Crohn's disease is a form of inflammatory bowel disease characterized by inflammation of the intestine. It is chronic disease that causes diarrhea, fever, abdominal pain, poor appetite and nausea. There is no cure for Crohn's disease, but there are a number of medications that can help to alleviate symptoms and may also help to bring the disease into remission. Turmeric may have anti-inflammatory properties and may help to reduce symptoms. However, scientific evidence to prove that it is effective is limited. Talk to your doctor before incorporating it into your treatment plan.
Properties and Administration
Commonly used to flavor cooking, turmeric is also used as medicinal remedy for a number of ailments, including kidney stones, infections and inflammatory conditions. It contains compounds known as curcuminoids, which according to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center likely confer turmeric's anti-inflammatory effects. The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests taking 1 to 2g of turmeric daily to benefit from its anti-inflammatory effects, but this is only a guideline. Your doctor will be able to advise you how much to take.
Effectiveness
Evidence that turmeric is an effective treatment for Crohn's disease is limited. However, the results of a study by J. Epstein and colleagues published in the March 2010 issue of the "British Journal of Nutrition," show that curcumin, a compound found in turmeric, suppresses the expression of inflammatory mediators in children and adults with inflammatory bowel disease. The authors therefore conclude that this compound may hold promise as a novel therapy for inflammatory bowel disease. Research published in the December 2004 issue of the "Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine" also found that turmeric may help to reduce symptoms of irritable bowel diseases.
Side Effects and Contraindications
Turmeric is likely safe for most people, according to RxList. However, it may cause nausea or diarrhea. Do not take turmeric if you have gallbladder disease or if you are scheduled to undergo surgery. It may increase your risk of bleeding. Avoid it if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. It may heighten the effects of anticoagulants like clopidogrel, aspirin and warfarin.
Other Herbal Options
Other herbs that may help to alleviate Crohn's symptoms include cat's claw and slippery elm, according to UMMC. Cat's claw has anti-inflammatory effects, and slippery elm may help to soothe mucosal membranes. Like turmeric, these herbs may cause side effects and may not be suitable for everyone. For example, slippery elm affects the absorption of oral drugs and may cause an allergic reaction in some people. Get medical clearance before treating Crohn's with herbs.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Crohn's Disease
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center: Turmeric
- PubMed: Curcumin Suppresses P38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Activation, Reduces IL-1 Beta and Matrix Metalloproteinase-3 and Enhances IL-10 in the Mucosa of Children and Adults with Inflammatory Bowel Disease
- PubMed:Turmeric Extract May Improve Irritable Bowel Syndrome Symptomology in Otherwise Healthy Adults: A Pilot Study
- RxList: Turmeric
- RxList: Slippery Elm
