INTRODUCTION:

Turmeric: 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

Figure–1: Turmeric pulverized and Turmeric plant [Baum L, Lam C.W, Cheung SK, Kwok T, Lui V, Tsoh J, Mok V. Six–Month Randomized, Placebo–Controlled, Double–Blind, Pilot Clinical Trial of Curcumin in Patients With Alzheimer Disease. Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology. 2008; 28(1): 110–113.]

Received on 26.09.2020 Modified on 10.11.2020

Research J. Pharm. and Tech 2021; 14(10):5540-5550.

DOI: 10.52711/0974-360X.2021.00966

Turmeric is a flowering plant, Curcuma longa of the ginger family, Zingiberaceae, the roots of which are used in cooking. The plant is a perennial, rhizomatous, herbaceous plant native to the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia, that requires temperatures between 20 and 30°C (68 and 86°F) and a considerable amount of annual rainfall to thrive. Plants are gathered each year for their rhizomes, some for propagation in the following season and some for consumption. The rhizomes are used fresh or boiled in water and dried, after which they are ground into a deep orange–yellow powder commonly used as a coloring and flavoring agent in many Asian cuisines, especially for curries, as well as for dyeing. Turmeric powder has a warm, bitter, black pepper–like flavor and earthy, mustard–like aroma. Although long used in Ayurvedic medicine, where it is also known as haridra, there is no high–quality clinical evidence for using turmeric or its constituent, curcumin, to treat any disease, according to the US Food and Drug Administration.¹

Taxonomy: Kingdom: Plantae, Clade: Tracheophytes, Group: Angiosperms, Nature: Monocots, Order: Zingiberales, Family: Zingiberaceae, Genus: Curcuma, Species: C. longa

Curcumin: enol form

Curcumin: keto form

Demethoxycurcumin

Bisdemethoxycurcumin

Figure–2: Constituents of curcumin [Ehrlich, S.D. (2014). Turmeric. Retrieved from http://www.umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/turmeric]

Turmeric powder is about 60–70% carbohydrates, 6–13% water, 6–8% protein, 5–10% fat, 3–7% dietary minerals, 3–7% essential oils, 2–7% dietary fiber, and 1–6% curcuminoids. Phytochemical components of turmeric include diarylheptanoids, a class including numerous curcuminoids, such as curcumin [(1E,6E)–1,7–Bis(4–hydroxy–3–methoxyphenyl)hepta–1,6–diene–3,5–dione], demethoxycurcumin [(1E,6E)–1–(4–Hydroxy–3–methoxyphenyl)–7–(4–hydroxyphenyl)hepta–1,6–diene–3,5–dione], and bisdemethoxycurcumin [(1E,6E)–1,7–Bis(4–hydroxyphenyl)hepta–1,6–diene–3,5–dione]. All these are non–nitrogenous phenolic moiety with para hydroxy cinnamic acid halfmers [C₆H₅–CH=CH–CO–CH₂–CH=CH–H₅C₆]. Curcumin constitutes up to 3.14% of assayed commercial samples of turmeric powder (the average was 1.51%); curry powder contains much less (an average of 0.29%). Some 34 essential oils are present in turmeric, among which turmerone, germacrone, atlantone, and zingiberene are major constituents. Turmeric and curcumin (one of its constituents) have been studied in numerous clinical trials for various human diseases and conditions; profoundly lacking in scale or flawed, none have produced any high–quality evidence. There is no high–quality evidence from clinical trials on humans that curcumin reduces inflammation as of 2020.

Overview Information:

Turmeric is a spice that comes from the turmeric plant. It is commonly used in Asian food. You probably know turmeric as the main spice in curry. It has a warm, bitter taste and is frequently used to flavor or color curry powders, mustards, butters, and cheeses. But the root of turmeric is also used widely to make medicine. It contains a yellow–colored chemical called curcumin, which is often used to color foods and cosmetics. Turmeric is commonly used for conditions involving pain and inflammation, such as osteoarthritis. It is also used for hay fever, depression, high cholesterol, a type of liver disease, and itching. Some people use turmeric for heartburn, thinking and memory skills, inflammatory bowel disease, stress, and many other conditions, but there no good scientific evidence to support these uses.²

Turmeric Powder has adulterants:

Metanil yellow, lead chromate, chalk powder

PbCrO₄ CaCO₃

Metanil yellow Lead chromate Chalk powder

Metanil yellow

Lead chromate

Chalk powder

Figure–3: Adulterants [Niamsa N, Sittiwet C. Antimicrobial Activity of Curcuma longa Aqueous Extract. Journal of Pharmacology and Toxicology. 2009; 4: 173–17.]

Figure–4: Checking of purity of turmeric [Kuptniratsaikul V, Thanakhumtorn S, Chinswangwatanakul P, Wattanamongkonsil L, Thamlikitkul V. Efficacy and safety of Curcuma domestica extracts in patients with knee osteoarthritis. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. 2009; 15(8): 891–897. ]

Test: Take some turmeric powder in a transparent glass and add a few drops of water and concentrated hydrochloric acid to it. Next, shake it vigorously. A pink colour to the mixture indicates the presence of metanil yellow. If the mixture releases small bubbles, it indicates the presence of chalk powder.

To detect the presence of lead chromate, mix a teaspoon of turmeric powder with water. If adulterated, it will immediately leak streaks of water–soluble colour.

One of the easiest ways to check adulteration is to add a teaspoon of turmeric to a glass of warm water. Do not stir it and leave it still for a while. Check after about 20 minutes. If the powder settles down at the bottom of the glass with clear water above, the turmeric is pure. Cloudy water indicates possible adulteration.

Don't confuse turmeric with Javanese turmeric root (Curcuma zedoaria).

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID–19): Some experts warn that turmeric may interfere with the body's response against COVID–19. There is no strong data to support this warning. But there is also no good data to support using turmeric for COVID–19. Follow healthy lifestyle choices and proven prevention methods instead.³

Biochemical role of turmeric:

How does it work? Turmeric contains the chemical curcumin. Curcumin and other chemicals in turmeric might decrease swelling (inflammation). Because of this, turmeric might be beneficial for treating conditions that involve inflammation.

Possibly Effective for:

Hay fever:

Taking curcumin, a chemical found in turmeric, seems to reduce hay fever symptoms such as sneezing, itching, runny nose, and congestion.

Depression:

Most available research shows that taking curcumin, a chemical found in turmeric, reduces depression symptoms in people already using an antidepressant.

Obesity:

High levels of cholesterol or other fats (lipids) in the blood (hyperlipidemia). Turmeric seems to lower levels of blood fats called triglycerides. The effects of turmeric on cholesterol levels are conflicting. There are many different turmeric products available. It is not known which ones work best. Build–up of fat in the liver in people who drink little or no alcohol (non–alcoholic fatty liver disease or NAFLD). Research shows that taking turmeric extract reduces markers of liver injury in people who have a liver disease not caused by alcohol. It also seems to help prevent the build–up of more fat in the liver in people with this condition.

Osteoarthritis:

Some research shows that taking turmeric extracts, alone or in combination with other herbal ingredients, can reduce pain and improve function in people with knee osteoarthritis. In some research, turmeric worked about as well as ibuprofen for reducing osteoarthritis pain. But it does not seem to work as well as diclofenac for improving pain and function in people with osteoarthritis.

Itching: Research suggests that taking turmeric by mouth three times daily for 8 weeks reduces itching in people with long–term kidney disease. Also, early research suggests that taking a specific combination product (C3 Complex, Sami Labs LTD) containing curcumin plus black pepper or long pepper daily for 4 weeks reduces itching severity and improves quality of life in people with chronic itching caused by mustard gas.⁴

Possibly Ineffective for:

Alzheimer disease:

Taking turmeric or a chemical in turmeric called curcumin doesn't seem to improve symptoms of Alzheimer disease. In fact, some research suggests that turmeric may worsen thinking in people with this condition. While studies to date have been small and low quality. The current evidence doesn't support using turmeric for Alzheimer's disease.

Stomach ulcers:

Some research suggests that taking turmeric three times daily for 8 weeks does not improve stomach ulcers. Also, taking powdered turmeric four times daily for 6 weeks seems to be less effective than taking a conventional antacid.

Dermatitis:

Skin damage caused by radiation therapy (radiation dermatitis). Curcumin is a chemical in turmeric. Taking curcumin does not seem to prevent skin problems during radiation treatment.

Insufficient Evidence for:

Memory power:

Decline in memory and thinking skills that occurs normally with age. Curcumin is a chemical in turmeric. Some research shows that curcumin can improve memory and attention in older adults. Some of these adults showed signs of mild mental decline before taking curcumin. But other research shows that curcumin does not improve mental function in older people who don't show signs of mental decline.

Asthma:

Adding turmeric to standard therapy for asthma doesn't seem to improve lung function or reduce most asthma symptoms in adults or children. But adding turmeric to usual asthma treatment in children may reduce the need for rescue inhalers and reduce night–time awakenings.

Haematology:

A blood disorder that reduces levels of protein in the blood called hemoglobin (beta–thalassemia). People with beta–thalassemia may need blood transfusions. This can cause too much iron in the blood. Early research shows that taking curcumin, a chemical in turmeric, might reduce the amount of iron in the blood in people with beta–thalassemia.

Dermatitis:

An adverse skin reaction caused by cancer drug treatment (chemotherapy–induced acral erythema). Taking turmeric doesn't seem to help prevent this adverse skin reaction in people treated with the cancer drug capecitabine. But it might reduce how many people have a severe skin reaction.

Colorectal abnormality:

Non–cancerous growths in the large intestine and rectum (colorectal adenoma). Early research shows that taking a turmeric extract does not reduce the number of growths in the intestines of people with a condition called familial adenomatous polyposis. Colon cancer, rectal cancer. Early research suggests that taking a specific product containing turmeric extract and Javanese turmeric extract might stabilize some measures of colon cancer. There is also early evidence that taking curcumin, a chemical found in turmeric, daily for 30 days can reduce the number of precancerous glands in the colon of people at high risk of cancer.

Cardiology:

Surgery to improve blood flow to the heart (CABG surgery). Early research suggests that taking curcuminoids, which are chemicals found in turmeric, starting 3 days before surgery and continuing for 5 days after surgery can lower the risk of a heart attack following bypass surgery.

Crohn disease:

A type of inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn disease). Some evidence suggests that taking curcumin, a chemical found in turmeric, daily for one month can reduce bowel movements, diarrhea, and stomach pain in people with Crohn disease.

Diabetes:

Early research shows that taking turmeric might prevent diabetes in people with prediabetes.

Indigestion:

(dyspepsia). Some research shows that taking turmeric by mouth four times daily for 7 days might help improve an upset stomach.

Muscle:

Muscle soreness caused by exercise. Early research suggests that turmeric might reduce muscle soreness after exercise.

Gingivitis:

A mild form of gum disease (gingivitis). Early research shows that using a turmeric mouthwash is as effective as a drug–therapy mouthwash for reducing gum disease and bacteria levels in the mouth of people with gingivitis.

GIT:

A digestive tract infection that can lead to ulcers (Helicobacter pylori). Early research suggests that taking turmeric daily for 4 weeks is less effective than conventional treatment for eliminating certain bacteria (H. pylori) that can cause stomach ulcers. Other research shows that taking turmeric along with conventional treatments for eliminating these bacteria (H. pylori) does not make the conventional treatment more effective. But it may help to reduce stomach upset.

A long–term disorder of the large intestines that causes stomach pain (irritable bowel syndrome or IBS). Some early research shows that taking a turmeric extract daily for 8 weeks reduces the symptoms of IBS in people with IBS who are otherwise healthy. Other early research shows that taking a capsule containing turmeric and fennel for 30 days improves pain and quality of life in people with IBS.⁵

Joint pain:

Research shows that taking a specific product containing turmeric and other ingredients three times daily for 8 weeks reduces the severity of joint pain. But it does not appear to help joint stiffness or improve joint function. An inflammatory condition that causes rash or sores on the skin or mouth (lichen planus). Taking a certain product containing chemicals found in turmeric three times daily for 12 days can reduce skin irritation caused by lichen planus.

A grouping of symptoms that increase the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and stroke (metabolic syndrome). Early research in people metabolic syndrome shows that taking curcumin, a chemical in turmeric, for 2–3 months decreases low–density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) or a type of "bad" cholesterol. However, curcumin does not affect weight, blood pressure, blood sugar or levels of other lipids in these people.

Oral problem:

Swelling (inflammation) and sores inside the mouth (oral mucositis). Early research shows that swishing a turmeric solution in the mouth six times daily for 6 weeks reduces the risk of inflammation in the mouth and/or oesophagus caused by radiation treatment in people with head and neck cancer. A serious gum infection (periodontitis). In people with periodontitis, getting a turmeric chip in addition to having teeth deep cleaned below the gumline doesn't improve plaque or gum disease but may lessen attachment loss. In contrast, applying turmeric gel in addition to having teeth deep cleaned below the gumline doesn't improve gum disease or attachment loss, but may reduce plaque.

Postoperative case:

Pain after surgery. Early research suggests that taking curcumin, a chemical found in turmeric, after surgery can reduce pain, swelling, fatigue, and the need for pain medications.

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS):

Research shows that taking a turmeric extract daily for 7 days before a menstrual period and continuing for 3 days after the period ends improves pain, mood, and behaviour in women with PMS.

Prostate cancer:

Research suggests that taking a formula containing broccoli powder, turmeric powder, pomegranate whole fruit powder, and green tea extract three times daily for 6 months prevents an increase in prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels in men with prostate cancer. PSA levels are measured to monitor how well prostate cancer treatment is working. However, it's not yet known if this formula, or turmeric alone, reduces the risk of prostate cancer progression or recurrence.⁶

Psoriasis:

Scaly, itchy skin (psoriasis). Early research shows that applying a turmeric tonic to the scalp improves the appearance and symptoms of psoriasis in people with psoriasis on the scalp.

Dermatitis:

Skin damage caused by radiation therapy (radiation dermatitis). Early research in people with head and neck cancer shows that using a specific cream containing turmeric and sandalwood oil during radiation therapy reduces frequency and severity of radiation dermatitis when compared to using baby oil. Inflammation and damage to the rectum due to radiation therapy. Early research in people with rectum damage from radiation therapy shows that curcumin, a chemical found in turmeric, doesn't reduce inflammation of the rectum or bladder.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA):

Early research suggests that curcumin, a chemical found in turmeric, might reduce some RA symptoms, including pain, morning stiffness, walking time, and joint swelling. Other research shows that taking a turmeric product twice daily reduces RA symptoms more than conventional medication.

Stress:

Early research shows that taking turmeric formulated with dietary fiber may reduce stress in otherwise healthy people.

SLE:

An autoimmune disease that causes widespread swelling (systemic lupus erythematosus or SLE). Early research suggests that taking turmeric by mouth three times daily for 3 months can reduce blood pressure and improve kidney function in people with kidney inflammation (lupus nephritis) caused by SLE.

Tuberculosis:

Early research suggests that taking a product containing turmeric and Tinospora cordifolia can reduce bacteria levels, improve wound healing, and reduce liver toxicity caused by antituberculosis therapy in people with tuberculosis who are receiving antituberculosis therapy.

Ulcerative colitis:

A type of inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis). Some early research suggests that taking curcumin, a chemical in turmeric, along with standard therapy for ulcerative colitis may improve symptoms and increase remission. But these studies are generally low quality. And when results from these two studies and another study are analyzed together, turmeric doesn't seem to improve remission rates. More higher quality research is needed to determine the role of turmeric in ulcerative colitis.

Uveitis:

Swelling (inflammation) of the eye (uveitis). Early research suggests that taking curcumin, a chemical found in turmeric, might improve symptoms of long–term swelling of the eye.

Acne, Bruising, Diarrhoea, Fibromyalgia, Headache, Hepatitis, Jaundice, Liver and gallbladder problems, Menstrual problems, Obesity, A painful mouth disease that reduces one's ability to open the mouth (oral submucous fibrosis), Pain, Ringworm, Other conditions.

Side Effects and Safety:

When taken by mouth:

Turmeric is likely safe when taken by mouth short–term. Turmeric products that provide up to 8 grams of curcumin daily seem to be safe when used for up to 2 months, and up to 3 grams of turmeric seems to be safe when used for up to 3 months. Turmeric usually doesn't cause serious side effects. Some people can experience mild side effects such as stomach upset, nausea, dizziness, or diarrhea. These side effects are more common at higher doses.

When applied to the skin:

Turmeric is likely safe when applied to the skin. It is possibly safe when applied to the skin inside the mouth as a mouthwash.

When applied into the rectum:

Turmeric is possibly safe when it is used as an enema.

Special Precautions and Warnings:

Pregnancy and breast–feeding:

Turmeric is likely safe when taken by mouth in food amounts during pregnancy or breast–feeding. However, turmeric is likely unsafe when taken by mouth in medicinal amounts during pregnancy. It might promote a menstrual period or stimulate the uterus, putting the pregnancy at risk. Do not take medicinal amounts of turmeric if you are pregnant. There is not enough reliable information to know if turmeric is safe to use in medicinal amounts during breast–feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.⁷

Gallbladder problems:

Turmeric can make gallbladder problems worse. Do not use turmeric if you have gallstones or a bile duct obstruction.

Bleeding problems:

Taking turmeric might slow blood clotting. This might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding in people with bleeding disorders.

Diabetes:

Curcumin, a chemical in turmeric, might decrease blood sugar in people with diabetes. Use with caution in people with diabetes as it might make blood sugar too low.

GERD:

A stomach disorder called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): Turmeric can cause stomach upset in some people. It might make stomach problems such as GERD worse. Do not take turmeric if it worsens symptoms of GERD.

Endocrine system:

Hormone–sensitive condition such as breast cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, endometriosis, or uterine fibroids: Turmeric contains a chemical called curcumin, which might act like the hormone oestrogen. In theory, turmeric might make hormone–sensitive conditions worse. However, some research shows that turmeric reduces the effects of oestrogen in some hormone–sensitive cancer cells. Therefore, turmeric might have beneficial effects on hormone–sensitive conditions. Until more is known, use cautiously if you have a condition that might be made worse by exposure to hormones.

Infertility:

Turmeric might lower testosterone levels and decrease sperm movement when taken by mouth by men. This might reduce fertility. Turmeric should be used cautiously by people trying to have a baby.

Iron deficiency:

Taking high amounts of turmeric might prevent the absorption of iron. Turmeric should be used with caution in people with iron deficiency.

Surgery:

Turmeric might slow blood clotting. It might cause extra bleeding during and after surgery. Stop using turmeric at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

Interactions? 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, diclofenac, ibuprofen, naproxen, dalteparin, enoxaparin, heparin, warfarin and others.⁸

Dosing:

Adults: by Mouth:

For hay fever: 500 mg of curcumin, a chemical in turmeric, has been used daily for 2 months.

For depression: 500 mg of curcumin, a chemical in turmeric, has been taken twice daily, alone or along with 20 mg of fluoxetine daily, for 6–8 weeks.

For high levels of cholesterol or other fats (lipids) in the blood (hyperlipidemia): 1.4 grams of turmeric extract in two divided doses daily for 3 months has been used.

For buil–dup of fat in the liver in people who drink little or no alcohol (nonalcoholic fatty liver disease or NAFLD): 500 mg of a product containing 70 mg of curcumin, a chemical in turmeric, has been used daily for 8 weeks. Also, 500–mg tablets (Meriva, Indena) containing 100 mg curcumin twice daily for 8 weeks has also been used.

For osteoarthritis: Most often, 500 mg of turmeric extract has been taken two to four times daily for 1–3 months.

For itching: 1500 mg of turmeric in three divided doses daily for 8 weeks has been used. Also, a specific product containing turmeric extract (C3 Complex, Sami Labs LTD) plus black pepper or long pepper has been used daily for 4 weeks.⁹

Children: by Mouth:

For high levels of cholesterol or other fats (lipids) in the blood (hyperlipidemia): 1.4 grams of turmeric extract in two divided doses daily for 3 months has been used in children at least 15 years–old.

Osteoarthritis of the knee can be painful, and some traditional treatment is associated with negative side effects.

A new study shows taking 1,000 mg of turmeric daily for 12 weeks may provide relief.

Turmeric contains many beneficial properties. Introducing the plant into your diet may be useful for your overall health.

If you suffer from arthritic knee pain, researchers have found that taking daily turmeric supplements may reduce your discomfort.

In a study published on September 15 in the Annals of Internal Medicine, researchers evaluated 70 people who suffered from knee osteoarthritis. Researchers found those that the 36 participants who took 1,000 milligrams (mg) of turmeric each day for 12 weeks reported better pain outcomes than the 34 people who took a placebo. However, no difference in the structural aspects of osteoarthritis, like cartilage composition or swelling, was observed.

The 8 Best Turmeric Supplements of 2020, According to a Dietitian:

What Is Turmeric? You may know turmeric as a popular spice that gives curry its flavor and golden lattes their vibrant color. Turmeric is a plant touted as a superfood and consuming the root—most popularly in soups and smoothies—is linked to many benefits. Its supplement form continues to gain popularity as well. In fact, turmeric sales increased by 30.5% between 2017 and 2018, accounting for about $93.3 million in the United States.

Do Turmeric Pills Help Arthritis? Curcumin, a compound which makes up about 5% of the spice, carries a number of health properties: Antioxidant, Anti–inflammation, Anti–cancer, Anti–diabetic, Anti–allergic, Anti–dermatophyte, Hepatoprotective, Neuroprotective

Turmeric and Pain Relief for Knee Osteoarthritis:

Osteoarthritis of the knee can be extremely painful and occurs when cartilage wears down to the point that the shin, thigh, and kneecap bones rub together. Pain from osteoarthritis is an important precursor to disability and often is a key reason for seeking out medical care. Since common remedies used to manage osteoarthritis pain like non–steroidal anti–inflammatory drugs can have adverse side effects, having an alternative is a welcome antidote.¹⁰

Spiritual aspects of turmeric:

Turmeric is a yellow spice and the most effective nutritional supplement in existence belongs to ginger family Zingiberacea. It is widely used as a spice for cooking, especially in the Indian kitchen. Turmeric or Curcumin is a wonder herb, and it has various health benefits. However, turmeric is not just a culinary ingredient. Turmeric or Haldi has several spiritual uses in Hinduism.

[Rasyid A, Lelo A. The effect of curcumin and placebo on human gall–bladder function: an ultrasound study. Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics. 1999; 13: 245–249.]

These spiritual uses of Haldi or Turmeric extend to Hindu religious rituals. Haldi is also referred as the name of a pre-wedding ceremony. In this ceremony, the bride and the groom are adorned with ubtan or turmeric paste and then bathed with milk. Turmeric is associated with purity, fertility and auspicious beginnings in Indian Hindu culture.

Some of spiritual uses of turmeric in Hinduism:

The Marriage Ceremony:

Just before the wedding, turmeric paste is applied to the bride and groom. This ceremony is meant to make their bodies and minds pure before the wedding ceremony. Moreover, turmeric paste is also a natural ingredient that cures acne and lightens your skin. So, it has beauty benefits too.

[Tang M, Larson–Meyer DE, Liebman M. Effect of cinnamon and turmeric on urinary oxalate excretion, plasma lipids, and plasma glucose in healthy subjects. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2008; 87 (5): 1262–1267.]

Wedding Cards:

The wedding cards of a Hindu marriage ceremony are first marked with Haldi and kumkum and then distributed to the family or guests. This show that turmeric has several spiritual uses in a marriage ceremony.

Decorates The Gods:

Turmeric paste is used to adorn the idols or murtis of Deity in religious ceremonies. For example, God Vishnu loves to be decorated with Haldi paste. Three key ingredients are used for adorning the gods, haldi, kum kum (vermilion) and chandan (sandalwood).

Tilak or Tika:

Indians have a custom to put tilak on the forehead while worshipping any deity. They also put tika while welcoming a person back home or bidding farewell to an individual by doing aarti. This tilak is a dot or line drawn on the forehead. This is done for the safety of the person who is leaving. So, when the females of the house worship God, they use mainly use haldi and kum kum.

Religious Symbol:

Haldi is often used along with Kumkum to draw religious figures like Om, Swastika, etc. These religious signs are usually drawn with either vermilion or turmeric.

The Chakra connection:

The orange and yellow colouring of Haldi or Turmeric add to its significance in Hindu practice with yellow signifying the space between chastity and sensuality, and the Sacral chakra. Orange represents the sun, courage and sacrifice, as well as the Solar Plexus Chakra.

CONCLUSION:

Turmeric (Curcuma longa), the bright yellow spice used throughout Asia for centuries, has in recent decades been embraced by the West, not just for its ability to satisfy our appetite for curry, but for its impressive list of health benefits. Turmeric is quite literally, hot stuff. Grown for its root, turmeric has an ancient history of uses in cooking, fabric dyeing, cosmetics and traditional medicine in China and India. Its potent ingredient, curcumin, not only gives turmeric its golden colour, but also has a dazzling array of properties that are beneficial to health.

Turmeric is a natural anti–inflammatory:

Inflammation is a necessary process in the body, as it fights off harmful invaders and repairs damage caused by bacteria, viruses and injuries. However, long–term inflammation has been implicated in most chronic conditions such as heart disease and cancer, so must be controlled. The curcumin in turmeric has proven, strong anti–inflammatory properties that block the action of inflammatory molecules in the body. Studies show positive effects of curcumin on people suffering from conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease, amongst others.

Turmeric is a powerful antioxidant:

Curcumin has been shown to be a robust scavenger of oxygen free radicals, which are chemically active molecules that cause damage to the body’s cells. Free radical damage, along with inflammation, is a key driver of cardiovascular disease, so curcumin can play a part in preventing and managing heart disease. Turmeric has anti–cancer effects.

Numerous animal studies have explored turmeric’s influence on cancer, and many have found that it can affect cancer formation, growth and development at a molecular level. Research has shown that it can reduce the spread of cancer and can contribute to the death of cancerous cells. Turmeric and curcumin may also be able to counteract the effects of some carcinogens, such as certain additives used in processed food.

Turmeric may help with skin conditions:

According to a study, turmeric has been shown to help reduce the symptoms of skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema.

Turmeric might be brain food: There is growing evidence that curcumin can cross the blood–brain barrier and may help to protect against Alzheimer’s disease. It works to reduce inflammation as well as the build–up of protein plaques in the brain that are characteristic of Alzheimer’s disease sufferers. Another study of 60 patients showed that curcumin was as effective as an anti–depressant in treating depression, by boosting levels of brain–derived neurotropic factor (reduced levels of this chemical are associated with depression). While most of the current research is being carried out in a lab or on animals, the results are encouraging, and this wonderful spice will continue to be investigated as a powerful tool in improving our health. And it’s a great excuse to make a curry!

A recent study looked at various ways of consuming turmeric. The results showed that cooking turmeric with oil could help your body absorb more curcumin. It’s thought that when curcumin binds with fat, like the fat in olive or coconut oil, it’s more easily absorbed by the gut. And it may be that even small daily amounts consumed in this way could be beneficial for your health. So while there have been many claims about the healing properties and health benefits of Turmeric, the jury is still out on just how true these are. Extravagant claims such as ‘Turmeric can cure Cancer’ should be taken with a pinch of salt. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. What we do know is that cooking turmeric with oil, as part of a balanced diet, could be the best way to get the most from this spice.

Turmeric is also used to give a yellow colouring to clothes as it is associated with the Lord Krishna who is always depicted wearing yellow. In addition, a certain special Ganesh statue is made entirely of turmeric. We also use turmeric water as an offering to the Goddess Kali. These are the various spiritual uses of Haldi or Turmeric.

References:

1. Baum L, Lam C.W, Cheung SK, Kwok T, Lui V, Tsoh J, Mok V. Six–Month Randomized, Placebo–Controlled, Double–Blind, Pilot Clinical Trial of Curcumin in Patients With Alzheimer Disease. Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology. 2008; 28(1): 110–113.

2. Ehrlich, S.D. (2014). Turmeric. Retrieved from http://www.umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/turmeric

3. Gardner Z and McGuffin M. American Herbal Product Association’s herbal safety handbook. 2013. New York: CRC Press.

4. Kuptniratsaikul V, Thanakhumtorn S, Chinswangwatanakul P, Wattanamongkonsil L, Thamlikitkul V. Efficacy and safety of Curcuma domestica extracts in patients with knee osteoarthritis. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. 2009; 15(8): 891–897.

5. Liu K, Zhang D, Chojnacki J, Du Y, Fu H, Grant S, Zhang S. (2013). Design and biological characterization of hybrid compounds of curcumin and thalidomide for multiple myeloma. Organic and Biomolecular Chemistry. 2013; 11(29): 4757.

6. Niamsa N, Sittiwet C. Antimicrobial Activity of Curcuma longa Aqueous Extract. Journal of Pharmacology and Toxicology. 2009; 4: 173–17.

7. Rasyid A, Lelo A. The effect of curcumin and placebo on human gall–bladder function: an ultrasound study. Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics. 1999; 13: 245–249.

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Received on 31.10.2020 Modified on 08.12.2020

Research J. Pharm. and Tech 2021; 14(10):5489-5497.

DOI: 10.52711/0974-360X.2021.00958