Turmeric is a common spice used mainly in Indian cuisine for coloring and flavoring of curry dishes, but the herb also has some important medicinal properties. You can take turmeric root and rhizomes to treat a wide range of conditions, such as arthritis, gastrointestinal problems and even cancer. Turmeric contains several properties that allow it to provide powerful benefits in the body. But you should always consult your doctor before using any herbal remedy, to discuss potential side effects or interactions with medications that you're taking.
Antioxidant
Turmeric's main constituent, curcumin, has powerful antioxidant properties. As a result, turmeric protects your body's cells from damage by free radicals, which can cause cell death, reports the University of Michigan Health System. Curcumin's antioxidant properties have made turmeric an effective medicinal herb and a food preservative, notes the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.
Anti-Inflammatory
The curcumin and volatile oils contained in turmeric also have anti-inflammatory properties, according to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. Turmeric acts to reduce histamine levels in your body and stimulate cortisone production in your adrenal glands, explains the University of Michigan Health System. These actions allow turmeric to effectively treat certain inflammation-related conditions, such as arthritis. According to the University of Pittsburgh, test tube, animal and preliminary human studies have compared turmeric's effects to some anti-inflammatory drugs used to treat osteoarthritis. For example, a 2009 study of people with osteoarthritis of the knee found that taking turmeric extract was just as effective as a common non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, or NSAID, notes the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. Another double-blind study published in 1986 of people with post-surgical inflammation found that curcumin worked better than the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug phenylbutazone and the placebo drug in treating the inflammation, the University of Michigan reports.
Liver-Protective
Turmeric may help to protect your liver from damage due to toxins from alcohol, medications or poisonous substances, reports the University of Michigan Health System. Curcumin may also prevent liver, heart and kidney damage due to the drug doxorubicin, which is used for chemotherapy, notes the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.
Antiplatelets & Anticoagulant
Taking turmeric may help to prevent atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular problems due to its antiplatelet properties, notes the University of Michigan Health System. Turmeric suppresses the ability of your blood platelets to stick together to form clots, which may help to boost circulation. If you're already taking blood-thinning medications like antiplatelets or anticoagulants, you should avoid taking turmeric due to the risk of bleeding, warns the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.
Anti-Cancer
The curcumin contained in turmeric may also help to prevent cancer. Test tube and animal studies have found that curcumin has the ability to prevent the growth of cancer cells related to colon cancer, pancreatic cancer and leukemia, reports the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. One study published in 1999 found that curcumin prevented skin cancer cells from metastasizing, notes the University of Michigan Health System. Another test tube study published in 2000 found that curcumin inhibited the growth factor and protein involved in human prostate cancer cell growth, according to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.
Bile-Stimulating
Turmeric acts to stimulate bile flow from the gallbladder, which may help to treat a wide variety of gastrointestinal problems. Taking turmeric may help to treat digestive problems like nausea, stomach pain or cramping, gas and bloating. One double-blind study cited by the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center found that turmeric can effectively reduce symptoms related to common digestive problems. Turmeric could also help to ease your symptoms if you have irritable bowel syndrome or ulcerative colitis. A pilot study published in 2004 found that turmeric extract effectively treated irritable bowel syndrome symptoms, reports the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. A 2006 double-blind clinical trial, cited by the University of Pittsburgh and Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, also found that curcumin helped to treat ulcerative colitis and maintain remission when the study participants took the herb along with their regular medications.
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