Turmeric Extract Curcuminoid Content, Benefits and Interactions

Turmeric extract may refer to either a decoction of the root of the Curcuma longa plant or supplements made from constituents of turmeric, such as curcumin.

Although turmeric is a well-known spice, it more commonly being used as a therapeutic agent. This herbal extract has been used for millennia in Siddha, Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine to treat digestive upset, skin conditions and liver ailments.

Contemporary researchers have identified the active constituent of turmeric extract to be a compound called curcumin. Curcumin has been observed in animal and laboratory tests to exhibit anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-coagulant properties.

Both turmeric and curcumin extract supplements are available on the market. Curcumin supplements are standardized to contain a specific extract concentration of curcuminoids, the family of molecules to which this compound belongs.

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 Extract Bioactive Constituents

Turmeric is the primary ingredient in curry powder.

It is made by boiling and drying the underground stems (rhizomes) and roots of Curcuma longa, a close relative of ginger.

Rhizomes contain the highest concentration of curcuminoids in the plant. Turmeric contains three curcuminoids.

Curcumin (feruloylmethane) is the primary curcuminoid in turmeric. The other two (bisdemethoxycurcumin and demethoxycurcumin) are made from curcumin. This is the heavily-pigmented substance in turmeric that gives the spice its orange-yellow color.

Turmeric Extract Health Benefits

Turmeric extracts are used for a wide range of health maladies, including arthritis, digestive disorders (such as heart burn and bloating), diarrhea, liver and gallbladder disorders, cancer, depression and headaches. This supplement is also used as a general anti-aging and immune boosting supplement.

Most scientific research into the effects of turmeric and curcumin has been conducted on cell cultures and animal models. It is not clear what therapeutic effects turmeric or curcumin will have on human health or disease. Nevertheless, there has been considerable research into the therapeutic effects of this extract, some of which is discussed below.

Turmeric exhibits both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It has also been observed to decrease cholesterol levels in animal experiments, but similar results were not observed in a human study.

Curcumin acts as an anti-platelet agent, which means it works to prevent the clumping of platelets in the blood. This may help reduce the occurrence of blood clots. It may also improve blood circulation, which can have a positive impact on overall health.

Turmeric for Digestive Health

Turmeric powder is considered effective for improving digestive health and has been examined for colitis and irritable bowel syndrome in animal models. It is said to have gastroprotective effects due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms.

The German Commission E – the organization responsible for regulating herbal use and prescriptions – has approved the use of turmeric extract for digestive upset. In a human trial, turmeric was reported to reduce symptoms of gas and bloating.

Curcumin has been observed to increase the production of bile in the gallbladder. Researchers hypothesize that this increase in bile protects the stomach and supports digestion.

In Ayurvedic medicine, 1 tsp of turmeric powder is taken with water three times a day to treat gastritis.

Turmeric Extract and Cancer Cells

Cancer cells differ from normal cells in six distinct ways.

Cancer cells: generate their own growth signals; are highly resistant to growth-inhibition signals; evade apoptosis (cell death); make their own blood vessels (angiogenesis); exhibit uncontrolled reproduction; and invade healthy cellular structures.

Both turmeric and curcumin extract have been studied for their anti-cancer properties.

In an in vitro laboratory experiment, curcumin applied directly to tumors was observed to prevent tumor growth. Additionally, curcumin appeared to help protect rats from developing certain cancers, including stomach, colon and skin cancers.

Researchers are also interested in the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric extracts and better understanding what role these characteristics may play in the prevention and treatment of cancer.

While some results are promising, research is preliminary and neither turmeric nor curcumin should be used as a replacement for conventional cancer treatments. In addition, curcumin has been observed to interact with some chemotherapy drugs. Be sure to speak with your doctor before supplementing with these compounds while undergoing cancer treatment.

Turmeric Extract Drug Interactions

Turmeric is thought to affect a number of pathways in the human body. Consequently, it may interact with a number of prescription and over-the-counter medications. Turmeric extract pills should not be taken in conjunction with:

• Anticoagulants/antiplatelets
• Antidiabetics
• Medications that target cytochrome P450 1A1 (CYP1A), 1A2 (CYP1A2) and 3A4 (CYP3A4) pathways
• Docetaxel
• Estrogen
• Norfloxacin
• P-Glycoprotein Substrates
• Paclitaxel
• Sulfasalazine
• Talinolol

The above list is not exhaustive and a medical professional should be contacted to make sure you are not at risk of any drug interactions. Be sure to speak with a healthcare professional before taking turmeric or curcumin for medicinal purposes.

Turmeric is generally well tolerated. Reported side effects include diarrhea and gastrointestinal upset. Turmeric doses of up to 2.2 g per day have been used without report of significant side effect. Curcumin has been used in single doses of up to 12 g with no ill effects.

Be sure to speak with your doctor before turmeric extract for medicinal purposes, especially if you are taking other medications.

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