Turmeric is a common cooking spice in South Asia and has also been used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years. A member of the ginger family, this bright yellow spice comes from the roots or rhizomes of the turmeric plant. Turmeric contains an active compound called curcumin, which has been studied for anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties.
Wound Healing
Turmeric may have antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties, which help disinfect and heal skin wounds, scrapes, cuts and minor burns. According to a clinical trial published in the "Southeast Asian Journal of Tropical Medicine and Public Health," turmeric capsules or tablets may also help treat peptic (stomach) ulcers by healing the lining of the stomach and decreasing ulcer-causing bacteria in the body.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
According to a study published in "The Medical Journal of Australia," the curcumin in turmeric may contain anti-inflammatory properties that are as effective as the nonsteroidal prescription drug indomethacin. Reducing inflammation in the body helps decrease pain, swelling and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases. Turmeric taken internally or applied topically to the skin also may be able to treat inflammatory skin conditions and allergic reactions such as eczema and psoriasis.
Decreased Cancer Risk
According to "The Medical Journal of Australia," research indicates that turmeric may help decrease the risks of cancers of the skin, stomach, liver, lungs and colon as well as oral cancers. As reported by a study in the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition," turmeric helps inhibit the growth and division of tumors called adenocarcinomas in the intestines.
Antioxidant Effects
Curcumin is a powerful antioxidant and is even better than vitamin E at cleansing the body of free radicals, according to a study published in the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition." This antioxidant action helps protect and improve nerve function in the body and brain. A study published in the journal "Current Alzheimer Research" showed that the potent antioxidant properties of turmeric may help delay age-related mental decline and memory loss. The research suggests that curcumin may even be a promising agent to treat or prevent Alzheimer's disease.
References
- The Medical Journal of Australia: Health benefits of herbs and spices: the past, the present, the future
- American Journal of Clinical Nutrition: Spicing up a vegetarian diet: chemopreventive effects of phytochemicals
- American Journal of Clinical Nutrition: Health-promoting properties of common herbs
- Current Alzheimer Research: A Potential Role of the Curry Spice Curcumin in Alzheimer's Disease
- Southeast Asian Journal of Tropical Medicine and Public Health: PHASE II CLINICAL TRIAL ON EFFECT OF THE LONG TURMERIC (CURCUMA LONGA LINN) ON HEALING OF PEPTIC ULCER
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