Other common name(s): jiang
huang, haridra, Indian saffron
Scientific/medical name(s): Curcuma
longa, also known as Curcuma
domestica
Description
Turmeric is a spice grown in India and other tropical regions of Asia.
It has a long history of use in herbal remedies, particularly in China,
India, and Indonesia. The root and rootstock (rhizome) of the plant
contain the active ingredient, curcumin. This substance is not related
to cumin, which is a spice made from the seeds of a different plant.
Overview
Turmeric is a common food flavoring and coloring in Asian cooking.
Animal and laboratory studies have found that curcumin (an antioxidant
which is an active ingredient in turmeric) demonstrated some
anti-cancer
effects. However, clinical research is needed to determine curcumin's
role in cancer prevention and treatment in humans. Several types of
cancer cells are inhibited by curcumin in the lab, and curcumin slows
the spread of some cancers in some animal studies.
Curcumin is being looked at to find out if it helps other diseases such
as arthritis, Alzheimer Disease, and stomach ulcers. It is also being
studied to see if it can help lower "bad cholesterol" and improve the
outcomes of kidney transplants. A few early studies have been done in
humans, but more human research is still
needed to find out it curcumin helps with these illnesses.
How is it promoted for use?
Some researchers believe turmeric may prevent and slow the growth of a
number of cancers, particularly tumors of the esophagus, mouth,
intestines, stomach, breast and skin, although available scientific
evidence
from human studies does not support these claims. One researcher states
that
curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, inhibited the formation of
cancer-causing enzymes in rodents, although this has not yet been
tested in humans.
Turmeric is promoted mainly as an anti-inflammatory herbal remedy that
is said to produce far fewer side effects than commonly used pain
relievers. Some practitioners prescribe turmeric to relieve
inflammation caused by arthritis, muscle sprains, swelling, and pain
caused by injuries or surgical incisions. It is also promoted as a
treatment for rheumatism and as an antiseptic for cleaning wounds. Some
proponents claim turmeric interferes with the actions of some viruses,
including hepatitis and HIV.
Supporters also claim that turmeric protects against liver diseases,
stimulates the gall bladder and circulatory systems, reduces
cholesterol levels, dissolves blood clots, helps stop external and
internal bleeding, and relieves painful menstruation and angina (chest
pains that often occur with heart disease). It is also used as a remedy
for digestive problems such as irritable bowel syndrome, colitis,
Crohn’s disease, and illnesses caused by toxins from parasites and
bacteria. Available scientific evidence does not support most of these
claims.
What does it involve?
Turmeric root is on the Commission E (Germany’s regulatory agency for
herbs) list of approved herbs, and it is available in powdered as a
spice in
most grocery stores. It can also be made into a tea or purchased as a
tincture, capsules, or tablets. Ointments or pastes made from turmeric
can be applied to the skin. Although there is no standardized dose for
turmeric, some practitioners recommend taking a teaspoon with each
meal. The dried root of turmeric normally contains from 3% to 5%
curcumin. Today, many sellers market supplements that claim to be
standardized to contain 95% curcumin compounds.
What is the history behind it?
The use of turmeric was described in traditional Chinese and Indian
medicine as early as the 7th century AD (see Chinese
Herbal Medicine). In various Asian folk medicine
traditions,
turmeric has been used to treat a long list of conditions, including
diarrhea, fever, bronchitis, colds, parasitic worms, leprosy, and
bladder and kidney inflammations. Herbalists have applied turmeric
salve to bruises, leech bites, festering eye infections, mouth
inflammations, skin conditions, and infected wounds. Some people inhale
smoke from burning turmeric to relieve chronic coughs. Turmeric mixed
with hot water and sugar is considered by some herbalists to be a
remedy for colds.
In India and Malaysia, there is a custom of making turmeric paste to
apply directly onto the skin, a practice now under study for the
possibility that it may prevent skin cancer. The bright red forehead
mark worn by some Hindu women is created by mixing turmeric with lime
juice. Chefs frequently add turmeric to their creations because of its
rich flavor and deep yellow-orange color. The seasoning is an important
ingredient in Indian curries. It is also used to add color to foods
such as butter, margarine, cheese and mustard, to tint cotton, silk,
paper, wood and cosmetics, as a food preservative, and to make pickles.
What is the evidence?
Curcumin, an active ingredient in turmeric, is an antioxidant.
Antioxidants are compounds that can protect the body's cells from
damage caused by activated oxygen molecules known as free radicals.
Recently, curcumin has received a great deal more attention in studies
than turmeric as a whole herb. Researchers are studying curcumin to
learn whether it is an effective anti-inflammatory agent and whether it
holds any promise as a cancer drug.
According to a review article published by researchers from the Ohio
State University in Columbus, curcumin demonstrated anti-cancer effects
at virtually all stages of tumor development in rodents. It showed
potential to kill cancer cells and prevent normal cells from becoming
cancerous.
A French laboratory study concluded that curcumin appeared to be a
potent inhibitor of cancer development. Several more laboratory studies
also concluded that curcumin might prevent and slow the growth of some
types of tumor cells.
Animal studies in the United Kingdom suggested that curcumin slows the
growth of adenomas in the intestine in mice. A recent United States
mouse study also showed that it slowed the spread of breast cancer to
the lungs.
One concern about curcumin has been about how little reaches the rest
of the body when it is taken by mouth. Because curcumin is hard to
absorb, some studies in animals have used an injectable form.
One study of 15 patients with colorectal cancer was done to find out
how much curcumin they could safely take and whether they could take a
dose large enough to be detected in the blood. The patients were able
to take 3.6 grams of curcumin without noting ill effects. At this high
dose, some curcumin and its products (metabolites) were found in the
blood. The researchers recommended that this dose be used when curcumin
is tested for effects outside the intestine. Lower doses may work for
the stomach and intestine. Even though it does not absorb well into the
body, it has been shown to absorb into the colon lining and even into
any cancerous tissue in the colon. Other small studies have found
people were able to take up to 10 grams per day for a period of a few
weeks without noting problems.
Human studies of curcumin in cancer prevention and treatment are in the
very early stages. Further study is needed to find out what role, if
any, curcumin may play in the prevention or treatment of cancer.
Curcumin is being studied to see if it helps other diseases as well.
One small study of curcumin, along with another antioxidant called
quercetin, was done in adults who received kidney transplants. Those
who received the combination in high dosages had fewer transplant
rejections than those who received lower doses or placebo. More studies
are needed to find out if this holds true. Curcumin may also promote
the emptying of the gallbladder, but again, more human studies are
needed.
Early studies showed promise that curcumin could correct the problem of
cystic fibrosis, but later studies have been inconsistent and often
showed no effect. Curcumin also seemed to help prevent stomach ulcers
in rodents, although there aren't good studies in humans to recommend
it for this use.
Early research has suggested that curcumin may help lower "bad
cholesterol," reduce inflammation, and help with arthritis symptoms,
although more reliable human studies are still needed. Tests of
curcumin in HIV disease have been mixed and have generally not shown it
to be helpful. In studies of mice, curcumin appeared to help with
blocking the plaques and proteins that cause problems in the brain
during Alzheimer Disease.
Although lab and animal tests look promising, careful study is needed
to find out whether curcumin will be useful for treating these
conditions.
It is important to remember that extracted compounds such as curcumin
are not the same as the whole herb, and study results are not likely to
show the same effects.
Are there any possible problems or
complications?
This product is sold as a dietary supplement in the United
States. Unlike drugs (which must be tested before being allowed to be
sold), the companies that make supplements are not required to prove to
the Food and Drug Administration that their supplements are safe or
effective, as long as they don't claim the supplements can prevent,
treat, or cure any specific disease.
Some such products may not contain the amount of the herb or substance
that is written on the label, and some may include other substances
(contaminants). Actual amounts per dose may vary between brands or even
between different batches of the same brand.
Most such supplements have not been tested to find out if they interact
with medicines, foods, or other herbs and supplements. Even though some
reports of interactions and harmful effects may be published, full
studies of interactions and effects are not often available. Because of
these limitations, any information on ill effects and interactions
below should be considered incomplete.
When used as a spice in foods, turmeric is considered safe. More
research is needed to establish the safety of turmeric when used in
herbal remedies. Little is known about the potential risks of taking
the larger amounts used to treat illnesses. Taking large amounts by
mouth may result in stomach pain, gas, indigestion, and nausea. Contact
dermatitis (skin rash) and stomach ulcers have been reported after
long-term use, and allergic reactions are possible. People who are
allergic to ginger or yellow food colorings are more likely to be
allergic to turmeric.
People taking anticoagulant medications, drugs that suppress the immune
system, or non-steroidal pain relievers (such as Ibuprofen) should
avoid turmeric due to the risk of harmful drug interactions. In animal
and test tube studies, turmeric made certain anti-cancer drugs less
effective. Antioxidant supplements can interfere with the killing of
cancer cells if taken during chemotherapy or radiation treatment.
Patients who are in cancer treatment should talk to their doctor before
taking vitamins, minerals, or other supplements.
In addition, other potential interactions between turmeric and other
drugs and herbs should be considered. Always tell your doctor and
pharmacist about any herbs or supplements you are taking.
People with bleeding disorders, obstructions of the bile duct, or a
history of ulcers also should avoid turmeric. Women who are pregnant or
breast-feeding should not use this herb. The amount of turmeric found
in foods is thought to be safe for those who are not allergic to it.
Applying turmeric to the skin for long periods of time can cause yellow
discoloration of the skin that may be hard to remove.
Additional Resources
More Information From Your
American Cancer Society
The following information on complementary and alternative
therapies may also be helpful to you. These materials may be ordered
from our toll-free number (1-800-ACS-2345).
References
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Note: This information may not cover all
possible claims, uses,
actions, precautions, side effects or interactions. It is not intended
as medical advice, and should not be relied upon as a substitute for
consultation with your doctor, who is familiar with your medical
situation.
Revised: 06/19/2007
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