The Health Effects Of Turmeric

Turmeric is a spice made from the underground stems of a perennial plant, Curcuma longa, that is native to tropical regions of Asia. The spice is a common ingredient in Indian curries and other dishes. However, turmeric also has medicinal properties that have made it a useful part of traditional Indian medicine, or Ayurveda, for thousands of years. Practitioners recommend turmeric for many ailments, including digestive complaints, arthritis and other conditions. Consult your doctor to discuss whether consuming turmeric is a good strategy for you.

Curcumin

Turmeric contains a biologically active ingredient called curcumin that has several beneficial properties. The compound is an anti-inflammatory agent that suppresses immune cells' production of inflammatory chemicals. Curcumin is also an antioxidant that removes free radicals from your body. These byproducts of digestion injure cells by damaging DNA and other cellular components. Curcumin may also activate pathways in abnormal cells that stop their growth and division.

Digestive Disorders

Turmeric may help relieve symptoms of indigestion, gastric ulcers and colitis, possibly through its anti-inflammatory action and its stimulation of bile production in the liver. In a clinical trial published in December 2006 in the journal "Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology," colitis patients whose symptoms were in remission took either curcumin or a placebo for six months. Those who took the herbal preparation experienced a much lower rate of recurrence of their symptoms compared to those who took the placebo.

Arthritis

Turmeric may also help relieve pain and discomfort from conditions such as arthritis that involve inflammation. In a clinical study of curcumin published in the "Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine" in August 2009, subjects with knee arthritis who took curcumin experienced relief of symptoms similar to that for identical subjects who took an anti-inflammatory medication.

Cancer

Turmeric may also help prevent certain cancers, according to several laboratory studies. For example, the herb induces death of colon cancer cells in culture, according to a study published in the journal "Experimental Molecular Pathology" in June 2008. However, these promising results on cancer cells and curcumin need to be confirmed in controlled, clinical studies with human subjects.

Recommendations and Precautions

Turmeric is available from most health food stores as capsules containing powder, standardized to 400 to 600 mg of curcumin content. The usual dosage is one capsule, three times daily. Turmeric is generally considered safe and without significant side effects. However, it may interact with certain medications, including diabetes drugs and blood thinners. Do not take turmeric supplements if you are pregnant or breast feeding, and consult your doctor to discuss taking turmeric before adding it to your routine.