Turmeric is a spice derived from the rhizomes of Curcuma longa, a member of the ginger family. Curcuminoids are polyphenolic compounds that give turmeric its yellow color; curcumin is the principal curcuminoid in turmeric. Turmeric has long been used in Indian Ayurvedic medicine for the treatment of a wide range of health related conditions such as improving antioxidant status, inflammatory conditions, immune functions, and cognitive health.
Preliminary research in people with arthritis found curcumin to be helpful in reducing inflammation and symptoms such as pain and stiffness. Based on this information, a recent study published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry (August 2011) looked into the affects of curcumin on the inflammatory process of tendonitis. Tendonitis can cause swelling, pain, stiffness, and burning around a joint which not only can affect movement but can also last for months depending on the damage and treatment. This study looked at the direct impact of curcumin on human tendon cells. Researchers found that the curcumin not only helped to reduce existing inflammatory markers, it also helped to reduce the initiation and promotion of inflammation. Though more research is necessary, this study supports the potential role for curcumin in treating inflammatory conditions, especially those in relation to tendons and joints.
To read more on this study:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3151097/
Filed under: curcuminoids, Indian Ayurvedic Medicine, Inflammation, Polyphenols, tendonitis Tagged: | Curcuminoids, Inflammation, Polyphenols, Tendonitis
