The anticarcinogenic effects of turmeric and curcumin are due to direct antioxidant and free-radical scavenging effects and their ability to indirectly increase glutathione levels, thereby aiding in hepatic detoxification of mutagens and carcinogens and in inhibiting nitrosamine formation.[23,24] Antimicrobial Turmeric extract and the essential oil of Curcuma longa inhibits the growth selleck catalog of a variety of bacteria, parasites, and pathogenic fungi. Improvements in lesions were observed in the dermatophyte- and fungi-infected guinea pigs, as at 7 days post-turmeric application, the lesions disappeared.[25] Curcumin has also been found to have moderate activity against Plasmodium falciparum and Leishmania major.

[26] Cardiovascular effects Turmeric’s protective effects on the cardiovascular system include lowering cholesterol and triglyceride levels, decreasing susceptibility of low density lipoprotein (LDL) to lipid peroxidation,[27] and inhibiting platelet aggregation.[17] These effects have been noted even with low doses of turmeric. A study of 18 atherosclerotic rabbits administered low-dose (1.6-3.2 mg/kg body weight, daily) turmeric extract demonstrated decreased susceptibility of LDL to lipid peroxidation in addition to lower plasma cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Higher dose did not decrease lipid peroxidation of LDL, but cholesterol and triglyceride level decreases were noted, although to a lesser degree than with lower dose. Turmeric extract’s effect on cholesterol levels may be due to decreased cholesterol uptake in the intestines and increase conversion of cholesterol to bile acids in the liver.

[16] Local effects Fresh juice from the rhizome or a paste prepared from turmeric or decoction is often used as a local application as well as internally in the treatment of leprosy, snake bites, and vomiting associated with pregnancy.[28] Gastric effects Curcumin has a significant role in cases of gastric ulcers. An open, phase II trial was performed on 25 patients with endoscopically diagnosed gastric ulcer. Participants were provided 600 mg powdered turmeric, five times daily. After 4 weeks, ulcers had completely healed in 48% patients. The success rate increased over time, with 76% being ulcer free after 12 weeks of treatment. No significant adverse reactions or blood abnormalities were noted.

[29] Chronic anterior uveitis Thirty-two patients with chronic anterior uveitis were provided 375 mg curcumin, three times daily for 12 weeks. Curcumin was effective in 86% patients and was as effective as corticosteroid therapy, the only available standard Batimastat treatment.[30] Dental applications of turmeric Turmeric can be used in following ways to offer relief from dental problems. Dental pain Massaging the aching teeth with roasted, ground turmeric eliminates pain and swelling.