The Origin of Curcumin

Today Curcumin is being prescribed to many patients as a therapeutic supplement. Numerous therapeutic activities have been assigned to Turmeric for a wide variety of diseases and conditions, including those of the skin, pulmonary, and gastro-intestinal systems, aches, pains, wounds and disorders. Its various benefits have been firmly established and are backed by scientific research.

But the wonders of Curcumin are not new to the world. It has been in use for over 5000 years, in Asia, in the form of the spice, Turmeric. Marco Polo came across this substance as early as the thirteenth century, when he was traveling through China and documented his fascination with it.

Turmeric or Curcumin Longa is popular in Southern Asia. It is cultivated in parts of China, Java, Bengal and other parts of India. Curcumin is obtained by solvent extraction from dried Turmeric roots. The roots and rhizomes of the plant are generally reserved for medicinal use. The genus name for Turmeric, Curcuma, comes from the Arabic word kurkum, meaning saffron. It was so called because of its distinctive colour which was similar to saffron.

Turmeric is a part of ancient folklore. The high degree of reverence that Turmeric deserves is documented by the fact that it is used in so many cultures and each has assigned its own name for the spice. Songs have been sung in its praise. It is believed to bring beauty and good health to those who carry it. Inhaling burning Curcumin was supposed to bring relief to those suffering from hysterical fits. Before the advent of soap, Indian women used it to keep their skin clean and velvety since it is known to fight bacteria and skin disease. Even today, Turmeric is a part of Indian wedding rituals and is applied to the prospective brides and grooms before they get married. At the time of the British rule Turmeric was used in perfumes because of its idiosyncratic smell. It is believed that the natives of the Pacific would sprinkle Curcumin dust over their shoulders in a ceremonial dance, in addition to using it as a cure for a number of problems.

Turmeric's healing power has been mentioned in primeval Indian scriptures. It was used as a food additive before people realized its potential. In traditional Ayurvedic medicine, Turmeric was prescribed for the treatment of colds, coughs, jaundice, and upper respiratory disorders. It was also used to treat sprains, swellings and cuts when applied externally on the wounded area. The Chinese historically used Curcumin as a treatment for diseases associated with abdominal pains. Curcumin's long and wide-spread past has ascribed various properties to it which include the prevention of skin diseases, hepatic disorders, and ulcers. It has also been used in the treatment of intestinal parasites and as a remedy for poisoning, snakebites, and various other complaints.

Modern interest in Curcumin began in 1971, when Indian researchers found evidence suggesting that the herb may possess anti-inflammatory properties. Curcumin was later found to possess antioxidant properties, and evidence also suggests that Curcumin is an herb that stimulates the gallbladder. Since the mid-1980s, scientific evidence has been building of Curcumin's potential cholesterol-lowering capabilities. Researchers and practitioners are now starting to sit up and take notice of the worth of Curcumin. It has now been shown to be beneficial for the heart, stomach, liver and the skin. Recently it has also been implicated in the cure of various forms of cancer, depression and even AIDS.

Turmeric is not used in conventional medicine because the Curcumin from it is absorbed rather poorly in its standard form. Yet, it is popular as a home remedy in India. It is recommended for ailments ranging from common colds to liver disorders. It has also proved useful in treating rheumatism, diabetes, sinusitis and digestive problems when taken orally.

The miracles of Turmeric do not end here though. Though it is more popular as a spice or medicine, Turmeric's rich yellow colour is often used as a textile dye and even in cosmetics. It is used in many food products like food colouring, mustard, margarine, curry powder and a few sweets. Owing to its antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, Curcumin also serves as a food preservative. Curcumin extracts have also demonstrated antibacterial and anti-fungal effects.

Since 1900 BC the potential uses of Turmeric have been on the rise. In this day and age, Turmeric has been found to be beneficial for practically every ailment one suffers from. Wounds, infections and other health problems stand to gain from the use of Curcumin. We can expect this incredible spicy cure to be around for another 5000 years, at the very least.