Turmeric is seldom used in medicine in the West except as a coloring. However, over the last few years there has been increasing interest in turmeric and its medicinal properties, and large numbers of scientific studies have been published.
Turmeric has long been used in both Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine as an anti-inflammatory, to treat digestive disorders and liver problems and for the treatment of skin diseases and wound healing. The active ingredient in turmeric is curcumin, which has been the subject of numerous animal studies – but as of yet, very few studies on people – demonstrating various medicinal properties. Curcumin has been shown, for example, to stimulate the production of bile and to facilitate the emptying of the gallbladder. It's also demonstrated in animals a protective effect on the liver, anti-tumor action and ability to reduce inflammation and fight certain kinds of infection. Because of the centuries-old claim that turmeric reduces inflammation (backed up by recent scientific findings) turmeric may be very well worth a try to help relieve symptoms of arthritis.
Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani and other traditional medicine systems practiced in India have relied on this pungent spice for centuries, and there turmeric has been used for generations to treat indigestion, inflammation and a host of other ailments including fever, wounds, infections, dysentery, arthritis, jaundice and other liver problems. Following the lead of their near neighbors, the Chinese adopted turmeric and used it in similar fashion.
One secret of turmeric's medicinal power is the many antioxidants it contains. You'll recognize some of the more common ones, such as vitamins C and E, along with several carotenoids. It also contains lesser-known, but more effective antioxidants – specifically, curcumin and related compounds called curcuminoids. Antioxidants are also powerful preservatives, which helps explain why turmeric has long been sprinkled on food to help retain its freshness.
How
to Prevent and Treat Cancer with Natural MedincineIn India, curcumin is considered a standard anti-inflammatory medication.. It appears to be most effective for acute (as opposed to chronic) inflammation. Many sources recommend curcumin for arthritis-related inflammation and pain, but the evidence showing its effectiveness for arthritis is unclear. In a 1980 study published in India, rheumatoid arthritis patients who took 1,200 milligrams of curcumin a day experienced the same reduction in stiffness and joint swelling as those who took the prescription anti-inflammatory drug phenylbutazone, which can have unpleasant side effects.
In fact, studies also suggest that turmeric can stop inflammation about half as well as a corticosteroid called cortisone. Corticosteroid medications are considered the "gold standard" for stopping inflammation. The problem with these drugs is that their potential side effects, such as fluid retention, high blood pressure, and bone damage, are nearly as impressive as their benefits, so for those wishing to avoid these, turmeric may be very well worth a try as an alternative.
Turmeric has also showed promise in lowering cholesterol levels and fighting atherosclerosis, a build-up of fatty deposits in the arteries that can lead to heart attack. Preliminary studies indicate that the curcumin in turmeric may even block the progression of multiple sclerosis (MS). The interest in the plant's potential for preventing neurological diseases, such as MS and even Alzheimer's, was spurred by the realization that elderly Indian populations that consume considerable amounts of Turmeric in their diet are far less likely than their Western counterparts to develop such ailments. Scientists conjecture that turmeric benefits such neurological illnesses by minimizing inflammation, a theory supported by recent findings that people (Westerners in this case) regularly taking anti-inflammatory remedies for arthritis are less likely to develop Alzheimer's disease. More research in this area is clearly needed before any specific recommendations can be made.
Reinforcing one of turmeric's many ancient uses, German health authorities have declared Turmeric tea to be a valuable remedy for digestive problems. Laboratory findings support this: The curcumin in turmeric fights bacteria commonly responsible for infectious diarrhea. Clinical trials have been promising for this time-tested use as well. In a widely cited 1989 study, researchers found that 500-milligram capsules of curcumin taken four times daily were far more effective than a placebo in relieving indigestion.Animal studies provide evidence that turmeric can protect the liver from a number of damaging substances such as carbon tetrachloride and acetominophen (popularly known as paracetamol and used commonly for headache and pain, this can cause liver damage if taken in large quantities or in someone who drinks alcohol regularly.) Turmeric accomplishes this, in part, by helping to clear such toxins from the body and by protecting the liver from damage.
Finally, there has been a substantial amount of research on turmeric's anti-cancer potential. Evidence from laboratory and animal studies suggests that curcumin has potential in the treatment of various forms of cancer, including prostate, breast, skin, and colon. Human studies will be necessary before it's known to what extent these results may apply to people.