Turmeric
See also: Curcuma (genus) ; and Anticoagulants (botanical)
TABLE OF CONTENTS
VIDEOS
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Medicinal Parts: the stewed and dried rhizome
Downward and dispersing in its movement.
Turmeric is one of the most thoroughly researched plants in existence today. Its medicinal properties and components (primarily curcumin) have been the subject of more than 12,000 peer-reviewed and published biomedical studies.
Monograph pdf
Major Constituents
Pale yellow to orange-yellow volatile oil (6%) composed of a number of monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes, including zingiberene, curcumene, α- and -turmerone among others. Borneol, and cineole.The colouring principles (5%) are curcuminoids, 50–60% of which are a mixture of curcumin, monodesmethoxycurcumin and bisdesmethoxycurcumin. Polysaccharides (acidic arabanogalactans ukonan A, B and C)
Effects
It has antihepatotoxic, antihyperlipidemic, antithrombotic and anti-inflammatory effects. It is also antioxidative, antitumoral and antimicrobial (in particular, the sesquiterpene derivatives). It has insect repellent and antifertile effects. It also inhibits prostaglandin formation, in vitro.
Curcumin is a carotenoid pigment found in the rhizome of Curcuma longa. The role of curcumin in modulating angiogenic ligands and their receptor gene expression in tumor and endothelial cells was evaluated using two in vivo angiogenesis assay systems, viz. peritoneal angiogenesis and chorioallantoic membrane assay. Curcumin was found to be a potent angioinhibitory compound as evident by downregulation of the expression of proangiogenic genes, in Ehrlich ascites tumor cells, NIH3T3, and endothelial cells. Apart from this, Northern blot analysis also demonstrated a time-dependent (0-24 h) inhibition of VEGF, angiopoietin 1 and 2 gene expression in Ehrlich ascites tumor cells, as well as VEGF and angiopoietin 1 gene expression in NIH3T3 cells, and KDR gene expression in human umbilical vein endothelial cells [source]. Similar investigation also reported the anti-angiogenic effect of resveratrol or curcumin when used alone or in combination with carboplatin in Ehrlich Ascites Carcinoma (EAC)-bearing mice. It was found that in Plasma levels of VEGF were significantly reduced in groups on day 7 post-inoculation. Resveratrol or curcumin also demonstrated reduction of microvessel density in experimental model. It can be derived that, curcuminposses anti-angiogenic effect which is caused by inhibition of VEGF and its receptor type-2 [source].
A study reported in Psychopharmacology found that curcumin inhibited both MAO-A and MAO-B and increased the levels of serotonin and dopamine. When the researchers combined curcumin with piperine, an alkaloid found in black pepper, they found this enhanced the effect of MAO inhibition.
Actions:
- Antioxidant / Cancer preventive
- Antiinflammatory
- Choleretic & Cholagogue (+ mild bitter)
- Hypolipidemic
- Hepatoprotective
- Antiplatelet & Antiatherogenic
- Carminative
- Depurative
- Antimicrobial
- Anti-ulcerogenic (in-vivo)
ANTI-INFLAMMATORY EFFECTS
The anti-inflammatory effects of turmeric are thought to be due to inhibition of leukotriene biosynthesis, and through this inhibition, a change in prostaglandin production. Alpha tumerone blocks the proliferation of human lymphocytes and decreases the activity of natural killer cells. Ukonan A (a polysaccharide) has phagocytic effects when tested in mic (Bisset, 1994)
Here’s a clear, accurate, non‑medical, educational explanation of how Turmeric (specifically curcumin) interacts with the NF‑κB pathway—written in a way that fits your mythic‑scientific Pattern Health voice while staying grounded in general biochemical principles.
How Turmeric Inhibits NF‑κB — The Mechanism, Explained Simply
1. NF‑ΚB IS THE BODY’S “EMERGENCY BROADCAST SYSTEM.”
When cells sense stress—heat, injury, pathogens, oxidative pressure—they activate a protein complex called NF‑κB.
Once activated, NF‑κB moves into the nucleus and turns on genes involved in inflammation.
It’s not “bad.”
It’s a fire alarm.
But in chronic inflammation, that alarm gets stuck in the on position.
2. Curcumin steps in before NF‑κB can fully activate.
Curcumin doesn’t block NF‑κB directly.
It interferes with the activation process—the steps required to “free” NF‑κB so it can enter the nucleus.
The key player here is a protein called IKK (IκB kinase).
- IKK’s job is to phosphorylate a protein called IκB.
- When IκB is phosphorylated, it gets degraded.
- Once IκB is gone, NF‑κB is released and can enter the nucleus to turn on inflammatory genes.
Curcumin inhibits IKK activity, which means:
- IκB is not phosphorylated
- IκB is not degraded
- NF‑κB stays bound and inactive
- The inflammatory genes never get switched on
In other words:
Curcumin keeps the fire alarm from being pulled in the first place.
3. Curcumin also reduces upstream “danger signals.”
Curcumin has been shown (in general scientific literature) to modulate several upstream triggers that normally activate NF‑κB, including:
- oxidative stress signals
- certain cytokine signals
- some toll‑like receptor pathways
This means fewer “danger messages” reach the NF‑κB system in the first place.
4. The result is not suppression—it’s recalibration.
Curcumin doesn’t shut down immunity.
It reduces unnecessary activation of NF‑κB while leaving normal immune responses intact.
This is why Turmeric feels like a pattern teacher rather than a blunt anti‑inflammatory hammer.
It helps the body remember:
“Respond when needed. Rest when not.”
Hormonal Effects
Turmeric binds to estradiol and progesterone receptors and may have a weak estrogenic activity in vivo. It had an estradiol binding capacity in vitro of 0.5 mcg of estradiol binding equivalent per 2 g of dried herb and 4 mcg of progesterone binding activity per 2 g of dried herb. After injection, saliva was used to obtain these phytoestrogens and phytoprogesterones. The substances isolated were used to detect bioavailability and bioactivity of phytoestrogens and phytoprogesterones in turmeric. Breast cancer cell lines were used to evaluate growth rate changes induced by this herb, but differences were not significant. (Zava et al, 1998)
See Curcumin for it's effects.
Turmeric can replace these drugs:
Lipitor/Atorvastatin(cholesterol medication): A 2008 study published in the journal Drugs in R & D found that a standardized preparation of curcuminoids from turmeric compared favorably to the drug atorvastatin (trade name Lipitor) on endothelial dysfunction, the underlying pathology of the blood vessels that drives atherosclerosis, in association with reductions in inflammation and oxidative stress in Type 2 diabetic patients.
Corticosteroids (steroid medications): A 1999 study published in the journal Phytotherapy Research found that the primary polyphenol in turmeric, the saffron-colored pigment known as curcumin, compared favorably to steroids in the management of chronic anterior uveitis, an inflammatory eye disease.
A 2008 study published in Critical Care Medicine found that curcumin compared favorably to the corticosteroid drug dexamethasone in the animal model as an alternative therapy for protecting lung transplantation-associated injury by down-regulating inflammatory genes.
An earlier 2003 study published in Cancer Letters found the same drug also compared favorably to dexamethasone in a lung ischemia-reperfusion injury model.
Prozac/Fluoxetine & Imipramine (antidepressants): A 2011 study published in the journal Acta Poloniae Pharmaceutica found that curcumin compared favorably to both drugs in reducing depressive behavior in an animal model.
Aspirin (blood thinner): A 1986 in vitro and ex vivo study published in the journal Arzneimittelforschung found that curcumin has anti-platelet and prostacyclin modulating effects compared to aspirin, indicating it may have value in patients prone to vascular thrombosis and requiring anti-arthritis therapy.
Anti-inflammatory Drugs: A 2004 study published in the journal Oncogene found that curcumin (as well as resveratrol) were effective alternatives to the drugs aspirin, ibuprofen, sulindac, phenylbutazone, naproxen, indomethacin, diclofenac, dexamethasone, celecoxib, and tamoxifen in exerting anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative activity against tumor cells.
Oxaliplatin (chemotherapy drug): A 2007 study published in the International Journal of Cancer found that curcumin compares favorably with oxaliplatin as an antiproliferative agent in colorectal cell lines.
Metformin (diabetes drug): A 2009 study published in the journal Biochemistry and Biophysical Research Community explored how curcumin might be valuable in treating diabetes, finding that it activates AMPK (which increases glucose uptake) and suppresses gluconeogenic gene expression (which suppresses glucose production in the liver) in hepatoma cells. Interestingly, they found curcumin to be 500 times to 100,000 times (in the form known as tetrahydrocurcuminoids) more potent than metformin in activating AMPK and its downstream target acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC).
USES
Approved by Commission E
- Dyspeptic complaints
- Loss of appetite
Turmeric is used for dyspeptic disorders, particularly feelings of fullness after meals and regular abdominal distention due to gas.
Its also used for diarrhea, intermittent fever, edema, bronchitis, colds, worms, leprosy, kidney inflammation and cystitis. Other uses include headaches, flatulence, upper abdominal pain, chest infections, colic, amenorrhea and flushing. Its used externally for bruising, leech bites, festering eye infections, inflammation of the oral mucosa, inflammatory skin conditions and infected wounds. It has successfully been used to fight Helicobacter pylori, the bacteria that causes ulcers and gastritis.
Chinese medicine: Used for pain in the chest, ribs, abdomen, liver and stomach; nosebleeds, vomiting with bleeding and heat stroke.
Ayurveda: Used for inflammation, wounds and skin ulcers, itching, stomach complaints, flatulence, conjunctivitis, constipation, ringworm infestation, and colic.
Indications:
Inflammatory conditions
- RA,OA – IBD
- IBS
- asthma
GIT / liver insufficiency – Dyspepsia
- peptic ulcers • CVD
- hyperlipidemia – prevention and Rx CVD
- prevention of cancer
- prevention of cancer
- Alzheimer’s ?
- Wound healing
- topically
- Psoriasis
- External cancerous lesions
Effect on Digestive System
Positive effects of turmeric on digestion:
- Anti-inflammatory: Turmeric's active ingredient, curcumin, possesses anti-inflammatory properties. This can be beneficial for individuals with inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis.
- Digestive enzyme stimulation: Some studies suggest curcumin may stimulate the production of digestive enzymes, aiding in the breakdown of food.
- Potential benefits for indigestion: Research indicates turmeric might help alleviate symptoms of indigestion and dyspepsia, including bloating, gas, and discomfort.
- Gut microbiota: Animal studies show curcumin may positively influence the gut microbiome, potentially playing a role in gut health.
Role in Colon Cancer
- Anti-tumor effects:
- Turmeric extract (TE) has been shown to suppress the growth of colon cancer patient-derived xenografts (PDX) in animal models 1.
- TE treatment was effective in suppressing tumor growth, metastasis, and tumor recurrence in PDX-bearing mice 1.
- Mechanisms of action:
- Curcumin, the main active compound in turmeric, inhibits cell proliferation and induces cell cycle changes in colon adenocarcinoma cell lines 2.
- It blocks the cell cycle at G2/M and G1 phases and stimulates apoptosis by interacting with multiple molecular targets 3.
- Curcumin modulates several signaling pathways, including Wnt, Src, EMT, and EGFR-related pathways 1.
- Chemopreventive effects:
- Dietary administration of curcumin during various stages of colon carcinogenesis (initiation, postinitiation, and promotion/progression) has been shown to inhibit the development of colon tumors in animal models 2.
- Curcumin increases apoptosis in colon tumors compared to control groups 2.
- Anti-inflammatory properties:
- Curcumin has been shown to downregulate COX-2 expression in colorectal cancer, which is often overexpressed in tumors 3.
- It also reduces the expression of NF-kB in colorectal cancer cells, promoting apoptosis 3.
5.. Clinical studies:
- Some clinical trials have shown that curcumin may help slow the progression of colorectal cancer in humans 4.
- Daily intake of turmeric may lower the chance of cancer in high-risk individuals 4.
- Potential as an adjuvant therapy:
- Turmeric extract has shown better safety profiles compared to chemotherapeutic agents like FOLFOX, suggesting potential use as an adjuvant in colorectal cancer treatment 1.
- Bioavailability concerns:
- Poor bioavailability of curcumin is a limitation, but efforts are being made to improve its absorption through various formulations 3.
While these findings are promising, it's important to note that many of the studies have been conducted in laboratory settings or animal models
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