Turmeric Benefits for Inflammation, Arthritis and Health

Turmeric benefits have been studied in well over 100 clinical trials. These studies have addressed turmeric’s effects on cancer, gastrointestinal disorders, neurological conditions, psychiatric disorders, cognition impairments, cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

More than 200 phytochemical compounds have been identified in turmeric, and the list continues to expand. The main bioactive constituents of turmeric is a group of polyphenol substances called curcuminoids.

Three main curcuminoids of are significant clinical note: curcumin (diferuloylmethane), demethoxycurcumin and bisdemethoxycurcumin. These curcuminoids are believed to induce most of turmeric’s benefits to human health.

Currently, turmeric, curcumin and curcumin metabolites are used by doctors to treat a wide assortment of maladies – from leech bites to breast cancer. Turmeric’s popularity as a dietary supplement continues to rise.

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

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Turmeric Benefits for Inflammation

Turmeric benefits are primarily attributed to the reduction of inflammation that is caused by curcumin.

Curcumin has been shown to suppress inflammatory damage in the body as well as exhibiting anti-oxidant benefits.

This supplement is commonly used to promote joint health and alleviate symptoms of arthritis. In research studies, this supplement was found to inhibit joint inflammation, swelling and periarticular joint destruction.

Natural Medicines rates this supplement as possibly effective for mitigating the symptoms of osteoarthritis. Taking 500mg a day seems to reduce pain and improve functionality in patients diagnosed with osteoarthritis of the knee.

These results were reported after 2-3 months of consistent use of Turmeric extract that was standardized to contain 20% curcuminoids together with phosphatidylcholine. Patients given this supplement also reported less use of analgesic medications (pain relievers) and NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).

According to one clinical trial, the benefits taking Turmeric may be comparable to those of taking 400 mg of ibuprofen twice a day. The use of ashwagandha, boswellia, zinc and ginger may improve the benefits derived from Turmeric.

More Health-Boosting Effects

Research shows that taking curcumin can increase levels of anti-oxidant enzymes in the body. These enzymes are the natural anti-oxidants produced in the body to fight free radical damage. They include Glutathione, SOD and catalase.

There is some evidence that turmeric can improve cholesterol levels, but some studies have returned conflicting results. In one study, taking curcumin extract was linked to a reduction of LDL cholesterol levels. This is sometimes referred to as “bad cholesterol”.

Turmeric benefits may also include a reduction in lipid peroxidation, which is the oxidative degradation of fats in the body. Cholesterol can be particularly dangerous if it becomes peroxidized in the arteries. This may be a risk factor for cardiovascular disease and heart attack.

Turmeric has also been linked to improved circulation in some studies, but more research is needed. This may be mediated through an increase in nitric oxide levels in blood. Nitric oxide causes blood vessels to dilate or widen, meaning they can carry more blood throughout the body.

A small number of studies have looked into the anti-diabetic effects of Turmeric. Curcumin may be able to improve blood sugar regulation and promote the secretion of insulin as well as insulin sensitivity in resistant individuals

There have also been benefits noted for mood, depression, memory, cognitive function and energy. Turmeric is sometimes used as a general anti-aging supplement as well.

Additional Benefits Being Researched

The list of turmeric benefits which have been clinically studied continues to grow. Turmeric and curcumin currently exhibit benefits with regards to:

• Certain types of cancer;
• Factors which may lead to heart disease and/or type 2 diabetes mellitus;
• Certain psychiatric, cognitive and neurological disorders;
• Autoimmune disorders;
• Immunity and the common cold;
• Lacking appetite;
• Headaches;
• Gas, bloating and indigestion;
• Respiratory conditions including bronchitis and asthma;
• Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis;
• Jaundice and hepatic (liver) disorders and diseases;
• Fibromyalgia, fever and infections.

Turmeric has been used for thousands of years to treat inflammatory conditions like anterior uveitis, cystitis and kidney swelling. Turmeric extract is also used to ameliorate the inability to feel pain (analgesia), bruising, retinal infections, bites from leeches and more.

However, this supplement is not approved by the FDA for the treatment of any specific medical condition. More research is needed to understand the therapeutic benefits of turmeric and curcumin extract.

Turmeric Active Compounds

Turmeric is an herbaceous plant indigenous to southwestern India and other tropical regions in Asia. Some experts estimate that it has been used well over 5000 years, as a medicinal agent and as a culinary ingredient and spice.

It is a perennial plant which grow to about one meter tall. It is harvested for its rhizomes (underground horizontal stems). These rhizomes contain concentrated amounts of curcuminoids.

Curcumin (diferuloylmethane), along with its two primary metabolites, demethoxycurcumin and bisdemethoxycurcumin, are believed to be the active ingredients.

Turmeric also contains over two hundred other plant compounds which may have health-boosting properties. Some of these turmeric constituents include:

• 109 sesquiterpenes (C15H24 molecules and their derivatives);
• 68 monoterpenes (C10H16 and their derivatives);
• 22 diarylheptanoids;
• 8 phenylpropene compounds;
• 5 diterpenes;
• 4 sterols;
• 3 triterpenoids;
• 2 alkaloids;
• 14 other compounds, including volatile oils like turmerone, zingiberene and atlantone.

Is Turmeric Safe?

The safety of turmeric usage is well established. It has been a staple of Asian medicine and food preparation for millennia. Also, many clinical trials have shown its safety.

Turmeric is considered likely safe for appropriate oral use up to twelve months consecutively with daily doses set at 2.2 grams. 4 grams per day has been used without negative side effects for thirty days. Also, one-time doses of 12 grams have caused no reported adverse effects.

Due to the low oral bioavailability of curcumin in turmeric, it is recommended to combine this supplement with Piperine (black pepper extract). This may improve the absorption fo this ingredient from your intestines.

For the majority of healthy individuals, supplementing the diet with turmeric does not result in serious or lasting side effects. High doses of turmeric are generally well tolerated, but may increase the risk for adverse effects.

Various toxicology studies have been completed. There is some concern for the possibility of developing hepatotoxicity (liver poisoning) at high dosage levels over long durations. However, no human incidents have been reported

The most common side effect complaints, with doses up to 6 grams daily, are gastrointestinal discomfort. Diarrhea and stomach upset were most noted. Some users also report constipation, itching skin, vertigo and/or weight loss.

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