Turmeric

In a double-blind study of patients suffering from depression, the combination of antidepressant medication and curcuminoids (substances present in turmeric) given for 6 weeks improved depression to a significantly greater extent than antidepressant medication alone. The product used in the study provided daily 1,000 mg of curcuminoids plus 10 mg of piperine (a substance in black pepper that is thought to increase the absorption of curcuminoids.) In another study, supplementation with 1,000 mg per day of curcumin (one of the substances present in turmeric) for 8 weeks significantly improved depression, compared with a placebo, in patients suffering from depression. In that study, about one-third of the participants were taking an antidepressant medication. In another double-blind study, supplementation with 1,000 mg per day of curcumin enhanced the beneficial effect of antidepressant medication.

Boswellia has anti-inflammatory properties that have been compared to those of the NSAIDs used by many for inflammatory conditions. Clinical trials have found that boswellia is more effective than a placebo for relieving pain and swelling and preventing loss of function in people with osteoarthritis. Boswellia has also been found to be as effective as the anti-inflammatory drug valdecoxib (Bextra). In addition, while the improvements occurred more slowly in the boswellia group than in the valdecoxib group, they persisted for a longer period of time after treatment was discontinued. One clinical trial found that a combination of boswellia, ashwagandha, , and zinc effectively treated pain and stiffness associated with OA but did not improve joint health, according to X-rays of the affected joint. Unlike NSAIDs, long-term use of boswellia does not lead to irritation or ulceration of the stomach.

Carminatives (also called aromatic digestive tonics or aromatic bitters) may be used to relieve symptoms of indigestion, particularly when there is excessive gas. It is believed that carminative agents work, at least in part, by relieving spasms in the intestinal tract.

In a double-blind trial, the spice was found to relieve indigestion. Two capsules containing 250 mg turmeric powder per capsule were given four times per day.

In a double-blind trial, treatment with a proprietary product containing turmeric and fennel significantly improved symptoms in patients with irritable bowel syndrome. The amount given was 2 capsules twice a day for 30 days.

Curcuminoids are a group of compounds (including curcumin) present in turmeric. These compounds are known to have anti-inflammatory actions and to protect joint cartilage from damage. In a double-blind trial, supplementation with 500 mg of curcuminoids 3 times per day significantly improved pain and overall functioning, compared with a placebo, in people with osteoarthritis of the knee.

is a yellow spice often used to make curry dishes. The active constituent, curcumin, is a potent anti-inflammatory compound that protects the body against free radical damage. A double-blind trial found curcumin to be an effective anti-inflammatory agent in RA patients. The amount of curcumin usually used is 400 mg three times per day.

Ginger is another Ayurvedic herb used to treat people with arthritis. A small number of case studies suggest that taking 6–50 grams of fresh or powdered ginger per day may reduce the symptoms of RA. A combination formula containing ginger, turmeric, boswellia, and ashwagandha has been shown in a double-blind trial to be slightly more effective than placebo for RA; the amounts of herbs used in this trial are not provided by the investigators.

In case reports, three patients with Alzheimer's disease showed improvements in symptoms such as irritability, agitation, anxiety, and apathy after supplementing with turmeric. The amount used was 764 mg per day, providing 100 mg per day of curcumin, a presumed active ingredient.

’s active compound curcumin has shown potent anti-platelet activity in animal studies. It has also demonstrated this effect in preliminary human studies. In a similar vein, bilberry has been shown to prevent platelet aggregation as has peony. However, none of these three herbs has been documented to help atherosclerosis in human trials.

While there have been few studies on herbal therapy for bursitis, most practitioners would consider using anti-inflammatory herbs that have proven useful in conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis. These would include boswellia, , willow, and topical cayenne ointment.

Preliminary research indicates a possible benefit of oral curcumin supplementation (375 mg of turmeric extract with 95% curcuminoids three times daily for 12 weeks) for chronic anterior uveitis (inflammation of the iris and middle coat of the eyeball).

Curcumin is a compound in (Curcuma longa) that has been reported to have anti-inflammatory activity. In a preliminary trial, four of five people with Crohn's disease had an improvem ent in their condition after supplementing with curcumin for three months. The amount used was 360 mg three times a day for one month, followed by 360 mg four times a day for two months.

Test tube and animal research suggests that substances found in , cloves, eucalyptus, and seaweed have potential benefit for topical prevention of genital herpes, but no human research using available herbal products has been performed.

may be another useful herb with immune effects in people infected with HIV. One preliminary trial found that curcumin, the main active compound in turmeric, helped improve CD4+ cell counts. The amount used in this study was 1 gram three times per day by mouth. These results differed from those found in a second preliminary trial using 4.8 or 2.7 grams of curcumin daily. In that study, there was no apparent effect of curcumin on HIV replication rates.

is another herb known traditionally for its anti-inflammatory effects, a possible advantage for people suffering from low back pain. Several preliminary studies confirm that curcumin, one active ingredient in turmeric, may decrease inflammation in both humans and animals. In one double-blind trial, a formula containing turmeric, other herbs, and zinc significantly diminished pain for people with osteoarthritis. Standardized extracts containing 400 to 600 mg of curcumin per tablet or capsule are typically taken three times per day. For tinctures of turmeric, 0.5 to 1.5 ml three times per day are the usual amount.

A recent study found that 24% of surgery patients had taken herbal supplements before their surgeries, and 50 different herbs had been used among these patients. Little research exists, however, on the safety or efficacy of herbs before surgery. Some researchers and healthcare providers are concerned about possible harmful interactions between herbs and medications used around or during surgery, or the possibility that some herbs may increase bleeding during and after surgery. The use of herbs around the time of surgery should be discussed with a knowledgeable healthcare practitioner.

 (Curcuma longa) is an herb with anti-inflammatory effects. One trial found curcumin (from turmeric) at 400 mg three times daily was more effective than either placebo or anti-inflammatory medication for relieving post-surgical inflammation. However, as the different treatment groups had different degrees of inflammation at the start of the study, firm conclusions cannot be drawn from this study.

In a double-blind trial, supplementation with curcumin (the active ingredient in turmeric) significantly improved symptoms of PMS, compared with a placebo. The amount of curcumin used was 100 mg twice a day, starting 7 days before menstruation and continuing for 3 days after the start of menstrual bleeding. This treatment was repeated each month for a total of 3 months.

Curcumin is a compound in  (Curcuma longa) that has been reported to have anti-inflammatory activity. In a preliminary trial, five of five people with chronic ulcerative proctitis (a condition similar to ulcerative colitis) had an improvement in their disease after supplementing with curcumin. The amount of curcumin used was 550 mg twice a day for one month, followed by 550 mg three times a day for one month. In a double-blind trial, supplementation with curcumin in the amount of 1 gram twice a day for six months decreased the relapse rate in patients with ulcerative colitis in remission. The relapse rate was 4.7% among people receiving curcumin and 20.5% in the placebo group, a statistically significant difference. All patients in the study also received conventional therapy.