There are numerous health claims regarding curcumin, the active ingredient found in turmeric. But what about the research?
At this time, there is no identified cure for fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome, but there are ample ways to control symptoms and flare-ups. Researchers have evidence to suggest that turmeric supplements may help reduce widespread musculoskeletal pain by inhibiting inflammatory pathways and reducing oxidative stress.
Turmeric might increase the body's ability to absorb sulfasalazine. Taken with sulfasalazine, turmeric might cause side effects or increase in its effects.
Turmeric’s treasure lies in curcumin’s benefits. Curcumin has antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. Researchers are investigating whether it may help diseases in which inflammation plays a role — from arthritis to ulcerative colitis.
Curcumin is the active ingredient in turmeric. There are many health claims. But what do the studies say?
Turmeric is generally considered safe. Although there have been no reported side effects, some people have experienced nausea or diarrhea after taking higher doses of turmeric. Ask your doctor before you start turmeric/curcumin as preventive or supportive therapy. Discuss potential side effects, medication interactions, and risks.
High amounts of turmeric could cause estrogen to be less effective. Combining turmeric with estrogen could decrease estrogen's effects. Premarin, conjugated horse estrogens (Ethinyl Estradiol), and other estrogen pills may be used.
Depression can cause a reduction in brain-derived neurotrophic factors (BDNF), which causes your hippocampus to shrink, which is responsible for learning and memory. Curcumin may be able to boost BDNF levels, and possibly reverse the decline.
Who should not consume turmeric? It is not recommended for pregnant women or those who are nursing to avoid turmeric. Although it is safe for use in food quantities, it may not prove to be as safe as it is in medical dosages. It is best to avoid turmeric during or after a scheduled procedure. Turmeric can thin blood and lead to blood clotting complications.
Turmeric is an antioxidant and one study showed that it may protect your health from free radicals.
Studies have proven curcumin's anti-inflammatory abilities through the inhibition of key inflammatory molecules in the body. Turmeric's antioxidant activities also help to reduce oxidative Stress, which is often linked with low-grade inflammation.
Depression causes brain-derived nervetrophic factor (BDNF), a protein, to be reduced. Your hippocampus, which aids in learning and memory, begins to shrink. Studies have shown that curcumin can increase BDNF levels and reverse these changes.
Turmeric has also deep roots in both Chinese traditional medicine and Ayurveda for treating arthritis. Research suggests that taking turmeric extract could potentially reduce pain from osteoarthritis, though further study is still needed.
Turmeric might increase the amount amlodipine your body absorbs. Taken with amlodipine, turmeric might cause side effects as well as increase the effectiveness of amlodipine.