Turmeric is a popular herb known for its anti-inflammatory and joint-supporting properties. It has been widely used throughout history as a culinary spice, cosmetic ingredient, and medicinal herb.
In traditional Ayurvedic and Unani medicine, turmeric was used to strengthen the body’s overall energy and relieve arthritis. It was also used to relieve gas and improve digestion.
Modern research shows that turmeric and its active constituents may be helpful for arthritis, blood sugar stabilization, and reducing inflammation.
In this article, we will look at the health benefits of turmeric, its safety, and its history.
Table of Contents
What is Turmeric?
Turmeric is a perennial plant that thrives in tropical regions. It belongs to the ginger family, Zingiberaceae, and is native to Southeastern Asia.
Turmeric’s Latin name is Curcuma longa.
While turmeric has the appearance of a root, the part of the plant that is used is a rhizome. A rhizome is an extension of the stem that lives underground, providing both the stem and roots with nutrients.
There are over 100 Curcuma species that have been identified. Many of these varieties are used medicinally as they share some of the same active constituents as Curcuma Longa.
The turmeric rhizome has a warming, stimulating effect on the body, which is beneficial in supporting the heart and gastrointestinal tract. It is also commonly used to reduce inflammation and balance blood sugar.
Modern research supports the traditional claims that turmeric helps with joint health. It’s also been shown to have anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and cardioprotective effects. Research also shows that turmeric can also help protect the liver and support skin conditions.
These various health benefits of turmeric are attributed to the curcuminoids and volatile oils present in the rhizome, including:
- Curcumin (diferuloylmethane)
- Demethoxycurcumin
- Bisdemethoxycurcumin
- Tumerone
- Atlantone
- Zingiberene
Turmeric is one of the most well-researched herbs with many human clinical trials backing its claims. Many of its traditional uses have been scientifically tested via human, animal, and in vitro trials and show promising results.
Health Benefits of Turmeric:
Below are the top researched-backed turmeric benefits for health.
1. May Reduce Arthritic Symptoms
Traditional usage, as well as new research, shows that turmeric is one of the most beneficial herbs for individuals with arthritis.
Arthritis is defined as inflammation of the joints, as well as the increasing loss of cartilage in the joints. Symptoms include stiffness, joint pain, joint deformities, and limited range of motion. Arthritis is typically caused by genetics, lifestyle factors, and various environmental triggers.
In a study observing knee osteoarthritis patients, researchers discovered that Curcuma domestica extract was able to reduce pain during different activities, such as walking and moving up and down stairs. The results showed that C. domestica extract was as effective as ibuprofen in reducing pain.
In another trial involving knee osteoarthritis, participants came to the conclusion that curcuminoid (the active constituents in turmeric) therapy significantly improves physical function and reduces pain. Although patients were permitted to use an anti-inflammatory drug during the trial, 84% of subjects taking curcuminoids stopped using the drug by the end of the study.
In an 8-week trial, water-soluble curcumin was administered to patients with mild-to-moderate knee osteoarthritis. By week 8, those in the curcumin group were experiencing significantly less pain than the placebo group. The curcumin group was given 180mg per day and asked to perform tasks to evaluate joint swelling, pain levels during walking, range of motion exercises, and climbing stairs.
Researchers found that 500mg of Curcuma longa extract 2x/day has the ability to reduce pain and increase the mobility of patients with knee osteoarthritis. The study showed that those taking the extract were less likely to use “rescue medication” than the placebo group.
A comparison study observing subjects with active rheumatoid arthritis found that 500mg of curcumin daily has the ability to improve inflammation, tenderness, and reduce the level of swelling in joints. The curcumin alone achieved the highest effectiveness in comparison to a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and both curcumin and the NSAID together.
Summary:
Research indicates that turmeric can help to reduce arthritic symptoms.
2. May Help Stabilize Blood Sugar
The health benefits of turmeric have shown promise towards supporting individuals with diabetes. Turmeric is an important herb for balancing blood sugar, potentially making this a beneficial herb for PCOS.
Diabetes is considered a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by persistently high blood glucose levels. Diabetic symptoms occur due to the body’s impaired relationship with insulin. Long-term complications with diabetes can cause organ damage and lead to kidney, retina, nerve, and cardiovascular disease.
In a 2010 study, researchers found that Curcuma longa capsules affect the level of insulin secretion in healthy subjects after a meal. Insulin levels rose after the administration of C. longa <