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What Is Turmeric Extract?

Turmeric, or Curcuma longa, is a plant in the ginger family that grows in tropical and subtropical regions. The spice made from the plant's rhizome (a rootlike underground stem) is a staple of Indian cuisine. Turmeric is also a potent medicine widely used in Ayurveda and traditional Chinese herbal medicine. Modern medical studies have found that a chemical compound in turmeric called curcumin is the most biologically active component of the plant. Studies investigating this compound's healing properties are ongoing. Because of the promise it shows in treating and preventing a host of illnesses, curcumin---also known as turmeric extract---has become a popular dietary supplement.

  1. Forms

    • Turmeric extract is available in liquid and powder forms. The liquid product (typically a mixture of curcumin, grain alcohol and water) is diluted with water and drunk. Powdered turmeric extract is sold in capsules or in bulk. The bulk extract may be dissolved in water and drunk, added to foods or taken sublingually (under the tongue).

    Cancer-Fighting Properties

    • According to the Linus Pauling Institute's Micronutrient Information Center (MIC), turmeric extract has successfully arrested the propagation of various cancers in studies involving cultured cells. In animal studies, researchers have found oral turmeric extract to inhibit the development of colon, stomach, liver and oral cancers. It has also shown particular promise in human studies for treating cancers of the gastrointestinal tract.

    Anti-Inflammatory Properties

    • The MIC notes that turmeric extract has demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties in cell culture and animal studies. A human study with rheumatoid arthritis sufferers found that two weeks of supplementation with turmeric extract resulted in symptom relief comparable to that provided by two weeks' treatment with the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug phenylbutazone.

    Anti-Plaque Properties and Alzheimer's Disease

    • In Alzheimer's disease, deposits called amyloid plaques accumulate in the brain. The MIC reports that turmeric extract decreased amyloid plaque formation, reduced inflammation and improved memory function in animal studies. Clinical trials are under way to assess how effective oral turmeric extract is in inhibiting the progression of Alzheimer's disease in humans.

    Dosage

    • According to MedlinePlus, the average person in India receives a daily dose of 60 to 200 milligrams of curcumin simply by eating foods containing turmeric. The MIC notes that studies have proven turmeric extract to be safe in single dosages of up to 12 grams and ongoing dosages (over a three-month period) of up to eight grams. However, upset stomach, nausea and diarrhea can accompany these elevated doses.

    Safety

    • Turmeric extract can cause digestive problems and may aggravate gall-bladder conditions, particularly in high doses. Also, its safety for pregnant and lactating women has not been determined. For best results, discuss turmeric extract with your doctor or alternative medicine practitioner before beginning a course of treatment, and follow the manufacturer's instructions regarding dosage.

    Other Uses

    • Curcumin is the compound that gives turmeric its characteristic golden yellow color. Because it is both vibrantly colored and safe to eat, turmeric extract is an ideal food dye. Mustard, margarine, cheeses and a variety of other foods owe their yellow coloring to turmeric extract.

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