Turmeric root, or Curcuma longa, has been used for many hundreds of years in Indian as a dye, a spice and as a medicinal herb within Ayurvedic medicine. Turmeric root is usually dried and ground into a distinctive yellow-orange powder, then added to curry dishes or other Asian cuisine. The active ingredient in turmeric is curcumin, which is purported to have many medicinal properties, including powerful antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. Turmeric can also be consumed in capsules, as a health supplement, usually in dosages of 250 to 500 mg.
Stomach Ulcers
Stomach ulcers can be exacerbated by stress and acidic foods, but 80 percent are actually caused by bacterial infection from contaminated food. A study published in the December 2002 edition of "Anticancer Research" found that curcumin within curry powder inhibits the H. pylori bacteria from reproducing in the stomach, which is the primary pathogen that causes ulcers and stomach inflammation. Specifically, curcumin displays antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that kill bacteria and other microbes. Further, the biologically active components of turmeric stimulate the production of gastric mucus, which assists with digestion and protects against other causes of stomach ulceration.
Pain Relief
Because of the strong anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties displayed by curcumin, turmeric powder is used to treat minor external injuries, such as cuts, burns and infections. Turmeric, when consumed, can also reduce pain and inflammation within joints and muscles, making it a suitable alternative treatment for arthritis and back pain. According to "The Way of Ayurvedic Herbs: A Contemporary Introduction and Useful Manual for the World's Oldest Healing System," curcumin scavenges nitric oxide and super-oxides within the bloodstream and inhibits pro-inflammatory substances, such as Cox-2. Further, curcumin is not toxic, even in large doses.
Alzheimer's Disease
Turmeric may prevent and slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease by dissolving amyloyd protein plaques in the brain, which are a hallmark of the condition. According to a study on mice, published by F. Yang in the December 2004 edition of "Journal of Biological Chemistry," curcumin can cross the blood-brain barrier, work as an anti-inflammatory agent, prevent amyloid plaque formation and dissolve existing plaques. The formation of the plaques, which may be in response to toxic compounds within the brain, cause inflammation, neuron death and reduce cognitive function.
Cholesterol
Turmeric also promotes cardiovascular health. According to "Medical Herbalism: The Science Principles and Practices of Herbal Medicine," clinical trials have shown that curcumin lowers circulating levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in the bloodstream, and works as well as Clofibrate, but without that medication's side effects. Tumeric can also reduce angina pain and promote normalization of blood pressure, according to "Medical Herbalism." In Ayurvedic medicine, turmeric is used as a liver and gall bladder detoxifier, among other purposes.
Cancer Protection
Curcumin's antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties may also offer cancer protection, as some types have relatively low incidences in countries where turmeric is commonly eaten, such as India, according to "The Way of Ayurvedic Herbs." Another study on mice, published by B. Aggarwal in the January 2003 edition of "Anticancer Research," found that curcumin kills cancer cells in the prostate and suppresses tumor initiation by inhibiting genes that trigger cancer. Turmeric has also demonstrated to be able to stop the growth of new blood vessels in tumors and inhibit the process of metastases from occurring in many different forms of cancer.
References
- "Anticancer Research"; Turmeric and Curcumin Inhibit the Growth of H. Pylori, a Group-1 Carcinogen; G. Mahady et al; December 2002
- "The Way of Ayurvedic Herbs: A Contemporary Introduction and Useful Manual for the World's Oldest Healing System"; Karta Purkh Singh Khalsa; 2009
- "Journal of Biological Chemistry"; Curcumin Inhibits Formation of Amyloid-β Oligomers and Fibrils, Binds Plaques and Reduces Amyloid in Vivo; F. Yang et al; December 2004
- "Medical Herbalism: The Science Principles and Practices of Herbal Medicine"; David Hoffmann; 2003
- "Anticancer Research"; Anticancer Potential of Curcumin: Preclinical and Clinical Studies; B. Aggarwal et al; January 2003
- "Human Biochemistry and Disease"; Gerald Litwack; 2008
Member Comments