Turmeric: Cure for Peptic ulcer, arthritis, diabetes, cholesterol and many more

Turmeric (Curcuma longa), a vibrant yellow spice, a rhizomatous herbaceous plant from the ginger family (Zingiberaceae), has been used for centuries in traditional medicine, particularly in Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine. Its active compound, curcumin, is responsible for most of its therapeutic properties.

Turmeric, has gained scientific and medical attention due to its wide-rang­ing health benefits. Curcumin, its principal bioactive component, has demonstrated remarkable pharmaco­logical properties, including anti-in­flammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, and antimicrobial effects (Gupta et al., 2013).

Although turmeric has been a staple in Indian and Southeast Asian cuisines, its medicinal value transcends culinary applications. Modern research has expanded its use as a complementa­ry therapy in numerous chronic and acute conditions (Hewlings & Kalman, 2017).

This review examines the extensive health benefits of turmeric, focusing on its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anticancer proper­ties. The article also highlights its role in managing chronic diseases, such as arthritis, cardiovascular diseases, neuro­degenerative disorders, and metabolic syndrome. Finally, considerations for bioavailability, dosage, and safety are discussed to understand its therapeutic potential fully.

Health benefits of turmeric, science

Anti-inflammatory Properties

Inflammation is a natural immune response but contributes to chronic diseases when dysregulated. Curcumin inhibits key inflammatory pathways, such as nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), re­ducing pro-inflammatory cytokines like interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) (Jurenka, 2009).

Applications:

• Arthritis: Curcumin supple­mentation has shown significant reduc­tions in pain and swelling in patients with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, comparable to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) but with fewer side effects (Chandran & Goel, 2012).

• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): Studies have demonstrated curcumin’s efficacy in reducing gut inflammation and enhancing remission in Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis (Singh et al., 2012).

Antioxidant effects

Oxidative stress, caused by an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants, contributes to aging and various chronic diseases. Curcumin neutralises free radicals and enhances the activity of antioxidant enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (Aggarwal & Harikumar, 2009).

Applications:

• Neurodegenerative Diseases: By reducing oxidative damage in neuronal cells, curcumin may delay the progression of Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease (Ng et al., 2015).

• Skin Health: Turmeric’s antioxidant properties improve wound healing, reduce hyperpigmentation, and protect against UV-induced damage (Vaughn et al., 2016).

Anticancer Potential

Curcumin exhibits anticancer prop­erties through multiple mechanisms, including apoptosis induction, inhibi­tion of angiogenesis, and modulation of cell signaling pathways involved in tumor growth (Gupta et al., 2013).

Applications:

• Breast Cancer: Curcum­in downregulates estrogen receptor activity and inhibits breast cancer cell proliferation (Teiten et al., 2010).

• Colorectal Cancer: Clinical trials have shown that curcumin sup­plementation reduces tumor growth and enhances the efficacy of chemo­therapy (Mahmoud et al., 2014).

Cardiovascular Health

Turmeric contributes to cardiovas­cular health by improving endothelial function, reducing lipid levels, and in­hibiting platelet aggregation (Hewlings & Kalman, 2017).

Applications:

• Cholesterol Management: Curcumin lowers LDL cholesterol and triglycerides while increasing HDL cholesterol (Soni & Kuttan, 1992).

• Atherosclerosis: Its anti-in­flammatory and antioxidant properties prevent plaque formation in arteries, reducing the risk of atherosclerosis (Panchal et al., 2012).

Neuroprotective Effects

Curcumin crosses the blood-brain barrier and exerts neuroprotective effects by reducing amyloid plaques, neuroinflammation, and oxidative stress (Ng et al., 2015).

Applications:

• Alzheimer’s disease: Cur­cumin enhances cognitive function and reduces amyloid-beta plaques, a hallmark of Alzheimer’s pathology (Small et al., 2018).

• Depression and Anxiety: Curcumin modulates serotonin and dopamine levels, showing potential as an adjunctive treatment for mood disorders (Sanmukhani et al., 2014).

Antimicrobial and Immune-Boost­ing Effects

Turmeric has antimicrobial activity against bacteria, fungi, and viruses. It strengthens the immune system by enhancing macrophage activity and modulating T-cell responses (Hewlings & Kalman, 2017).

Applications:

• Antibacterial Effects: Tur­meric inhibits pathogens like Staphy­lococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, making it useful in wound care (Mun et al., 2013).

• Antiviral Effects: Curcumin shows activity against viruses, including influenza and hepatitis C (Mathew & Hsu, 2018).

Metabolic Syndrome and Diabetes

Curcumin improves insulin sensitiv­ity, reduces blood glucose levels, and prevents complications of diabetes by modulating inflammatory and oxidative pathways (Aggarwal & Harikumar, 2009).

Applications:

• Type 2 Diabetes: A clinical trial demonstrated that curcumin sup­plementation delayed the onset of type 2 diabetes in prediabetic individuals (Chuengsamarn et al., 2012).

• Fatty Liver Disease: Turmer­ic reduces liver enzymes and fibrosis, improving outcomes in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) (Nanji et al., 2003).

Gastrointestinal Health

Turmeric supports gastrointes­tinal health by enhancing digestion and protecting against gut disorders. Its carminative properties alleviate bloating and indigestion (Hewlings & Kalman, 2017).

Applications:

• Peptic Ulcers: Curcumin suppresses Helicobacter pylori, a major cause of ulcers, and promotes mucosal healing (Rafatullah et al., 1990).

• Liver Protection: Turmeric’s hepatoprotective properties prevent liver damage from toxins and chronic alcohol use (Nanji et al., 2003).

Skin health and wound healing

Turmeric is widely used in dermatol­ogy for its antimicrobial, anti-inflam­matory, and wound-healing properties. Curcumin accelerates tissue repair by modulating growth factors and reducing scar formation (Vaughn et al., 2016).

Applications:

• Acne: Turmeric reduces inflammation and bacterial overgrowth in acne-prone skin (Mun et al., 2013).

• Psoriasis: Topical curcumin formulations alleviate symptoms of psoriasis by reducing keratinocyte proliferation (Heng et al., 2000).

Enhancing bioavailability of cur­cumin

Despite its potent health benefits, curcumin has low bioavailability due to poor absorption, rapid metabolism, and limited tissue distribution (Gupta et al., 2013). Strategies to enhance bioavailability include:

1. Piperine: Combining cur­cumin with piperine, a black pepper extract, increases bioavailability by 2000% (Shoba et al., 1998).

2. Liposomal and Nanoparticle Formulations: These delivery systems improve curcumin’s solubility and absorption (Mishra et al., 2008).

3. Curcumin Phytosomes: Complexing curcumin with phos­pholipids enhances its bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy (Gupta et al., 2013).

Safety and Dosage

Turmeric is generally safe when consumed within recommended doses. However, high doses may cause gastro­intestinal discomfort, nausea, or inter­ference with anticoagulant medications (Hewlings & Kalman, 2017).

• Recommended Dosage: Clinical studies suggest 500–2000 mg of curcumin per day, depending on the condition being treated.

• Precautions: Individuals with gallstones or bile duct obstruction should consult a physician before using turmeric supplements.

How to test that turmeric is original

Testing whether turmeric is original (pure and unadulterated) can be done using simple at-home methods or laboratory-based techniques. Adultera­tion of turmeric often involves mixing it with synthetic colorants, starch, chalk powder, or other additives to increase weight and volume. Here are methods to verify its authenticity:

At-Home Methods

1. Water Test for Adulteration

• Procedure:

• Take a glass of warm water.

• Add a teaspoon of turmeric powder and let it settle for a few min­utes.

• Observation:

• Pure turmeric will settle at the bottom, leaving the water clear.

• Adulterated turmeric may release color into the water, indicating the presence of synthetic dyes or addi­tives.

2. Acid Test for Chalk Powder or Lime Presence

• Procedure:

• Add a few drops of lemon juice or vinegar to a small amount of turmeric powder.

• Observation:

• If the mixture fizzes or bub­bles, it indicates the presence of chalk powder or lime as adulterants.

3. Turmeric Paste Test

• Procedure:

• Mix a small quantity of turmeric powder with water to form a paste.

• Rub the paste on your skin for a few minutes and wash it off.

• Observation:

• Original turmeric leaves a yellow stain, while adulterated turmeric might not stain or leave an uneven color.

4. Heat Test for Synthetic Color

• Procedure:

• Heat a small pinch of tur­meric powder on a hot plate or pan.

• Observation:

• Pure turmeric will turn slightly darker without releasing any unusual smell.

• Adulterated turmeric with synthetic color might emit a chemical odor or burn differently.

Tips to Ensure You Buy Original Turmeric

• Source: Buy from trusted brands or organic-certified suppliers (Nyarkotey Herbal Mall)

• Texture and Color: Original turmeric powder is smooth and bright yellow-orange. Adulterated turmeric may appear excessively bright or grainy.

• Smell: Pure turmeric has a distinct earthy and slightly peppery aroma. Adulterated products may lack a strong fragrance or have a chemi­cal-like smell.

• Certification: Check for la­bels like USDA Organic or other local certification marks on the packaging.

Conclusion

Turmeric, with its active com­pound curcumin, is a powerful natural remedy with broad thera­peutic applications. Its anti-inflam­matory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anticancer properties have been validated by extensive research. Despite its low bioavailability, inno­vative formulations have enhanced its efficacy, making turmeric a valu­able addition to modern integrative medicine.

Despite its potent health benefits, curcumin has low bioavailabili­ty due to poor absorption, rapid metabolism, and limited tissue distribution (Gupta et al., 2013). Al­ways add black pepper to increase bioavailability (Shoba et al., 1998).

The author is a Professor of Naturopathic Healthcare, a Lawyer in The Gambia, a Chartered Health Economist (Ch.HE), and a Char­tered Management Consultant (Ch.MC)

BY PROF. RAPHAEL NYARKOTEY OBU