Turmeric is a flowering plant, Curcuma longa of the ginger family, Zingiberaceae, the roots of which are used in cooking. Turmeric is a common spice that contains a chemical called curcumin, which might reduce swelling. But did you know that turmeric is actually roughly as potent as many kinds of medication?
Lipitor/Atorvastatin (cholesterol medication)
A 2008 study revealed that a standardized preparation of curcuminoids from turmeric had very similar effects to atorvastatin (trade name Lipitor) when it came to treating endothelial dysfunction, a driver for atherosclerosis. It was also associated with reductions in oxidative stress and inflammation in type 2 diabetic patients.
It is also found effective against the buildup of fat in the liver in people who drink little or no alcohol (nonalcoholic fatty liver disease or NAFLD). Taking turmeric extract by mouth reduces markers of liver injury in people who have this condition. It also seems to help prevent the build-up of more fat in the liver.
Aspirin (blood thinner)
Research shows that curcumin has even more anti-platelet and prostacyclin modulating effects than aspirin. This goes to show that it could be useful to patients prone to vascular thrombosis, who often require anti-arthritis therapy.
Corticosteroids (steroid medications)
Numerous studies have found that turmeric can be just as effective as many kinds of steroids. One found that the curcumin found within turmeric compared favorably to steroids used to treat the inflammatory eye disease known as anterior uveitis. Other studies also found that chemicals found within turmeric are just as effective as steroidal drugs that tackle lung ischemia-reperfusion injuries and those that protect injuries caused by lung transplants.
Prozac/Fluoxetine & Imipramine (antidepressants)
A 2011 study that can be found in the journal Acta Poloniae Pharmaceutica showed us that curcumin also compares favorably to both Imipramine as well as Prozac/Fluoxetine when it comes to tackling the root causes of depression.
Anti-inflammatory Drugs
Curcumin has also been found to be an effective alternative to a whole host of anti-inflammatory drugs. These include ibuprofen, aspirin, phenylbutazone, naproxen, sulindac, dexamethasone, celecoxib, indomethacin, diclofenac, and tamoxifen, particularly when it comes to exerting anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative activity against tumor cells.
Oxaliplatin (a chemotherapy drug)
A 2007 study concluded that curcumin also compares favorably with oxaliplatin as an antiproliferative agent in colorectal cell lines, which is certainly good news for any patients who are undergoing chemotherapy.
Metformin (diabetes drug)
Curcumin has also been touted as being highly valuable in the treatment of diabetes. One study found that it suppresses gluconeogenic gene expression (which suppresses glucose production in the liver) in hepatoma cells, while simultaneously activating AMPK (which increases glucose uptake). What’s more, the researchers actually discovered that curcumin is between 500 and 100,000 times more powerful than metformin in activating AMPK and its downstream target acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC).
Allergy medicines
Taking turmeric by mouth seems to reduce hay fever symptoms such as sneezing, itching, runny nose, and congestion.
A note of caution:
Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs) interacts with TURMERIC
Turmeric might slow blood clotting. Taking turmeric along with medications that also slow clotting might increase the chances of bruising and bleeding.
Some medications that slow blood clotting include aspirin, clopidogrel (Plavix), diclofenac (Voltaren, Cataflam, others), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others), naproxen (Anaprox, Naprosyn, others), dalteparin (Fragmin), enoxaparin (Lovenox), heparin, warfarin (Coumadin), and others.
Source: Internet & Other sources
Photo: by Karolina Grabowska on Pexels.com
The views expressed in this article should not be considered as a substitute for a physician’s advice. Always make sure to seek a doctor or a professional’s advice before proceeding with the home treatment plan.
