Turmeric is a spice commonly used in Indian and other Asian cuisines. It is produced from the dried underground stem, or rhizome, of the Curcuma longa plant, a relative of the ginger plant. Turmeric is bright yellow and gives color to traditional Indian dishes. It is also a common component of several Asian herbal medicines, including traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurveda, the herbal medicine of India.
Curcumin
The active agents in turmeric that make it useful for herbal medicine are called curcuminoids. The major member of this group is curcumin, a natural compound isolated from turmeric. The chemical properties of curcumin allow it to remove free radicals from the body and prevent DNA damage to cells, according to the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University. Curcumin may inhibit certain inflammatory enzymes and it may also support production of natural antioxidants by the body's cells.
Uses of Turmeric
Turmeric has a number of uses in Ayurvedic and Chinese herbal medicine, including as an aid for digestive problems, to support liver function, to relieve inflammation from arthritis and to help suppress pain from many sources. It is also applied topically to treat eczema, wounds and other skin problems. Turmeric is used as a preventive for certain types of cancer or to slow the growth of cancerous tumors.
The Evidence
Several lines of evidence suggest that curcumin, the active agent in turmeric, may be an anti-inflammatory agent and may also prevent or suppress cancer. The Linus Pauling Institute indicates that curcumin inhibits production of factors in cells that cause inflammation. It also states that curcumin may help the body eliminate potential carcinogens and that it may prevent cancer cells from invading healthy tissue. Finally, curcumin also seems to induce cancer cells cultured in the laboratory to stop growing and to die. Several clinical trials of curcumin as an anti-cancer agent were in progress as of the end of 2010.
How to Take Turmeric
Turmeric may be taken for gastric upset three or four times daily at 500 mg per dose. Alternatively, it may be sprinkled liberally on food at each meal. Curcumin extracts are available from health food stores in capsule form, usually at 600 to 800 mg of curcumin per capsule. The usual dosage is one capsule two or three times daily. Choose a source that provides curcumin as a standardized extract to minimize differences between batches, and discuss consuming turmeric or curcumin with a doctor before adding it to your regimen.
Precautions
Turmeric is generally considered safe and is not associated with any serious side effects. The Linus Pauling Institute reports that single oral doses of curcumin as high as 12 g cause no adverse effects. However, curcumin may interact with some prescription drugs, including blood thinners. Discuss use of turmeric or curcumin with a doctor before combining it with any drug therapy.
Member Comments