Curcuma longa is a perennial herb of the ginger family extensively cultivated and used in India, China, Indonesia and other tropical countries. In the West it is mainly known as a spice, providing the yellow color of many curry dishes, prepared mustard, etc. Turmeric contains curcumin and its derivatives, an orange-yellow volatile oil made up of turmerone, atlantone and zingiberone, various sugars, resins, vitamins and minerals.
- Anti-inflammatory. The inflammatory activity of curcuminoids seems partly due to their ability to inhibit the formation of series 1 prostaglandins and leukotrienes. By comparison to corticosteroids like cortisone and the drug phenylbutazone, turmeric extract shows an equal activity in acute inflammation, but only half their potency in chronic inflammation. However, cortisone and phenylbutazene are linked to serious toxicity and side effects, while curcumin possesses virtually no toxicity. Curcumin, like capsaicin (a similarly potent compound from green peppers), appear to deplete nerve endings of substance P, the neurotransmitter of pain receptors. As such, both have been effective as pain relievers in post-herpetic neuralgia and arthritis.
- Anti-microbial. Recent scientific research shows that the components of turmeric powerfully inhibit pathogenic bacteria, viruses and fungi, including Sarcina, Gaffkya, Corynebacterium, Clostridium, Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Entamoeba histolyca, Candica albicans, C krusei and C parasilosis.
- Antioxidant. The main turmeric antioxidant is curcumin, comparable to the standard antioxidants like vitamins C and E, butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT). Curcumin combats active oxygen radicals a little less well than vitamin C, but better than vitamin E and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Against hydroxyl radicals, however, curcumin offers better protection than the vitamins.
- Cardiovascular tonic. Turmeric is also known to lower cholesterol levels and inhibit platelet aggregation. Curcumin’s cholesterol reducing activities include interfering with intestinal cholesterol uptake, increasing the conversion of cholesterol into bile acids, and raising the excretion of bile acids. The inhibition of platelet aggregation by turmeric and curcumin may be the result of lowering the synthesis of thromboxanes, which promote aggregation, and raising the formation of prostacyclin, which inhibits aggregation.
- Cell protective. Curcumin derivatives show various cell-protective actions, including the prevention of free radical damage, and initiating the destruction as well as inhibiting the replication of damaged cells. Studies have shown that curcuminoids can inhibit chemically induced damage by an average of 75 percent.
- Digestion stimulant. Turmeric has been used since antiquity for problems such as gastritis and hyperacidity, by helping to increase mucous production that protects the stomach lining. Curcuminoids can also boost bile flow by over 100 percent and considerably improve the digestion of fats through a cholekinetic effect.
- Liver tonic. Traditionally turmeric was used in both Ayurvedic and Chinese herbal medicine. The herb enhances glutathione content and glutathione-S-transferase enzyme activity in the liver, both of which are key protectors against damage by toxins and free radicals.
- Weight loss. Turmeric appears to have an effect on weight loss, which may be mediated through curcumin’s catabolic activities on fats. Contrary to fears that as a component of curries and spicy foods turmeric may be irritating to the stomach, several studies have shown the herb to be beneficial to intestinal integrity.
Caution. At high doses turmeric and curcumin may be damaging to the gastrointestinal tract and cause ulcers. No toxicity was reported at standard dosage levels.