Page 26 - NAMAH-Apr-2018

Namah Vol. 26, Issue 1, 24th April 2018

Additionally, all
biomarkers decreased in
the treatment group and
no improvement in the
placebo (30).
Irritable 8 weeks Prevalence of IBS One of 72 mg. or two tablets
bowel decreased by 53% in of 72 mg. each, standardised
syndrome the one-tablet group turmeric extract taken daily for
and 60% in the two- 8 weeks
tablet group. Additional
abdominal pain and
discomfort decreased
(31).
Gastric ulcer Phase II Ulcers completely 600 mg with powdered turmeric
healed in 48% after 4 5 t/d
weeks and 76% after 12 Or placebo.
weeks. (32).

Summary of clinical findings

The underlying actions and clinical effects of turmeric are: 1)anti-inflammatory, 2)anti-
microbial, 3) anti-oxidant, and 4) wound-healing properties. The clinical trial data suggest that
turmeric either alone or in combination with conventional modalities reduces the morbidity or
mortality from several disease states. Use of turmeric along with the conventional modalities
has indicated better health outcomes after turmeric use, reducing the adverse events profile.

Using turmeric as a medicinal agent may change the course of several chronic diseases
such as arthritis, allergic rhinitis, asthma, cancer (breast, pancreatic, prostate, colorectal,
lung, multiplemyeloma), cardiovascular disease, diabetes, digestive disorders such
as irritable bowel syndrome and gastric ulcer to name a few disease states. While the
mechanism of action is not entirely clear as to how turmeric works, clinical trial data
for cancer show its influence in inhibiting networks of cancer cell growth for example.
Curcumin is a natural polyphenol molecule derived from the Curcuma longa plant which
exhibits anticancer, chemo-preventive, chemo- and radio-sensitization properties.
Curcumin increases the sensitivity of chemotherapeutic drugs and protects from toxicity
of cancer therapy.

Dosage range

Doses of 500-8,000 mg. of turmeric per day have been used in human studies. Standardised
extracts are typically used in lower amounts, in the 250-2,000 mg. range (33).

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