Introduction:
The medicinal properties of turmeric have been known to ancient Chinese and Indians. Ancient Ayurvedic texts have extensively expounded the benefits of turmeric. Turmeric has been a vital component in these ancient systems of medicine. It has been as an anti-inflammatory agent and has been used in poultices applied localy to releive pain. It has also been used in the treatment of conditions such as jaundice, hemorrhage, toothache, flatulence, etc.
Modern Medicine:
It is only in recent years that Western scientists have recognized the medicinal value of turmeric. Curcumin, turmeric's yellow pigment, has demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory activity in several experiments. And, unlike common anti-inflammatory drugs such as hydro-cortisone, phenylbutazone, and ibuprofen, which are associated with toxic side-effects such as ulcer formation, intestinal bleeding and white-blood cell count drops, curcumin has no known ill-effects.
Several clinical trials have reinforced the positive effects of using curcumin for treatment of pancreatic cancer, multiple myeloma, Alzheimers, multiple schlerosis, and colorectal cancer. Clinical study evidence also exists that curcumin has antioxidant properties and bolsters the human immune system.
Recent studies have also shown that turmeric can be effective in fighter a number of sexually transmitted diseases such as chlamydia and gonorrhea. Turmeric is also effective in reducing joint inflammation in arthritis and rheumatism. Curcumin-based creams are commercially available for treating psoriasis.
Current Research:
Current research is focussed on the following areas:
- Curcumin's ability to slow down the spread of cancer (specifically breast cancer) in the human body by helping the body destroy mutated cancer cells.
- Curcumin's ability to inhibit tumor growth
- Turmeric's ability to help in the prevention of heart disease by lowering cholesterol.
- Turmeric's ability to combat degenerative neurological diseases (Alzheimer's, Parkinson's diseases and multiple sclerosis).
Overdose:
Consuming large does is not recommended in cases of gallstones, obstructive jaundice, acute bilious colic and toxic liver disorders. Studies have shown that turmeric in excess quantites may be counterproductive in treating tumors.
