Tumeric: Mother Nature Gifts To The Human Body.

 Turmeric is an essential spice all over the world with a distinguished human use particularly among the Eastern people . 

Apart from the uses as spice, it is used as traditional medicine in Asian countries such as India, Bangladesh and Pakistan because of its beneficial properties . It 

is called turmeric and has been in continuous use for its flavoring, and medicinal properties. The coloring 

principle of turmeric is called curcumin, which has yellow color and is the essential component of this plant. Recent studies have authenticated turmeric as anticancer, anti-diabetic, antioxidant, hypolipidemic, anti-

inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti-fertility, anti-venom, hepatoprotective, nephroprotective, anticoagulant, etc. 

The plant has also shown to possess anti HIV activity to combat AIDS. These medicinal properties of turmeric caused it to be considered as a spice with multifunctional 

medicinal properties. 

Gastrointestinal effects

Turmeric exerts several protective effects on the gastrointestinal tract. Turmeric also inhibits ulcer formation caused by stress, alcohol, It also inhibits intestinal spasm and increases bicarbonate, gastrin, secretin and pancreatic enzyme secretion. An
open, phase II trial performed on 25 patients with endoscopically-diagnosed gastric ulcer, given 600 mg powdered turmeric five times daily, showed completely healed in 48 percent of patients. No adverse reactions
or blood abnormalities were recorded.

Alzheimer and turmeric

Epidemiological studies have suggested reduced risk of in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in patients with long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) which may show the role of brain inflammation in Alzheimer’s disease. It also has been shown with increased cytokines
and activated microglia. It has been shown that curcumin has NSAID like activity and reduces oxidative damage. To evaluate whether it could affect Alzheimer-like pathology, the effect of 160 ppm and 5000 ppm doses of dietary curcumin on inflammation, oxidative damage, and plaque pathology were tested. Both doses significantly lowered oxidized proteins and IL-1, a proinflammatory cytokine usually elevated in the brains of these mice. In view of its efficacy and apparent low toxicity, this spice has promise for the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease.

Anti-cancer effect

Numerous animal studies have explored turmeric influence on the carcinogenesis. Several studies have demonstrated
that curcumin is able to inhibit carcinogenesis at three
stages: angiogenesis, tumor promotion, and tumor growth. In two studies of colon and prostate cancer, curcumin was shown to inhibit cell proliferation and tumor growth. Turmeric and curcumin are also able to
suppress the activity of several common mutagens and carcinogens. The anticarcinogenic effects of turmeric
and curcumin have been related to direct antioxidant and free-radical scavenging effects, as well as their ability to indirectly increase glutathione levels, thereby aiding in hepatic detoxification of mutagens and carcinogens, and inhibiting nitrosamine formation.

Inflammatory and edematic disorders

Curcumin is a potent anti-inflammatory with specific lipoxygenase- and COX-2- inhibiting properties. In vitro, and in vivo studies have demonstrated its effects
at decreasing both acute and chronic inflammation.

Cardiovascular and anti-diabetic effects
Turmeric exerts cardio-protective effects mainly by antioxidant activity, lowering lipid peroxidation, anti-
diabetic activity and inhibiting platelet aggregation. Turmeric effect on
cholesterol levels may be due to decreased cholesterol uptake in the intestines and increased conversion of cholesterol to bile acids in the liver. Inhibition of platelet
aggregation by turmeric constituents is thought to be via potentiation of prostacyclins synthesis and inhibition of
thromboxane synthesis.
Both turmeric decreases blood glucose level in diabetic rats. Turmeric also decreases complications in diabetes mellitus.

Antioxidant activity
Curcumin has been shown be a powerful scavenger of oxygen free radicals. Its antioxidant activity is comparable to vitamins C and E . It can protect lipids
or hemoglobin from oxidation. It can significantly inhibit the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS)
such as H2O2, superoxide anions and nitrite radical generation by activated macrophages.

Improves Cognitive Health 

Perhaps one of the most important and interesting applications for turmeric is for cognitive health. Conditions like aging, dementia, and conditions of the brain can be considered inflammation. The increase in these inflammatory mediators can cause damage to the brain cells or inhibit their function, and this can contribute to cognitive decline, memory loss, and other conditions.

Can Improve Liver Functions

The liver performs 500 different functions in the body—and can therefore easily become overwhelmed. Curcumin also helps, though! It’s been shown to lower liver enzymes which are the markers that are used to measure liver function.

Can Improve Thyroid Functions 

Turmeric is a rich source of many vitamins and minerals, including Manganese.
The thyroid gland plays a crucial role in our overall health. If it is not operating at peak performance, it can produce life-altering symptoms that impact your health and happiness. What are some signs that your thyroid might be a bit sluggish? Dry or gritty eyes, thinning hair, weight gain, numbness or tingling in any area of the body, constipation, tinnitus, heart palpitations, dry skin, fatigue, feeling cold… do any of these ring a bell? Turmeric provides the manganese you need that could help do that.