The National Institutes of Health explain that turmeric and its derivative curcumin have long been used in traditional Asian medicine. It's thought to soothe upset stomach and arthritic pain, as well as help to boost your energy. Studies are limited for both turmeric and curcumin, but there's some promise that they may help in the treatment of certain diseases.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Both turmeric and curcumin may help treat inflammatory bowel disease, according to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. Since curcumin acts as anti-inflammatory in the body, it can reduce the inflammation of the large intestines often associated with inflammatory bowel diseases, such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. As swelling subsides, abdominal cramping, diarrhea and bloody stools become less and less intense. It won't cure either of these diseases; it only treat symptoms of the conditions. It may also help to reduce the sensation of heartburn.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
This same anti-inflammatory property may also help in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, indicates the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University. The university sites a study that showed an improvement in morning stiffness, mobility and swelling associated with rheumatoid arthritis after only two weeks of curcumin supplementation. Participants took 1,200 mg of curcumin each day to provide results.
High Blood Cholesterol
The National Institutes of Health list turmeric as a potential treatment for high blood cholesterol, stating that the herb may lower low-density lipoproteins, or LDL, within the bloodstream. LDL cholesterol is often referred to as "bad" cholesterol, since it can cause the accumulation of fatty deposits along the arterial walls. This increases the risk of high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, heart attack and stroke. With a decrease in LDL, you lower your total blood cholesterol and reduce the risk of complications.
Alzheimer's Disease
The Linus Pauling Institute claims there's some promise in the use curcumin for people suffering from Alzheimer's disease. The progression of Alzheimer's disease is partly linked to inflammation and oxidative damage within the brain. Curcumin's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties may help quell the inflammation as well as reduce the damage caused by oxidation, decreasing the number of oxidative DNA. Large controlled studies are necessary to determine the efficacy, dosage and safety of curcumin in treating Alzheimer's disease.
Cancer
Both the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and the Linus Pauling Institute agree with the potential use of turmeric and curcumin in the prevention and treatment of cancer, especially colorectal cancer. Curcumin has shown that it can cause the death of cancerous cells, which may help to retard tumor growth and metastasis of the disease. Much like in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, further studies are necessary to determine efficacy, dosage and safety of turmeric and curcumin for colorectal cancer.
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