What is curcuma and where does it occur?
These days, curcuma is not only used as a spice, but also as a remedy. It has both an anti-inflammatory effect and an antioxidant effect, which allows it to be used to treat and prevent various diseases.
Curcuma, also known as turmeric, belongs to the ginger family and is cultivated in tropical regions of Africa and Asia. Curcuma is used in the food industry not only as a spice but also mostly as a coloring agent due to its strong yellow-orange color.
In Indian cuisine, curcuma is usually found in dried and ground form. In Southeast Asian cuisine, on the other hand, fresh, grated tuber is often prepared. Curcuma is known to western cultures primarily as a main component of curry powder.
The main active ingredients of curcuma are the so-called “curcuminoids”, which include curcumin, monodesmethoxy, and bisdesmethoxycurcumin. Curcumin is extracted from the rootstock of the curcuma plant. The anti-inflammatory, antioxidative and immunomodulatory properties of curcuminoids were identified long ago and their active ingredients have recently been the subject of intensive clinical research.
Curcuma can prevent tumor diseases.
Why do we need turmeric?
Studies show that in countries where the consumption of curcuma is higher, tumors of the breast, intestine and prostate are much less common than in other countries. The ingredients of curcuma have a strong protective effect on the cells of the pancreas, which is why the cancer-inhibiting effect of curcumin in the formation of tumors in the pancreas have been documented. Further clinical studies in humans show that other tumor types can also be slowed down or stopped in their development.
In one recent study, patients with tumor precursors on the bladder mucosa, uterus, mouth, stomach, and skin were given curcumin. The tolerability was tested through a gradual increase in dosage from 500 mg/day to 8,000 mg/day. A high number of patients showed a histologically detectable improvement of the procarcinogenic tissue changes within 3 months.
Curcuma has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
The antioxidative properties of curcumin create a protective function of the vessels and thus diseases of the cardiovascular system can be counteracted. It was also found in a recent study that a 500 mg intake after 7 days reduced cholesterol levels in healthy adults by 29%.
Curcuma has an antidepressant effect.
Curcumin also has an antidepressant effect, which has been proven by various studies in recent years (additional information on this application of curcumin can be found here). Furthermore, the natural substance improves the stress hormone situation during chronic stress and interacts with the serotonin receptors.
Who needs extra curcuma?
An additional intake of 500 to 1500 mg per day is recommended, in conjunction with cancer therapy, especially if it is a pancreatic tumor.
Additional supplementation of 500 to 1500 mg daily should also be considered for accompanying treatment of cardiovascular diseases, inflammation of the intestinal mucosa, inflammatory diseases, and rheumatic diseases.
Useful findings have also been made on the use of curcuma in various eye diseases. You can read more about those advances here.
