Turmeric

Common names: Turmeric also is known as curcuma and Indian saffron.

Efficacy-safety rating:

●●...Ethno or other evidence of efficacy.

Safety rating:

What is Turmeric?

Turmeric is a perennial member of the ginger family characterized by a thick rhizome. The plant is cultivated widely throughout Asia, India, China, and tropical countries. The primary (bulb) and secondary (lateral) rhizomes are collected, cleaned, boiled, and dried; and lateral rhizomes contain more yellow coloring material than the bulb. The dried rhizome forms the basis for the culinary spice.

What is Turmeric used for?

Turmeric has a warm, bitter taste and is a primary component of curry powders and some mustards. The powder and its oleoresins are also used extensively as food flavorings in the culinary industry. The spice has a long history of traditional use in Asian medicine. In Chinese medicine, it has been used to treat problems such as flatulence and hemorrhage. It also has been used topically as a poultice, an analgesic, and to treat ringworms. The spice has been used for the management of jaundice and hepatitis. The oil sometimes is used as a perfume component.

Turmeric is used as a spice. Recent investigations indicate that the strong antioxidant effects of several components of turmeric result in an inhibition of carcinogenesis and may play a role in limiting the development of cancers. Research is limited. An animal study show that turmeric has anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic properties. Definitive clinical research needs to be done to prove the anti-inflammatory and antitumor properties of turmeric. Other pharmacological properties of turmeric include hypotensive, antibacterial, insecticidal, anti-edema, and choleretic (stimulating bile flow).

What is the dosage of Turmeric?

Powdered turmeric root has been used as a stimulant and carminative at doses of 0.5 to 3 g/day. Higher doses of 6 g/day were investigated for protective effects against ulcer.

Is Turmeric safe?

Contraindications have not yet been determined.

Documented emmenagogue (to stimulate menstrual flow) and abortive effects.

Theoretically, turmeric may possibly increase the risk of bleeding with warfarin.

There are no known side effects.

No reports of significant toxicity have been reported following the ingestion of turmeric.

References

Copyright © 2006 Wolters Kluwer Health

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