[Zebrabitch]

I started taking Curcumin (Turmeric) and noticed my gall bladder was very painful. After a few days I started to think I might have to go to the hospital, then I double checked the information on Curcumin and it says if you have gallstones (as far as I know I only have what they call sludge, not gallstones, but maybe close enough) Curcumin can cause problems. I quit taking it and the symptoms went away.

The moral of the story is supplements are not always good for you - be sure to check the information about them and make sure they won't aggravate other problems or create new ones!

[SallythePearl]

Absolutely! There are so many sources of information on the internet nowadays that it is easy to check out supplements, foods, drugs, etc. Don't forget too that some drugs/supplements/foods should not be taken together either.

[beckercpa]

Why is turmeric important to the health of my patients?

Turmeric - the yellow spice used in indian cooking ? is a very potent antioxidant, and a very potent anti-inflammatory. Its main biological compound, curcumin, offers vascular, heart, and (anecdotally) brain protection; Alzheimer's, for instance, is virtually unheard of in India. It is also an unbelievable liver protectant.

Turmeric is part of the ginger family of herbs, the Zingiberaceae. The root and rhizome of the plant is crushed and powdered into ground Turmeric, which is used worldwide as a seasoning as the main ingredient in curry, and is the source of curcumin. Curcumin is the main biologically active phytochemical compound of Turmeric. It is extracted, concentrated, standardized and researched. Curcumin, which gives the yellow color to turmeric, was first isolated almost two centuries ago, and its structure as diferuloylmethane was determined in 1910. Extensive research within the last half a century has proven turmeric's renowned range of medicinal properties are due to curcumin. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) says, "The rhizome (root) of turmeric ( Curcuma longa Linn.) has long been used in traditional Asian medicine to treat gastrointestinal upset, arthritic pain, and 'low energy.' Laboratory and animal research has demonstrated anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-cancer properties of turmeric and its constituent curcumin." According to NIH, preliminary human evidence suggests possible efficacy in the management of dyspepsia (heartburn), hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol), and scabies (when used on the skin).

Among other uses noted by NIH:

Early research suggests that turmeric may prevent the formation of blood clots.
Several early animal and laboratory studies report anti-cancer (colon, skin, breast) properties of curcumin. Many mechanisms have been considered, including antioxidant activity, anti-angiogenesis (prevention of new blood vessel growth), and direct effects on cancer cells. There are several ongoing studies in this area.
Curcumin has been shown to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and to reduce beta-amyloid and plaque burden in lab studies.
Turmeric has been traditionally used to treat stomach problems (such as indigestion from a fatty meal). There is preliminary evidence that turmeric may offer some relief from these stomach problems.
Early studies report that curcumin may decrease the occurrence of gallstones. However, reliable human studies are lacking in this area. The use of turmeric may be inadvisable in patients with active gallstones.
Early studies suggest that turmeric may lower levels of low-density lipoprotein ("bad cholesterol") and total cholesterol in the blood.
Several laboratory studies suggest that curcumin may have activity against HIV.
Laboratory and animal studies show anti-inflammatory activity of turmeric and its constituent curcumin.
In traditional Indian Ayurvedic medicine, turmeric has been used to tone the liver. Early research suggests that turmeric may have a protective effect on the liver.
Results from lab and animal studies suggest turmeric may have anticancer effects.
Turmeric has been used historically to treat rheumatic conditions. Laboratory and animal studies show anti-inflammatory activity of turmeric and its constituent curcumin, which may be beneficial in people with osteoarthritis, and based on animal research may reduce inflammation of Rheumatoid arthritis.
Historically, turmeric has been used on the skin to treat chronic skin ulcers and scabies. It has also been used in combination with the leaves of the herb Azadirachta indica ADR or "neem."
I really believe it is going to be the next hottest thing out there as an ingredient. The problem is it is so unstable you have to get the good stuff to make it work. You cannot get enough in your food unless you eat it 3-5 times a day as they do in India. It needs to be used in supplement form to get sufficient quantities and maximum benefits.


Derek DeSilva, Jr., M.D. is a member of the Medical Teaching Faculty at John F. Kennedy Medical Center in Edison, NJ, and an attending physician and practicing internist at the Raritan Bay Medical Center in Perth Amboy, NJ. He is a published author and has lectured on various topics in medicine, nationally and internationally. For more information, visit askdrdesilva.com.

[Xfxhbcxp]

This is interesting news about the use of curcumin after organ transplant.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2...21/2932128.htm