Expert comment about turmeric

Comments by Evgenia Maevskaya, M.D., assistant professor of internal medicine and gastroenterology, University of Medicine and Dentistry, gastroenterologist and dietitian, GMS Clinic.

The herbaceous perennial plant turmeric, from the ginger family, does have potential pleiotropic action, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects.

This is due to the carcinoids it contains (one of which is curcumin itself).

There are scientific works demonstrating the ability of curcumins to normalize our body’s defense/macrophage system, in particular affecting the activity of neutrophils (white blood cells, white blood cells), lymphocytes and natural killers (a type of lymphocyte involved in the functioning of innate immunity).

At present, the possibility of increasing the level of serum immunoglobulins is shown only on an animal cell.

It is worth noting that such a phenomenon has a positive effect on animal immunity, but its action has not yet been proven in humans.

The antioxidant, anti-inflammatory ability of turmeric has been known for quite some time, there is plenty of supporting data.

Today we have the results of a systematic review to support remission in patients with the inflammatory bowel disease ulcerative colitis.

Where immune system dysfunction plays an important role.

These data suggest that the addition of turmeric to therapy helps, in general, to reduce the activity of inflammation.

In addition, turmeric is being studied as a tool to inhibit fungal growth and in general its ability to modulate intestinal microflora.

The effect of turmeric on the body in the context of treating liver disease is interesting.

It’s worth noting that much of this data comes from experimental studies on animals, it’s impossible to extrapolate the results to the human body with 100% certainty.

1. Turmeric is a dietary supplement whose degree of purification is not as tightly controlled as medicines, and can be quite affordable;
   
2. It is possible for turmeric to interact with other dietary supplements.
   
3. Often it is the simultaneous use of different substances that contributes to complications.
   

At this point in time, studies do not definitively answer the question of turmeric’s connection to hepatitis.

In the U.S., curcumin is recognized as safe as a dietary supplement and as a medication.

The recommended dosage of the active ingredient, curcumin (not turmeric powder), starts at 3 mg/kg body weight, up to a maximum of 10 g per day.

I recommend active supplements only from life Extension

Turmeric capsules are recommended.

These data are reported in preclinical and clinical studies, but the follow-up period for all is very short and limited to 16 weeks.

Adverse gastrointestinal reactions, diarrhea and nausea, and allergic manifestations are possible when taking high doses of turmeric.

Increased bleeding when combined with some antiaggregants and anticoagulants.

There is no need to exclude the spice during breastfeeding, as it is known to be safe in food doses, but you should not use it in larger quantities either.

In 2019, more than 700 patients took part in a study on the effects of turmeric on blood pressure levels.

The study found that only when taken for a long period of time (more than 12 weeks) was there a decrease in blood pressure levels.

That is, there is a positive effect, but the data does not allow turmeric to be used to correct blood pressure.

Taking turmeric in large quantities for several days to “cleanse the body” together with fermented milk products can cause an allergic reaction, diarrhea, nausea.

Exacerbation of gastrointestinal pathology, such as acute gastritis, and even provoke biliary colic.

Experimentation can have a negative effect on the body.

I recommend that you read the instructions carefully before taking any active supplements.