Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by repeated and unpredictable convulsions over a period of time. It occurs when the brain sends abnormal signals. Conditions such as stroke, brain injury or tumor, infections and dementia increase the risk of epilepsy. Symptoms vary from person to person. Treatment may include medication or surgery, depending on the underlying condition and severity of the symptoms. Certain herbs and supplements such as turmeric may help manage epilepsy.
About Turmeric
Turmeric, Curcuma longa, is a short, perennial plant native to Southern Asia. Its roots and underground stems are boiled. dried and made into turmeric powder. Along with vitamins C and E, turmeric also contains an antioxidant compound known as curcumin which is responsible for its immense medicinal value. Turmeric supplements are available as capsules, powders, liquid extracts and tinctures and have traditionally been used to treat a variety of conditions, including ulcers, arthritis, heart disease, infections and certain cancers. Your doctor may help determine a dose and form appropriate for you.
Link Between Turmeric and Epilepsy
Turmeric, along with Nigella sativa oil, exerts significant antioxidant and anticonvulsant activity; thereby, it may help reduce oxidative stress, seizures and excitability in epileptic laboratory animals, according to a study published in the 2011 "Neurochemical Research." It may also reduce the side effects associated with anti-epileptic medications, according to the study. Another study in the April-June 2009 "Indian Journal of Pharmacology" also reaffirms that turmeric extracts significantly inhibit the occurrence of seizures. The website "Medical Daily" reported in July 2010 that turmeric can help prevent brain damage associated with epileptic therapy and also lower oxidative stress.
Side Effects of Turmeric
Turmeric is used as a spice in Asian cuisine and is generally considered safe. However, consuming large amounts of turmeric may cause upset stomach and ulcers. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine warns individuals with gallbladder problems against the use of turmeric supplements. The supplements may also interfere with certain blood-thinning, antacid and diabetes medications.
Precautions
Talk to a doctor if you plan to use turmeric for medicinal purposes. Inform the doctor about your preexisting conditions and medications. The Food and Drug Administration does not regulate the production of turmeric supplements in the United States; hence, consult a pharmacist to ensure the product's quality.
References
- "Neurochemical Research"; The Neuroprotective Effect of Curcumin and Nigella sativa Oil Against Oxidative Stress in the Pilocarpine Model of Epilepsy: A Comparison with Valproate; S. Heba S. Aboul Ezz, et al.; 2011
- "Indian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology"; Protective Effect of Curcumin against Kainic Acid-Induced Seizures and Oxidative Stress in Rats; Yogendra K. Gupta, et al.; April-June 2008
- Medical Daily: Turmeric can heal epilepsy damage
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Turmeric
