7 Essentials to Health : Turmeric

Turmeric

(Curcuma longa)

Turmeric may be used for arthritic problems (osteo- and rheumatoid) and may lower blood lipid levels. Has been reportedly used in cancer prevention and as a treatment adjunct. The American Institute for Cancer Research reports that curcumin prevents stomach, colon, oral, esophageal, breast, and skin cancers. Other related uses include: irritable bowel syndrome, atherosclerosis, liver disorder, cholelihiasis, Gastrosintestinal diseases and in infections caused by viruses, Gastrointestinal bacterial overgrowth, and parasitic infestations.

Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory: Ammon, 1993

Antirheumatic: Ammon, 1991, Broadhurst, 1997

Cancer: Stoner and Mukhtar, 1995

Liver: Kiso, 1983

Standardized: 95% standardized extract containing Curcuminoids 285 mg
1 capsule with food 3 x daily

Whole Herb: (Root Powder) 500 mg
1 capsule with food 3 x daily

Pharmacology:

The antioxidant activity of turmeric is associated with the phenolic fraction curcuminoids which act as free radical scavengers and also inhibit leukotrienes and prostaglandin synthesis. This anti-inflammatory activity has been claimed to be comparable to NSAIDs and produces improvement in clinical trials involving individuals with rheumatoid arthritis. Curcumin appears to inhibit carcinogenesis at all stages of cancer formation—it promotes detoxification of carcinogens in vitro and in vivo. Curcuminoids reportedly lower the levels of blood lipid peroxides and may decrease total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol while increasing HDL cholesterol. Turmeric is claimed to inhibit platelet aggregation which warrants caution in some individuals. Turmeric extract has been reported to inhibit gastric secretion and to protect gastroduodenal mucosa against ulcer formation induced by stress. pyloric ligation, indomethacin, reserpine and cysteamine in rats. In high doses, however, it may cause ulcers. Curcumin has been found to interfere with such viruses as viral hepatitis and HIV, it has increased the CD4 count and inhibited the activity of enzymes that transport the virus into healthy cells.

Theoretical Cautions and Contraindications:

Turmeric is contraindicated in biliary obstruction. Use with caution in individuals with gastrointestinal disease (peptic ulcer, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease). May potentiate lipid-lowering therapies and may alter platelet aggregation. Contraindicated in individuals with active bleeding and in individuals with a history of bleeding, hemostatic disorders or drug-related hemostatic problems. Use with caution in individuals taking anticoagulant medications including aspirin, aspirin-containing products, warfarin, NSAIDs or antiplatelet agents. Discontinue use two weeks prior to any dental or surgical procedures. Avoid use in pregnant or breast feeding women, as effects are unknown. The American Herbal Products Association has classified turmeric as a menstrual stimulant and may induce miscarriage.

Theoretical Interactions:

Anticoagulants, aspirin, aspirin-containing products, antiplatelet agents, NSAIDs, and antihyperlipidemics.

References:

Ammon HP and Wahl MA, "Pharmacology of Curcuma longa," Planta Med, 1991, 57(1):1-7.

Ammon HP, Safayhi H, Mack T, et al, "Mechanism of Anti-inflammatory Actions of Curcumin and Boswellic Acids," J Ethnopharmacol, 1993, 38(2-3):113-9.

Broadhurst, L. "Curcumin, A Powerful Bioprotectant Spice, or…Curry Cures!" Botanical Medical Conference. Philadelphia: May 15, 1997.

Hastak, K., et al. "Effects of Turmeric Oil and Turmeric Oleoresin on Cytogenic Damage in Patients Suffering from Oral Submucous Fibrosis," Cancer Lett 116:265-69, 1997.

Kiso, Y., et al. "Antihepatotoxic Principles of Curcuma longa Rhizome," Planta Med 49:185-87, 1983.

Stoner, G.D., and Mukhtar, H. "Polyphenols as Cancer Chemoprotective Agents, " J Cell Biochem 22(Suppl): 169-80, 1995.

This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Material herein is derived from journals, textbooks, news releases, reference guides, etc. Graham Development, Inc. cannot be held responsible for the validity of the information contained in any reference noted herein or for the misuse of information or any adverse effects by use of any stated materials presented. ©2000 Scientific Herbals-unauthorized reproduction of this document is prohibited.

Turmeric Standardized Herbal Supplement 23.59

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