While cumin and curcumin are not related, both have healing properties. Cumin, or Cuminum cyminum, is the most popular culinary spice in the cuisine of Mexico. Curcumin, on the other hand, is the phytochemical that gives turmeric its deep yellow color. Ongoing scientific research is studying curcumin's cancer-fighting potential. Moreover, cumin shows promise as a treatment for diabetes, according to biochemistry professor Bharat Aggarwal, author of "Healing Spices."
Cumin
Cumin is popular in East Indian, Greek, North African and Mexican cooking. Chefs add the tiny brown crescent-shaped seeds to dishes such as curries, chutneys, salads and chili con carne. Cumin contains cuminaldehyde, a compound that abounds with medicinal properties, notes Aggarwal. Cuminaldehyde is also a primary constituent of the volatile oils present in myrrh, eucalyptus and other aromatic herbs. Ask your physician which herbal remedies are appropriate for you.
Cumin and Hyperlipidemia
Hyperlipidemia is a medical condition in which there is an unusually high level of lipids, or fat compounds, in the bloodstream. Hyperlipidemia can result in high cholesterol and triglyceride levels, which might ultimately cause heart damage. In a study reported in a 2002 issue of "Pharmacology Research," one group of diabetic laboratory animals was treated with cumin extract and the other with an anti-diabetic drug, glibenclamide. The cumin extract lowered blood lipids more effectively than the drug. Always consult your doctor before self-treating with an alternative remedy.
Curcumin
Turmeric, a member of the ginger family, has a juicy, stocky tuber that contains the phytochemical curcumin, the bioactive component of the plant. Aggarwal notes that over 1,000 clinical studies demonstrate the anti-cancer properties of curcumin. Currently, curcumin is the most scientifically analyzed spice in the world. While curcumin needs additional human trials to cement its anti-cancer claims, it does have proven antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, according to Aggarwal. Large doses of turmeric may cause stomach distress, and therapeutic levels of the spice may interact with prescription medicines, according to Michael Castleman, author of "The New Healing Herbs," so consult your doctor before using it.
Curcumin and Cancer
The June 2011 issue of "Molecules" published an article that profiles curcumin's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions. The authors observe that inflammation and cell damage caused by oxidation are the most likely underlying causes of cancer, diabetes and other chronic illnesses. They conclude that curcumin extract has the potential to be developed into a cancer treatment drug. Consult your doctor before adding curcumin to your regimen.
References
- "Pharmacology Research"; Hypolipidemic Effect of Cuminum Cyminum L. on Alloxan-induced Diabetic Rats; S. Dhandapani et al.; September 2002
- "Molecules"; Curcumin: An Anti-inflammatory Molecule from a Curry Spice on the Path to Cancer Treatment; P. Basnet et al.; June 2011
- "Healing Spices: How to Use 50 Everyday and Exotic Spices . . . "; Bharat Aggarwal; 2011
- "The New Healing Herbs"; Michael Castleman; 2010
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