ISci 630A: A Survey of Complementary Approaches Instructor: Claudia Joy Wingo

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1 ISci 630A: A Survey of Complementary Approaches Instructor: Claudia Joy Wingo Image 1. Curcuma Longa. (Medizinal-Pflanzen, 1897) Michelle Pino September 26, 2016 Herbal Monograph Turmeric Curcuma longa

2 CURCUMA LONGA Common Name: Turmeric Latin Name: Curcuma longa Also known as: Curcuma, Curcuma aromatica, Curcuma domestica, Curcumae longa, Curcumae Longae Rhizoma, Curcumin, Curcumine, Curcuminoid, Curcuminoïde, Curcuminoïdes, Curcuminoids, Halada, Haldi, Haridra, Indian Saffron, Nisha, Pian Jiang Huang, Racine de Curcuma, Radix Curcumae, Rajani, Rhizoma Cucurmae Longae, Safran Bourbon, Safran de Batallita, Safran des Indes, Turmeric Root, Yu Jin. Parts Used: In western medicine the rhizomes are used; however, in Chinese medicine both the rhizomes and the tubers are used. There are several major differences between roots and rhizomes. Rhizomes are a part of the stem and have stomata, the breathing organ of plant. Rhizomes are not to be confused with the root which does not have this part. ( What is a Rhizome?, n.d.) Energetics: The energetics of turmeric is drying and warming. It is also bitter and spicy pungent. Organoleptic: The organoleptic of Turmeric: Appearance: The turmeric is a perennial plant. The flowers are tall and the leaves are spiked. The color ranges from white to red. The rhizome is bulbous with a tough brown outer skin and very orange-yellow flesh. The flesh is made into a powder. To the touch: The leaves are long and smooth and taper to a point. The rhizome is hard to the touch and resembles a bulb. Smell: Uncooked it has a bland smell, yet when cooked it has a spicy aroma. Taste: Turmeric is pungent and spicy and often added to Asian and Indian dishes such as curry. In some traditions, curry is referred to as a medicine box on the plate. Physiological Actions: Turmeric has been used in Chinese medicine and Indian (Ayurveda) for over 4000 years. The active ingredient in turmeric is curcumin which is a powerful antioxidant. Antioxidants can fight free radicals and prevent some of the damage that they cause. A few of the examples of the benefits associated with turmeric are for the following diseases include: cancer, cardiovascular diseases, digestive disorder, rheumatoid arthritis and improved cognitive function. Besides its antioxidant characteristics is also associated with anti-inflammatory. (Ehrlich, n.d.) In a study, that compared turmeric to ginger found that turmeric was effective in reducing inflammation in the body. Modern science has revealed that turmeric curcuminoids inhibit

3 inflammation by blocking the adhesion of monocytes to endothelial cells through inhibiting the activation of the cell surface adhesion molecules. Also, they suppress inflammation by inhibiting the nuclear factor-κ B activation, which leads to inhibition of gene expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-1β ), chemokines (such as MCP-1) and yclooxygenase (COX)-2 as well as osteoclastogenesis [15,19,36]. COX-2, which converts arachiodonic acid into prostaglandins (PG) such as PGE2, is abundantly expressed in the synovial explants of RA by TNF-α and IL-1β[37]. (Ramadan, Al-Kahtani, & El-Sayed, 2010) This is very conclusive evidence of inflammation suppressant. Traditional Uses: Turmeric is used in the Indian modality Ayurveda. Ayurveda dates back several thousand years. The uses include the following: Blood: Used to purify and move the blood stimulating new blood growth and eliminating stagnant blood Hot skin diseases: red rashes or wet eczema Reproductive system: in women it purifies the uterus and breast milk, and in men it purifies and builds semen, which is counterintuitive for a pungent bitter. In conjunction with vanillin and citronella, it is a strong insect repellent It is also an antioxidant Ayurveda recognizes turmeric as a heating spice, contributing bitter, pungent and astringent tastes. (Gallant, n.d.) Herb (Scientific) Information: I found hundreds of studies of turmeric. For my interest, the cognitive function studies had the most appeal. For example, a number of studies focused on turmeric and some of these studies showed that this little spice can be a practical therapeutic alternative to standard treatment. The ingredient/active agent curcumin has shown that it can alleviate symptoms of depression. (Gomez-Pinilla & Nguyen, 2012) The implication of this study, indicates that it would be important for further studies. Evidence shows that curcumin can alleviate symptoms of depression by enhancing neurogenesis in the hippocampus and frontal cortex of the brain. (Gomez-Pinilla & Nguyen, 2012) Further, the authors stated, Examining the molecular basis underlying the link between food intake and brain function has presented the exciting possibility of using diet as a viable method to battle cognitive and psychiatric disorders(gomez-pinilla & Nguyen, 2012) This would open up the realm of possibilities in the treatment of cognitive function. Preparation and Dosage: The typical adult dosage ranges are as follows:

4 High Cholesterol 1.4 grams of turmeric extract divided up into two doses taken twice a day According to the University of Maryland Medical Center the permissible dosages of various forms of turmeric (for adults): o Cut root: g per day o Dried, powdered root: 1 3 g per day o Standardized powder (curcumin): mg, 3 times per day o Fluid extract (1:1) drops a day o Tincture (1:2): drops, 4 times per day ( Turmeric University of Maryland Medical Center, n.d.) Another study shows that in the dosages used piperine enhances the serum concentration, extent of absorption and bioavailability of curcumin in both rats and humans with no adverse effects. (Shoba et al., 1998) When adding turmeric to your diet as a daily regimen, it is always safer to start at the lowest amount and increase gradually. Taking too much turmeric could make one nauseous. Safety Issues: People who should not use Turmeric: people who are currently taking blood thinners people who have blood clotting disorders people who have known gallstones (although this is controversial) women who are pregnant or breastfeeding Recipe: Golden Milk This is a traditional Ayurvedic healing drink used to treat inflammation, such as in arthritis and bursitis, and to support the immune system. (cite-gladstar s Medicinal Herbs) Ingredients: ¼ cup turmeric root powder Almond Oil Milk (cow s, almond, or coconut) Honey (optional) To Make Turmeric Base:

5 Combine turmeric with ½ cup of water in saucepan. Bring to a boil, then lower heat and simmer until the mixture turns into a thick paste. Cool, scoop into a glass jar, and store in the refrigerator. To use: To make one serving, combine ½ to 1 tsp turmeric paste, 1 teaspoon almond oil, and 1 cup milk in blender. Add honey to sweeten, if you wish. Blend to make a froth drink. Variation You can add other herbs to this basic recipe, simmering them with the turmeric. Traditional additions include adaptogenic tonics, such as ashwagandha, astragalus, cinnamon, and ginger. Other Uses: Because of the strong yellow color, it can be used as a dye. In fact, it will dye everything yellow it comes in contact with fingers, counters, white sinks, etc,

6 References Ehrlich, S. (n.d.). Turmeric. Retrieved October 1, 2016, from Gallant, L. (n.d.). Turmeric: The Golden Goddess. Retrieved October 1, 2016, from Gomez-Pinilla, F., & Nguyen, T. T. J. (2012). Natural mood foods: The actions of polyphenols against psychiatric and cognitive disorders. Nutritional Neuroscience, 15(3), Medizinal-Pflanzen, F. E. K., Köhler s. (1897). Curcuma longa. Retrieved from Pflanzen-199.jpg Ramadan, G., Al-Kahtani, M. A., & El-Sayed, W. M. (2010, December). Anti-Infammatory and Anti-oxident Properties of Curcuma longa Versus Zingeriber officinale (Ginger) Rhizomes in Rat Adjubant-Induced Arthritis. Retrieved October 1, 2016, from Sayed/publication/ _Anti-inflammatory_and_Antioxidant_Properties_of_Curcuma_longa_Turmeric_Versus_Zingiber_officinale_Ginger_Rhizomes_in_Rat_A djuvant-induced_arthritis/links/0117c49d10099e2e47356a37.pdf What is a Rhizome? (n.d.). Retrieved October 1, 2016, from

Complementary and Alternative Medicine Presentation by: Terry Chhour Leah Lopez Polly Peru Mark Reyes Rachelle Sebastian

Complementary and Alternative Medicine Presentation by: Terry Chhour Leah Lopez Polly Peru Mark Reyes Rachelle Sebastian Learning Objectives: Provide current research information on the potential scientifically