Long a staple of Indian and Asian food and medicines, turmeric is now the focus of attention by Western scientists for its potential disease prevention effects. The yellow powder made from the dried stems of the turmeric bush are loaded with curcumin. Early results of turmeric studies indicate that it has strong anti-inflammatory properties and a unique interaction with cell membranes that could lead to pharmacological therapies for a variety of conditions.
The Spice That Heals?
The turmeric you use to spice your foods may also save your heart, fight cancer and reduce inflammation. Turmeric has a "broad spectrum of antioxidant, anticarcinogenic [cancer-preventing], antimutagenic [preventing cell mutations] and anti-inflammatory properties," according to researchers at the University of Michigan, who recently published their findings in the "Journal of the American Chemical Society."
Turmeric, which is a shrub related to ginger, is grown in India, Asia and Africa. Its pungent flavor is commonly used in mustards, cheeses, curry powder, and in fabric dyes. It is also applied directly to the skin in a paste for wound healing. Turmeric also is used as a digestive aid, although high doses over a prolonged period of time can cause indigestion. The active ingredient in turmeric is curcumin.
Scientific Studies Underway
Although the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) says there are few clinical trials that provide evidence of turmeric's effectiveness as a healing agent, the U.S. Patent Office has issued patents for more than 1,000 compounds that include curcumin to treat a wide array of conditions, including heavy metal detoxification, cancer, Alzheimer's Disease, the common cold and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
Preliminary findings from clinical and animal studies suggest that curcumin does have anti-inflammatory and cancer preventive potential, but no human studies have confirmed this according to the NCCAM. Studies by NCCAM-funded researchers are investigating the effects of tumeric in humans and how effective drugs for humans can be developed from the herb.
Mechanism of Action
Although the precise mechanism of action of curcumin in the body is not fully understood, it is believed that it affects chemical processes within the cell membranes by bonding to lipids (blood fats) in a manner similar to cholesterol.
At low concentrations, curcumin has a strong effect on the structure of membranes, and researchers believe that if they can unlock the chemical process by which this occurs, it could also open the door to increased efficacy of other drugs, such as capsaicin, for arthritis pain.
Cautions About Turmeric
Although the NACCM says turmeric is safe for adult consumption, prolonged ingestion of higher doses has been known to cause indigestion. High doses of turmeric in animal studies have caused hepatic (liver) problems, but similar liver damage has not been reported in humans.
Turmeric also may worsen gallbladder disease according to the NACCM.
Tell Your Doctor
If you are taking turrmeric medicinally as a complementary therapy, be sure to tell your health care provider so he or she can manage your care more effectively.
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