The vast majority of turmeric comes from India. It is one of the key ingredients in many curries, giving them color and flavor. Turmeric is a minor spice in the West, but a major one in the East. It is valued by Westerners mainly, if not solely, on account of its color, but to the Asians both color and aroma are equally important.
The active component is known as curcumin. It has been shown to have a wide range of therapeutic actions. first, it is a strong antioxidant. second, it reduces the inflammation by lowering histamine levels. Third, it protects the liver from a number of toxic compounds. In addition, it has been shown to reduce platelets from clumping together, which helps protect from atherosclerosis.
In a few preliminary studies, curcumin has shown the ability of reducing inflammation in people with rheumatoid arthritis. Turmeric has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine as a treatment for inflammatory disorders including arthritis. On the basis of this traditional usage, dietary supplements containing turmeric rhizome and turmeric extracts are also being used in the western world for arthritis treatment and prevention. A commercial sample containing 94% of the three major curcuminoids was more potent in preventing arthritis than the essential oil-depleted turmeric fraction when compared by total curcuminoid dose per body weight. In conclusion, these data (1) document the in vivo antiarthritic efficacy of an essential oil-depleted turmeric fraction and (2) suggest that the three major curcuminoids are responsible for this antiarthritic effect, while the remaining compounds in the crude turmeric extract may inhibit this protective effect.
SIDE EFFECTS
Used in the recommended amounts, turmeric is generally safe. Some herbalists do not recommend using high amounts of turmeric during pregnancy, as it may cause uterine contractions. People with gallstones or obstruction of bile passages should consult their healthcare practitioner before using turmeric.