Re: Spice May help Arthritis Inflamation - News

November 6, 2006

Hi , here is more info. I have been using 2 teaspoons of turmeric

a day.Seems to help.Lynne G. /SD

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Turmeric Turmeric

Turmeric has a peppery, warm and bitter flavor and a mild fragrance

slightly reminiscent of orange and ginger, and while it is best known as

one of the ingredients used to make curry, it also gives ballpark

mustard its bright yellow color.

Turmeric comes from the root of the Curcuma longa plant and has a tough

brown skin and a deep orange flesh. Turmeric has long been used as a

powerful anti-inflammatory in both the Chinese and Indian systems of

medicine. Turmeric was traditionally called " Indian saffron " because of

its deep yellow-orange color and has been used throughout history as a

condiment, healing remedy and textile dye.

Food Chart

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Health Benefits

Turmeric (Curcuma longa), the bright yellow of the spice rainbow, is a

powerful medicine that has long been used in the Chinese and Indian

systems of medicine as an anti-inflammatory agent to treat a wide

variety of conditions, including flatulence, jaundice, menstrual

difficulties, bloody urine, hemorrhage, toothache, bruises, chest pain,

and colic.

A Potent, Yet Safe Anti-Inflammatory

The volatile oil fraction of turmeric has been demonstrated significant

anti-inflammatory activity in a variety of experimental models. Even

more potent than its volatile oil is the yellow or orange pigment of

turmeric, which is called curcumin. Curcumin is thought to be the

primary pharmacological agent in turmeric. In numerous studies,

curcumin's anti-inflammatory effects have been shown to be comparable to

the potent drugs hydrocortisone and phenylbutazone as well as

over-the-counter anti-inflammatory agents such as Motrin. Unlike the

drugs, which are associated with significant toxic effects (ulcer

formation, decreased white blood cell count, intestinal bleeding),

curcumin produces no toxicity.

An Effective Treatment for Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Curcumin may provide an inexpensive, well-tolerated, and effective

treatment for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) such as Crohn's and

ulcerative colitis, recent research suggests. In this study, mice given

an inflammatory agent that normally induces colitis were protected when

curcumin was added to their diet five days beforehand. The mice

receiving curcumin not only lost much less weight than the control

animals, but when researchers checked their intestinal cell function,

all the signs typical of colitis-mucosal ulceration, thickening of the

intestinal wall, and the infiltration of inflammatory cells-were all

much reduced. While the researchers are not yet sure exactly how

curcumin achieves its protective effects, they think its benefits are

the result of not only antioxidant activity, but also inhibition of a

major cellular inflammatory agent called NF kappa-B. Plus, an important

part of the good news reported in this study is the fact that although

curcumin has been found to be safe at very large doses, this component

of turmeric was effective at a concentration as low as 0.25 per cent-an

amount easily supplied by simply enjoying turmeric in flavorful curries.

Relief for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Clinical studies have substantiated that curcumin also exerts very

powerful antioxidant effects. As an antioxidant, curcumin is able to

neutralize free radicals, chemicals that can travel through the body and

cause great amounts of damage to healthy cells and cell membranes. This

is important in many diseases, such as arthritis, where free radicals

are responsible for the painful joint inflammation and eventual damage

to the joints. Turmeric's combination of antioxidant and

anti-inflammatory effects explains why many people with joint disease

find relief when they use the spice regularly. In a recent study of

patients with rheumatoid arthritis, curcumin was compared to

phenylbutazone and produced comparable improvements in shortened

duration of morning stiffness, lengthened walking time, and reduced

joint swelling.

Help for Cystic Fibrosis Sufferers

Curcumin, the major constituent of turmeric that gives the spice its

yellow color, can correct the most common expression of the genetic

defect that is responsible for cystic fibrosis, suggests an animal study

published in the April 2004 issue of Science. Cystic fibrosis, a fatal

disease that attacks the lungs with a thick mucus, causing

life-threatening infections, afflicts about 30,000 American children and

young adults, who rarely survive beyond 30 years of age. The mucus also

damages the pancreas, thus interfering with the body's ability to digest

and absorb nutrients.

Researchers now know that cystic fibrosis is caused by mutations in the

gene that encodes for a protein (the transmembrane conductance regulator

or CFTR). The CTFR protein is responsible for traveling to the cell's

surface and creating channels through which chloride ions can leave the

cell. When the protein is abnormally shaped because of a faulty gene,

this cannot happen, so chloride builds up in the cells, which in turn,

leads to mucus production.

The most common mutation, which is called DeltaF508, results in the

production of a misfolded protein. When mice with this DeltaF508 defect

were given curcumin in doses that, on a weight-per-weight basis, would

be well-tolerated by humans, curcumin corrected this defect, resulting

in a DeltaF508 protein with normal appearance and function. In addition,

the Yale scientists studying curcumin have shown that it can inhibit the

release of calcium, thus allowing mutated CTFR to exit cells via the

calcium channels, which also helps stop the chloride-driven build up of

mucus. Specialists in the treatment of cystic fibrosis caution, however,

that patients should not self-medicate with dietary supplements

containing curcumin, until the correct doses are known and any adverse

interactions identified with the numerous prescription drugs taken by

cystic fibrosis sufferers.

Cancer Prevention

Curcumin's antioxidant actions enable it to protect the colon cells from

free radicals that can damage cellular DNA--a significant benefit

particularly in the colon where cell turnover is quite rapid, occuring

approximately every three days. Because of their frequent replication,

mutations in the DNA of colon cells can result in the formation of

cancerous cells much more quickly. Curcumin also helps the body to

destroy mutated cancer cells, so they cannot spread through the body and

cause more harm. A primary way in which curcumin does so is by enhancing

liver function. Additionally, other suggested mechanisms by which it may

protect against cancer development include inhibiting the synthesis of a

protein thought to be instrumental in tumor formation and preventing the

development of additional blood supply necessary for cancer cell growth.

Inhibits Cancer Cell Growth and Metastases

Epidemiological studies have linked the frequent use of turmeric to

lower rates of breast, prostate, lung and colon cancer, and earlier

laboratory experiments have shown curcumin can prevent tumors from

forming. Now, new research conducted at the University of Texas suggests

that even when breast cancer is already present, curcumin can help slow

the spread of breast cancer cells to the lungs in mice.

In this study, published in the September 2005 issue of Biochemical

Pharmacology, human breast cancer cells were injected into mice, and the

resulting tumors removed to simulate a mastectomy.

The mice were then divided into four groups. One group received no

further treatment and served as a control. A second group was given the

cancer drug paclitaxel (Taxol); the third got curcumin, and the fourth

was given both Taxol and curcumin.

After five weeks, only half the mice in the curcumin-only group and just

22% of those in the curcumin plus Taxol group had evidence of breast

cancer that had spread to the lungs.

But 75% of the mice that got Taxol alone and 95% of the control group

developed lung tumours.

How did curcumin help? " Curcumin acts against transcription factors,

which are like a master switch, " says lead researcher, Bharat Aggarwal.

" Transcription factors regulate all the genes needed for tumors to form.

When we turn them off, we shut down some genes that are involved in the

growth and invasion of cancer cells. "

In another laboratory study of human non-Hodgkin's lymphoma cells

published in the September 2005 issue of Biochemical Pharmacology,

University of Texas researchers showed that curcumin inhibits the

activation of NF-kappaB, a regulatory molecule that signals genes to

produce a slew of inflammatory molecules (including TNF, COX-2 and IL-6)

that promote cancer cell growth. In addition, curcumin was found to

suppress cancer cell proliferation and to induce cell cycle arrest and

apoptosis (cell suicide) in the lung cancer cells. Early phase I

clinical trials at the University of Texas are now also looking into

curcumin's chemopreventive and therapeutic properties against multiple

myeloma and pancreatic cancer, and other research groups are

investigating curcumin's ability to prevent oral cancer.

Turmeric and Onions May Help Prevent Colon Cancer

Curcumin, a phytonutrient found in the curry spice turmeric, and

quercitin, an antioxidant in onions, reduce both the size and number of

precancerous lesions in the human intestinal tract, shows research

published in the August 2006 issue of Clinical Gasteroenterology and

Hepatology.

Five patients with an inherited form of precancerous polyps in the lower

bowel known as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) were treated with

regular doses of curcumin and quercetin over an average of six months.

The average number of polyps dropped 60.4%, and the average size of the

polyps that did develop dropped by 50.9%.

FAP runs in families and is characterized by the development of hundreds

of polyps (colorectal adenomas) and, eventually, colon cancer. Recently,

nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs such as aspirin, ibuprofen)

have been used to treat some patients with this condition, but these

drugs often produce significant side effects, including gastrointestinal

ulcerations and bleeding, according to lead researcher Francis M.

Giardiello, M.D., at the Division of Gastroenterology, s Hopkins

University.

Previous observational studies in populations that consume large amounts

of curry, as well as animal research, have strongly suggested that

curcumin, one of the main ingredients in Asian curries, might be

effective in preventing and/or treating cancer in the lower intestine.

Similarly, quercetin, an anti-oxidant flavonoid found in a variety of

foods including onions, green tea and red wine, has been shown to

inhibit growth of colon cancer cell lines in humans and abnormal

colorectal cells in animals.

In this study, a decrease in polyp number was observed in four of five

patients at three months and four of four patients at six months.

Each patient received curcumin (480 mg) and quercetin (20 mg) orally 3

times a day for 6 months. Although the amount of quercetin was similar

to what many people consume daily, the curcumin consumed was more than

would be provided in a typical diet because turmeric only contains on

average 3-5 % curcumin by weight.

While simply consuming curry and onions may not have as dramatic an

effect as was produced in this study, this research clearly demonstrates

that liberal use of turmeric and onions can play a protective role

against the development of colorectal cancer. And turmeric doesn't have

to only be used in curries. This spice is delicious on healthy sautéed

apples, and healthy steamed cauliflower and/or green beans and onions.

Or, for a flavor-rich, low-calorie dip, try adding some turmeric and

dried onion to creamy yogurt.

Turmeric Teams Up with Cauliflower to Halt Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer-the second leading cause of cancer death in American men

with 500,000 new cases appearing each year-is a rare occurrence among

men in India, whose low risk is attributed to a diet rich in brassica

family vegetables and the curry spice, turmeric.

Scientists tested turmeric, a concentrated source of the phytonutrient

curcumin, along with phenethyl isothiocyanates, a phytochemical abundant

in cruciferous vegetables including cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli,

Brussels sprouts, kale, kohlrabi and turnips.

When tested singly, both phenethyl isothiocyanate and curcumin greatly

retarded the growth of human prostate cancer cells implanted in

immune-deficient mice. In mice with well-established prostate cancer

tumors, neither phenethyl isothiocyanate nor curcumin by itself had a

protective effect, but when combined, they significantly reduced both

tumor growth and the ability of the prostate cancer cells to spread

(metastasize) in the test animals.

The researchers believe the combination of cruciferous vegetables and

curcumin could be an effective therapy not only to prevent prostate

cancer, but to inhibit the spread of established prostate cancers. Best

of all, this combination-cauliflower spiced with turmeric-is absolutely

delicious! For protection against prostate cancer, cut cauliflower

florets in quarters and let sit for 5-10 minutes; this allows time for

the production of phenethyl isothiocyanates, which form when cruciferous

vegetables are cut, but stops when they are heated. Then sprinkle with

turmeric, and healthy sauté

<http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=preptip & dbid=8> on medium heat

in a few tablespoons of vegetable or chicken broth for 5 minutes. Remove

from the heat and top with olive oil, sea salt and pepper to taste.

Reduce Risk of Childhood Leukemia

Research presented at a recent conference on childhood leukemia, held in

London, provides evidence that eating foods spiced with turmeric could

reduce the risk of developing childhood leukemia. The incidence of this

cancer has risen dramatically during the 20th century, mainly in

children under age five, among whom the risk has increased by more than

50% cent since 1950 alone. Modern environmental and lifestyle factors

are thought to play a major role in this increase.

Childhood leukemia is much lower in Asia than Western countries, which

may be due to differences in diet, one of which, the frequent use of

turmeric, has been investigated in a series of studies over the last 20

years by Prof. Moolky Nagabhushan from the Loyola University Medical

Centre, Chicago, IL.

" Some of the known risk factors that contribute to the high incidence of

childhood leukemia are the interaction of many lifestyle and

environmental factors. These include prenatal or postnatal exposure to

radiation, benzene, environmental pollutants and alkylating

chemotherapeutic drugs. Our studies show that turmeric-and its colouring

principle, curcumin-in the diet mitigate the effects of some of these

risk factors. "

Nagabhushan has shown that the curcumin in turmeric can:

* inhibit the mutagenicity of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons

(PAHs) (carcinogenic chemicals created by the burning of carbon

based fuels including cigarette smoke)

* inhibit radiation-induced chromosome damage

* prevent the formation of harmful heterocyclic amines and nitroso

compounds, which may result in the body when certain processed

foods, such as processed meat products that contain nitrosamines,

are eaten

* irreversibly inhibit the multiplication of leukemia cells in a

cell culture

Improved Liver Function

In a recent rat study that was conducted to evaluate the effects of

turmeric on the liver's ability to detoxify xenobiotic (toxic)

chemicals, levels of two very important liver detoxification enzymes

(UDP glucuronyl transferase and glutathione-S-transferase) were

significantly elevated in rats fed turmeric as compared to controls. The

researchers commented, " The results suggest that turmeric may increase

detoxification systems in addition to its anti-oxidant

properties...Turmeric used widely as a spice would probably mitigate the

effects of several dietary carcinogens. "

Curcumin has been shown to prevent colon cancer in rodent studies. When

researchers set up a study to analyze how curcumin works, they found

that it inhibits free radical damage of fats (such as those found in

cell membranes and cholesterol), prevents the formation of the

inflammatory chemical cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and induces the

formation of a primary liver detoxification enzyme, glutathione

S-transferase (GST) enzymes. When the rats were given curcumin for 14

days, their livers' production of GST increased by 16%, and a marker of

free radical damage called malondialdehyde decreased by 36% when

compared with controls. During this two week period, the researchers

gave the rats a cancer-causing chemical called carbon tetrachloride. In

the rats not fed curcumin, markers of free radical damage to colon cells

went up, but in the rats given turmeric, this increase was prevented by

dietary curcumin. Lastly, the researchers compared giving turmeric in

the diet versus injecting curcumin into the rats' colons. They found

injecting curcumin resulted in more curcumin in the blood, but much less

in the colon mucosa. They concluded, " The results show that curcumin

mixed with the diet achieves drug levels in the colon and liver

sufficient to explain the pharmacological activities observed and

suggest that this mode of administration may be preferable for the

chemoprevention of colon cancer. "

Cardiovascular Protection

Curcumin may be able to prevent the oxidation of cholesterol in the

body. Since oxidized cholesterol is what damages blood vessels and

builds up in the plaques that can lead to heart attack or stroke,

preventing the oxidation of new cholesterol may help to reduce the

progression of atherosclerosis and diabetic heart disease. In addition,

turmeric is a good source of vitamin B6, which is needed to keep

homocysteine levels from getting too high. Homocysteine, an intermediate

product of an important cellular process called methylation, is directly

damaging to blood vessel walls. High levels of homocysteine are

considered a significant risk factor for blood vessel damage,

atherosclerotic plaque build-up, and heart disease; while a high intake

of vitamin B6 is associated with a reduced risk of heart disease.

Protection against Alzheimer's Disease

Growing evidence suggests that turmeric may afford protection against

neurodegenerative diseases. Epidemiological studies show that in elderly

Indian populations, among whose diet turmeric is a common spice, levels

of neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's are very low. Concurrently,

experimental research conducted recently found that curcumin does appear

to slow the progression of Alzheimer's in mice. Preliminary studies in

mice also suggest that curcumin may block the progression of multiple

sclerosis. While it is still unclear how it may afford protection

against this degenerative condition, one theory is that it may interrupt

the production of IL-2, a protein that can play a key role in the

destruction of myelin, the sheath that serves to protect most nerves in

the body.

A number of studies have suggested that curcumin, the biologically

active constituent in turmeric, protects against Alzheimer's disease by

turning on a gene that codes for the production of antioxidant proteins.

A study published December 2003 in the Italian Journal of Biochemistry

discussed curcumin's role in the induction of the the heme oxygenase

pathway, a protective system that, when triggered in brain tissue,

causes the production of the potent antioxidant bilirubin, which

protects the brain against oxidative (free radical) injury. Such

oxidation is thought to be a major factor in aging and to be responsible

for neurodegenerative disorders including dementias like Alzheimer's

disease. Another study conducted jointly by an Italian and U.S. team and

presented at the American Physiological Society's annual scientific

conference, held April 17-21, 2004 in Washington, DC, confirmed that

curcumin strongly induces expression of the gene, called hemeoxygenase-1

(HO-1) in astrocytes from the hippocampal region of the brain.

Curcumin crosses blood-brain barrier, may help prevent Alzheimer's disease

Research conducted at UCLA and published in the December 2004 issue of

the Journal of Biological Chemistry, which has been confirmed by further

research published on-line April 20, 2006, in the Journal of

Agricultural and Food Chemistry, provides insight into the mechanisms

behind curcumin's protective effects against Alzheimer's disease.

Alzheimer's disease results when a protein fragment called amyloid?

accumulates in brain cells, producing oxidative stress and inflammation,

and forming plaques between nerve cells (neurons) in the brain that

disrupt brain function. Amyloid is a general term for protein fragments

that the body produces normally. Amyloid? is a protein fragment snipped

from another protein called amyloid precursor protein (APP). In a

healthy brain, these protein fragments are broken down and eliminated.

In Alzheimer's disease, the fragments accumulate, forming hard,

insoluble plaques between brain cells.

The UCLA researchers first conducted test tube studies in which curcumin

was shown to inhibit amyloid? aggregation and to dissolve amyloid

fibrils more effectively than the anti-inflammatory drugs ibuprofen and

naproxen. Then, using live mice, the researchers found that curcumin

crosses the blood brain barrier and binds to small ?-amyloid species.

Once bound to curcumin, the amyloid? protein fragments can no longer

clump together to form plaques. Curcumin not only binds to amyloid?, but

also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, supplying

additional protection to brain cells. The results of this research are

so promising, human clinical trials to further investigate curcumin's

potential as a preventive and/or therapeutic agent for Alzheimer's

disease will soon be underway.

Description

Turmeric was traditionally called " Indian saffron " since its deep

yellow-orange color is similar to that of the prized saffron. It has

been used throughout history as a condiment, healing remedy and textile

dye.

Turmeric comes from the root of the Curcuma longa plant and has a tough

brown skin and a deep orange flesh. This herb has a very interesting

taste and aroma. Its flavor is peppery, warm and bitter while its

fragrance is mild yet slightly reminiscent of orange and ginger, to

which it is related.

History

Turmeric is native to Indonesia and southern India, where it has been

harvested for more than 5000 years. It has served an important role in

many traditional cultures throughout the East, including being a revered

member of the Ayurvedic pharmacopeia. While Arab traders introduced it

into Europe in the 13th century, it has only recently become popular in

Western cultures. Much of its recent popularity is owed to the recent

research that has highlighted its therapeutic properties. The leading

commercial producers of turmeric include India, Indonesia, China, the

Philippines, Taiwan, Haiti and Jamaica.

How to Select and Store

Even through dried herbs and spices are widely available in

supermarkets, explore the local spice stores or ethnic markets in your

area. Oftentimes, these stores feature an expansive selection of dried

herbs and spices that are of superior quality and freshness than those

offered in regular markets. Just like with other dried spices, try to

select organically grown turmeric since this will give you more

assurance that the herb has not been irradiated. Since the color of

turmeric varies among varieties, it is not a criterion of quality.

Turmeric powder should kept in a tightly sealed container in a cool,

dark and dry place. Fresh turmeric rhizome should be kept in the

refrigerator.

How to Enjoy

For some of our favorite recipes, click Recipes

<http://www.whfoods.com/recipestoc.php>.

Tips for Preparing Turmeric:

Be careful when using turmeric since its deep color can easily stain. To

avoid a lasting stain, quickly wash any area with which it has made

contact with soap and water. To prevent staining your hands, you might

consider wearing kitchen gloves while handling turmeric.

If you are able to find turmeric rhizomes in the grocery store, you can

make your own fresh turmeric powder by boiling, drying and then grinding

it into a fine consistency.

A Few Quick Serving Ideas:

Add turmeric to egg salad to give it an even bolder yellow color.

Mix brown rice with raisins and cashews and season with turmeric, cumin

and coriander.

Although turmeric is generally a staple ingredient in curry powder, some

people like to add a little extra of this spice when preparing curries.

Turmeric is a great spice to complement recipes that feature lentils.

Give salad dressings an orange-yellow hue by adding some turmeric powder

to them.

Safety

Turmeric is not a commonly allergenic food and is not known to contain

measurable amounts of goitrogens, oxalates, or purines.

Nutritional Profile

Turmeric is an excellent source of both iron and manganese. It is also a

good source of vitamin B6, dietary fiber and potassium.

For an in-depth nutritional profile click here: Turmeric

<http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=nutrientprofile & dbid=8>.

In-Depth Nutritional Profile

In addition to the nutrients highlighted in our ratings chart, an

in-depth nutritional profile for Turmeric

<http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=nutrientprofile & dbid=8> is

also available. This profile includes information on a full array of

nutrients, including carbohydrates, sugar, soluble and insoluble fiber,

sodium, vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, amino acids and more.

Introduction to Food Rating System Chart

The following chart shows the nutrients for which this food is either an

excellent, very good or good source. Next to the nutrient name you will

find the following information: the amount of the nutrient that is

included in the noted serving of this food; the %Daily Value (DV) that

that amount represents; the nutrient density rating; and the food's

World's Healthiest Foods Rating. Underneath the chart is a table that

summarizes how the ratings were devised. Read detailed information on

our Food and Recipe Rating System

<http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=faq & dbid=22>.

Turmeric, powder

2.00 tsp

16.04 calories

Nutrient Amount DV

(%) Nutrient

Density World's Healthiest

Foods Rating

manganese 0.36 mg 18.0 20.2 excellent

iron 1.88 mg 10.4 11.7 excellent

vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) 0.08 mg 4.0 4.5 good

dietary fiber 0.96 g 3.8 4.3 good

potassium 114.48 mg 3.3 3.7 good

World's Healthiest

Foods Rating Rule

excellent DV>=75% OR Density>=7.6 AND DV>=10%

very good DV>=50% OR Density>=3.4 AND DV>=5%

good DV>=25% OR Density>=1.5 AND DV>=2.5%

In Depth Nutritional Profile for Turmeric

<http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=nutrientprofile & dbid=8>

References

* Abbey M, Noakes M, Belling GB, Nestel PJ. Partial replacement of

saturated fatty acids with almonds or walnuts lowers total plasma

cholesterol and low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol. Am J Clin

Nutr 1994 May;59(5):995-9, PMID: 16240

* Aggarwal B. Paper presented at the U.S. Defense Department's 'Era

of Hope' Breast Cancer Research Program meeting in Philadelphia,

PA, October 5, 2005,. reported in NUTRAingredients.com/Europe

" Turmeric slows breast cancer spread in mice. "

* Ahsan H, Parveen N, Khan NU, Hadi SM. Pro-oxidant, anti-oxidant

and cleavage activities on DNA of curcumin and its derivatives

demethoxycurcumin and bisdemethoxycurcumin. Chem Biol Interact

1999 Jul 1;121(2):161-75, PMID: 7690

* Arbiser JL, Klauber N, Rohan R, et al. Curcumin is an in vivo

inhibitor of angiogenesis. Mol Med 1998 Jun;4(6):376-83, PMID: 7540

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Hope wrote:

> BlankSpicy Spin on Easing Arthritis

>

> Tests on Rats Show the Curry Spice Turmeric Deserves Further Study,

> Researchers Say By Miranda Hitti

> WebMD Medical News Reviewed By Louise Chang, MD

> on Monday, October 30, 2006

>

> Oct. 30, 2006 -- Turmeric, a curry spice, may curb arthritis joint

> inflammation, new research shows.

>

> So say scientists including Janet Funk, MD, of the Arizona Health

> Sciences Center at the University of Arizona.

>

> Turmeric been used for centuries in traditional Indian Ayurvedic

> medicine to counter inflammation, Funk's team notes.

>

> " Clearly, however, additional preclinical and clinical trials must be

> conducted before the use of turmeric for arthritis can be

> recommended, " the researchers write.

>

> Their bottom line: Turmeric shows promise and deserves further study,

> but it's too soon to count on moving it from the spice rack to the

> medicine cabinet.

>

> The study appears in Arthritis & Rheumatism's November edition.

>

> Turmeric Trial

>

> First, the researchers brewed their own turmeric extract to mimic the

> chemistry of commercial turmeric supplements.

>

> Next, they injected the turmeric extract into the bellies of about 90

> female rats. For comparison, they gave other rats shots lacking turmeric.

>

> The rats got those shots every day for two weeks.

>

> Four days after starting those shots, the mice also got shots of an

> arthritic compound.

>

> Over the next 28 days, the mice in the turmeric group showed less

> joint inflammation and less joint damage than those in the comparison

> group.

>

> The study ended after that, so longer-term results aren't available.

>

> More Findings

>

> The turmeric extract apparently curbed certain genes involved in joint

> inflammation, Funk's team found.

>

> The mice in the turmeric group also showed better bone mineral density

> than those in the comparison group.

>

> Turmeric may help prevent bone loss, but that's not certain yet, the

> scientists note.

>

> Five of the 87 mice in the turmeric group died during the study. The

> reasons for those deaths aren't clear.

>

> The researchers call for more studies to see if turmeric will help

> ease arthritis in people.

>

> ----------------------------------------------------------

>

> SOURCES: Funk, J. Arthritis & Rheumatism, November 2006; vol 54: pp

> 3452-3464. News release, University of Arizona Health Sciences Center.

> News release, Wiley & Sons Inc.

>

> Hope

> Degenerative Disease Information

> juliehope@... <mailto:juliehope%40sasktel.net>

>

> Saskatchewan, Canada

> Tel: 1 306 648-2642 (CST)

> http://www.4betrhealth.com <http://www.4betrhealth.com>

>

November 6, 2006

Lynne - if it helps may as well use it - at least it can't hurt you in any way

shape or form. Not like some of our drugs can do. I noticed on the sit you

listed below there Omega3 Fatty Acids. That works wonders too and is so

important. A good immune system is the answer.

Thanks again.

Hope

Degenerative Disease Information

juliehope@...

Saskatchewan, Canada

Tel: 1 306 648-2642 (CST)

http://www.4betrhealth.com

Re: rheumatic Spice May help Arthritis Inflamation - News

Hi , here is more info. I have been using 2 teaspoons of turmeric

a day.Seems to help.Lynne G. /SD

http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice & dbid=78

<http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice & dbid=78>

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