Turmeric, a perennial plant native to tropical South Asia, is used as a spice in India and surrounding countries. Researchers have discovered rates of a number of neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, are much lower in countries with high consumption of this spice.
This has prompted research on its potential as a treatment for a number of diseases.
It is a member of the Ginger family, and has a warm, peppery and bitter flavor. While it is best known as one of the ingredients needed to make curry, it is what gives ballpark mustard its yellow color.
The main ingredient in this spice that researchers think gives it medicinal qualities is called curcumin.
Google News reported that researchers from Naomi Berrie Diabetes Center at Columbia University Medical Center have announced that Turmeric treated mice were less susceptible to developing type II Diabetes based on their blood glucose levels, and glucose and insulin tolerance tests.
Treatment of Neurologic Diseases
Preliminary studies on mice suggest curcumin may be effective in stopping the progression of Multiple Sclerosis.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University have found that mice bred to develop a MS-like disease, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), demonstrated little or no symptoms of the disease when given curcumin. Mice that were not given curcumin went on to develop severe paralysis.
In another study, mice bred to develop EAE were given either 50 or 100 micrograms of curcumin, or placebo, three times a week. By day 15, the group of mice that had not received curcumin had become completely paralyzed, while the group given 50 micrograms of this spice exhibited only minor symptoms.
The group given 100 micrograms exhibited no symptoms at all.
The dosages of curcumin given these mice were roughly equivalent to the amounts found in the typical Indian diet.
A study done by the Departments of Medicine and Neurology at the University of California, reported that curcumin slows the progression of Alzheimer's disease in mice.
Cancer Prevention
Another study done by the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, found this spice blocked the growth of skin cancer, known as Melanoma, in laboratory mice. Additionally, they found it inhibited the spread of breast cancer into the lungs.
A study done in 2004, found that Turmeric, when taken with the chemotherapy medicine Taxol, enhanced its effect, making the treatment just as powerful and less toxic.
Arthritis Treatment
It is also been studied as a treatment for inflammatory disorders such as arthritis.
In a study done at the University of Arizona, researchers created symptoms of Rheumatoid arthritis, in laboratory mice. Some of the mice were treated with preparations of this herbal remedy before inflammation began while others were treated after it began.
In this study, laboratory animals were given Turmeric containing 41 percent of the three major curcuminoids. It was found to be an effective treatment in preventing joint inflammation, but only if given before inflammation started.
In a study done at the University of Arizona, researchers created symptoms of Rheumatoid arthritis, in laboratory mice. Some of the mice were treated with preparations of Turmeric extract before inflammation began while others were treated after it began.
The researchers found those mice given an extract containing the most curcumin were the ones that saw the most reduction of joint swelling.
They think that it causes the adrenal gland to produce more of the body's own cortisone, a powerful reliever of inflammation and pain.
Turmeric for Gout is also thought to be an effective treatment for this condition.
Other Uses
It may also prove useful in eliminating a protein found in your brain that may contribute to developing Alzheimer's disease. This protein, the beta-amyloid protein, is normally kept in check by a gene known as the Apo E gene.
However, if you are genetically predisposed to develop Alzheimer's, another gene, the Apo E4 gene, works against the Apo E Gene, allowing areas of plaque to develop in the brain.
Additionally, research has shown us that elevated levels of E4 to in the brain is associated with a higher incidence of Alzheimer's disease.
But, taking Turmeric reduces expression of the E4 gene.
In a similar vein, it may help to increase production of a brain neurotransmitter that helps with memory. This chemical, known as brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF) tends to decrease as we age, as a result of things like stress and inflammation.
However, the active ingredient in this herb, curcumin, may improve levels of BDNF.
Dosage
The recommended dosage is 400 to 600 milligrams, three times daily.
Contraindications
Individuals with gallstones, bile duct obstruction, or are pregnant should not take this herbal remedy.
An overdose of this remedy can cause gastrointestinal distress.
Taking extremely large amounts of it could potentially damage red and white blood cells.
Individuals taking blood thinners such as Coumadin should avoid taking it.
Subscribe to the Home Remedies Blog by clicking on this link: Home Remedies Blog
Turmeric, a perennial plant native to tropical South Asia, is used as a spice in India and surrounding countries. Researchers have discovered rates of a number of neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, are much lower in countries with high consumption of this spice.
