Antiviral Properties of Turmeric

Turmeric is a member of the ginger family and an aromatic spice often used in traditional Indian and Thai cuisine. Aside from its culinary uses, Turmeric, also has additional medicinal uses and contains several therapeutic properties. One of the components of turmeric is curcumin, an anti-oxidant chemical that has been shown to have antimicrobial effects on a broad range of microbes, including various viruses. According to medical research, turmeric has the potential to play a large part in the battle against infection in the future.

HIV/AIDS

• There have been several studies examining the uses of turmeric and curcumin in the treatment of HIV/AIDS. One such study, published in "The International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents" in 2008, found an herbal cream was effective in preventing the entry of the HIV-1 virus into human cells. While the cream contained several botanical ingredients, the first and primary ingredient was curcumin. According the author of the study, researcher G.P. Talwar, the cream also had significant virucidal properties and inhibited growth of HIV. A small clinical study published in "Digestive Diseases & Sciences" in 2009 investigated the use of turmeric in treating digestive symptoms of HIV infection, and found patients given turmeric extract experienced resolution of diarrhea, increased weight gain and reduced digestive discomfort.

Herpes Simplex Virus

• Herpes simplex virus is a widespread pathogen and can surface in a variety of conditions involving the mucous membranes, such as cold sores and genital herpes. Researcher Sebla B. Kutluay and colleagues from Michigan State University published findings in the medical journal "Virology" in 2008, showing that curcumin managed to significantly inhibit the herpes simplex virus in laboratory tests by interfering with the replication processes of the virus. This study may support the use of turmeric extract in natural cold sore products.

Human Papilloma Virus

• A 2004 study published in the "International Journal of Cancer" examined the effects of turmeric on the human papilloma virus. This virus is responsible for warts, genital warts and is a major risk factor for cervical cancer in women. Researchers from the Institute of Cytology & Preventive Oncology in New Delhi found during their study that the curcumin in turmeric bound the same receptor sites on human cells required by the virus. This process helped to prevent infection and inhibit growth of the human papilloma virus, thus having great potential for the prevention of cervical cancer in future.

Influenza and the Common Cold

• In the 2009 issue of the scientific journal "Emerging Infectious Diseases", researcher David Fedson discusses the uses of natural and ethnobotanical products in the treatment of the influenza virus. Fedson suggests turmeric and curcumin as viable candidates for treating influenza, as they are known to interfere with the replication process of other viruses and microbes. According to Kerry Bone, author of "The Clinical Guide to Blending Liquid Herbs", turmeric is a traditional Thai remedy used for treating for the common cold.