tonic.
Skin and wound care.
- Boil
For skin conditions, the fresh or dried plant is applied topically as a poultice, wash, or compress. A strong decoction can be used to clean wounds and sores. The antimicrobial properties help prevent infection while promoting tissue repair.
Pain and inflammation.
- Anodyne
For pain and inflammation, preparations are applied both topically as compresses and taken internally. A warm poultice draws blood to the area and promotes healing, while internal preparations address systemic inflammation.
Active Compounds
Phytochemical research has identified 30 compounds in this species, including a diverse array of phytochemical classes (see the Complete Chemical Inventory below for the full list).
The identified compounds include the following categories:
- Alkaloid: nitrogenous compounds with diverse pharmacological activities