Turmeric for Blood Pressure, Cholesterol and Heart Health

Turmeric has been observed to lower blood pressure in animal experiments. The therapeutic use of turmeric for blood pressure modulation continues to be the subject of investigation.

Turmeric exhibits a number of properties that may help mitigate health risks associated with prolonged high blood pressure.

However, there have not been any large-scale human trials to definitively rate the effectiveness of taking this supplement for high blood pressure or hypertension.

This article discusses the traditional uses of this natural extract and research into its capacity to lower blood pressure. It also examines how turmeric is used to reduce the risk of developing health conditions related to high blood pressure.

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 and Curcumin

Turmeric is a main spice used in Indian curries, but it has also been used for millennia in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine.

Turmeric was traditionally used for infection, inflammation, digestive disorders and liver ailments.

Turmeric is produced from the rhizomes (underground stems) of the plant Curcuma longa. The rhizomes are boiled, dried and ground to form the golden-yellow spice.

The component of turmeric that gives the spice its pigment – curcumin – is also responsible for its medicinal properties. Curcumin exhibits a number of beneficial properties, most notably its ability to induce antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

Both turmeric and curcumin supplements are available in stores and online. Turmeric contains, on average, between 2 and 7% curcumin, whereas curcumin supplements are standardized to contain up to 95% curcumin.

Turmeric for Blood Pressure

Considerable research has been done on the therapeutic effects of curcumin and turmeric. Turmeric has been observed to reduce systolic blood pressure in individuals with lupus.

In this double-blind placebo controlled study, 24 subjects with lupus were given a 500 mg dosage of turmeric with 22.1 mg of active curcumin, three times a day with meals. Results showed that participants given the supplement exhibited lower systolic blood pressure levels as well as anti-inflammatory effects on the kidney.

In another double-blind placebo controlled study of 32 postmenopausal women, taking 150 mg of curcumin daily for eight weeks resulted in a slight reduction (5 mm Hg) in systolic blood pressure. However, there was no reported effect on heart rate or diastolic blood pressure.

Turmeric’s active constituent, curcumin, has also been observed to reduce blood pressure in animal experiments. [1] The ability of either turmeric or curcumin to directly lower blood pressure in otherwise healthy individuals has yet to be investigated.

Turmeric, Blood Pressure and Cholesterol

Turmeric may help mitigate some of the effects of high blood pressure by reducing cholesterol levels.

Curcumin has been observed to lower so-called “bad” cholesterol levels and increase “good” cholesterol levels, which may help decrease the risk of developing cardiovascular disorders associated with high blood pressure.

In particular, atherosclerosis (the buildup of plaque in arteries that can lead to heart attack or stroke) can be caused by sustained high blood pressure and high levels of LDL cholesterol.

Turmeric, Heart Health and Atherosclerosis

Blood pressure is a measure of the force blood exerts on arterial walls.

Systolic blood pressure refers to the internal pressure on arteries as the heart muscle contracts (beats) and pushes blood through the arteries and veins.

Diastolic blood pressure refers to the arterial pressure in between heart beats, as the heart is refilling with blood prior to the next contraction or beat.

Blood pressure readings are expressed in a systolic/diastolic ratio. These ratios are expressed in terms of mm Hg (millimeters of mercury). Normal blood pressure for humans is 120/80 mm Hg.

The volume of blood that the heart displaces with each beat, and the resistance to blood flow, determines blood pressure. If the arteries are partially clogged due to fatty acid deposits (atherosclerosis), then blood pressure will be elevated.

Additionally, atherosclerosis can be caused by consistent high blood pressure because the constant strain on the arteries can cause them to harden, making them more prone to collect LDL (“bad”) cholesterol. This buildup of LDL cholesterol on hardened arteries leads to atherosclerosis, the main cause of coronary artery disease.

Turmeric has been observed to reduce low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol, total cholesterol and triglyceride counts. High density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels have been elevated via turmeric supplementation. These factors directly affect atherogenesis (formation of fatty acid deposits).

However, in a double-blind placebo-controlled trial, 4 g of curcumin was not found to affect cholesterol levels. [2] Evidence for curcumin’s ability to lower cholesterol remains contradictory.

Turmeric Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Platelet Actions

Turmeric is most noted for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-tumor properties. Curcumin and other turmeric constituents scavenge nitric oxide (NO) and other free radical agents. Curcumin has also been observed to reduce inflammation by reducing the number of some enzymes involved in the inflammatory process.

Turmeric may also improve blood pressure because it exhibits anti-platelet properties. This means that it prevents the clumping of platelets in the blood and improves blood viscosity. By reducing the likelihood of blood platelets clumping together, clotting may be impeded.

Turmeric’s blood thinning effects are similar to those of the well-known antioxidant vitamin E. Thinning the blood is known to reduce risks for developing atherosclerosis, as well as for various other types of cardiovascular disease.

In animal tests, turmeric has been observed to induce vasodilation (relaxation of blood vessels). When the inner linings (endothelium) of the vessels and heart muscle relax, they are able to widen.

This relaxed expansion makes it possible for more blood to travel through the circulatory system without an elevation in blood pressure. Vasodilation also helps flush away arterial plaque formations. This may further contribute to the purported cardiovascular benefits of turmeric supplement use.

Conclusions

There is some evidence to suggest that turmeric may help reduce high blood pressure, but further clinical study is necessary. Turmeric has been used for thousands of years in traditional medicine systems and is believed to be free of major side effects. Mild side effects include diarrhea, stomach upset, flatulence, bloating and nausea.

The Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database rates turmeric as “Likely Safe” for use up to eight months with daily doses of 2.2 grams. However, turmeric and curcumin may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medications.

Be sure to speak with your doctor before taking turmeric for blood pressure. This is especially important if you take prescription medications or have a pre-existing health condition.

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