Crohn's disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease characterized by inflammation of the intestine. Its severity may vary, but symptoms often include weight loss, fatigue, diarrhea and abdominal pain. There is no cure for this condition, but by combining anti-inflammatory drug treatments with dietary measures, some patients may go into long-term remission. Some people may also require surgery to remove damaged areas of the intestine. Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties and may help reduce inflammation in people with Crohn's disease. However, evidence to prove that it is effective is limited. Do not use it as a sole treatment for Crohn's disease and get medical advice before including it in your treatment plan.
Properties
Turmeric is often used to flavor foods, including curry dishes, and is also used as a clothing dye. The Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center notes that it is also a part of traditional Asian medicine and is used to treat several ailments including kidney stones, cancer, infections and inflammation. It contains a number of biologically-active ingredients including curcumin, which is believed to be responsible for turmeric's anti-inflammatory effects. The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests that Crohn's sufferers may benefit from taking 1g to 2g of turmeric daily. Check with your doctor or pharmacist that this dose is appropriate for you.
Effectiveness
Studies examining the efficacy of turmeric as a Crohn's disease treatment are limited. However, the results of a pilot study published in the November 2005 issue of "Digestive Diseases and Science" found that turmeric's active ingredient, curcumin, improved Crohn's disease symptoms. However, the study only included five patients with the condition. An article published in "Current Pharmaceutical Design" in 2009 states that curcumin holds promise for the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases, but the study's authors, H. Hanai and K. Sugimoto add that further randomized controlled clinical investigations are needed to determine its full clinical potential.
Side Effects and Contraindications
MedlinePlus notes that medicinal quantities of turmeric may be safe, but adds that it may cause side effects including diarrhea and nausea. It may also increase the risk of bleeding, so do not use this herb if you are scheduled to undergo surgery or if you have a bleeding disorder. It may also heighten the effect of anticoagulants drugs, therefore, concomitant use is not advised. Avoid turmeric if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have gallbladder disease.
Other Potentially-Helpful Herbs
Other herbs that may potentially alleviate Crohn's-associated inflammation include cat's claw and boswellia, which is commonly known as Indian frankincense. However, studies to confirm that these herbs are effective are limited. Like turmeric, they may cause side effects or may be unsuitable for you. For example, cat's claw should not be used by people with low blood pressure or leukaemia, and it should not be used alongside anti-hypertensive drugs and immunosuppressants. Always get medical advice before using herbal supplements to treat your condition.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Crohn's Disease
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center: Turmeric
- "Digestive Diseases and Science"; Curcumin Therapy in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Pilot Study; P.R. Holt et al; November 2005
- "Current Pharmaceutical Design"; Curcumin has Bright Prospects for the Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease; H. Hanai and K. Sugimoto; 2009
- MedlinePlus: Turmeric
- RxList: Cat's Claw
