Turmeric Uses for the Pancreas

Turmeric (curcumin), derived from the root of the Curcuma longa plant, is a common culinary condiment in Asian cuisine. This bitter-peppery flavored, mild, fragrant spice adds a bright yellow-orange color to curries and mustard sauces. Turmeric exhibits anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties, and is increasingly used for medicinal purposes. Research on turmeric demonstrates benefits to the pancreas, including preventive and therapeutic benefits for several chronic health conditions like cancer, fibrosis, diabetes, inflammatory bowel diseases and obesity.

Pancreatic Cancer

Several studies have proven that curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric arrests human pancreatic cancer cell growth. A study by Hidaka H et al, on the impact of curcumin on human pancreatic carcinoma cell growth through autocrine regulation, found that curcumin inhibited interlukin-8 production, a protein produced by white blood cells which contributes to tumor growth. Dhillon N et al, in another study on 21 advanced pancreatic cancer patients, who were given 8 grams of curcumin daily, discovered significant benefit in two of the 21 patients. While one patient showed stability for over 18 months, the other patient experienced a significant tumor regression of 73 percent, along with significant immune function level improvement.

Fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis, a genetic disorder originating in the mucus and sweat glands, affects the entire body. An abnormal gene causes the mucus in cystic fibrosis patients to thicken, become sticky and block pancreatic ducts. As a result, digestive enzymes produced by the pancreas are unable to reach the small intestine and break down food, resulting in poor absorption of fats and proteins, which causes malnourishment and vitamin deficiencies. According to the Turmeric Info website, experimental studies in mice show that curcumin corrects the genetic defect that causes cystic fibrosis. Curcumin's anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic properties inhibit the activation of pancreatic stellate cells in the treatment of pancreatic fibrosis and inflammation.

Diabetes

The Diabetes Mellitus Information website states that turmeric lowers blood sugar, increases glucose metabolism and improves insulin activity in diabetes patients. The pancreas in Type II diabetes patients is unable to produce sufficient insulin, resulting in high blood sugar levels. Curcumin stimulates the pancreas to produce insulin and enables glucose absorption by the cells for energy.

Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas, occurs when digestive enzymes attack the pancreatic glands. The antioxidant properties in curcumin relieve oxidative stress due to the painful exacerbations in chronic pancreatitis. In a study mentioned on the Ray Sahelian website, curcumin's antioxidant properties, combined with piperine, reversed lipid per-oxidation in patients with tropical pancreatitis.

Obesity

Obesity is a major risk factor in several metabolic disorders; the inflammation in obesity is associated in part with the presence of immune cells called macrophages in fat tissues throughout the body. These immune cells produce "cytokine" molecules that can cause inflammation in the heart and pancreatic islets. Researchers believe that suppressing the number and activity of these cells with turmeric's anti-inflammatory properties reduces the adverse consequences of obesity. Turmeric effectively stimulates the metabolism of fat to combat obesity and promote healthy weight.