Is Turmeric Good for You? History, Benefits and Safety

Is turmeric good for you? Contemporary research indicates that turmeric exhibits a number of beneficial properties, but its effect on humans is still under investigation.

In laboratory and animal experiments, turmeric and its constituents have been observed to exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer and antibacterial properties, to name a few.

Contemporary research into the therapeutic effects of turmeric comes after thousands of years of traditional medicinal use in China, India and other regions of Asia. Turmeric was historically used to treat liver and digestive disorders as well as skin conditions and depression.

It also has a long culinary history. Turmeric spice is a staple of many cooking traditions and one of the main spices in curry. It is sometimes used to preserve food and slow spoiling.

Turmeric

Herbal Supplement

Joints

Heart Health

Anti- Aging

How It Works:

• Contains anti-inflammatory curcuminoids
• Promotes brain & cardiovascular health
• Supports the immune system & anti-oxidant enzymes

Dosage:

Between 400 - 1800 mg per day

Safety:

Rated Likely Safe

Top Turmeric Products* ❯

View User Ratings* ❯

Is Turmeric Good for You?

Turmeric is made from the underground stems (rhizomes) and roots of Curcuma longa, a perennial plant related to ginger (both ginger and turmeric are members of the Zingiberaceae botanical family).

C. longa is indigenous to tropical zones in southern and western Asia. It is now commonly grown in India.

The first use of turmeric for culinary or medicinal purposes remains unknown. Some suggest turmeric has been used for over 6,000 years.

Although its exact origin remains unestablished, turmeric has a long history of use in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine to treat skin conditions, liver ailments and digestive upset. It is also one of the principle spices in curry and is commonly used in the culinary traditions of India, Malaysia, China, Polynesia and Thailand.

Today, turmeric’s distinctive golden-yellow coloring is known to be caused by a polyphenol called curcumin. Curcumin is also the bioactive constituent of turmeric and is being investigated for its medicinal properties.

Uses of Turmeric

Turmeric and curcumin exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anti-platelet (prevent platelet clumping) and immunomodulating properties. Turmeric is used for a number of conditions, including:

• Cardiovascular disease
• Diabetes
• Neurological conditions
• Autoimmune disorders
• Osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis
• Dyspepsia (indigestion) and abdominal pains
• Diarrhea, flatulence and abdominal bloating
• Jaundice, hepatitis, liver disease and gallbladder disorders
• Poor appetite, headaches and the common cold
• Bronchitis and respiratory infections
• Fibromyalgia, leprosy, fever and amenorrhea
• Depression and Alzheimer’s disease
• Cancer

Turmeric and curcumin are also used for edema (fluid buildup), inflammation of the eye, cystitis (bladder inflammation), kidney inflammation, bruising, eye infections, leech bites, oral mucosa inflammation, infected skin and analgesia (inability to feel pain).

Turmeric Research for Cancer

The therapeutic properties of turmeric have been the subject of research since the 1970s. Of particular interest to researchers are the anti-cancer and chemoprotective effects of turmeric and curcumin.

Curcumin has been observed to stop tumor growth when applied directly to a tumor. It has also been observed to protect laboratory rats from developing certain forms of cancer. Additionally, curcumin has been observed to kill various cancer cells in a laboratory setting.

Research focused on curcumin and cancer is still in the preliminary stages. Most research has been conducted on animals and in labs; it remains unclear what effect (if any) curcumin will have in humans. Research is ongoing.

The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that neither turmeric nor curcumin should be used as a substitute for conventional cancer therapy. Be sure to speak with your doctor if you are considering using turmeric or curcumin during your cancer treatment because turmeric may interact with a number of medications and chemotherapy agents.

Turmeric for Arthritis Pain

Are turmeric supplements good to take for arthritis pain and joint comfort?

Turmeric is being investigated for its ability to ease the pain associated with arthritis. A central characteristic of arthritis is inflammation. Turmeric exhibits anti-inflammatory properties and is thought to reduce the level of two enzymes involved in the inflammatory process.

There are clinical studies to indicate that turmeric may ease the pain associated with osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative form of arthritis caused by the breakdown of the cartilage between bones. As the cartilage (which acts as a cushion between the bones) degrades, the bones can eventually rub against one another causing pain, inflammation and impaired mobility.

In one clinical trial, a specific turmeric extract was observed to reduce pain and improve function in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee compared to pre-treatment reports.

In another study, taking four 500 mg doses of turmeric per day was reported to be as effective as two 400 mg doses of ibuprofen twice a day in managing the pain associated with osteoarthritis of the knee.

Using Turmeric Supplements

Turmeric and curcumin are both available as dietary supplements. Turmeric is sold as capsules (containing powder), tablets, tinctures and decoctions. It is sometimes added to creams and other topical preparations and can be consumed as a tea. It can also be found in liquid liposomal formulations, designed to improve bioavailability and absorption.

Pure curcumin supplements are also available and should contain a standardized concentration of curcuminoids (the family of molecules to which curcumin belongs). This ingredient is often combined with piperine or BioPerine (black pepper extract) to improve oral bioavailability.

Turmeric Safety Considerations

Turmeric is generally well tolerated when used as a dietary supplement, but may not be good for everyone to take.

Mild side effects of supplementation may include diarrhea and gastrointestinal upset. In addition, the topical application of turmeric has been reported to cause skin irritation in some people.

The Natural Medicines database ranks turmeric as “Likely Safe” when taken orally and appropriately. Extended use of this supplement has been tested at daily dosage of 2.2 g. Also, 4 g daily doses of curcumin have been used safely for 30 days.

Turmeric may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medications. Be sure to speak with your doctor before taking turmeric or curcumin for medicinal purposes.

Rate This Article

(1 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5, rated)