DESCRIPTION/FUNCTION

• Turmeric (also spelled tumeric) is a member of the ginger family. It contains a variety of bioactive substances called curcuminoids. The most active component is curcumin, an orange-yellow volatile oil that includes three curcuminoids: turmerone, atlantone, and zingiberone.

DRI (RDA or AI for Adults)

• None.

MAJOR SOURCES

• Rhizome. Used as a spice in prepared mustard and curry.

MAINTENANCE/THERAPEUTIC RANGE

• 100 mg to 2,000 mg (standardized to 95% curcumin or curcuminoids).

POSSIBLE THERAPEUTIC APPLICATIONS

• Cancer (colorectal)
• Cataracts
• Coronary heart disease
• HIV/AIDS
• Inflammation
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Wound healing

COMMENTS

• Research shows that turmeric and its curcuminoids have a number of beneficial properties: (1) good antioxidant activity, comparing well with vitamin C, vitamin E, and superoxide dismutase; (2) anti-inflammatory activity that is comparable to steroidal and nonsteroidal drugs; (3) anticancer properties influencing all the steps of cancer formation: initiation, promotion, and progression; (4) protects the cardiovascular system by lowering serum cholesterol and inhibiting platelet aggregation; (5) protects the liver by several mechanisms; (6) in vitro and in vivo studies show curcuminoids can help with HIV in a number of ways, including acting as biological response modifiers, resulting in significant increases in CD-4 and CD-8 counts.

CAUTIONS

• Avoid if pregnant (large doses may stimulate the uterus). Consult with your health practitioner if you have gallstones, or are taking blood thinning drugs.