History of Traditional Use of Turmeric
Indigenous to Southeastern and Eastern Asia, this perennial member of the Zingiberaceae family has been used for thousands of years as a traditional medicine, coloring agent and spice. Currently India accounts for much of its cultivation. It is known as Shati in Sanskrit. Reports of its use as a medicine go as far back as 600 BC in Assyrian herbal accounts and can also be traced to Greek writings from Dioscorides. It has been used to support healthy digestion, promote cardiovascular health, and support the immune system as well as used topically and in the eyes in Ayurvedic medicine. In Western herbal medicine Turmeric is used as an aromatic bitter and for supporting healthy liver function.
Structure Function Claims
Maintains Healthy Joint, Heart, Cardiovascular and Liver Function
Mechanism of Therapeutic Action
The main constituents of this rhizome are essential oils including the sesquiterpene ketone; Turmerone. The yellow pigments are water soluble and known as Curcumins. Most of the clinical research has been conducted in-vitro and primarily on animal cells using the isolated constituents. Curcumin (diferuloylmethane) is bio-transformed during and after gut absorption so it remains the work of modern researchers to determine what activity can be attributed to its downstream metabolites after oral administration as opposed to intravenous injections. The fat soluble Turmerones are another well researched group of volatile oils in this rhizome. Turmeric extracts have shown considerable pharmacological activity, but the exact modes of its actions are not yet fully understood. Undoubtedly the medicinal activity of this healing plant is coming from more than just a couple of constituents making it important to look for WholePlant Standardized preparations which contain guaranteed potency but are not limited to one constituent. For further information on the Pharmacodynamics of Turmeric and chemicals contained in the rhizome please refer to the references below or use the “Pub Med” search feature on the Gaia Herbs Homepage.
Singh S. Khar A. Anticancer Agents in Medicinal Chemistry 2006 May; 6(3) 259-70
Bae MK, et al. Oncology Reports 2006 Jun; 15(6): 1557-62
Melnick SJ, Journal of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology 2006 Apr; 28(4): 221-30
Su CC, et al. Anticancer Research 2006 Mar-Apr; 26(2A): 1281-8
Specific Differentiation of Gaia Herbs Product
Gaia Herbs uses Certified Organic Turmeric in its manufacturing process. Each Liquid Phyto-Cap of Turmeric Supreme contains the equivalent of a half Teaspoon of Powdered Turmeric (2.5g). Each batch of Turmeric is tested for heavy metal contamination and manufactured in Gaia’s Certified Organic Manufacturing facility. The Turmeric Supreme Liquid Phyto-Cap is a combination of a CO2 extract of Organic Turmeric to yield a high concentration of Turmerones and other essential oils as well as the addition of an Ethanol extract to ensure that the water soluble pigments are in a high concentration. Gaia Herbs captures the essence of Nature’s Vitality.
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