Turmeric (curcumin) is a popular food coloring that gives Indian curry its golden-yellow hue and distinctive flavor. Curcumin has been regarded as a medicinal herb for thousands of years. It has been used in Chinese medicine to treat wounds, skin conditions and digestive problems. This potent antioxidant has also been suggested as a possible anti-cancer agent.
Cancer
Turmeric is often mentioned as having the ability to kill or prevent a number of cancers including breast, colon prostate and skin. There's speculation that curcumin may prevent blood vessels that nurture cancerous cells and thereby inhibit their growth. The Mayo Clinic says curcumin continues to be investigated as a viable cancer treatment because its antioxidant properties may reduce inflammation. Inflammation is believed to be a factor in the development of cancer.
Heart Burn
Since curcumin encourages the gallbladder to produce bile, it may improve digestion. The National Institutes of Health says while turmeric has long been used to treat heartburn, further studies are needed before it can recommend its use for indigestion. Turmeric has been approved for a number of digestive disorders in Germany.
Ulcerative Colitis
Turmeric may help people with ulcerative colitis (UC) to remain symptom free. UC is a chronic inflammatory disease of the rectum and large intestine. Japanese researchers conducted a double-blind study involving 89 patients whose ulcerative colitis was in remission. The participants received either curcumin or placebo, along with standard medical treatment, for a period of six months. Those who took curcumin had a significantly lower relapse rate than those who were given the placebo. The findings of the study were published in the December, 2006 edition of the Journal of Clinical Gastrogenterolgy & Heptaloogy.
Atherosclerosis
Turmeric may manage cholesterol levels and help prevent atherosclerosis, at least according to animal studies. Atherosclerosis is a disease in which plaque accumulates in the arteries, possibly leading to heart attack or stroke. Turmeric may also keep blood clots from building up along the walls of arteries due its ability to prevent platelets from bunching together. It remains to be seen whether curcumin would have these effects in humans.
Osteoarthritis
Turmeric has long been used to treat rheumatic conditions. Its anti-inflammatory abilities may help to diminish the symptoms of osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis that generally develops after age 50. However, reliable human studies are needed to confirm these effects.
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