Karuveppilai (கருவேப்பிலை), the curry leaf, comes from the curry tree, the botanical Bergera koenigii (Kew’s accepted name, long written Murraya koenigii), a plant of the citrus family (Rutaceae). AVM Herbals’ Karuveppilai Powder is titled “Curry Leaf” and its listing names the plant as Murraya koenigii, the older name for the same species.
Names at a glance
- Tamil: கருவேப்பிலை (Karuveppilai), the spelling AVM Herbals uses in its own Tamil product name, கருவேப்பிலை பொடி (owner-provided spelling); Tamil Wikipedia writes கறிவேப்பிலை (Kariveppilai) for the leaf and கறிவேம்பு for the tree
- English: curry leaf, curry tree
- Botanical: Bergera koenigii L. (accepted name at Kew; family Rutaceae); also written Murraya koenigii (L.) Spreng., the name on AVM’s listing
- Part used in AVM’s powder: leaf
Why “curry” is a Tamil word
English Wikipedia notes that the word “curry” is borrowed from the Tamil word kari, meaning a spiced sauce, and that the leaves of this tree are used in many dishes in India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. It adds that the spelling karuveppilai is sometimes linked to the dark colour of the leaves (karu, dark), though the English word comes from the leaf’s use in spiced dishes. Tamil Wikipedia explains கறிவேப்பிலை as a compound of கறி (kari), வேம்பு (vembu) and இலை (ilai): a leaf put into kari that also looks like a neem leaf. Spelling varies in everyday Tamil, which is why this page shows both forms.
One plant, two botanical names
Kew’s Plants of the World Online accepts Bergera koenigii L. and treats Murraya koenigii (L.) Spreng. as its synonym. The older name is the one on AVM Herbals’ product listing and on many labels, so this page shows both. GBIF’s backbone taxonomy currently lists it the other way round, with Murraya koenigii accepted and Bergera koenigii as a synonym. All of these names refer to the same plant, and AVM Herbals’ listing keeps its existing wording; this page does not change it.
In the AVM Herbals range
Karuveppilai Powder is made from curry leaf. Its product page gives the directions for use and the pack size; please follow the directions on the pack. AVM Herbals lists it in the Hair Care collection among the leaf powders, and the Forms of Siddha Preparations guide explains what a powder is.
Herbal products are not suitable for everyone. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication or managing a health condition, please speak to a qualified practitioner before starting any herbal product.
தமிழில் சுருக்கம்
கருவேப்பிலை (கறிவேப்பிலை) என்பது கறிவேம்பு மரத்தின் (Bergera koenigii; Murraya koenigii என்றும் குறிப்பிடப்படுவது) இலை. “கறி” என்ற தமிழ்ச் சொல்லிலிருந்தே ஆங்கிலத்தில் “curry” என்ற சொல் வந்தது. ஏவிஎம் ஹெர்பல்ஸின் கருவேப்பிலைப் பொடி இலையிலிருந்து தயாரிக்கப்படுகிறது; பயன்படுத்தும் முறைக்குத் தயாரிப்புப் பக்கத்தைப் பார்க்கவும்.
References
- Kew Plants of the World Online (POWO) — Bergera koenigii L., accepted name, family Rutaceae (botanical identity and accepted name only): powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:771522-1; Murraya koenigii (L.) Spreng. listed as its synonym: powo.science.kew.org/taxon/774433-1
- International Plant Names Index (IPNI), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew — Bergera koenigii L. (name record): ipni.org/n/771522-1; Murraya koenigii (L.) Spreng. (name record): ipni.org/n/774433-1
- GBIF Backbone Taxonomy — lists Murraya koenigii (L.) Spreng. as the accepted name, family Rutaceae: gbif.org/species/5421333; Bergera koenigii L. is listed there as a synonym: gbif.org/species/3832804
- English Wikipedia — Curry tree (leaves in cooking; origin of the word “curry” from Tamil kari): en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Curry_tree
- Tamil Wikipedia — கறிவேம்பு (Tamil names; spelling கறிவேப்பிலை): ta.wikipedia.org/wiki/கறிவேம்பு
- AVM Herbals product listing (title and ingredient line, curry leaf; Tamil product name கருவேப்பிலை பொடி is owner-provided spelling, not a botanical-language source): Karuveppilai Powder
These references establish the plant’s identity, its current and older botanical names, the leaf and the Tamil names; they are not evidence of health effects. This is general traditional-use information, not medical advice.
About this guide
Published by AVM Herbals. Prepared with AI assistance from the cited botanical sources and AVM product listings. Tamil wording is awaiting native review. Suggest a correction.