Natural Standard Turmeric Review Published

The recent edition of Alternative and Complementary Therapies features a Natural Standard evidence-based systematic review on turmeric (Curcuma longa).

Turmeric, a spice commonly used in Asian food, is derived from the root of the turmeric plant, Curcuma longa. Although not well studied in humans, turmeric and its constituent curcumin have demonstrated anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties. Preliminary human evidence suggests possible efficacy for heartburn and high cholesterol. However, further research is necessary before conclusions can be made.

For information about turmeric, please visit Natural Standard's Foods, Herbs & Supplements database.

Comments

[SS]

CM I agree - turmeric has also been discussed in regards to Alzheimers and I would welcome a study that would look closely at the effects regarding this progressive disease. Perhaps this exposure will encourage such research. Way to go NS!

[MA]

Upon further reading on the NS monograph, it seems that turmeric has a low bioavailability outside the GI tract and to deal with this absorption issue, turmeric is often formulated with a compound known as bromelain. Bromelain is a proteolytic digestive enzyme that is extracted from the stem and the fruit of the pineapple plant. When taken on an empty stomach it aids with the digestion of proteins but on an empty stomach has anti-inflammatory actions and anti-proliferative actions of its own, which complements the effects of turmeric itself. I thought this was interesting to note when looking looking at the ingredient list of a turmeric capsule.

[EN]

Interesting to note about turmeric, it contain resveratrol, same compound found in red wines that thought to exert benefits seen with its use. Natural Standard didn’t specify the amount of resveratrol contained in turmeric though, but nevertheless good to know.

[RJW]

This is very good and well-deserved news for NS! The world of CAM aficionados needs to be aware of the wealth of information found in the Natural Standard database. Plus, now we can feel even healthier at the Indian buffet!

[CM]

Here is a really neat study on spicy foods to boost metabolism that Christan posted to the Natural Standard facebook today. It mentions turmeric specifically. Just one more check on the plus side for turmeric!
http://www.medpagetoday.com/PrimaryCare/DietNutrition/28015

[JMS]

That's great that you have firsthand experience CM and that it was recommended by your pharmacist to help but not necessarily replace your conventional treatment. That's a great example of the integrative treatment options using CAM can provide you with.

[EN]

Exciting news for NS! This would definitely help spread the news about Natural Standard to health care providers and patients. With the services provided by NS, they will be able to make informed decisions about CAM products. I am also excited about turmeric, not only it gives the tasty flavor in curries, it has also possible health benefits as mentioned above. Another reason to love Indian food!

[JQ]

Many researchers are scouring the globe for the newest cancer treatment in exotic places and in exotic species, which is always fascinating and alluring to hear about. However, articles like this prove there are so many unexplored uses of known herbs/drugs/compounds. Like JMS mentioned, with an evidence grade of C (conflicting or unclear evidence) for treating cancer, turmeric is a prime candidate for investigation. Check out the NS database for more CAM with purported uses for cancer!

[pc]

Wow, I never knew that. Turmeric is one of the spices I like in certain foods. I wounder how much turmeric you need to ingest for an anti-inflammatory effect.

[ZS]

I love that so many spices are both flavorful, wonderful additions to food and have health benefits. I think there is something evolutionary going on here...!

[CT]

I have never heard of using tumeric for heartburn or high cholesterol. Working in a pharmacy, I know people are always looking for natural solutions to those issues--especially high cholesterol. Hopefully, more researchers will become interested and more research will continue in theses areas.

[RC]

I agree with JMS. This is great. Looks like tumeric has a lot of potential value. For anyone that wishes to use tumeric, they should definitely consider reading the evidence discussion on the monograph!

[LMR]

Yes, congrats to Natural Standard! Yet another way to get their name out to the public so people can have reliable resources on natural products. Turmeric looks very promising for such a wide range of conditions. Hopefully the published review can jump-start further research in humans so more concrete evidence is produced. It would be interesting to see if this Asian spice too gets more evidence for anticancer properties. Why can't the US have any native, potentially helpful, alternative therapies?

[JW]

I agree with JMS - this does give researchers an opportunity to do further studies on some of the effects of tumeric. I would like to see more studies done, because it would be interesting to see what the results would be.

[CM]

I am looking forward to what the new studies will find regarding the benefits of turmeric. I don't have a great deal of experience with CAM (Complementary and Alternative Medicine) personally; however, turmeric is one that I have tried. Several years ago when I was in high school I was diagnosed with Mono. It was the middle of the school year and the middle of my competitive cheerleading season. I didn't want to miss school or practice even though I felt terrible. My father and also my pharmacist recommended that I take turmeric along with my antibiotic, to boost my own immune system and help the antibiotics do their job. I am happy to say that was over the illness in less than a week and only missed one half day of school and one practice. Based on my personal experience I have a lot confidence in the benefits of turmeric.

[JMS]

That’s great for NS! The featured journal seems to be another informative resource for the latest CAM information. Crossing over to other publications should help bring more awareness to the services and information provided by NS. Tumeric currently has a evidence grade C for 16 conditions so it is an ideal candidate for further research to possibly increase or decrease the evidence grade for some of these conditions.