Turmeric

Most if us have no idea that the bright yellow mustard that we see at hot dog stands, and that we may assume is colored with some horrendous artificial coloring, well, couldn't be more natural. It is colored with turmeric, an herb that has been prized by traditional medicine practitioners for thousands of years. Turmeric is utilized for disorders of the digestive system, to protect the liver, as an anti cancer agent, and for osteoarthritis. As well as to reduce cholesterol and to prevent the build up of atherosclerosis (blockage of arteries that can eventually cause a heart attack or stroke). Turmeric, (Curcuma longa) also called kunyit in some Asian countries and known as haldi in Hindi and Gujarati, (and manjal in Tamil) is a spice commonly used in curries and other South Asian cuisine. Turmeric, a representative of plant genus Curcuma, is a member of the ginger family, Zingiberaceae, and is thought to have come from South and Southeast Asia, probably India. The plants grow as a flowering upright herb to about 1 m tall. The most useful part of the turmeric plant is the rhizome - this is a sort of underground stem, resembling a root. It is thick and fleshy, ringed with the bases of old leaves. This is the part which is boiled, dried and ground to make the distinctive bright yellow spice, turmeric.

Cancer

There has been a substantial amount of research on turmeric's anti-cancer potential. Evidence from laboratory studies suggests that curcumin has potential in the treatment of various forms of cancer, including prostate, breast, skin, and colon. Anti-tumoral effects against melanoma cells have been demonstrated, as well as the low incidence of colorectal cancer amongst ethnic groups with a large intake of curries compared with the indigenous population have suggested that some active ingredients of turmeric may have anti-cancer properties. Several studies indicate that curcumin slows the development and growth of a number of types of cancer cells. In Japan this year researchers defined curcumin as a broad-spectrum anti-cancer agent. Its induction of "detoxifying enzymes," the researchers say, indicate its "potential value ... as a protective agent against chemical carcinogenesis and other forms of electrophilic toxicity. The significance of these results can be implicated in relation to cancer chemopreventive effects of curcumin against the induction of tumors in various target organs" (Iqbal M, et al. Pharmacol Toxicol. 2003 Jan;92(1):33-8).

Digestive Disorders

Turmeric has been used for thousands of years in Ayurvedic medicine to treat an array of stomach issues including indigestion, gas, and abdominal cramps. Curcumin, for example, one of the active ingredients in turmeric, induces the flow of bile, which helps break down fats. In one study, extracts of turmeric root reduced secretion of acid from the stomach and protected against injuries such as inflammation along the stomach lining (gastritis) and intestinal walls, and ulcers from certain medications, stress, or alcohol. The juice of the fresh root or rhizome taken on an empty stomach is traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine to prevent digestive disorders.

Liver

Studies provide evidence that turmeric can protect the liver from a number of damaging substances such as carbon tetrachloride and acetominophen (also called paracetamol, this medication, used commonly for headache and pain, can cause severe 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.

Osteoarthritis

Because of its ability to reduce inflammation, turmeric may help relieve the symptoms of osteoarthritis. A study of people using an Ayurvedic formula of herbs and minerals containing turmeric as well as Withinia somnifera (winter cherry), Boswellia serrata (Boswellia), and zinc significantly reduced pain and disability. While encouraging for the value of this Ayurvedic combination therapy to help with osteoarthritis, it is difficult to know how much of this success is from turmeric alone, or the combination of herbs working in tandem.

Atherosclerosis - Blocked Arteries

Early studies suggest that turmeric may prove helpful in preventing the build up of atherosclerosis (blockage of arteries that can eventually cause a heart attack or stroke) in one of two ways. First, in various studies an extract of turmeric lowered cholesterol levels and inhibited the oxidation of LDL ("bad") cholesterol. Oxidized LDL is deposited in the walls of blood vessels and contributes to the formation of atherosclerotic plaque. Turmeric may also prevent platelet build up along the walls of an injured blood vessel. Platelets collecting at the site of a damaged blood vessel cause blood clots to form and blockage of the artery as well.