Turmeric Research Paper

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It is of interest to research whether there are any scientifically proven benefits of turmeric in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD), which is a progressive, incurable, neurological disease. Dopamine neurons in the brains with PD patients die-off and do not regenerate. Current medications for PD are unable to prevent neurodegeneration (Mythri). Turmeric is a spice used commonly in the east and has been used for over 4,000, both a flavor enhancer to food and for medicinal purposes. Turmeric is a bright yellow, very strong smelling powder that is taken from the root of the turmeric plant which is in the ginger family. The roots of the turmeric plant are removed, cleaned, boiled, and are then pounded into a fine power for use. It was historically used to increase one’s physical energy, to stop embarrassing gastrointestinal gas, to kill intestinal worms, help with abdominal pain, including menstrual cramping. …show more content…

However, the research that has been done shows overall that turmeric in the powder form is not generally toxic to humans. However, according to Drugs.com a daily dose of 8 grams per day or more could cause some adverse gastrointestinal effects. Turmeric does have at least one contraindication, it has the ability to increase the bile which will cause excessive pain in people with gallstones and general discomfort for others. Therefore, patients with choleithiasis (aka gallstones) should avoid turmeric (Asher). It should be noted that the actual ingredient in Turmeric that is thought to be beneficial in a medical capacity is the “curcumin”. It is difficult to get enough curcumin into one’s diet, so it necessary for medical testing purposes to extract the curcumin chemically from the turmeric root. The chemical makeup of curcumin is C21H20O6.

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