India's 'holy powder' finally reveals its centuries-old secret
April 20, 2009
Scientists have unlocked the secrets of the "holy powder" turmeric. Image: Wikimedia Commons
Scientists in Michigan are reporting discovery of the secret behind the fabled healing power of the main ingredient in turmeric — a spice revered in India as "holy powder." Their study on the ingredient, curcumin, appears in the Journal of the American Chemical Society.
In the study, Ayyalusamy Ramamoorthy and colleagues point out that turmeric has been used for centuries in folk medicine to treat wounds, infections, and other health problems. Although modern scientific research on the spice has burgeoned in recent years, scientists until now did not know exactly how curcumin works inside the body.
Using a high-tech instrument termed solid-state NMR spectroscopy, the scientists discovered that molecules of curcumin act like a biochemical disciplinarian. They insert themselves into cell membranes and make the membranes more stable and orderly in a way that increases cells' resistance to infection by disease-causing microbes.
More information: "Determining the Effects of Lipophillic Drugs on Membrane Structure by Solid-State NMR Spectroscopy -- the Case of the Antioxidant Curcumin," Journal of the American Chemical Society.
Source: American Chemical Society (news : web)
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Mercury_01 - Apr 20, 2009
- Rank: 5 / 5 (1)
I already take it every day- report abuse
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nilbud - Apr 20, 2009
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How about ginger?- report abuse
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Mercury_01 - Apr 20, 2009
- Rank: 5 / 5 (1)
That too. They go well together with some lemon juice and water. Turmeric is a great anti anti inflammatory and also helps prevent cancer, heart disease, and arthritis. I even once put it on a cut and it healed very quickly.I cant say enough about turmeric. Except if your not careful, it will stain ANYTHING. even glass. Come to think of it, it probably makes great paint- report abuse
Mar 06, 2009 |
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