TURMERIC

A study provides sufficient evidence to support clinical trials that could eventually lead to curcumin's acceptance as standard therapy for many forms of arthritis and possibly other inflammatory conditions.

Six clinical trials with 377 patients were reviewed In Meta-Analysis, comparing the use of curcumin to placebo. In patients with depression, the pooled standardized mean difference from the baseline Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression supports the significant clinical efficacy of curcumin in ameliorating depressive symptoms. Significant anti-anxiety effects were also reported in 3 of the trials.

According to the Meta-analysis that included seven eligible studies (649 patients), turmeric and curcumin may protect patients at risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) by improving serum lipid levels. Curcumin may be used as a well-tolerated dietary adjunct to conventional drugs.

A study provides evidence for curcumin's anti-inflammatory effects and supports further investigation to confirm dose, duration, and formulation to optimize anti-inflammatory effects in humans with chronic inflammation.

Eleven studies were made to evaluate the effects of oral turmeric supplementation in the treatment of chronic inflammatory skin diseases. The skin conditions examined include psoriasis, pruritus, oral lichen planus, facial redness, and types of skin cancers. Overall, oral turmeric supplementation has shown therapeutic benefits for skin health.

A study shows that in the dosages used, piperine enhances the serum concentration, extent of absorption, and bioavailability of curcumin in both rats and humans with no adverse effects.