Turmeric: A Comprehensive Review (KEY IJP************823)

• Aditi Babasaheb Kardile

Abstract

This comprehensive review aims to evaluate research examining the nutraceutical attributes and bioactive compounds found in turmeric, elucidating their roles in promoting human nutrition, enhancing health, and preventing chronic diseases. Turmeric, scientifically known as Curcuma longa L. (root and rhizome), holds significant medicinal and economic importance globally, primarily utilized as both a spice and a dietary supplement. Its primary bioactive constituents, known as curcuminoids, comprise curcumin (the principal pigment responsible for turmeric's yellow hue), demethoxycurcumin, and bisdemethoxycurcumin. Additionally, turmeric contains volatile oils such as tumerone, atlantone, and zingiberene, alongside carbohydrates, proteins, and resins. Renowned for its potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, turmeric serves as a promising candidate in combating various ailments. Notably, its potential anticancer effects are closely linked to its anti-inflammatory properties.Turmeric, renowned for its medicinal prowess, has captivated both the scientific community and culinary enthusiasts alike, primarily due to its abundance in the polyphenol curcumin. This compound offers a multitude of health benefits, including the management of oxidative stress, inflammation, metabolic syndrome, arthritis, anxiety, and hyperlipidemia. Moreover, it demonstrates potential in alleviating exercise-induced inflammation and muscle soreness, thereby augmenting recovery and performance among physically active individuals. Even at modest doses, curcumin holds promise for enhancing health in individuals without diagnosed conditions, largely attributable to its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. However, consuming curcumin in isolation may not yield the desired health outcomes due to its poor bioavailability, stemming from limited absorption, rapid metabolism, and elimination. Fortunately, several strategies exist to enhance its bioavailability, with piperine, a key component of black pepper, notably boosting absorption by up to 2000% when combined with curcumin. Through synergistic interactions with enhancing agents, curcumin offers a spectrum of health benefits. This review aims to provide a concise overview of the extensive body of research elucidating the health-promoting effects of curcumin.