Turmeric

Most modern day advances in the pharmaceutical treatment of disease have emerged through discoveries about cultural and diet observations, anecdotal reports or by pure chance, such as the discovery of penicillin. It appears that turmeric, a spice commonly used in Asian cultures, and its active ingredient curcumin, may prove to be such a discovery.

Curcuminoids are the brilliant orange active phenols found in the common spice, turmeric. The most powerful of a family of anti-oxidants, curcuminoids are derived from the root of the plant turmeric, and have been used extensively in Ayruvedic medicine for centuries. Most recently, a team of research physicians at the famous MD Anderson Cancer Center, at the University of Texas, as well as UCLA, Emory University, the National Cancer Institute, the University of Maryland, and other notable centers around the world have concluded that curcuminoids can block the biological pathway of cancer development, slowing the progression and possibly curing a number of cancers.

Interest began as researchers studied the varying incidence of cancer in cultural or regional areas. They discovered that India and Pakistan, high users of turmeric as a spice in their foods, have a very low incidence of certain types of cancer, especially breast, colon, prostate, and lung, as well as other inflammatory diseases such as Multiple Sclerosis (MS), arthritis, and Alzheimer’s. After identifying curcumin as the active ingredient in turmeric, the University of Texas research team found that curcumin stopped laboratory strains of malignant melanoma from proliferating, and pushed the cancer cells to commit suicide.

The researchers knew that a humble molecule known as NF-kappa B, a protein well known as a powerful inflammatory agent, could lead to cancer, arthritis, MS, and a wide range of other diseases, depending on the person. According to the lead UT researcher, Dr. Bharat Aggarwal, “Nearly 98% of all diseases are controlled by NF-kappa B molecule.” The team found that curcumin could suppress this molecule, therefore inhibiting cancer development and the progression of many other inflammatory diseases.

In addition to cancer, a number of recent studies have supported curcumin treatment in a variety of diseases. A UCLA study published in early 2005 concluded that curcumin has a potent effect on the progression of Alzheimer’s by inhibiting the accumulation of destructive beta-amyloids. (Alzheimer’s disease is 4.4 times more prevalent in the U.S. than in India, suggesting that the turmeric diet may play an important role in stopping the development of the disease.) Further studies have shown curcumin to be effective at a cellular level in the following:

§ iIn preventing oxygen starvation of the heart during myocardial infarction (heart attack).

§ In stimulating muscle regeneration and wound healing.

§ Having an anti-rheumatic activity in individuals with rheumatoid arthritis.

§ In MS by inhibiting signaling in T-cells for demyelination.

§ Reduction of serum cholesterol and lipid levels suggesting prevention of vascular diseases.

The above list is just to name a few and ongoing studies may add to this list in the future.

Exactly how turmeric spice exhibits activities against these diseases is not fully understood but is thought to be through the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions of its active ingredient, curcumin. More research is certain to come. Will it work for you??? You can be the judge.

“Turmeric Plus” is purchased from Tattva’s Herbs, an Ayervedic holistic health supplement company. Turmeric Plus capsule provides standardized Turmeric 95% Curcuminoid extract 495mg and 5 mg. of Bioperine, which enhances the bioavailability of the drug.

Suggested use: One to two capsules daily without food or as directed by your physician.