Turmeric root, popularly used in Asian curries, soups and stews, is more than just a flavorful spice. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) states that traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine has long used turmeric root as a digestive aid, to improve liver function, to regulate menstruation and to relieve pain associated with arthritis. NCCAM also reports that turmeric root has been purported to treat various medical conditions ranging from inflammation and cancer to stomach ulcers. Curcumin, turmeric root's active ingredient, is a powerful antioxidant and has been clinically studied in regard to its health benefits.
Anti-Inflammatory Benefits
Turmeric root provides significant anti-inflammatory health benefits. A clinical review published in a February 2008 edition of "Biochemical Pharmacology," explained that curcumin found in turmeric helps to regulate biochemical processes responsible for the expression of inflammatory enzymes. An additional study published in a 2006 publication of the "Journal of Natural Products" found that turmeric extracts containing three different types curcuminoids (derivatives of curcumin) prevented anti-arthritic effects such as joint inflammation. While further research needs to be conducted, curcumin's inflammatory-modulating properties remains a topic of scientific interest, as turmeric root may be able to provide relief from conditions such as osteoarthritis, pancreatitis and inflammatory bowel disease.
Gut-Health Benefits
People suffering from indigestion and ulcerative colitis may benefit from use of turmeric root. The University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC) notes that at least one clinical study has shown turmeric to reduce symptoms of indigestion, including bloating and gas. Additionally, a 2006 study published in "Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology" found that curcumin in turmeric root is a safe and promising therapy for achieving remission in patients with ulcerative colitis. Although NCCAM states that some people may use turmeric to relieve stomach ulcers, UMMC reports turmeric may actually exacerbate stomach ulcers, and there is some evidence that it could actually worsen this condition (by increasing acid production).
Cancer Prophylaxis
Turmeric root, specifically curcumin, has been the focus of many clinical studies in regard to cancer prevention and treatment. A 2003 literature review published in "Anticancer Research" presented scientific evidence from various medical studies in which curcumin inhibited proliferation of breast tumor cells, colon cancer cells and prostate cancer cells. Curcumin was also reported in the review to induce programmed cell death (apoptosis) in leukemia cells, hepatocytes (functional cells of the liver) and basal cell carcinoma cells.
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