Turmeric, or Curcuma longa, also commonly called Indian saffron, is related to and looks somewhat similar to ginger. The roots or rhizomes and the bulbs of the plant are the sources of turmeric. It has been used for years as food and in Indian traditional medicine. Turmeric is available as a natural spice, in capsule, as a tincture or in extract form. According to the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, turmeric contains turmerone oil and water soluble curcuminoids, one of which is curcurmin. These are the active components that give turmeric its healing effects.
Ulcerative Colitis
Turmeric extract may help to ease the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome and maintain remission in individuals with ulcerative colitis. The University of Maryland Medical Center reports on a double-blind placebo-controlled study, in which patients with ulcerative colitis who were in remission received either a placebo or curcumin along with their conventional treatment for six months. Results showed that those who took curcumin had a lower relapse rate than those who took the placebo.
Improve Cognitive Performance
Turmeric extract may improve cognitive performance. According to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, turmeric seemed to improve the cognitive performance in elderly Asians who were consuming turmeric as curry powder. Curcumin did not seem to benefit patients with Alzheimer's disease.
Additional Effects
Turmeric extract is a safe non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory treatment for osteoarthritis of the knee, according to the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. It also seems to have an antiproliferative, or inhibiting and preventive effect against cancer. In addition curcumin also induced apoptosis in human colon cancer. Apoptosis is a form of cell death, involving a programmed sequence of events causing the elimination of cells, without releasing harmful substances into the surrounding tissues. Turmeric extract also contains potent antioxidants that help to prevent free radical damage to the tissues.
Considerations
Taking large doses of turmeric over a long period may cause stomach upset or ulcers in some extreme cases. Individuals with gallstones or obstruction of the bile passages should not take turmeric without first speaking with a physician. Patients with diabetes must consult with their physician before taking turmeric. Turmeric may lower blood sugar levels and, when combined with diabetic medications, intensive blood glucose monitoring and adjustments in medication dosage may be necessary. Turmeric supplements should not be taken during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
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