Turmeric Curcuma longa
In the west, the root of this plant has been most well known for cooking. It is what gives curry its yellow colour, and it has been used as an adulterant of mustard. As a dye it creates a rich yellow colour. Turmeric paper can be made with tincture of Turmeric and used as a test for alkaloids and boric acid.
Although many cultures have traditionally recognized its medicinal benefits, here in the west… well… we are learning. Ever since I started learning about herbal medicine I’ve had a particular fondness for this spice and its medicinal benefits, and after my recent sifting through hundreds (literally) of medical journal articles on Turmeric, it seems that others have been realizing its usefulness too.
What are all those medical journals saying? While the majority of these studies have not been done on humans, here is just a tidbit of the many uses that are in the toolbox that is Turmeric, and that is being supported by modern scientific study:
Cariovascular protection – not only is it more effective than aspirin for preventing platelet aggregation [1], but it also reversed the dysfunction of certain tissues in the blood vessels, and decreased damage caused by lack of blood supply to the heart[2]. It even offered protection to the nervous tissue of the brain after stroke.[3] [4]
Diabetes – In studies on rats Curcumin, considered the main constituent found in Turmeric, caused a decrease in blood glucose levels.[5] Turmeric also inhibited cataracts [6] and protected against nephropathy [7] in diabetic rats.
Anti-inflammatory – As an anti-inflammatory it can be as effective as cortisone or phenylbutazone [8] After all the concern about pharmaceutical COX2 inhibitors, it is interesting to note that Curcumin down-regulates the expression of COX2, LOX, NOS, and many others [9], but without the negative side effects.
Cancer – The research being done on cancer is very promising. Animal and human studies have demonstrated an ability for curcumin to inhibit cancer at various stages. [10] Studies on cancer include ovarian cancer [11], leukemia [12] [13], cervical cancer [14], prostate cancer [15], skin tumours [16], and colon cancer [17]. It's shown to be very useful in combination with conventional drugs against multi-drug-resistant cancers [18] [19], and is a strong radiosensitizer of cervical and prostate cancer cells [20] [21] while at the same time protecting normal cells [22].
Anti-depressant – studies, mostly in mice, have demonstrated antidepressant activity that is better than the antidepressant fluoxetine, and has a synergistic effect when used with antidepressant drugs [23]
Anti-oxidant – turmeric is a strong free radical scavenger, and has chelating activity (ferric and ferrous ions) [24]. In a study on rats it protected against cataracts [25].
Anti-microbial – as an anti-microbial tumeric or its constituents have demonstrated effectiveness in dealing with a number of infective organisms, including: fungi, protazoa [26], and bacteria [27].An Ethyl acetate extract of Turmeric was also effective for MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) [28].
Cholesterol – turmeric is effective for lowering cholesterol, even in small amount [29, and protects against hyperlipidemia [30]. What’s really interesting is that turmeric apparently lowers cholesterol by changing gene expression [31].
Auto-immune Disease – some studies have shown that it helps multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and inflammatory bowel disease [32]
Liver protection – turmeric protects the liver from damage caused by Carbon tetrachloride (CCL4), galactosamin, acetaminophen, and Aspergillus aflatoxin [33], as well as issues caused by smoking and drinking [34].
As you can see, if turmeric isn’t already included in your regular diet, it is certainly a functional food worth considering. In my practice I give it to clients for a variety of conditions including as part of a formula for cardiovascular issues, and as a wonderful anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory.
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33. Alt Med Rev Vol 6, Supplement 2001 pg S-62
34. Mol Cell Biochem. 2006 Aug;288(1-2):115-23. Epub 2006 May 12
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