Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) contains one of the most-researched, most-compelling compounds in all of nutrition and natural medicine: curcumin.



Traditional medicine practitioners have prescribed various forms of turmeric for more than 5000 years. More than 10,000 research papers and articles from just the past seven years focus on the physiological effects and health benefits of curcumin.



And yet, only a small percentage of the population knows about it. Of those who do, many attempt to get the health benefits through inferior sources and delivery methods.



What are turmeric and curcumin?



Turmeric is a plant that belongs to the ginger family. It originates in India, though it’s now grown throughout much of the world. If you’ve eaten Indian food or some Asian foods, you’ve probably eaten turmeric. The curry spice adds a distinct flavor and color.



Turmeric contains many compounds but demethoxycrucumin (DMC), bisdemethoxycurcumin (BMC), and curcumin (CUR) are the three most-well known curcuminoids found in turmeric. Curcuminoids make up 2%–9% of turmeric, and of the curcuminoids, curcumin makes up 77%.



Curcumin seems to offer the greatest range of health benefits, so many supplement makers isolate curcumin. Some use a concentrated form of turmeric. 



Scientists isolated curcumin for the first time in 1815. The first research study on curcumin related to human health benefits was published in 1937.



Manufacturers usually extract curcumin with ethanol. However, they can also extract curcumin with:




chlorine



ultrasound



microwave



supercritical carbon dioxide




Scientists have also discovered how to chemically synthesize curcumin, which could be useful if demands exceed natural supplies.



As you’ll see, curcumin acts on a variety of systems and pathways throughout the body. It modulates numerous biological targets, including: 




apoptotic proteins



cell cycle proteins



cytokines



enzymes



growth factors



inflammatory mediators



protein kinases



transcription factors




Health Benefits



Indian medicine practitioners use curcumin for anorexia, coughs, diabetic wounds, to support liver health, to relieve rheumatoid arthritis, and to support inflamed sinuses.



Hindu medicine practitioners use curcumin for muscle and tendon injuries. Chinese medicine practitioners use it to relieve abdominal pain.



Ayurvedic medicine texts recommend curcumin for obesity. It’s also used for arthritis, trauma, ulcers, jaundice, and psoriasis. 



Research shows curcumin has “anti-inflammatory, anti-HIV, antibacterial, antifungal, nematocidal, anti-parasitic, anti-mutagenic, antidiabetic, antifibringoenic, radioprotective, wound-healing, lipid-lowering, antispasmodic, antioxidant, immunomodulating, anti-carcinogenic” effects.



Doctors may recommend it for people with:




Cancer



Diabetes



Cystic fibrosis



Malaria



Hypertension



Alzheimer's disease



Multiple sclerosis



Parkinson's disease



Insect repellant



Allergies



Arthritis




Inflammation & Pain



Inflammation is at the core of numerous health problems, like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), cardiovascular disease, arthritis or dementia. Because curcumin supports a normal inflammatory response, it may help with those dealing with any such condition.



Signs of IBS include increased stool frequency, bloating and abdominal pain. These changes are likely cause by inflamed intestinal mucosa.



In one study, a dose of just 144 mg of turmeric extract resulted in a 60 percent decrease in IBS symptoms in 105 adults.



Many inflammatory conditions cause pain. Studies suggest that curcumin may be a safe and effective way to help those with acute or chronic pain.



A small study with individuals experiencing pain showed that a dose of 2 grams of curcumin phytosome led to significant relief. The results were even superior to acetaminophen.



In another study with patients with osteoarthritis,