Turmeric is most commonly known as the spice in curry powder and some mustards, but it has also been used medicinally for thousands of years to treat a wide variety of ailments, including eye infections, intestinal worms, and skin problems, such as acne. Today, it is being studied for its potential benefits in managing various conditions such as HIV/AIDS and genital herpes. As with any supplement, consult with your doctor before using turmeric medicinally.
About Genital Herpes
Genital herpes is an infection caused by a herpes simplex virus that affects your genitals, buttocks or anal area. It is a sexually transmitted disease characterized by fluid-filled blisters or red bumps in the genital area. You may initially have outbreaks several times a year. There is no cure and treatments are aimed at relieving symptoms and reducing the number of outbreaks. Self-care actions that may offer some relief include stress reduction and use of topical treatments, such as turmeric.
Function
The active chemical in turmeric, called curcumin, has various therapeutic properties. Curcumin protects against free radical damage because it is a potent antioxidant. It also reduces inflammation by lowering histamine levels and by enhancing production of natural cortisone by the adrenal glands. In laboratory and animal studies, curcumin has demonstrated activity against a wide range of infective organisms, including viruses. According to DrugDigest.org, curcumin's antiviral effects may be due to its ability to block the activity of certain enzymes in viruses.
Sources
Turmeric oral supplements are available in various forms including powder, capsules with powder, fluid extract, tinctures and teas. You can use turmeric on the skin as a powder or mixing it with oil and making it into a paste, says DrugDigest.org. When you use turmeric on your skin it will usually leave a yellow color in the area where it is applied.
Effectiveness
Laboratory and animal studies have supported turmeric's potential beneficial actions for prevention of genital herpes when applied to the skin. A study published in the journal Antiviral Research in 1999, used mice to test the antiviral effect of curcumin when applied topically in the vagina. Results of this study showed that curcumin provided significant protection against herpes type 2 virus. Human studies have not been done to confirm theses observations.
References
- DrugDigest.org: Turmeric
- PaloAltoMedicalFoundation.org: Turmeric
- PaloAltoMedicalFoundation.org: Genital Herpes
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Turmeric
- "Antiviral Research"; Plant products as topical microbicide candidates: assessment of in vitro and in vivo activity against herpes simplex virus type 2; KZ Bourne, et al.; Jul 1999
