Turmeric: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects, and More!

Introduction:

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) belongs to the family Zingiberaceae and is one of the most valuable herbal medicinal plants. Turmeric is also referred to as Indian saffron due to its brilliant yellow color. Turmeric contains a yellow pigment called curcumin or diferuloylmethane which is the principal ingredient responsible for health-promoting activities. Turmeric contains many medicinal properties that make it useful against various diseases, particularly those induced by oxidative stress (excess of free radicals that damage the body's tissues) such as cancer, inflammatory diseases, and diabetes mellitus. It also contains hepatoprotective (liver protecting), anticoagulant, nephroprotective (protecting the kidneys), and anti-HIV to fight AIDS.

Turmeric is distributed throughout tropical and subtropical regions of the world. It is extensively cultivated in Asian countries, especially in China and India. It grows up to a height of 1m and has a short stem.

Nutritional Value of Turmeric:

There are more than 100 components present in turmeric. The major component present in the root is a volatile oil consisting of turmerone. Other coloring agents like curcuminoids are also present in turmeric. Curcuminoids contain curcumin demethoxycurcumin, dihydrocurcumin, and 5’- methoxycurcumin which are natural antioxidants. Turmerone, arturmerone, and zingiberene are the components responsible for the aroma of turmeric. Turmeric also contains a great amount of ω-3 fatty acid and α-linolenic acid (2.5%).

Therapeutic uses of turmeric:

Turmeric is known to have many medicinal properties like:

∙ Antioxidant
∙ Neuroprotective
∙ Anti-inflammatory
∙ Anticancer
∙ Cardioprotective
∙ Hepatoprotective
∙ Antimutagenic
∙ Antimicrobial

Benefits of turmeric:

Benefits of turmeric as an antioxidant:
Curcumin is reported to be a powerful scavenger of oxygen-free radicals. The antioxidant property of curcumin is comparable to that of vitamin E and C. Curcumin can significantly inhibit the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The derivatives of curcumin such as bisdemethoxycurcumin and demethoxycurcumin also contain antioxidant properties. Pre treatment with curcumin has been shown to reduce oxidative stress caused due to ischemia and changes in the heart.

Benefits of turmeric for heart diseases:
Turmeric induces cardioprotective (heart-protective) effects mainly by its antioxidant activity, antidiabetic activity, and antiplatelet activity. Turmeric's cholesterol-lowering effect could be attributed to reduced cholesterol intake by the intestines and enhanced cholesterol conversion to bile acids in the liver. In a study, turmeric reduced blood glucose levels in diabetic rats.

Benefits of turmeric on the digestive system:
Constituents of turmeric induce protective effects on the gastrointestinal system. Intestinal spasm was inhibited by sodium curcuminate and another component of turmeric called p tolymethylcarbinol enhanced secretin, bicarbonate, gastrin, and pancreatic enzyme secretion. Tumeric was also effective against ulcer formation that was caused by factors like stress, alcohol, indomethacin (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug), reserpine and pyloric ligation (a condition that leads to gastric acid accumulation in the stomach causing ulceration) increasing gastric wall mucous in rats when exposed to these gastrointestinal insults.

Curcumin also decreased mucosal injury in mice that were experimentally induced with colitis (inflammation of the large intestine). Turmeric stimulates bile secretion, hence improving the bodies' ability to digest fats. This aids in better digestion and elimination of toxins from the liver. Traditionally, turmeric was used for poor digestion, indigestion, weak stomachs, to attain normal metabolism, and to enhance bioavailability (Rate at which a drug or metabolite enters the systemic circulation).

Benefits of turmeric for the oral cavity:
Turmeric is helpful for tooth decay and is used in the preparation of toothpastes due to its astringent, antibiotic, and anti-inflammatory activities. It destroys bacteria responsible for the development of cavities and also helps tone the gums. Turmeric powder has also been utilized in Indian and Chinese medicines for managing toothaches.

Benefits of turmeric for the eyes:
A cataract is an eye disease caused by the oxidation of the lens in your eyes. Consuming turmeric internally reduces the oxidation of the lens. Hence, it is helpful in cataracts. It has also been used to relieve eye pains.

Benefits of turmeric for the nose:
Turmeric is effective in arresting nosebleeds, aids in clearing the sinuses, restoring a more quick sense of smell, and also aids in purifying the mind and brain. Turmeric has also been used to treat cough, sinusitis, and dyspnea (difficulty in breathing).

Benefits of turmeric for menstrual problems:
Turmeric regulates menstruation and reduces the intensity and pain of periods. Turmeric also reduces the development of amenorrhea (absence of menstruation) and reduces uterine tumors. Turmeric is also a mild uterine stimulant.

Benefits of turmeric as an antimicrobial agent:
A variety of bacteria, disease-causing fungi, and parasites are inhibited by turmeric extract and the essential oil of Curcuma longa. The aqueous extract of turmeric exhibits antibacterial effects. The growth of several bacteria like staphylococcus, lactobacillus, and streptococcus are suppressed by curcumin. Ether and chloroform extracts of turmeric exhibit antifungal effects. Crude ethanol extract also contains antifungal properties. Turmeric is also known to possess antiviral properties.

Benefits of turmeric for detoxification:
Detoxification is the process of removal of toxic substances from the body. The active constituent of turmeric, curcumin can bind with heavy metals like lead and cadmium and decrease the toxicity of these metals. Hence, curcumin has a protective effect on the brain. Turmeric is also effective in curing poisoning and the purification of blood.

Benefits of turmeric for the skin:
Turmeric helps purify and nourish the blood leading to healthy and glowing skin. It is effective in treating skin diseases like acne, skin cancer, eczema, etc due to its antiseptic and antibacterial properties. It also helps in preventing premature aging. Turmeric is also a constituent of sunscreens and cosmetics.

Side effects of turmeric:

Turmeric has been established safe. However, despite this safety record, there have been some negative side effects. When taken in excess, the following side effects have been reported:

∙ Diarrhea
∙ Rashes
∙ Yellow stools
∙ Headache
∙ Nausea
∙ Increase in serum alkaline phosphatase and lactate dehydrogenase.

Precautions to take with turmeric:
The right dose of turmeric for you depends on your overall health. It is essential to talk to your physician before taking turmeric. Although the risk of side effects and drug interactions are unlikely, it is recommended that you stop consuming turmeric if you experience any ill effects. Turmeric might cause bloating, and it is also advisable to avoid turmeric if you have gallbladder disease.

Drug interactions with turmeric:
Turmeric might interact with blood-clotting medications. Hence, it is essential to consult your doctor before taking this remedy.

Frequently asked questions:

What is turmeric?
Turmeric is a spice that is obtained from the root of the Curcuma longa plant which is a part of the ginger family. The major active component of turmeric is curcumin. Turmeric contains many health benefits.
What are the other names of turmeric?
Turmeric is known by different names like Curcuma aromatic, curcumin, Curcuma, and other names.
Can turmeric be used to boost memory?
Turmeric helps improve memory performance in adults without dementia. Curcumin might also prevent the development of Alzheimer’s disease.
Can turmeric be used during pregnancy?
Turmeric might not be safe for use during pregnancy when taken in excess amounts. Hence, you must consult your doctor before taking turmeric during pregnancy.
Can turmeric be used as first aid?
Yes, turmeric has a hemostatic property (ability to arrest bleeding) and a great healing property due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects. Turmeric exhibited a healing effect on septic and aseptic wounds in rabbits and rats.

References:

Hamid Nasri, Najmeh Sahinfard, Mortaza Rafieian, Samira Rafiean, Maryam Shirzad, Mahmoud Rafieian-Kopaei; Turmeric: A spice with multifunctional medicinal properties. Journal of herbmed pharmacology.2014 3(1):5-8 Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/285776797_Turmeric_A_spice_with_multifunctional_medicinal_properties/link/57a9a18c08aef3001528b9bb/download
Sahdeo Prasad and Bharat B.Aggarwal; Chapter 13 Turmeric, the golden spice. Traditional medicine to modern medicine. Herbal medicine: Biomolecular and clinical aspects. 2 edition. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92752/
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U.S Department of Agriculture. Spices, turmeric, ground. [Internet] Available from: https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/172231/nutrients
Preeti Rathaur, Waseem Raja, P.W Ramteke and Suchit A. John. Turmeric: The golden spice of life. International journal of pharmaceutical sciences and research. 2012 3(7):1987-1994 Available from: https://ijpsr.com/bft-article/turmeric-the-golden-spice-of-life/
Cleveland clinic. 7 Health benefits of turmeric. [Internet] Available from: https://health.clevelandclinic.org/turmeric-health-benefit
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