People use the root of the turmeric plant (Curcuma longa) as both a spice and an herbal remedy for health conditions. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) cautions that research is either scant or inconclusive for medicinal uses of turmeric. Many studies have found positive effects of turmeric in animals or in test tubes, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC), and human studies are ongoing.
Digestive Benefits
Curcumin stimulates bile production by the gallbladder, which may improve digestion, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC). UMMC says at least "one double-blind, placebo-controlled study showed that turmeric reduced symptoms of bloating and gas in people suffering from indigestion." The German regulatory agency Commission E has approved turmeric for treating certain digestive disorders. Additionally, turmeric may help maintain remission from ulcerative colitis.
Gallbladder and Liver Benefits
Preliminary research indicates that curcumin may prevent the development of gallstones, according to NIH. Because it stimulates the gallbladder and increases bile, however, curcumin may be harmful to people who already have gallstones. Traditional Ayurvedic medicine uses turmeric as a liver tonic; the NIH notes that early research supports the use of turmeric for protective effects on the liver.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Laboratory and animal research indicates that turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties, according to NIH. This anti-inflammatory quality may help relieve symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis; people have treated rheumatic conditions historically with turmeric. Curcumin may help relieve an inflammatory eye condition called uveitis. In one study, curcumin effectiveness appeared similar to that of corticosteroids, often the medication of choice for this condition.
Cardiovascular Effects
"Studies suggest that turmeric may help prevent atherosclerosis," according to the UMMC. Atherosclerosis involves the accumulation of plaque in arteries, which can cause heart attack or stroke. Turmeric lowered cholesterol levels in animal studies and stopped cholesterol from accumulating in blood vessels, according to the UMMC, and also showed blood-thinning properties.
Anti-Cancer Effects
Curcumin may help prevent, control or eliminate certain forms of cancers, according to the UMMC, as evidenced by animal and other lab research. Curcumin may stop tumors from developing new blood vessels, according to the UMMC. It also has antioxidant effects, thus protecting cells from damage caused by free radicals, according to the NIH, which concludes that "it remains unclear if turmeric or curcumin has a role in preventing or treating human cancers."
Antibacterial and Antiviral Effects
Turmeric may have antibacterial and antiviral effects. Several laboratory studies indicate that curcumin may have some effectiveness against HIV, according to the NIH, but "reliable human studies are lacking in this area."
Skin Disorder Benefits
Turmeric may provide medicinal benefits for skin disorders. People have used this herb traditionally as a topical remedy for chronic skin ulcers and scabies, according to NIH, which says "research is necessary before a firm recommendation can be made."
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