In the world of culinary and medicinal spices, there are few that shine as brightly as turmeric! Known for its vibrant golden-orange color (that will get on everything, but it will come off, I promise) and its unique earthy/bitter taste, it's used to add color and flavor to all different types of cuisine, but it also has numerous ways in which it supports many aspects of your physical health. Here are some turmeric (curcuma longa) studies that may explain why in Ayurveda turmeric is a staple herb.
According to these studies, the major constituents naturally found in turmeric root are the golden-colored phenolic compounds called curcuminoids—namely curcumin, bisdemethoxycurcumin, and demethoxycurcumin. These curcuminoids give turmeric root its golden color and contribute to its ability to support overall health and well-being.
While the research on turmeric is extensive and ongoing, I’ve picked out 3 interesting studies that illustrate the diverse applications of this potent wonder-herb.
1- Turmeric Helps Digestion
Per a study published in the National Library of Medicine - LINK HERE- The University of California in Davis conducted a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study in which 30 healthy adult subjects were given either turmeric tablets, curcumin tablets, or a placebo tablet and instructed to take 6000 mg per day over the course of eight weeks.
Over this time period, “changes in the gut microbiota were determined using 16S rDNA sequencing of stool samples. Though the results were highly personalized, the turmeric group showed an increase in healthy gut bacterial species in comparison to the placebo group and the curcumin group showed the most significant improvement with a 69% in detected species.”
2- Turmeric Helps with Inflammation
In a 2021 study, researchers gathered a group of healthy adult participants between the ages of 50–69 in an attempt to study the effects of turmeric extract —which contains anti-inflammatory turmeronols—on the body’s natural inflammatory response. This study is also published by the National Library of Medicine- LINK HERE.
Over the course of twelve weeks, one group received turmeric extract and another group received a placebo. At the end of this time, the serum inflammatory markers of each individual were measured in order to detect changes in the inflammatory response. Each participant also completed surveys pertaining to their mood and overall health.
Results showed that curcumin extract may indeed support a healthy inflammatory response, and in addition also support improved mental health.
3- Turmeric Helps Joints + Movement
One randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial LINK HERE was created to study the effects of turmeric on joint comfort and mobility, focusing specifically on the knee joints. To this end, 96 participants received either a capsule with 150 mg of curcuminoids or a placebo capsule once daily for 90 days.
At the end of this three-month period, changes were assessed according to a pain score on a visual analogue scale, along with an 80 meter fast-paced walking test. The results showed a significant drop in the average levels of knee discomfort and improved times for the walking test in the participants who were given curcuminoids.
With so many positive attriburtes on so many different aspects of well-being, turmeric seems to be proving what Ayurveda has known for 5,000 years—that this bright golden herb is a powerful tool for promoting optimal health, longevity, and quality of life.
Glow on
