PhytoScience - Article

Curcumin (Turmeric)

 

Turmeric (Curcuma longa, also known as turmeric or curcumin) is an ancient spice, native to Indonesia and India, where it has been harvested for more than 5000 years. Whole turmeric is a tuberous rhizome of perennial plant curuma longa, belonging to the ginger family. The name derives from the Latin terra merita “meritorious earth” referring to the color of ground turmeric which resembles a mineral pigment. In many languages turmeric is simply named as yellow root.

It is a major spice in India since ancient times. It was used in religious rites in both ancient India and China. It is still used in Hindu religious rituals in India. Both Indian Ayurvedic and Chinese medicines use turmeric for the treatment of inflammatory and digestive disorders. It is still used in rituals of the Hindu religion, and as a dye for holy robes. It was used as a coloring agent in an Assyrian herbal preparations dating back to 600 BCE. Marco Polo, in 1280, mentioned turmeric in notes of his travels in China: "There is also a vegetable that has all the properties of true saffron, as well as the smell and the color, and yet it is not really saffron." In medieval Europe, turmeric was known as "Indian saffron." Arab traders introduced it into Europe in the 13th century and during the middle ages because of its color turmeric was known as Indian saffron in Europe.

Turmeric has recently become popular in Western cultures. Much of its recent popularity is owed to the recent research that has highlighted its therapeutic properties. A new study has found that turmeric could be an effective enhancer of an enzyme that protects the brain against oxidative conditions. This research is an important first step in determining whether turmeric could be used as a preventive agent to help reduce the progression of chronic and age associated neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease. Turmeric has both anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.Research has shown that turmeric has other health benefits- it aids digestion, helps fight infection and guards against heart attacks.

Today turmeric is grown in the tropics and sub tropics. The plant requires a hot, moist environment and a fairly light soil. It is yellowish brown in color with orange interior that turns bright yellow when dried and powdered. The harvested rhizomes are boiled, dried and their rough skins removed and then powdered to make turmeric powder. It is usually sold ground, as a bright yellow, fine powder. The exception is South East Asia, where fresh spice is much preferred to the dried.

The leading commercial producers of turmeric include India, Indonesia, China, the Philippines, Taiwan, Haiti and Jamaica. India is the leading producer as well as consumer of turmeric. India is also the largest exporter of turmeric to the Middle East, the UK, USA and Japan.

Proported Uses

  • Cancer prevention
  • Infections
  • Inflammation
  • Kidney stones
  • Stomach and intestinal gas

Mechanism of Action

The mechanism of action is not fully understood. Turmeric has anti-inflammatory and choleretic action. Anti-inflammatory action may be due to leukotriene inhibition. Its curcuminoids (curcumin) and volatile oil are both partly responsible for the anti-inflammatory activity. Curcuminoids induce glutathione S-transferase and are potent inhibitors of cytochrome P450. Turmeric acts as a free radical scavenger and antioxidant, inhibiting lipid peroxidation and oxidative DNA damage. It also inhibits activation of NF-kB4, c-jun/AP-1 function, and activation of the c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK) pathway. In vitro and animal models of breast cancer show turmeric may inhibit chemotherapy-induced apoptosis via inhibition of the JNK pathway and reactive oxygen species generation. The isolated constituent alpha r-turmerone has been shown to arrest the reproduction and slaughterer activity of human lymphocytes, which may contribute to its anti-inflammatory action.

Curcumin is more effective by parenteral injection than by oral ingestion. Curcumin has displayed antitumor activity and may be protective against some cancers, such as colon cancer. In laboratory tests, curcumin's antitumor actions appear to be due to interactions with arachidonate metabolism and its in vivo antiangiogenic properties.

Adverse Reactions

Reported: None

Interactions

Reserpine: Turmeric may reduce efficacy.
Indomethacin: Turmeric may reduce efficacy.
Anticoagulants / Antiplatelets: Turmeric may increase risk of bleeding.
Camptothecin: Turmeric inhibits camptothecin-induced apoptosis of breast cancer cell lines in vitro.
Mechlorethamine: Turmeric inhibits mechlorethamine-induced apoptosis of breast cancer cell lines in vitro.
Doxorubicin: Turmeric inhibits doxorubicin-induced apoptosis of breast cancer cell lines in vitro.
Cyclophosphamide: Dietary turmeric inhibits cyclophosphamide-induced tumor regression in animal studies

Clinical Summary

Derived from the rhizome and root. This supplement is routinely used as a spice and coloring agent. Oral administration is well tolerated, but bioavailability is relatively low. Following absorption, turmeric is rapidly metabolized. In vitro and animal studies suggest anti-proliferative and preventative effects of turmeric against cancer. Results from a pilot study indicate that it may help alleviate symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome). No significant adverse events have been reported. Patients with gastrointestinal disorders should not take this supplement.

Recent animal studies indicate that dietary turmeric may inhibit the anti-tumor action of chemotherapeutic agents such as cyclophosphamide in treating breast cancer. More research is necessary, but it may be advisable for breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy to limit intake of turmeric and turmeric-containing foods. Data from an epidemiological study are suggestive of improved cognitive performance in elderly Asians who consumed turmeric in the form of curry powder.

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Disclaimer:
These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Any product mentioned is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.