Medicinal Turmeric: More Proven Properties

In the last 40 years, more than 5,000 articles have been published on turmeric or its components. Most respond to in vitro research or on animal experimental models, although more and more clinical studies are being done with people.

A good part of the properties attributed to turmeric (anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer, for example) are due to its antioxidant action. And more specifically to the action of curcumin, a phenolic compound that contains the rhizome of the plant and that is better assimilated when accompanied by black pepper and some fat.

The proven benefits of turmeric

If well assimilated, curcumin fights tissue oxidation, reducing irritation and deterioration. Hence, the efficacy of this medicinal root against inflammatory and neurodegenerative disorders.

But its properties are many. Traditional medicine has used it for all kinds of disorders, from disinfecting wounds to treating colds, eczema or stings. Let’s see below the scientifically proven properties so far.

1. Helps fight cancer

Studies show that curcumin reduces the appearance of cancer cells in the mouth, skin, and intestines. So much so that it is considered a potential cancer chemopreventive agent. It also facilitates premature cancer cell death and is capable of inhibiting metastases in numerous tumors.

The breast cancer is one that best meets curcumin. It can be used as a complement to chemotherapy, as it enhances the effectiveness of taxol and has an action similar to tamoxifen (both common drugs in this type of cancer).

2. Relieves osteoarthritis

Curcumin acts on inflammation mediators, such as leukotrienes, neutrophils, platelet aggregation, and COX enzyme activity. Its anti-inflammatory action is considered to be comparable to that of ibuprofen or phenylbutazone in the treatment of conditions such as arthritis.

Turmeric activity approximates “COX2 inhibitor” anti-inflammatory drugs, such as etoricoxib, but without its side effects.

It cannot be said that turmeric as a condiment is totally effective in painful crises. In this case, in addition to the spice in meals, turmeric extract capsules with 95% curcuminoids and compounds that increase their bioavailability are indicated.

To prevent relapses, one or two capsules of 500-600 mg can be taken for one or two months.

3. Reduces inflammation of inflamed organs

Due to its anti-inflammatory action, turmeric is also indicated in other processes that affect organs, such as inflammatory bowel disease, inflammation of the ocular cornea, pancreatitis or irritable bowel.

4. It is digestive and fat burner

Added to stews, turmeric facilitates fat metabolism by improving the quantity, quality and flow of bile. For this reason it is recommended when cholesterol is high or in cases of diabetes. In healthy people it is an excellent digestive with foods that are especially fatty.

It must be said that various studies have failed to cause a significant reduction in cholesterol with the administration of turmeric or curcumin. However, the effect of high doses on triglyceride levels is somewhat greater, without being very significant.

If we carry out a weight loss regimen, turmeric mobilizes and helps “burn” fat.

5. Protect the brain

The Alzheimer ‘s disease whose cause is unknown, involves chronic inflammation of the central nervous system. The usual treatment includes the use of anti-inflammatory cyclooxygenase inhibitors.

Experimental studies suggest that, thanks to its anti-inflammatory effect, the consumption of turmeric improves the quality of brain tissue and reduces the progression of Alzheimer’s.

It can also be useful in the complementary treatment of other neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s. In these types of disorders, it is important that the patient does not take more drugs than necessary. Adding curry to your dishes is recommended both for its anti-inflammatory effects and because it stimulates the sense of taste, which is often affected by neurological disease.

Turmeric can also help against mood disorders. A study on 60 patients with a psychotic and suicidal tendency observed a positive evolution that could be related to the effect of curcumin on the monoamine-type nerve pathways, determinants of mood, and the stimulation of the pituitary-hypothalamic-adrenal axis, which controls reactions to stress.

6. Improves the health of the eyes and skin

The nerve cells of the eye are loaded with pigments, and curcumin, possibly because it is a pigment, is very useful for macular degeneration. This is a disease typical of old age, in which the macula – a very sensitive part of the retina – begins to degrade and lose its ability to perceive.

Well, curcumin regenerates the so-called “retinal purple”, involved in the perception of colors and in low light conditions.

Now, turmeric does not act only from within the body. It is also capable of doing it through the skin. For this reason it is indicated for the healing of ulcers and wounds, and as a rejuvenating agent.

There are studies that suggest a beneficial action on psoriasis, scleroderma and premalignant or malignant skin lesions.

The oleoresin that remains after pigment extraction, applied to the skin, also produces good results in patients with fibrosis (development of excess tissue due to inflammatory causes). It has also found utility as a fungicide, insecticide, or insect repellent.

How To Enhance The Absorption Of Turmeric

There is no doubt that there are plenty of reasons to use turmeric regularly. And its excellent flavor and color are also compelling reasons!

However, isolated curcumin is not well assimilated by the body. It is not well absorbed and does not reach the tissues, so it cannot act and is quickly eliminated. In fact, in animal studies it has been shown that, although high doses are administered (1 g per kilo of weight), it does not reach the blood plasma.

Therefore, it will be of little use to take it if you do not take into account some tips on how to promote its assimilation:

• Without isolation and with a fat: Whole turmeric, that is, the rhizome, is better assimilated than isolated curcumin, since even the dry powder of the rhizome preserves the fatty part that facilitates this assimilation. It can also be easily combined with olive oil, coconut oil or other vegetable fats.
• Mixed with black pepper: It is a good idea to use black pepper at the same time as turmeric. Thanks to the action of piperine, its spicy compound, absorption increases an average of 158%.
• Curcumin supplements … and something else: In curcumin supplements, it is supplemented with micelles and phospholipid complexes that increase its bioavailability up to almost 7 times. It is also combined with cyclodextrin oligosaccharide (APGL) or liposomes. A typical dose in curcumin supplementation is about 500 mg daily.

Cautions

Finally, a caution: curcumin may be contraindicated when taking anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs such as aspirin or heparin.

Otherwise, it is a safe substance: its side effects are few. Only in very high doses can it cause heartburn and other mild gastrointestinal disturbances. Also, turmeric is not contraindicated during pregnancy.