| Curcumin May Have Therapeutic Value In Treating Scleroderma |
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| Tuesday, 27 October 2009 17:04 |
 Turmeric, a shrub related to ginger, is grown throughout India, other parts of Asia, and Africa. It is well known for its warm, bitter taste and golden yellow color. Turmeric is commonly used in fabric dyes and foods such as curry powders, mustards, and cheeses. It has long been used in both Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine as an anti-inflammatory, to treat digestive and liver problems, skin diseases, and wounds. Preliminary human evidence, albeit poor quality, suggests possible efficacy in the management of dyspepsia or heartburn, hyperlipidemia or high cholesterol, and scabies, when used on the skin. Recent research shows that curcumin, a component of turmeric, may benefit people who suffer from Scleroderma. Curcumin is also a powerful antioxidant and antioxidants scavenge damaging particles in the body known as free radicals, which damage cell membranes, tamper with DNA, and even cause cell death. In addition, curcumin reduces inflammation by lowering levels of two inflammatory enzymes (called COX-2 and LOX) in the body and stops platelets from clumping together to form blood clots.  Researchers in South Carolina have found that curcumin causes cell death in Scleroderma lung fibroblasts - the cells that produce too much collagen in the lungs, but not in normal fibroblasts. This means that the herb interferes with the "bad" fibroblasts, but not the normal ones. They have concluded that, "curcumin may have therapeutic value in treating scleroderma". This is especially appealing as a treatment modality because curcumin is extremely non-toxic and is beneficial for a host of other disorders including many cancers, heart disease, and Alzheimer's disease. Turmeric is available in the following forms:
 The following are the recommended doses for adults:
The use of herbs is a time-honored approach to strengthening the body and treating disease. Herbs, however, can trigger side effects and may interact with other herbs, supplements, or medications. For these reasons, herbs should be taken with care. Turmeric and curcumin are considered safe when taken at the recommended doses. However, taking large amounts of turmeric for long periods of time may produce stomach upset and, in extreme cases, ulcers. People who have gallstones or obstruction of the bile passages should talk to their doctor before taking turmeric. Although it is safe to eat foods containing turmeric, pregnant and breastfeeding women should not take turmeric supplements. For more information on turmeric and curcumin, you're welcome to visit the following resources: |
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