Turmeric, one of the basic ingredients of curry powder, has been used as a natural medicine in Asia for a long time, although it is used more as a spice in the West. Turmeric has also been used in Asia to treat stomach and liver disorders.
The Oxygen Radical Absorption Capacity (ORAC) value, which is the value that shows the antioxidant capacity of foods, is 44.776 in Turmeric. With this value, turmeric ranks first on the list of spices with the highest antioxidant capacity.
Curcumin is obtained from the roots of the plant named Curcuma longa, also known as turmeric. It is stated that curcumin is sensitive to light and therefore samples containing curcumin should be protected against light.
3 grams of turmeric, the active ingredient of which is curcumin, contains approximately 30 to 90 mg of curcumin. Turmeric for adults; It is available in powder-containing capsule, liquid extract and tincture form. Cut root of turmeric; 1.5-3 g of dried powdered turmeric root daily; 1-3 g can be used daily, a standard powder (curcumin); 400- 600 mg can be taken 3 times a day. Liquid extract (1:1) 30 to 90 drops per day; It is recommended to consume 1 scoop in the morning and 1 scoop in the evening daily (1 scoop is 5ml).
In studies conducted to examine the safety and maximum tolerance dose of curcumin in healthy individuals, it was determined that up to 12 g/day curcumin intake did not have any harmful effects on the participants.
The antioxidant property of curcumin provides an important opportunity to protect colon cells from free radicals that can damage cellular DNA, especially those formed in the colon. DNA mutations in colon cells can cause cancerous cells to form much faster.
In a study, the anticancer effects of curcumin on human chondrosarcoma cells (cartilage soft tissue tumor) were investigated. Curcumin extract was given to different animals for 21 days and the results were investigated. When the collected data were examined, it was seen that the tumor volume decreased by 60%.
Kandrosarcoma is a soft tissue tumor with poor prognosis that does not respond to chemotherapy&nb sp; is known. Therefore, as a result of this study, curcumin was approved as a new anticancer agent in the treatment of candrosarcoma.
It is thought that curcumin creates its therapeutic effect through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. In particular, laboratory tests with various animals have confirmed anti-cancer effects on the stomach, intestines, liver and skin. Even the formation of advanced metastasis can be reduced with proven curcumin.
The clinical development plan for the use of curcumin to treat cancer has also recently been described by the American National Cancer Institute. Studies also show that in countries such as India where curcumin is consumed, the risk of cancer is much less than in countries where curcumin is not consumed. It is thought that curcumin may have a potential role in the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer's disease. As an antioxidant, curcumin improves the cognitive functions of patients with its anti-inflammatory and lipophilic effects.
Let's summarize its effects on health in general in a few items:
• It shows that a bioactive form of curcumin is well tolerated and can positively affect weight management in overweight people.
• They can be considered as natural, safe and effective CRP-lowering agents and prevent inflammation.
• Regular consumption can be used as an alternative option to change cholesterol-related parameters, especially in patients with metabolic syndrome.
• In a study on the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, hypoglycemic and lipid-lowering effects of turmeric extract; Living subjects induced with a high fat diet were divided into two groups, and one of these groups was given the extract at determined doses. As a result, it has been announced that turmeric extract reduces LDL (low density lipoprotein) thanks to its strong antioxidant activity, thus reducing the risk of atherosclerosis (arteriosclerosis).
• It prevents the development of Type 2 DM by showing positive effects on insulin secretion. It can delay, improve β-cell functions, prevent β-cell death and reduce insulin resistance.
• Additionally, it has positive effects on hypertension by showing antihypertensive effects. However, the use of turmeric together with blood thinners and substances can cause serious health problems. Diabetics, people with gallstones, people with gallbladder and kidney diseases, people with immune system problems, pregnant and breastfeeding women should not consume turmeric without consulting their doctor.
• Since there is no scientifically determined reliable amount for children, turmeric should not be given to children without consulting a doctor.
• It is recommended that patients who will undergo surgery stop turmeric consumption 2 weeks before the surgery date
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