Medicinal Qualities of Turmeric

Turmeric's use as a medicinal herb goes back more than 4,000 years. As an herbal remedy, it aids in digestive disorders and various other ailments, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Recently, studies on turmeric reveal its actions and medicinal properties. However, to benefit from turmeric's medicinal actions, it may be necessary to take it as an injection. Additionally, the majority of research on turmeric's health benefits are from animal studies, which may not yield the same results in humans.

Cardiovascular Health

• Turmeric may help prevent heart attack and strokes by reducing the accumulation of plaque in arteries, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. However, studies on turmeric's ability to fight atherosclerosis are limited to animal studies. It is unknown whether humans would benefit from the cholesterol-reducing properties of turmeric.

Cancer

• Turmeric's active component, curcumin, causes cell death, or apoptosis, in certain types of cancers, according to the Linus Pauling Institute. However, it appears to have limited ability to reach cancerous tissue in humans. Initial studies indicate that curcumin may help treat colorectal cancer better than other types of cancer, due to its bioavailabitly in the digestive tract. Curcumin has preventative benefits against cancer and reduces cell damage by its antioxidant action, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.

Digestive Health

• Turmeric may benefit some people with digestive disorders. Curcumin causes the production of bile in the gallbladder and helps enhance digestion in people who secrete insufficient amounts of bile. Additionally, there is evidence that turmeric decreases gas and bloating caused by indigestion. However, turmeric may increase stomach acid and could cause further irritation in stomach ulcer patients.

Inflammation

• Curcumin has anti-inflammatory properties that may equal phenylbutazone, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, according to the Linus Pauling Institute. Curcumin also reduced morning stiffness and joint swelling in rheumatoid arthritis patients. Curcumin decreased post-surgical swelling and pain in a placebo-controlled study. Curcumin may also be beneficial in osteoarthritis patients.

Alzheimer's Disease

• In vitro studies have found that curcumin inhibits the production of amyloid beta oligomers. Amyloid beta oligomers are deposits of amyloid plaques that accumulate and cause damage in the brain of Alzheimer's patients. According to the Linus Pauling Institute, curcumin reduced amyloid plaque, and its resulting damage, as well as inflammation. However, it is unclear whether curcumin is capable of crossing the blood-brain barrier for use as an oral treatment for Alzheimer's. Instead, an injection of curcumin may be more effective than oral consumption of the herb.

Cautions

• High doses of turmeric, more than 3 grams per day and taken at length, may cause digestive upset and ulcers. People with gallstone and gallbladder conditions should take turmeric under a doctor's supervision. Additionally, pregnant and breast-feeding women should avoid it. Research on turmeric's medicinal properties is in the initial stages. Therefore, people should not rely on turmeric as a sole treatment in any disease.