Turmeric

Turmeric

• Turmeric is a spice that comes from a plant that is major source of a chemical called polyphenol curcumin. It has been used in several oxidative and inflammatory conditions, metabolic syndrome, arthritis, anxiety, and hyperlipidemia. People have also taken it to enhance muscle recovery after soreness. Curcumin has a poor bioavailability so in order to increase its bioavailability it can be combined with a substance like piperine which is found in black pepper.

Mechanism of Action:

• The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects are the two major mechanisms that explain the effects that turmeric has. It leads to an increase in serum antioxidants such as superoxide dismutase. It is able to scavenge free radicals, while also modulating the activity of several key enzymes.

• Turmeric, specifically curcumin, has been shown to suppress inflammation by blocking NF-kB that should be activated from varying inflammatory stimuli. Downregulating NF-kB can aid in treating many diseases involved with inflammation like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and multiple sclerosis.

Dosage:

• For instances of high cholesterol, 1.4 g of turmeric has been safely divided. into two daily doses for up to 3 months. 1500 mg of turmeric divided into three daily doses for 8 weeks has been safely taken for itching. 500 mg taken four times daily has been done safely for 4-6 weeks for treating osteoarthritis.

Evidence:

• Studies have shown that taking turmeric has been able to reduce total choles-terol, LDL, and triglycerides in overweight people. Turmeric has been shown to reduce pain in people taking it for osteoarthritis. Its effectiveness in reduc-ing pain for this population is comparable to ibuprofen. Turmeric has also been used to reduce itching in people who suffer from long-term kidney disease.

Precautions:

• Some people can experience upset stomach, nausea, or dizziness. Turmeric is likely unsafe when taken by mouth during pregnancy. Turmeric can worsen gallbladder problems. It may slow down blood clotting. It can decrease blood sugar in diabetic patients. It can worsen symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease. Turmeric should be avoided in people with hormone-sensitive condi-tions such as breast cancer.

Interactions:

• Avoid combining turmeric with medications that are metabolized by the liver since turmeric can decrease how quickly the medication is broken down. Taking turmeric with diabetes medication can cause a significant drop in blood sugar. Taking turmeric with anticoagulants or antiplatelets can increase bruising and bleeding. Turmeric can increase the side effects of sulfasalazine when taken concurrently. Turmeric can increase the amount of tarolimus available in the body. Turmeric can decrease how much talinolol is absorbed.