Tumeric may help prevent osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis

[nancylebov]

Here's an article about a study on tumeric extracts.

Dr. Funk and her colleagues then tested in animal models a whole extract of turmeric root, only the essential oils, and an oil-depleted extract containing the three major curcuminoids found in the rhizome. Of the three extracts, the one containing the major curcuminoids was most similar in chemical composition to commercially available turmeric dietary supplements. It also was the most effective, completely inhibiting the onset of rheumatoid arthritis.

Completed with the researchers' own prepared, well-defined extracts, the study represents the first documentation of the chemical composition of a curcumin-containing extract tested in a living organism, in vivo, for anti-arthritic efficacy. It also provides the first evidence of anti-arthritic efficacy of a complex turmeric extract that is analogous in composition to turmeric dietary supplements.

On the traditional side, "Traditionally, turmeric is used to stimulate appetite, lower cholesterol, treat arthritis, muscle pain, indigestion, liver disease and many other diseases".

I have no idea how much Indian food you need to eat to get a medicinal effect. A fast googling doesn't turn up anything about whether osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis are less common for people who usually eat Indian food.

First link thanks to starcat_jewel.

Comments

[zsero.livejournal.com]

Turmeric's also good for the heart. This is somewhat dated, but as of about 8 years ago the recommended protocol from the cardiology unit at Hadassah hospital in Jerusalem was:
1) one teaspoon/day ground ginger (prostacyclin agonist and thromboxane synthetase inhibitor)
2) one tablespoon/day turmeric (lipoxygenase inhibitor)
3) one glass/day green tea (potent antioxidant)
4) 60 g/day bittersweet chocolate with nuts (nuts high in L-arginine; chocolate lowers cholesterol and has more free radical inhibitors per weight than red wine)
5) hot Jacuzzi once a week (lowers vasopressin and increases cardiac vagal activity (see: Aviat Space Environ Medicine 1997;68:1109)
6) vitamin B6, folic acid and N-acetyl cysteine