Turmeric - Research
Studies show that turmeric has antioxidant properties that may be useful in a variety of diseases and conditions.5,6,7
The German Commission E approved turmeric for the internal treatment of indigestion.1
Traditional medicinal practices in India and China tout the benefits of this bitter tasting and slightly fragrant root as a digestive aid,3 but many Ayurvedic (traditional Indian medicine) healers also integrate the powder into a paste or lotion for the treatment of dry and flaking skin, skin sores and wounds, and external inflammations.1,2,4 Other traditional internal uses of turmeric include relief of menstrual pain and treatment of urinary tract problems.1,4
Turmeric is incorporated into teas and is a base component in many culinary spice blends, specifically curry.1,2 Due to its brilliant color, turmeric has also been traditionally employed as a dye to color not only foods but cosmetics, paper, wood, and fabrics, specifically the golden robes worn by Thai Buddhist monks.4
References:
1 Blumenthal M, Goldberg A, Brinckmann J, eds. Herbal Medicine: Expanded Commission E Monographs. Austin, TX: American Botanical Council; Newton, MA: Integrative Medicine Communications; 2000.
2 DerMarderosian A, Beutler JA, eds. The Review of Natural Products: The Most Complete Source of Natural Product Information. 3rd ed. St. Louis, MO: Facts and Comparisons, 2002.
3 Wichtl M, Brinckmann J. Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals. 3rd ed. Stuttgart: Medpharm GmbH Scientific Publishers; 2004.
4 McCaleb RS, Leigh E, Morien K, eds. The Encyclopedia of Popular Herbs. Roseville, CA: Prima Publishing; 2000.
5 Cheng AL, Hsu CH, Lin JK, et al. Phase I clinical trials of curcumin, a chemopreventative agent in patients with high-risk or pre-malignant lesions. Anticancer Res. 2001;21:2895-2900.
6 Lal B, Kapoor AK, Agrawal PK, Asthana OP, Srimal RC. Role of curcumin in idiopathic inflammatory orbital pseudotumours. Phytother Res. 2000;14:443-447.
7 Badria F, El-Farahaty T, Shabana A, Hawas S, El-Batoty M. Boswellia-curcumin preparation for treating knee osteoarthritis. Alternative & Complementary Therapies 2002 December:341-8.
