Today's post from seattleorganicrestaurants.com (see link below) doesn't seem to have medical or scientific authorship but does refer to its sources. The reason I say that is because it makes some astonishing claims for the healing powers of Turmuric (Curcuma depending on where you live). Now even if only a tenth of these are bordering on the truth, it still comes over as a wonder-spice. Turmeric has long been advanced as a help for nerve pain and its symptoms (see other posts via the search button on this blog), so any lengthy article about the spice is certainly worth a look for neuropathy patients. I suggest you read it and then make your own minds up (maybe after also discussing it with a health professional or a qualified herbalist). You do slightly wonder why India and south east Asia in general isn't the healthiest place in the world, considering how much turmeric is used in their diet...but then again, look at the populations, that may be evidence enough😏
Turmeric and saffron are the two prominent spices used in South Asian and Middle Eastern dishes including Persians and Indians. Persian saffron and turmeric are very well-known because of their unique quality and taste. For thousands of centuries, curcumin known as turmeric has been used for its healing and medicinal properties. Based on an informative article written by greenmedinfo.com, turmeric is as effective and if not even better than 14 different pharmaceutical drugs in the market.
Here are some of the scientific studies about the health benefits of turmeric:
1. Lowering the level of bad cholesterol and improving heart health -- Alternative drugs: Lipitor and atorvastatin
A 2004 study published in the journal Atherosclerosis shows that turmeric can reduce the level of bad cholesterol and fight the plaque buildup in the arteries which is an important factor in developing heart diseases. Another 2008 study published in the journal Drugs in R & D shows that turmeric extract is as beneficial as the drugs used for inflammation and type 2 diabetics.
Besides lowering the bad cholesterol levels and fighting plaque buildup in the arteries, turmeric can improve the cardiovascular health. A study published in 2012 discovered that both exercise and curcumin supplements can significantly improve the cardiovascular health. In conclusion, turmeric can be as effective as conventional drugs such as Lipitor and atorvastatin (for lowering cholesterol and improving heart health), without having the side effects.
2. Great anti-inflammatory -- Alternative drugs: Corticosteroids and steroid
Inflammation is the root of many chronic diseases including cancer, arthritis, dementia and heart disease. Poor eating habits and high intake of omega 6 versus omega 3 is the leading cause of chronic inflammation. Studies show that turmeric is a great source of anti-inflammatory.
A study published in the journal Phytotherapy Research showed that the powerful antioxidants in turmeric can be as effective as steroid in treatment of chronic anterior uveitis (an inflammatory eye disease). Another study published in Critical Care Medicine showed that turmeric is as effective as corticosteroid drug known as dexamethasone and can provide relief for inflamed areas of the body.
Also a study published in the journal Oncogene discovered that curcumin is as effective as other anti-inflammatory drugs that can kill cancer cells such as aspirin, ibuprofen, sulindac, phenylbutazone, naproxen, indomethacin, diclofenac, dexamethasone, celecoxib, and tamoxifen.
3. Improving depression and suppressing negative thoughts -- Alternative drugs: Prozac/Fluoxetine, Imipramine
A study published in 2011 in the journal Acta Poloniae Pharmaceutica showed that turmeric can be as effective as anti-depressant drugs for improving depression and reducing negative thoughts, without having the side effects of anti-depressant drugs.
4. Blood thinner -- Alternative drug: Aspirin:
A study published in the journal Arzneimittelforschung discovered that curcumin has anti-platelet and prostacyclin modulating effects of aspirin and can help to reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke without having the side effects of aspirin.
5. Destroying cancer cells -- Alternative drug: Chemotherapy
Studies show that turmeric can destroy and kill cancer cells. In 2007, a study published in the International Journal of Cancer showed that curcumin is as effective as oxaliplatin drug for treating colorectal cancer.
In another study published in the journal Breast Cancer Research and Treatment, researchers discovered that turmeric can target the cancer cells while leaving healthy cells unharmed. Also, another study published by researchers at University of Texas shows that turmeric is very effective in killing cancer cells and leaving healthy cells unharmed.
6. Diabetes -- Alternative drugs: Diabetes drugs such as Metformin
A 2009 study published in the journal Biochemitry and Biophysical Research showed that curcumin can be 500 times to 100,000 times (in the form known as tetrahydrocurcuminoids(THC)) more effective than diabetic drugs such as metformin. The researchers also concluded that turmeric can suppress glucose production in the liver and help diabetic patients.
7. Alzheimer's Disease or dementia: Alternative drugs: Memantine and Diclofenac
In a study published in Annals of Indian Academy of Neurology, the researchers discovered that taking one-quarter of a teaspoon of turmeric extract or powder daily can improve the symptoms of Alzheimer's and dementia.
According to the researchers, curcumin is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory that can improve the cognitive functions in patients with AD. The authors suggest that “a growing body of evidence indicates that oxidative stress, free radicals, beta amyloid, cerebral deregulation caused by bio-metal toxicity and abnormal inflammatory reactions contribute to the key event in Alzheimer's disease pathology. Due to various effects of curcumin, such as decreased Beta-amyloid plaques, delayed degradation of neurons, metal-chelation, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and decreased microglia formation, the overall memory in patients with AD has improved”.
8. Protecting the brain damage due to heavy alcohol consumption:
In a study at PanjabUniversity Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, the researchers found out that the potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory molecule in turmeric known as curcumin can fight against chronic alcohol-induced cognitive dysfunction.
9. Anti-aging properties:
Studies show that the curcumin and its active metabolite, tetrahydrocurcumin (THC) could significantly increase the lifespan of three microorganisms including roundworms, Fruit flies and mice. According to the authors of the study, “given the long and established history of turmeric as a spice and herbal medicine, its demonstrated chemopreventive and therapeutic potential, and its pharmacological safety in model systems, curcumin, the bioactive extract of turmeric, promises a great future in human clinical studies designed to prevent and/or delay age-related diseases”.
10. Regenerating liver tissues:
In a study published in the Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand, the researchers discovered that primary polyphenol in turmeric, can repair and even regenerate the liver tissues of diabetic rats.
In conclusion, the studies show that the active compound in turmeric known as curcumin is as effective (in some cases even more potent) as pharmaceutical drugs. According to greenmedinfo.com, turmeric can be even more effective than the following lists of medical conditions and drugs:
· NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)
· Hydrocortisone (for inflammation)
· Prednisone (for inflammation)
· Corticosteroids (uveitis)
· Memantine and Diclofenac (for memory)
· Atorvastain (for inflammation-mediated endothelial dysfunction)
· Dexamethasone (lung transplantation or injury)
· Fluoxetine [Prozac] and imipramine [Tofranil] (depression)
· Acetylsalicylic acid (Thrombosis and Arthritis)
· Quinidine (myocardial ischemia)
· Oxaliplatin (Colorectal Cancer)
· Metformin (Gluconeogenesis/Blood Sugar
Sources:
http://www.greenmedinfo.com/blog/turmeric-may-repair-and-regenerate-diabetic-liver-function
http://sciencealerts.com/
http://www.seattleorganicrestaurants.com/vegan-whole-food/turmeric-curcumin-as-effective-as-pharmaceutical-drugs.php
Having posted an article about Turmeric and its basic constituent, Curcumin, some time ago on the blog (see alphabetical list on the right), I decided to try it out, having first checked it against my HIV meds. As a natural-born cynic, I didn't hold out any great hopes but to my surprise, two weeks after taking two 400mg capsules a day, I noticed a distinct lessening in the tingling, numbness and pain in my feet and legs. I finished the bottle and then forgot to buy a new one - again, within two weeks, the pain and other symptoms were back with a vengeance. Coincidence? Maybe; it's difficult to know in our HIV world, where you're taking this, that and the other, for this, that and the other, what's improving or worsening what! That said, I bought another bottle of Curcumin and resumed the 2x400mg dosage per day and once again, within two weeks, I noticed a distinct improvement in my symptoms but that's just me and we all know how neuropathy works - something may help you but for someone else it does nothing! I'd like to hear about other people's experiences with the same thing. There is very little verified scientific research and evidence on the internet, so personal experience is invaluable.
Turmeric is claimed to be a wonder spice, helping with all sorts of ailments from cancer to Alzheimers but we've heard that all before and need firm evidence to support the hype. One thing is sure; it's a powerful anti-oxidant but further than that, nobody seems to know why it works well in helping with various ailments. This article from Buzzle.com (see link below)is written by an Indian lady who doesn't seem to have medical qualifications (not necessarily a problem) but writes about Turmeric (curcumin) with authority and her facts certainly check out with other sites. She ends by saying: "I rest my case here, having made and proved my point." I'm not sure that she has but she makes a persuasive case.
Turmeric for Neuropathy
By Ishani Chatterjee Shukla
Last Updated: 7/28/2011
Neuropathy, which means a damage to the nerves, can cause a lot of pain, regional hypersensitivity and overall physical discomfort in a person. Peripheral neuropathy is caused by damage to the nerves of the peripheral nervous system and such damage is either a result of an underlying disease or illness or is a consequence of physical trauma or injury. While most of the mainstream treatment measures undertaken to relieve neural discomfort work on a symptomatic basis, certain alternative treatments and therapies have proved to be more effective in alleviating the underlying neural abnormalities.
While most of us are familiar with the efficacy of various herbs and natural spices in curing and treating a lot of physical ailments, I am sure most of us would be surprised at the idea of these very herbs and spices being able to treat something as complex as an ailment or injury of the nerves. Turmeric is one such natural spice that seems to be quite effective in dealing with peripheral neuropathy - mind you, it doesn't just alleviate the pain and sensitivity but corrects the neural damage to a large extent! The reason behind the efficacy of treating neuropathic pain with turmeric can be traced to a very significant chemical compound, curcumin, that turmeric contains. The following segment provides an elaborate insight into facts about using turmeric for neuropathy.
Turmeric for Peripheral Neuropathy
The fact that turmeric works as a great pain reliever and anti-inflammatory agent is not an unknown one. Remedies like turmeric milk are used in a lot of exotic ethnic cultures to accelerate the healing of wounds and to provide relief from fever and bacterial infections. So, what is it about turmeric that gives it all these medicinal properties? Well, as mentioned in the previous segment, it's a chemical compound called Curcumin. Curcumin is a naturally occurring polyphenol. Natural polyphenols are a group of organic antioxidants that have great beneficial effects on the body when consumed. Laboratory research and experiments have proved beyond doubt that curcumin has very potent anti-inflammatory, antibiotic and anticarcinogenic properties. Indeed, the traditional medicine systems of many Oriental cultures (such as China, India, etc.) do maintain that regular use of turmeric and other spices containing curcuminoids (such as ginger) in daily cooking is a great way to keep various types of cancers and tumors away.
Now, the question is, how does curcumin cure neuropathy? How does it treat or heal damaged nerves? Well, while the anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of turmeric do contribute towards providing symptomatic relief, the antioxidant properties of curcumin are believed to slow down and reverse neurodegeneration. In a study conducted by the UCLA Center on Aging during the latter part of the 20th century, the researchers were able to successfully demonstrate the efficacy of curcumin in reducing neural degeneration, plaque deposition in the brain, damage to neural tissues due to oxidation, etc. All these findings indicated towards the fact that curcumin and its derivatives can be used as a potential treatment alternative for neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer's disease.
So, if curcumin can be a possible curative agent of a neurodegenerative condition as complex and serious as Alzheimer's disease, it definitely makes sense that turmeric may be used to effectively treat the symptoms as well as underlying neural damage that characterize peripheral neuropathy. Therefore, the possibilities of success involved in the use of turmeric for neuropathy treatment and neural pain relief cannot and should not be ruled out. So, the next time you embark upon preparing that exotic curry dish, do not miss out on sprinkling a couple of pinches of turmeric - besides the great color and exotic aroma, you'll benefit greatly from its antioxidant properties. I rest my case here, having made and proved my point.
http://www.buzzle.com/articles/turmeric-for-neuropathy.html
Today's post from bbc.com (see link below) isn't directly related to neuropathy but discusses the potential health benefits of turmeric, which is something that has long been rumoured to help with nerve pain and promoting nerve health in the body. Other articles on this blog (use the search button to the right, or begin here) are more directly related to turmeric (curcumin) and neuropathy but this one emerges from a BBC program and discusses its health benefits in general. It turns out that turmeric/curcumin prepared in food is more effective than turmeric in pill or powder form. Whatever your conclusions are about turmeric, it may be worth doing a lot more research in relation to nerve damage. Folk-lore herbal remedies are all well and good, but we need a little more proof than that.
20 September 2016 From the section Magazine
Bold health claims have been made for the power of turmeric. Is there anything in them, asks Michael Mosley.
Turmeric is a spice which in its raw form looks a bit like ginger root, but when it's ground down you get a distinctive yellowy orange powder that's very popular in South Asian cuisine. Until recently the place you would most likely encounter turmeric would be in chicken tikka masala, one of Britain's most popular dishes.
These days, thanks to claims that it can improve everything from allergies to depression, it's become incredibly trendy, not just cooked and sprinkled on food but added to drinks like tea. Turmeric latte anyone?
Now I'm usually very cynical about such claims, but in the case of turmeric I thought there could be something to it. There are at least 200 different compounds in turmeric, but there's one that scientists are particularly interested in. It gives this spice its colour. It's called curcumin.
Thousands of scientific papers have been published looking at turmeric and curcumin in the laboratory - some with promising results. But they've mainly been done in mice, using unrealistically high doses. There have been few experiments done in the real world, on humans.
Find out more
Michael Mosley is one of the presenters of Trust Me, I'm A Doctor, broadcast on Thursdays at 20:00 BST on BBC Two - catch up on BBC iPlayer
Find out more about the experiment
This is exactly the sort of situation where we on Trust Me like to make a difference. So we tracked down leading researchers from across the country and with their help recruited nearly 100 volunteers from the North East to do a novel experiment. Few of our volunteers ate foods containing turmeric on a regular basis.
Then we divided them into three groups.
We asked one group to consume a teaspoon of turmeric every day for six weeks, ideally mixed in with their food. Another group were asked to swallow a supplement containing the same amount of turmeric, and a third group were given a placebo, or dummy pill.
The volunteers who were asked to consume a teaspoon of turmeric a day were ingenious about what they added it to, mixing it with warm milk or adding it to yoghurt. Not everyone was enthusiastic about the taste, with comments ranging from "awful" to "very strong and lingering".
But what effect was eating turmeric having on them? We decided to try and find out using a novel test developed at University College, London, by Prof Martin Widschwendter and his team.
Prof Widschwendter is not particularly interested in turmeric but he is interested in how cancers start. His team have been comparing tissue samples taken from women with breast cancer and from women without it and they've found a change that happens to the DNA of cells well before they become cancerous.
The change is in the "packaging" of the genes. It's called DNA methylation. It's a bit like a dimmer switch that can turn the activity of the gene up or down.
The exciting thing is that if it is detected in time this change can, potentially, be reversed, before the cell turns cancerous. DNA methylation may explain why, for instance, your risk of developing lung cancer drops dramatically once you give up smoking. It could be that the unhealthy methylation of genes, caused by tobacco smoke, stops or reverses once you quit.
So we asked Prof Widschwendter whether testing the DNA methylation patterns of our volunteers' blood cells at the start and end of the experiment would reveal any change in their risk of cancer and other diseases, like allergies. It was something that had not been done before.
Turmeric
Perennial herbaceous plant native to South Asia
Spice is gathered from the plants rhizomes (roots)
As well as being used in Indian food, turmeric is used in traditional medicine and as a dyeing agent
Turmeric recipes from BBC Food
Fortunately he was very enthusiastic. "We were delighted," he said, "to be involved in this study, because it is a proof of principle study that opens entirely new windows of opportunity to really look into how we can predict preventive measures, particularly for cancer."
So what, if anything, happened?
When I asked him that, he pulled out his laptop and slowly began to speak.
"We didn't find any changes in the group taking the placebo," he told me. That was not surprising.
"The supplement group also didn't also show any difference," he went on.
That was surprising and somewhat disappointing.
"But the group who mixed turmeric powder into their food," he continued, "there we saw quite substantial changes. It was really exciting, to be honest. We found one particular gene which showed the biggest difference. And what's interesting is that we know this particular gene is involved in three specific diseases: depression, asthma and eczema, and cancer. This is a really striking finding."
Turmeric has long been used in Indian food It certainly is. But why did we see changes only in those eating turmeric, not in those taking the same amount as a supplement?
Dr Kirsten Brandt, who is a senior lecturer at Newcastle University and who helped run the experiment, thinks it may have something to do with the way the turmeric was consumed.
"It could be," she told me, "that adding fat or heating it up makes the active ingredients more soluble, which would make it easier for us to absorb the turmeric. It certainly gives us something, to work on, to try to find out exactly what's happening."
She also told me, because our volunteers all tried consuming their turmeric in different ways, that we can be confident it was the turmeric that was making the difference and not some other ingredient used to make, say, chicken tikka masala.
There is a lot more research that needs to be done, including repeating the experiment to see if these findings can be confirmed. But in light of what we've discovered will I be consuming more of the stuff? Probably. It helps that I like the taste and I've already begun experimenting with things like adding it with a touch of chilli to an omelette.
http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-37408293
