Research Update

Turmeric has been used for centuries as a traditional treatment for inflammatory conditions, and now science is catching up with practice, as the mechanisms underlying its many actions are explored.

The active component of turmeric, Curcumin, has been shown to have a wide range of useful actions in the body. It reduces inflammation by reducing the activity of COX-2, an enzyme involved in producing inflammation. It also inhibits the production of several pro-inflammatory biological signals (cytokines). Other researchers have found that turmeric may improve the efficacy of some anti-cancer drugs.

A note of caution, however; supplements and herbs should not be taken with chemotherapy without proper qualified advice.