Why is Turmeric ‘The Golden Spice?’

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is an ancient spice and member of the ginger family, Zingiberaceae.  This herb has several titles in Sanskrit: ‘Haridra’ (the yellow one), ‘Gauri’ (the one whose face is light and shining), and ‘Kanchani’ (golden goddess) (1).

It is commonly referred in India as “The golden spice” and has a long history in Ayurveda medicine. Although gold in colour, the nutritional and medicinal values of this glorified remedy also uphold a gold standard (2).

The combination of turmeric’s anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and antioxidant roles serve as prominent treatments for anemia, diabetes, food poisoning, gall stones, inflammation and potentially even AIDS/HIV.

On a smaller scale, turmeric effectively suppresses the ill-attributed symptoms of fevers, diarrhoea, urinary disorders, lactation issues and common colds (3).

As one of the healthiest spice’s on the planet, turmeric has a lot to offer.

The Significance of Curcumin

Curcumin is the main bioactive substance in turmeric that retains the majority of its health benefits. Although ground turmeric only possesses 2-5% of curcumin, oil extracts are much more concentrated and thus hold a higher medicinal value (2).

Curcumin is a potent substance that has multiple therapeutic uses, including:

• Anti-inflammation
• Anti-bacterial
• Anti-septic
• Antioxidant
• Anti-carcinogenic
• Anti-fungal
• Digestive benefits (9)

Of some 20 anti-biotic molecules embodied in curcumin, 14 are cancer preventives, 12 are anti-tumor and 10 are antioxidants.

Curcumin also enhances brain-derived neurotrophy, which is responsible for boosting cognitive function. By increasing brain levels, curcumin may even reverse brain related diseases such as depression, memory, and learning (2).

Anti-Cancer

Turmeric (specifically curcumin) is recognized for holding extremely powerful anti-cancer benefits. It inhibits the carcinogenetic spread and growth of tumours by suppressing their metastatic cell cycle altogether (9).

Research shows that curcumin can treat virtually any type of cancer, based on its anti-proliferative activity. This includes cancer of the

• Pancreas
• Intestine
• Colorectal
• Bladder
• Breast
• Lung
• Skin
• Kidney
• Liver
• Throat

Curcumin’s apoptotic and necrotic (cell death) nature mediates the regulatory functions of cancer receptors, cytokines, enzymes, and genes. Curcumin has more than 40 biochemical molecules that support this role (10). 

Typical treatment of cancer involves extensive surgery, excessive radiation, and a sizeable savings account. This is not to say avoid treatment entirely – curcumin should merely be used as a supplement and as a preventative.

There is growing interest towards the development of alternative chemotherapy for this reason. Curcumin shows great promise as it holds so many anti-carcinogenic agents without any detrimental side-effects (11).

One study compared the effects of curcumin after a single-dose radiation. The combination of both these therapies displayed extremely potent growth-suppressive activity of cancer cells (12, 13).

This suggests that curcumin does indeed work in conjunction with chemotherapy, as it bears radio-sensitizing properties.

Liver Health

As a potent antioxidant, turmeric has a powerful ability to scavenge and eradicate toxic free radicals. Frequent malnourishment is often the onset of free radical oxidation in the body, which can lead to severe oxidative stress in the liver (4).

Curcumin’s anti-oxidation agents enhance the synthesis of the endogenous enzyme systems, decreasing both plasma and lipid peroxidation levels of the liver. This strengthens the overall intracellular defence system, and reduces oxidative stress (5).

Curcumin has a unique ability to inhibit several inflammatory responses in the body that contribute to hepatic disorders. It provides a therapeutic effect on various cellular and molecular mechanisms of the body that translate specifically to liver protection (15).

The liver-healing properties of curcumin primarily target the damaged regions induced by aflatoxins, iron overdose, alcoholism, chronic intoxication, anti-biotics, cholestasis, and cirrhosis (14).

Cardiovascular Support

Research has established that curcumin administers effective cardiovascular protection.

A 60-day study found that oral ingestion of concentrated turmeric extract significantly reduced both HDL and LDL cholesterol levels in healthy humans. This thereby decreases the risk of vascular atherosclerosis and thrombosis (6).

Further research suggests that curcumin’s antioxidant properties reduces chemotherapy drug-induced cardiotoxicity, as well as the negative cardiovascular side-effects of diabetic individuals (16).

An additional study investigated curcumin’s effectiveness against cardiac patients. 121 individuals, prior to receiving coronary bypass surgery, were given 4g of curcumin/day. The results indicated a significant suppression of cardiomyocyte apoptosis (cell death of cardiac muscles), lipid peroxidation, and inflammation (7).

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a disease in which the heart becomes inflamed and is unable to pump blood efficiently. Not surprisingly, this is a major problem (17).

Notably, curcumin demonstrates strong attenuation abilities among pro-inflammatory cardiomyocyte growth. This consequently reduces toxicity in the heart, and may be an alternative supplement for hypertrophy (18).

Blood Circulation

Turmeric is a blood purifier and helps to create new blood for the body. This is a result from the liver-protective qualities it serves, shielding the body against harmful pathogens and major hepatoxins (8).

It also reduces blood cholesterol levels, consequently diminishing artery stiffness by inhibiting blood clots.

Blood clots are a result of the production of thrombin, a coagulant that is activated through platelet aggregation.

One study examined curcumin’s anti-coagulation effects, and determined that its blood tonic properties stem from the regulation of vascular tonus, blood cell migration, and vascular permeability (19).

Digestion

Some research indicates that curcumin upholds anti-inflammatory properties in the gut, and may be used to treat gastro-intestinal diseases like inflammatory and neoplastic bowel disorders, as well as general stomach pains (20).

One study measured the effects turmeric extract had on irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) on 207 individuals over the course of 8 weeks.

41% of those who had 1 tablet of extract/day incurred an IBS reduction; those who had 2 tablets incurred a 57% reduction. Additionally, 25% both groups responded with a reduction of abdominal pain & discomfort (21).

Conclusion

Turmeric should be a staple in every diet.

There is a reason this is the ‘golden spice’ of India – taste, colour, and medicinal value have something to do with it.

With regards to turmeric’s list of antioxidant, anti-inflammation, cardiovascular, digestive, and metabolite features, there is truly no reason to disregard this nutraceutical.

The best part of turmeric is that it can be found at nearly any supermarket – and it tastes great. From stir-fry’s, to tea, and topical applications, there is really no method you can’t consume turmeric. And no reason why you shouldn’t.