A Comprehensive Exploration of Turmeric Extract and Its Role in Dietary Supplements
Turmeric, popular for its vibrant yellow palette and distinctive earthly flavor, is not only a crucial ingredient in traditional Asian dishes. It also boasts a significant stature in the realm of dietary supplements, specifically its concentrated form, the turmeric extract.
Introduction to Turmeric Extract
Belonging to the ginger family, Turmeric, more formally called Curcuma longa, is a perennial plant. The roots of this plant are multi-purpose – they are used in cooking, traditional medicine, and in the production of extracts.
Extract of turmeric refers to the concentrated bioactive compounds found in the plant, the most potent one being curcumin.
Turmeric: Tracing its Rich History
The roots of turmeric’s history are nearly 4000 years old, pointing back to India. Originally used as a critical component in Hindu spiritual ceremonies, it gradually found relevance in the ancient practice of Ayurveda. As the centuries unfolded, turmeric’s popularity broadened geographically – reaching China by 700 AD, East Africa by 800 AD, West Africa by 1200 AD, and Jamaica in the 18th century. In the current era, turmeric enjoys worldwide recognition, especially in the health and wellness sectors.
The Journey: Processing Turmeric From Root to Extract
Turmeric root goes through several manual steps, including harvesting, cleaning, drying, and polishing, before being converted into a powder form. The extraction process involves separating the oils from the solids. The remaining solids are then utilized to manufacture turmeric extract, which has a high concentration of curcumin, the powerhouse behind turmeric’s health benefits.
The Science Behind Turmeric Extract
Extensive research into curcumin, the primary active compound in turmeric extract, has unraveled a couple of its impressive properties:
Anti-inflammatory properties: Curcumin combats inflammation at the molecular level, blocking specific molecules responsible for initiating inflammation.
Antioxidant properties: Curcumin neutralizes free radicals – the reactive molecules causing cellular damage. Intriguingly, it also enhances the body’s own antioxidant enzymes.
Turmeric Extract in Dietary Supplements
More than the properties mentioned earlier, turmeric extract is gaining momentum in dietary supplements for these reasons:
Arthritis relief(Joint health): The anti-inflammatory properties in curcumin associated with the extract may alleviate joint inflammation and symptoms of arthritis.
Depression management: Various studies suggest that curcumin shows potential as an antidepressant.
Cancer prevention: Curcumin’s potential effects on inhibiting cancer cell growth and metastasis have captured researchers’ interest, thus studying its impact on diverse forms of cancer like breast, colon, pancreatic, and prostate.
Skin health: The extract is also a favorite ingredient in skin products. It can potentially curb skin conditions like acne, eczema, and psoriasis due to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.