- “Image of a Turmeric Flower or Curcuma longa” by sophiea
Curcumin is found in turmeric, the primary spice in curry. Both modern medicine and Asian tradition make claims for the health benefits of curcumin. What really is known about this spice derivative?
Traditional Claims of the Health Benefits of Turmeric
Turmeric powder is made from the rhizome of the turmeric plant.
As noted in “curcuma longa“, traditional East Indian medical uses for turmeric starts with ingesting it for stomach ache. It has also been used to treat skin infections, muscle aches and arthritis. One traditional Chinese treatment is using a turmeric derivative as a topical analgesic colic. Internally, the Chinese have used turmeric to treat chest pain, colic, hepatitis and ringworm.
Recent Medical Claims for Curcumin
"Turmeric Rhizomes" image by shaggyshoo
Modern medicine usually extracts the active curcumin from the flavourful turmeric. It might be applied externally, taken orally or injected in a solution.
The claim for being a “blood thinner” seems true; this makes curcumin potentially beneficial for people in danger of heart attack or stroke. In “Turmeric“, Medline Plus warns of the danger of combining curcumin with other anti-coagulants, such as ibuprofin or warfarin. The blood-thinning properties of curcumin make it inadvisable for surgical patients.
Medline Plus also agrees that curcumin may help settle an upset stomach, but states that all other claims need more evidence.
These other medical claims include helping against arthritis, delaying the effects of Alzheimer’s disease, inhibiting bacterial growth, reducing the risk of cancer, and lowering blood sugar levels. To be fair, the “cucurum longa” article often notes the need for clinical trials on humans.
The U. of Maryland article on “Turmeric” adds several other possible medical uses. It reduced the relapse rate for people whose ulcerative colitis was already in remission. It might help prevent atherosclerosis, the build-up of arterial plaque leading to heart attacks. There is some potential for helping diabetics. Most interesting is the possibility that it might aid in cancer treatment.
In May 2011, Medical Xpress reported that “Curcumin compound improves effectiveness of head and neck cancer treatment“. This in vitro study of specific cancer cell lines showed that a curcumin derivative boosted the effectiveness of the specific chemotherapy drug, cisplatin. This combination has not been tested on humans.
To summarize: few of the medical claims have been demonstrated in double-blind tests on humans.
Medical Concerns Regarding Curcumin
Generally there is no problem eating turmeric as a spice in curry, or as the
"Powdered Turmeric Spice" by Cherrie Rhodes
base for a tea. There are several counter-indications against taking large amounts of turmeric, or taking curcumin supplements or remedies.
People with gall-bladder or bile duct conditions should avoid turmeric since it stimulates bile production.
As noted above, people taking anti-coagulant drugs should not add turmeric to their diets. Those anticipating or recovering from surgery also want to maximize their blood’s clotting ability by avoiding turmeric.
Diabetics need to monitor their blood sugar levels more closely after eating a turmeric-laced curry. An unexpectedly lower glucose level is dangerous for diabetics.
Medline Plus advises pregnant and lactating women to avoid turmeric, largely as a precaution based on lack of evidence of safety.
Turmeric, a Long-Time Friend and Poorly Known Acquaintance
"Turmeric Flower" by jongela19
The situation with turmeric is similar to several other herbal remedies. Turmeric is a long-time friend with a sterling reputation for being helpful in a variety of situations. Yet modern medicine is only comfortable regarding it as a mere acquaintance, safe to invite for dinner but not overly welcome at a medical clinic. The best course of action is to research any claims thoroughly before taking chances on one’s health.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his or her health should contact a doctor for advice.
References:
Medical Xpress, “Curcumin compound improves effectiveness of head and neck cancer treatment“, published May 19, 2011, referenced May 21, 2011.
Curcumalonga.com, “curcuma longa“, referenced May 21, 2011.
Medline Plus, “Turmeric“, updated April 18, 2011, referenced May 21, 2011.
U. of Maryland Medical Center, “Turmeric“, referenced May 21, 2011.
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