For instance, one of the hallmarks of Alzheimer’s is an accumulation of a specific protein in the brain, called the tau protein. Test-tube and animal studies suggest that compounds in cinnamon may help reduce this buildup ( 16, 17, 18). Ethanolic extracts of C. longa have good antifungal activity against Trichophyton longifusus ( Khattak et al. 2005). Tests using the agar disc diffusion method for detecting antifungal activity showed that a crude ethanolic extract of turmeric killed all 29 tested clinical strains of dermatophytes. This extract exhibited an inhibition zone range of 6.1–26.0 mm ( Wuthi-udomlert et al. 2000). Natural plant products have been used throughout human history for various purposes. Having co-evolved with animal life, many of the plants from which these natural products are derived are billions of years old. Tens of thousands of these products are produced as secondary metabolites by higher plants as a natural defense mechanism against disease and infection. Many of these natural products have pharmacological or biological activity that can be exploited in pharmaceutical drug discovery and drug design. Medicines derived from plants have played a pivotal role in the health care of many cultures, both ancient and modern ( Newman, Cragg, and Sander 2003; Butler 2004; Balunas and Kinghorn 2005; Gurib-Fakim 2006; Newman and Cragg 2007). The Indian system of holistic medicine known as “Ayurveda” uses mainly plant-based drugs or formulations to treat various ailments, including cancer. Of the at least 877 small-molecule drugs introduced worldwide between 1981 and 2002, the origins of most (61%) can be traced to natural products ( Newman and Cragg 2007). Although many synthetic drugs are produced through combinatorial chemistry, plant-based drugs are more suitable, at least in biochemical terms, for human use. Nonetheless, modern medicine has neither held in very high esteem nor encouraged the medicinal use of natural products. Numerous lines of evidence suggest that turmeric exhibits anti-inflammatory activity. In one study, crude organic extracts of turmeric were found to inhibit lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced production of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α (median inhibitory concentration [IC 50] value = 15.2 μg/mL) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2; IC 50 value = 0.92 μg/mL) from HL-60 cells. A combination of several fractions that contained the turmeric oils was more effective than curcuminoids in inhibiting PGE2 production ( Lantz et al. 2005). A hydroethanolic extract of turmeric was recently found to inhibit activation of human dendritic cells in response to inflammatory cytokines ( Krasovsky et al. 2009).

Marinated pieces of paneer roasted with tomatoes, capsicum and onions. Served with coriander mint dressing

Health

Supporting muscles, joints and wellbeing post-exercise thanks to its benefits on the musculoskeletal system. Our Turmeric Active tea is specially formulated to support mobility and movement after sporting activities. For instance, some test-tube studies attribute anti-cancer properties to 6-gingerol, a substance found in large amounts in raw ginger ( 39, 40). Roast pumpkin and butternut squash with olive oil, salt and pepper at 400 degrees for 10 to 15 minutes. They are done when they are fork tender.

For instance, one study in 45 people with rheumatoid arthritis found that 500 milligrams of curcumin daily reduced joint pain more than 50 grams of a common arthritis drug or a combination of curcumin and the drug ( 11). In addition to these conditions, research studies have shown some possible benefits of turmeric for: Chemotherapy: If you are receiving chemotherapy treatments, talk to your doctor before taking turmeric supplements, and especially avoid them if you are taking these chemotherapy agents:

Vitamin D – the ‘sunshine vitamin’ – contributes to the maintenance of normal bones and the maintenance of normal muscle function. Immunosuppressive drugs: People taking a medication called tacrolimus may experience increased side effects if they consume high amounts of curcumin. Turmeric Side Effects Brown explains that the active ingredient in turmeric is a natural compound (polyphenol) called curcumin, which has both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties may also protect against heart disease. However, studies are small and far between, and more are needed before strong conclusions can be made. Turmeric has a significant action upon the heart and the circulation. It supports processes that are involved with the efficient flow of blood to the heart.

Modern scientific and medical research into turmeric’s special qualities focuses on its key active ingredient: curcumin.Mary-Eve Brown, an oncology clinical dietitian/nutritionist at Johns Hopkins Medicine, provides information on health benefits of turmeric, how to use it in your cooking and two recipes that feature the spice. What is turmeric good for? Turmeric is cultivated across India and has been used in the traditional practice of Ayurveda for thousands of years. Although the results of test-tube studies are promising, there is currently no evidence that golden milk reduces infections in people. In another study, 41 participants with type 2 diabetes were given 2 grams of ginger powder per day. At the end of the 12-week study, measured risk factors for heart disease were 23–28% lower ( 27).