Turmeric

Antitumor activity: It has been proven that the rhizome of turmeric contains active ingredients that show antitumor and ctotoxic effects. The active principles of turmeric rhizomes inhibit the division of prostate cancer, breast adenocarcinoma, colon cancer, hepatocarcinoma cells.

Antidiabetic activity: Many studies have proven that turmeric rhizome acts as an antidiabetic, hepatoprotective and antioxidant. It has been shown that methanolic extracts of this plant improve the concentration of serum glucose and serum transaminases, while the aqueous extract of turmeric stimulated the secretion of insulin from the pancreas in the state of hyperglycemia. In another study that looked at the effects of freeze-dried turmeric rhizome powder, it was concluded that it increases the concentration of HDL-cholesterol (good cholesterol), hemoglobin, lowers blood glucose levels, improves lipid status and normalizes the concentration of liver transaminases in the blood. Turmeric can also be used as a therapeutic agent that prevents additional complications of diseases and aging.

Anti-inflammatory activity: The study showed that the rhizome of turmeric also has anti-inflammatory activity, and the polysaccharides found in this plant are responsible for this, and they significantly alleviate both acute and chronic inflammation. Regarding radiological research, it was concluded that turmeric has a very positive anti-inflammatory effect in patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. The mechanism of the anti-inflammatory effect of turmeric is based on the inhibition of the synthesis of numerous inflammatory reaction factors, such as: leukotrienes, thromboxane, prostaglandins, tumor necrosis factor, interleukin 12.

Antimicrobial activity: Turmeric rhizome shows antibacterial activity. Water extract of turmeric showed an antibacterial effect against S. Epidermidis, S. Aureus, C. Pneumoniae, E. Coli, as well as B. Subtilis. The methanol extract showed inhibitory activity against the bacteria B. Subtilis, S. aureus, V. harveyi, V. alginolyticus, V. vulnificus, V. parahaemolyticus, V. cholerae, B. cereus, A. hydrophila, S. agalactiae.

In addition to antibacterial activity, turmeric rhizome also showed antifungal activity. The methanolic extract of turmeric rhizome showed antifungal activity against Cryptococcus neoformans and against Candida albicans. Other turmeric extracts have shown antifungal activity against Rhizoctonia solani, Phytophthora infestans and Erysiphe graminis.

In addition to antibacterial and antifungal activity, the aqueous extract of turmeric rhizome also exhibits antiviral activity. It exhibits antiviral activity against hepatitis B and hepatitis C viruses.

Cardioprotective effect: The active principles of turmeric rhizome have shown cardioprotective effects. It is believed that the cardioprotective effect is a consequence of the suppression of oxidative stress and thus improves the function of the ventricles of the heart muscle. In addition to the mentioned effect, turmeric rhizome also shows anti-aggregation and anticoagulant effects.

Hepatoprotective effect: Several studies show that turmeric rhizome has a hepatoprotective effect and that it significantly contributes to the normal level of liver transaminases in the serum. The hepatoprotective effect of this plant is attributed to the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity of turmeric.

Neuroprotective activity: The neuroprotective effect of turmeric has been documented by a large number of studies. Turmeric extract has been proven to have a neuroprotective effect in the treatment of many neurological diseases, as it improves memory retention, concentration and cognitive functions.

Turmeric and prostate diseases: The Chinese Pharmacopoeia states that turmeric is a traditional herbal medicine, food and cosmetic. It has been proven in many studies that the dominant active ingredients of turmeric are found in the essential oil, and the most important active ingredient is curcumin, which exhibits anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor and antioxidant effects. There are documents that show how curcumin is very effective as an ingredient that inhibits the development of prostate cancer. Benign prostatic hyperplasia is the most common urological disease in older men with a possible cause-and-effect relationship with prostate inflammation. Clinical treatments for benign prostatic hyperplasia usually include alpha-1-blockers, 5 alpha-reductase inhibitors, and surgical therapy. These drugs showed a good effect and reduced the progression of the disease, however, they also have a large number of unwanted effects, so today more and more attention is paid to herbal drugs for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Considering the anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor activities of turmeric oil, it is believed that turmeric can be of great benefit to patients suffering from prostate disease.