Turmeric As An Antiinflammatory

Turmeric is a perennial native to Asia that has been used in traditional medicine for the treatment of inflammatory disorders. This experiment studied its efficacy of curcuminoid-containing turmeric extracts in prevention/treatment of Rheumatoid arthritis. An essential oil-depleted turmeric fraction(41% of the three major curcuminoids) was effective in preventing joint inflammation in both the acute and chronic destructive phases of arthritis when treatment was started before the onset of inflammation. The problem was that it had no significant impact when started after the onset of inflammation. Another sample containing 94% of the curcuminoids was better in preventing arthritis. Daily low doses inhibited joint inflammation in both the acute and chronic phases. The arthritic inhibition was close to that caused by a six-fold higher dose of the turmeric fraction. The results suggest that the “extra” components of the turmeric fraction, other than the major curcuminoids, may work against the protective action of the curcuminoids. The curcuminoids appear to be responsible for the antiarthritic effect. Take home message=if you have arthritis, Asia is the place to be….just kidding. I made this short and sweet due to exhaustion but if you have any questions, feel free to post...Have a great summer! Happy Graduation to all who have completed!!!