Introduction:

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) belongs to the family Zingiberaceae and is one of the most valuable herbal medicinal plants.¹ Turmeric is also referred to as Indian saffron due to its brilliant yellow colour.² Turmeric contains a yellow pigment called curcumin or diferuloylmethane, which is the principal ingredient responsible for its medicinal properties.^1,3

Turmeric is distributed throughout subtropical and tropical regions of the world. It is extensively cultivated in Asian countries, especially in China and India. It grows up to a height of one meter and has a short stem.¹

Nutritional Value of Turmeric:

There are more than 100 components present in turmeric. The major component present in the root is a volatile oil consisting of turmerone. Other colouring agents like curcuminoids are also present in turmeric. Curcuminoids contain curcumin demethoxycurcumin, dihydrocurcumin, and 5’- methoxycurcumin, which are natural antioxidants. Turmerone, arturmerone, and zingiberene are the components responsible for the aroma of turmeric. Turmeric also contains a great amount of ω-3 fatty acid and α-linolenic acid (2.5%).² In 100 grams of turmeric, the nutrients found are:⁴

                                                Table 1: Nutritional value of turmeric⁴

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Uses of Turmeric:

Turmeric is known to possess many medicinal properties like:

• Antioxidant
• Antidiabetic
• Hypolipidemic (cholesterol-lowering)
• Anti-inflammatory
• Antimicrobial
• Antivenom
• Hepatoprotective (liver-protecting)
• Nephroprotective (kidney-protecting)
• Antifertility
• Anticoagulant¹

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Benefits of Turmeric:

1. Benefits of turmeric for heart diseases:

Turmeric exhibits cardioprotective (heart-protective) effects mainly due to its antioxidant, antidiabetic, antiplatelet, and cholesterol-lowering activities. Turmeric’s cholesterol-lowering effect could be attributed to reduced cholesterol intake by the intestines and enhanced cholesterol conversion to bile acids in the liver.¹

2. Benefits of turmeric for the digestive system:

Constituents of turmeric have protective effects on the gastrointestinal system. According to a study, the intestinal spasm was inhibited by sodium curcuminate, a constituent of turmeric. Another component of turmeric called p-tolymethylcarbinol enhanced secretin, bicarbonate, gastrin, and pancreatic enzyme secretion. As per an animal study, turmeric was effective in preventing the formation of ulcers that might be induced by factors like stress, alcohol, indomethacin (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug), reserpine and pyloric ligation (a condition that leads to gastric acid accumulation in the stomach) by increasing gastric wall mucous in animals when exposed to these gastrointestinal insults.⁵

Turmeric stimulates bile secretion, hence improving the body’s ability to digest fats. This aids in better digestion and elimination of toxins from the liver.⁵

3. Benefits of turmeric for the oral cavity:

Turmeric is helpful for preventing tooth decay and is used in the preparation of toothpaste due to its astringent (causes the contraction of cells to reduce bleeding from minor abrasions), antibiotic, and anti-inflammatory activities. It destroys bacteria responsible for the development of cavities and also helps tone the gums.⁵

4. Benefits of turmeric for the eyes:

A cataract is an eye disease caused by the oxidation of the lens in your eyes. The internal consumption of turmeric reduces the oxidation of the lens. Hence, it is helpful in cataracts. It is also useful to relieve eye pains.⁵

5. Benefits of turmeric for the respiratory system:

Turmeric is effective in arresting nosebleeds, clearing the sinuses, and restoring a quicker sense of smell. Turmeric can also be used to manage cough, sinusitis, and dyspnoea (difficulty in breathing).⁵

6. Benefits of turmeric for infertility:

According to an animal study, extracts of turmeric exhibit an antifertility effect on an animal model. These extracts completely inhibit the implantation of the embryo into the uterine wall. Curcumin is also known to inhibit sperm motility and can also function as an intravaginal contraceptive.⁵

7. Benefits of turmeric for menstrual problems:

Turmeric regulates menstruation and reduces the intensity and pain of periods. Turmeric also reduces the risk for amenorrhoea (absence of menstruation) and uterine tumours. Turmeric is also a mild uterine stimulant.⁵

8. Benefits of turmeric for infections:

A variety of bacteria, disease-causing fungi, and parasites are inhibited by turmeric extract and the essential oil of Curcuma longa. The aqueous extract of turmeric exhibits antibacterial effects. The growth of several bacteria like staphylococcus, lactobacillus, and streptococcus are suppressed by curcumin. Ether and chloroform extracts of turmeric exhibit antifungal effects. Turmeric is also known to possess antiviral properties. All these properties of turmeric help to fight against infection-causing microbes.⁵

9. Benefits of turmeric for detoxification:

Detoxification is the process of elimination of toxic substances from the body. The active constituent of turmeric, curcumin, can bind with heavy metals like lead and cadmium and decrease the toxicity of these metals. Turmeric is also effective in dealing with poisoning and the purification of blood.⁵

10. Benefits of turmeric for the skin:

Turmeric helps purify and nourish the blood leading to healthy and glowing skin. It is effective in managing skin diseases like acne, eczema, etc. due to its antiseptic and antibacterial properties. It also helps in preventing premature ageing. Turmeric is also a constituent of sunscreens and cosmetics.⁵

11. Other benefits of turmeric:

Curcumin is reported to be a powerful scavenger of oxygen-free radicals. The antioxidant property of curcumin is comparable to that of vitamin E, and C. Curcumin can significantly inhibit the generation of reactive oxygen species. The derivatives of curcumin, such as bisdemethoxycurcumin and demethoxycurcumin, also contain antioxidant properties. Pre-treatment with curcumin has been shown to reduce oxidative stress caused due to ischaemia (a condition in which is there is restricted blood flow in a particular body part).¹

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How to Use Turmeric?

Turmeric can be taken as a supplement or utilised as a spice. Turmeric can be incorporated into your diet by adding it to various foods like:

• Soups
• Scrambled eggs
• Roasted veggetables
• Smoothies
• Rice
• Milk⁶

Turmeric is available in different forms like:

• Powder
• Stick
• Liquid
• Paste, etc.⁷

Side Effects of Turmeric:

Turmeric has been established safe for use. However, despite this safety record, there have been some side effects. When taken in excess, the following side effects have been reported:

• Diarrhoea
• Rashes
• Yellow stools
• Headache
• Nausea
• Increase in the levels of serum alkaline phosphatase and lactate dehydrogenase

Alkaline phosphatase is an important enzyme that is associated with the presence of liver, bone and other diseases. Lactate dehydrogenase is an enzyme that is indicative of any tissue damage or disease.⁸

Precautions to Take With Turmeric:

The right dose of turmeric for you depends on your overall health. It is essential to talk to your physician before taking turmeric. Although the risk of side effects and drug interactions are unlikely, it is recommended that you stop consuming turmeric if you experience any ill effects.

Turmeric might cause bloating, and it is also advisable to avoid turmeric if you have gallbladder disease.⁶

Interactions With Other Drugs:

Turmeric might interact with blood-clotting medications. Hence, it is important to consult your doctor before consuming turmeric with these medications.⁶

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Frequently Asked Questions:

What is turmeric?

Turmeric is a spice that is obtained from the root of the Curcuma longa plant that is a part of the ginger family. The primary active constituent of turmeric is curcumin. Turmeric has many health benefits.⁶

What are the other names of turmeric?

Turmeric is known by different names like turmeric root, Indian saffron, Curcuma longa, Curcuma aromatica and more.⁹

Can turmeric be used to boost memory?

Turmeric helps enhance memory in adults without dementia (loss of memory, language, problem-solving and other thinking abilities). Curcumin might also prevent the development of Alzheimer’s disease.⁶

Can turmeric be used during pregnancy?

Turmeric might not be safe for use during pregnancy when taken in excess amounts. Hence, you must consult your doctor before taking turmeric during pregnancy.⁹

Can turmeric be used as first aid?

Yes, turmeric has a haemostatic property (ability to arrest bleeding) and a great healing property due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects. According to animal studies, turmeric exhibited a healing effect on septic and aseptic wounds in animal models.⁵

References:

1. Hamid Nasri, Najmeh Sahinfard, Mortaza Rafieian, Samira Rafiean, Maryam Shirzad, Mahmoud Rafieian-Kopaei; Turmeric: A spice with multifunctional medicinal properties. Journal of herbmed pharmacology.2014 3(1):5-8. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/285776797_Turmeric_A_spice_with_multifunctional_medicinal_properties/link/57a9a18c08aef3001528b9bb/download
2. Sahdeo Prasad and Bharat B.Aggarwal; Chapter 13 Turmeric, the golden spice. Traditional medicine to modern medicine. Herbal medicine: Biomolecular and clinical aspects. 2 edition. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92752/
3. Singletary, Keith PhD; Turmeric potential health benefits. Nutrition today. 2020 55(1): 45-56. Available from: https://journals.lww.com/nutritiontodayonline/fulltext/2020/01000/turmeric__potential_health_benefits.9.aspx
4. U.S Department of Agriculture. Spices, turmeric, ground. [Internet] Available from: https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/172231/nutrients
5. Preeti Rathaur, Waseem Raja, P.W Ramteke and Suchit A. John. Turmeric: The golden spice of life. International journal of pharmaceutical sciences and research. 2012 3(7):1987-1994. Available from: https://ijpsr.com/bft-article/turmeric-the-golden-spice-of-life/
6. Cleveland clinic. 7 Health benefits of turmeric. [Internet] Available from: https://health.clevelandclinic.org/turmeric-health-benefits/
7. AshishBhalla¹, PonniahThirumalaikolundusubramanian², JefferyFung³, GabrielaCordero-Schmidt⁴, SariSoghoian⁵, Veronica KaurSikka⁶, Harinder SinghDhindsa⁶, SurjitSingh¹; Chapter 6- Native Medicines and Cardiovascular toxicity. Heart and toxins. 2015. 175-202. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780124165953000062
8. Susan J. Hewlings and Douglas S. Kalman; Curcumin: A review of its effects on human health. MDPI. 2012 Oct 6 (10): 92. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5664031/
9. National center for complementary and integrative health. Turmeric. [Internet] Available from: https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/turmeric

Disclaimer: The information included at this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional. Because of unique individual needs, the reader should consult their physician to determine the appropriateness of the information for the reader’s situation.

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