Curcumin is the active ingredient in turmeric. This compound provides turmeric's characteristic yellow color. It adds a strong flavor to many Asian dishes. Curcumin is also an important herbal remedy.
History
According to the American Cancer Society website, curcumin has been used in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine since the seventh century A.D. It was historically used to treat a wide range of medical conditions, including intestinal worms, bladder and kidney trouble, mouth and eye infections, and bronchitis.
Benefits
Curcumin has antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antioxidant properties. It also has some anti-cancer properties. Curcumin works by reducing the production of free radicals. According to curcumin.net, it stops cancerous cells from spreading into the rest of the body. It also lowers bad cholesterol and raises the levels of good cholesterol, restores kidney function and helps in the treatment of arthritis.
Theories/Speculation
Traditional uses for curcumin include as a weight loss aid and a treatment for leprosy, human papilloma virus, scleroderma and Alzheimer's disease in addition to a number of other conditions, according to MedlinePlus. However, curcumin has not been scientifically validated as a treatment for these conditions.
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