Medicinal turmeric: more proven properties

In the last 40 years there have been published more than 5,000 articles on turmericor its components. Most respond to in vitro research or on animal experimentation models, although more and more clinical studies are being carried out with people.

A good part of the properties attributed to turmeric (anti-inflammatory and anticancer, for example) are due to its antioxidant action. And more specifically to curcumin action, a phenolic compound that contains the rhizome of the plant and that is better assimilated when accompanied by black pepper and some fat.

The proven benefits of turmeric

If it is assimilated well, curcumin fights oxidation of tissues, reducing its irritation and deterioration. Hence, the effectiveness of this medicinal root against inflammatory and neurodegenerative disorders.

But its properties are many. Traditional medicine has used it for all kinds of disorders, from disinfecting wounds to treating colds, eczema or bites. Let’s see below the scientifically proven properties until now.

1. Helps fight cancer

Studies show that curcumin reduces the appearance of cancer cells in the mouth, skin and intestine. So much so that it is considered a potential cancer chemopreventive agent. It also facilitates the premature death of the cancer cell and is capable of inhibiting metastasis in many tumors.

He breast cancer It is one of those that responds best to curcumin. It can be used as a complement to chemotherapy, as it enhances the efficacy of taxol and has an action similar to tamoxifen (both common drugs in this type of cancer).

2. Relieves osteoarthritis

Curcumin acts on inflammatory mediators such as leukotrienes, neutrophils, platelet aggregation, and COX enzyme activity. It is considered that its anti-inflammatory action is comparable to that of ibuprofen or phenylbutazone in the treatment of conditions such as arthritis.

Turmeric’s activity approximates that of “COX2 inhibitor” anti-inflammatory drugs, such as etoricoxib, but without its side effects.

It cannot be said that turmeric as a seasoning is totally effective in painful crises. In this case, they are indicated, in addition to the spice in the meals, the turmeric extract capsules with 95% curcuminoids and compounds that increase its bioavailability.

For prevent relapse one or two 500-600 mg capsules can be taken for one to two months.

3. Reduces inflammation of inflamed organs

Due to its anti-inflammatory action, turmeric is also indicated in other processes that affect organs, such as inflammatory bowel disease, inflammation of the ocular cornea, pancreatitis or irritable colon.

4. It is digestive and burns fat

Added to stews, turmeric facilitates the metabolism of fats because it improves the quantity, quality and flow of bile. For this reason it is recommended when cholesterol is high or in cases of diabetes. In healthy people it is an excellent digestive with foods that are especially fatty.

It must be said that various studies have not been able to cause a significant reduction in cholesterol with the administration of turmeric or curcumin. However, the effect of high doses on the triglyceride levels It is somewhat larger, without being very significant.

If we carry out a weight loss regimen, turmeric mobilizes and helps to “burn” fat.

5. Protects the brain

The Alzheimer disease, the causes of which are unknown, involves chronic inflammation of the central nervous system. The usual treatment includes the use of cyclooxygenase inhibitor anti-inflammatories.

Experimental studies suggest that, thanks to its anti-inflammatory effect, turmeric consumption improves the quality of brain tissue and reducesthe progression of Alzheimer’s.

It may also be useful in the complementary treatment of other neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s. In this type of disorder, it is important that the patient does not take more drugs than are essential. Adding curry to your dishes is recommended both for its anti-inflammatory effects and because it stimulates the sense of taste, which is often affected by neurological disease.

Turmeric can also help against mood disorders. A study on 60 patients with psychotic and suicidal tendencies observed a positive evolution that could be related to the effect of curcumin on monoaminergic nerve pathways, determinants of mood, and stimulation of the pituitary-hypothalamus-adrenal axis, which controls stress reactions.

6. Improves eye and skin health

The nerve cells in the eye are loaded with pigments, and curcumin, possibly because it is a pigment, is very useful against macular degeneration. This is a disease typical of old age, in which the macula –a very sensitive part of the retina– begins to degrade and lose its ability to perceive.

Well, curcumin regenerates the so-called “retinal purpura”involved in the perception of colors and in low light conditions.

However, turmeric does not act only from within the body. It is also capable of doing so through the skin. For this reason it is indicated for the healing of ulcers and wounds, and as rejuvenating agent.

There are studies that suggest a beneficial action on psoriasisscleroderma and premalignant or malignant skin lesions.

The oleoresin that remains after the extraction of the pigments, applied to the skin, also produces good results in patients with fibrosis (development of excess tissue due to inflammatory causes). It has also been found useful as a fungicide, insecticide, or insect repellent.

How to enhance the absorption of turmeric

There is no doubt that there are plenty of reasons to regularly use turmeric. And its excellent flavor and color are also compelling reasons!

However, isolated curcumin is not well assimilated by the body. It is not well absorbed and does not reach the tissues, so it cannot act and is quickly eliminated. In fact, studies with animals have shown that, even if high doses are administered (1 g per kilo of weight), it does not reach the blood plasma.

Therefore, it will be of little use to take it if some advice on how to promote its assimilation is not taken into account:

Without isolating and with a fat: Whole turmeric, that is, the rhizome, is better assimilated than isolated curcumin, since even the dry powder of the rhizome preserves the fatty part that facilitates assimilation. It can also be easily combined with olive oil, coconut oil or other vegetable fats.Mixed with black pepper: It is a good idea to use black pepper at the same time as the turmeric. Thanks to the action of piperine, its spicy compound, absorption increases by an average of 158%.Curcumin Supplements…and Something Else: In curcumin supplements, curcumin is supplemented with micelles and phospholipid complexes that increase up to almost 7 times its bioavailability. It is also combined with oligosaccharide cyclodextrin (APGL) or liposomes. A typical dose in curcumin supplementation is about 500mg daily.

Precautions

Finally, a word of caution: curcumin may be contraindicated when taking drugs anticoagulants or antiplatelets such as aspirin or heparin.

Otherwise, it is a safe substance: its side effects are few. Only in very high doses can it cause heartburn and other mild gastrointestinal disturbances. Also, turmeric is not contraindicated during pregnancy.