Tag Archives: curcumin

Turmeric, the Awesome Anti-Oxidant

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An excerpt from “Turmeric – The Ayurvedic Spice of Life”, written by Prashanti de Jager M.S.

The curcuminoids as an anti-oxidant compound are:

  • 5-8x stronger than vitamin E
  • 3x more powerful than Grape seed or Pine bark extract.
  • More powerful antioxidants than Vitamin C, eugenol (from cloves), capsiacin (from cayanne) and BHT, a standard food preservative.
  • Especially potent at scavenging the hydroxlyl radical, the most reactive of all oxidants.

2012-TriForce-Turmeric-Curcumin

 

This means Turmeric is good at:

  • Keeping you feeling and looking young
  • Protecting you from mutating cells, tumors, cancer.
  • Preventing and removing oxidized cholesterol thereby preventing heart attacks.
  • Reducing acute (injuries) and chronic inflammations (arthritis)
  • Reducing pain associated with inflammation
  • Preserving food.

Anti – Aging

Everybody knows that oxygen is essential to life as we know it, but it can give rise to several reactive oxygen species (ROS) in normal metabolism. Normally the body can deal with these ROS but if there is an overload of them due to pollution, etc. or if there is an inability to deal with them due to genetics or weakness, then they can rapidly cause decay, breakdown, disease, rapid aging and death. Oxidation by free radicals can damage cells and DNA and thus is the major player in aging and a part to some extent of every chronic disease known. As rust is oxidized steel so aging is oxidized cells. Just as you wash the dirt and salt off your car to keep it from rusting, you surround your cells with anti-oxidants to wash away the oxidizing species of molecules. Proteins, lipids, and DNA are the parts of the cell most susceptible to damage by oxidation.

Of course, oxygen isn’t bad, it is the most needed nutrient to us, but reactive oxidizing molecules get out of hand. Actually one of the ways that our immune system destroys pathogens is to blast them with an oxidizer like Hydrogen Peroxide which rusts their little bodies within seconds. Most of the oxidants that we need protection from these days are a result of our modern day society: cigarettes, food additives, smog and pollution. Stopping oxidation stops a part of the aging process. Again, turmeric is considered to be the strongest antioxidant against the hydroxyl molecule, which is the most reactive of the oxidants. The phenolic nature of the Curcumins lend to Turmeric’s anti-oxidant activity.

turmeric roots in bag

 

Prevention

Curcuminoids scavenge and neutralize free radicals and what is more amazing, they can prevent them from happening. One way that they do this is by blocking the oxidizing capabilities of metals. They protect the cells and chromosomes from cell damage.

Chronic Disease

Do you a chronic disease or know someone who does? Oxidation by free radicals is linked with virtually every major chronic disease as well as with aging in general. There are many diseases directly associated with ROS production.

There are three ways to remove ROS. One is with anti-oxidants like Vitamin C and E and Curcumin. A second way is with certain enzymes which engage with the ROS and destroy its ability to react. Turmeric, a great anti-oxidant, has been shown to increase the number and activity of ROS destroying enzymes. The activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase in the liver are increased by turmeric. These studies indicate that dietary Turmeric lowers lipid peroxidation by enhancing the activities of antioxidant enzymes.

Food Preservation

Turmeric preserves food 3 times better than the common synthetic preservative BHT. This has been known for thousands of years in India, where refrigeration is only getting somewhat common in the cities since the early 1990′s.

Daily Doses

Daily use of Turmeric is required to maximize its antioxidant properties. Experiments to study the mechanism of action and curcumin indicated that the presence of curcumin was essential for the inhibitory effect, as removal of curcumin resulted in restoration of cytochrome P450 activity and the levels of [3H] – B(a)P-DNA adducts to control values. For protection against anti-oxidants, it has to be there daily.

Not just the Curcumins

The curcuminoids. which are oil based, or lipophilic, and not dissolvable in water, are not the only anti-oxidants in Turmeric. This is evident since the water extract of Turmeric is also a strong anti-oxidant. Turmerin: a water-soluble antioxidant peptide from turmeric is found to be an efficient antioxidant, DNA-protectant, and antimutagen. Turmeric at 182 nM offers 80% protection to membranes and DNA against oxidative injury. ROS-induced arachidonate release and the mutagenic activity of t-butyl hydroperoxide are substantially inhibited by Turmerin. Tumerin is not toxic.

Click here for the best quality Turmeric Curcumin extract.

Turmeric – One of Nature’s Finest Herbs

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Turmeric, an orange-colored spice imported from India, has been a staple in Middle Eastern and Southeast Asian cooking for thousands of years.

In addition, Ayurvedic and Chinese medicines utilize turmeric to clear infections and inflammations on the inside and outside of the body. But beyond the holistic health community, Western medical practitioners have recently come on board in recognizing the benefits of turmeric.

turmeric roots in bag

 

 

 

 

The following is a quote from Dr. Andre Weil:

“Here’s a quick roundup of recent research on both turmeric and curcumin.

Curcumin seems to delay liver damage that can eventually lead to cirrhosis, according to preliminary experimental research at the Medical University Graz in Austria…

Rodent studies at the University of Texas indicate that curcumin inhibits the growth of a skin cancer, melanoma and also slows the spread of breast cancer into the lungs.

Researchers from the University of South Dakota have found that pretreatment with curcumin makes cancer cells more vulnerable to chemo and radiotherapy.

Epidemiologists have hypothesized that the turmeric that is part of daily curries eaten in India may help explain the low rate of Alzheimer’s disease in that country. Among people aged 70 to 79, the rate is less than one-quarter that of the United States.

And at least one new study suggests curcumin’s value for arthritis treatment. Since arthritis is so common and the results so interesting, it’s worth a closer look.

This research, from Italy, was a three-month trial involving 50 patients diagnosed by x-ray with osteoarthritis of the knee. The Italian team was investigating the effect on arthritis symptoms of a curcumin-based preparation optimized for better absorption. Participating patients took the formulation in addition to standard medical treatment; those in the second group continued following their physicians’ recommendations.

After 90 days, the researchers found a 58 percent decrease in overall reported pain and stiffness as well as an improvement in physical functioning among the curcumin group compared to the controls. They also found, via a standardized testing procedure, a 300 percent improvement in the emotional well being of the curcumin patients compared with the others. And blood tests showed a 16-fold decline in C-reactive protein, a marker for inflammation. Patients in the curcumin group were able to reduce their use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs by 63 percent, compared to the other group.

The bottom line that the therapeutic advantages of turmeric and curcumin are almost too numerous to list. An overview published in Advanced Experimental Medical Biology in 2007 states that, “Curcumin has been shown to exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, and anticancer activities and thus has a potential against various malignant diseases, diabetes, allergies, arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease and other chronic illnesses.”

We at Tattva’s Herbs believe that Turmeric is one of the most important healing herbs on our planet. It has been shown that you can maintain health throughout life by incorporating a healthy daily routine based on Ayurvedic principles, diet, and recommended herbal supplements.

What makes our Turmeric Unique?

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Turmeric Tri ForceAt Tattvas Herbs we are committed to providing you with the absolute best in nutritional products. From our Supercritical formulas to our certified organic products we are convinced that we offer the latest technology in combination with the wisdom of Mother Nature.

In that context we are pleased to present the world’s first and only Turmeric product that combines a supercritical (Co2) full-spectrum turmeric extract with complete bio-availability and added Turmerones and Curcuminoids. This product is called Turmeric Tri Force because there are three separate components that make up this one of a kind product.

Turmeric Tri Force combines two separate extracts (Co2 and hydro-ethanol) with raw turmeric. After the initial Co2 extract, we perform a second full-spectrum hydroethanolic extract that contains at least 11% curcuminoids and 55% Turmerones. Finally, we combine the two different extracts with the raw turmeric plant.

This breakthrough in Turmeric production is literally the only way to capture the full essence of the Turmeric plant, and the countless benefits it has to offer. The two separate extractions in combination with the whole turmeric plant produces a true full spectrum product that removes the need to be taken with fats, improves bio availability to 8-10 hours, and includes the maximum amount of phytonutrients (curcuminoids and turmerones). This is truly a one of a kind turmeric product.

How is it possible to improve on the 95% Turmeric extract or BCM-95 technology that is currently available? 

The answer in its most basic form, is that we combined the two, and added in a supercritical component, allowing for the world’s only supercritical full-spectrum turmeric extract that has the enhanced bio-availability seen in the BCM-95. The primary issue with Turmeric, simply stated, is that in general it is extremely difficult to absorb in the blood stream and does not maintain sufficient blood levels for any length of time. The usual fix is to add black pepper extract to the formula, which can assist with the absorption to a certain extent, but relative to our new Tri-Force Turmeric product, the absorption rate is inadequate. This one of a kind Turmeric formula uses the powerful CO2 extraction technology in combination with a process that allows the curcumin to be assimilated into the bloodstream up to seven times faster, and can last up to eight hours.

How is it possible for Tri-Force Turmeric to remain in your system for so much longer than other Turmeric products?

Traditional 95% extract focuses strictly on one part of the Turmeric rhizome. The bioactive substance of Turmeric (Curcuma Longa) contains molecules that are collectively known as “Curcuminoids”. The bioavailability of the regular Turmeric 95% extracts are poor, in terms of uptake and sustainability in the blood stream. There are other essential components present in Turmeric Rhizome which have been neglected during the traditional method of manufacturing of Turmeric 95% Extract. Through the ground-breaking extraction process used in Tri-Force Turmeric, we are able to use the full spectrum of the Turmeric plant by adding back in the Curcuminoids, Turmerones, and other vital phytonutrients that are lost during the standard extraction process. This truly remarkable product is 100% natural and has been proven to provide maximum bio-availability for synergistic effect.

Tattva’s Herbs has reviewed various curcumin products that show different degrees of enhanced absorption. One particular published clinical study caught our attention. In it, a novel manufacturing technology was able to dramatically increase blood plasma curcumin to levels not previously seen through supplementation. While only 50-60% of pure curcumin administered to animals is typically absorbed, this new technology increased the absorption of curcumin to a remarkable 96%. The study showed that this process not only delivers more curcumin to the bloodstream sooner, but it sticks around nearly twice as long. This is an extremely important advantage, which should result in greatly enhanced health benefits.

We at Tattva’s Herbs believe that Turmeric is one of the most important healing herbs on our planet. It has been shown that you can maintain health throughout life by incorporating a healthy daily routine based on Ayurvedic principles, diet, and recommended herbal supplements.

Click here for Turmeric Tri Force.

Turmeric – History and traditional uses

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Curcuma longa L. (fam. Zingiberaceae), also known as turmeric, was highly esteemed by the ancient Indo-European people, for its golden-yellow dye resembling sunlight. This culture known as Arya, worshipped the solar system and attributed special protective properties to those plants, which like turmeric, contained sun-colored yellow dyes.

Turmeric, best known as “Haridra” in Sanskrit, has a rich history in India and has been used for centuries in the Ayurvedic1,2,3,4,5 system of medicine. It can be identified by forty-six synonyms such as Pita “yellow”, Gauri “brilliant” and all other words which signify “night”1. The reference to “night” may be derived from tradition which required that married women apply turmeric on their cheeks in the evening, in anticipation of a visit by Goddess Lakshmi, at that time. This custom, still practiced in some parts of India, is probably a remnant of an ancient sun-worship tradition. The brilliant-yellow color of turmeric, which is resistant to very high dilutions, found its way to commercial use as a coloring agent for various items including cotton, silk, paper, wood, foodstuffs and cosmetics.

Turmeric became of special importance to man with discovery that its powdered rhizomae when added to various food preparations preserved their freshness and nutritive value. Turmeric which belongs to a group of aromatic spices, was originally used as a food additive in curries to improve storage conditions, palatability and presentation of food. Long before the time of cheaper synthetic food preservatives, spices like turmeric played a vital role as food additives and were valued more than gold and precious stones.

In Ayurveda, turmeric has been used internally as a stomachic, tonic and blood purifier, and topically in the prevention and treatment of skin diseases1,2,3,4,5. Half to one gram, twice a day was given for flatulence and dyspepsia. It has been prescribed in liver diseases, and particularly for jaundice, and urinary tract diseases. In chronic catarrh and coryza, the inhalation of the fumes of burning turmeric causes copious mucous discharge and gives instant relief. Boiled with milk and sugar, turmeric has been a traditional remedy for colds. Turmeric and alum powder in the proportion of 1 to 20 is applied into the ear in chronic otorrhea. Turmeric has been described as useful in skin diseases, e.g. juice of the fresh rhizome is used in parasitic skin infections, turmeric powder rubbed down with oil has been applied to rough skin. In combination with lime and saltpetre turmeric has also been applied to bruises, sprains, wounds, infected wounds and inflammations. In pemphigus (an allergic and inflammatory skin condition) and shingles, after a thick coat of mustard oil is applied, turmeric powder is sprinkled to alleviate pain, inflammation and to promote healing. In small-pox and chicken pox a coat of turmeric is applied to facilitate the process of scabbing. Mixed with borax as a paste, turmeric is applied to reduce tissue swelling due to inflammation. A decoction of turmeric is prepared (1 ounce of turmeric to 20 ounces of water) as a cooling eyewash and is applied as a lotion to relieve burning in purulent ophtalmia known in India as “country sore eye”.

© Sabinsa Corporation 2000

Turmeric – Contemporary applications in medicine

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Turmeric exemplifies an herb for which clinical applications have evolved over time. Until recently, this perennial herb, widely cultivated in tropical regions of Asia, particularly in India, was valued primarily as a commercial item for imparting a lively yellow color and also as a part of most curry powders. In India, the Bengal kind of Turmeric is preferred for dyeing purposes, and the Madras kind is preferred for flavouring purposes. The long established image of turmeric as a commercial dyestuff and component of curry 6 was partly responsible for overshadowing its importance as a medicinal herb. The significance of turmeric in medicine has changed considerably since the discovery of the anti-oxidant properties of naturally occurring phenolic compounds.. The same ground dried rhizome of Curcuma longa, which has been used for centuries as a spice, food preservative and a coloring agent, has been found a rich source of phenolic compounds or curcuminoids. Curcuminoids refers to a group of phenolics present in turmeric, which are chemically related to its principal ingredient, curcumin. Three main curcuminoids were isolated from turmeric: curcumin, demethoxycurcumin and bisdemethoxycurcumin. All three impart the hallmark yellow pigmentation to Curcuma longa plant, and particularly to its rhizomae.

Although the chemical structure of curcumin was determined by Lampe in 1910, it was only in the seventies and eighties that the potential uses of curcuminoid compounds in medicine have been studied. The ongoing laboratory and clinical research indicates that turmeric and its phenolics have unique anti-oxidant properties 8,10,11,12,13,14. These interesting findings on curcuminoids, as well as concerns over toxicity of synthetic phenolic antioxidants such as butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) and butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), have further stimulated interest in natural phenolics for medicinal and food applications. © Sabinsa Corporation 2000