Beyond. Health and Wellness Magazine July 2016 | Page 15

Turmeric
RESEARCH OF THE MONTH:

Evaluation of turmeric (Curcuma longa) effect
on biochemical and pathological parameters of
liver and kidney in chicken aflatoxicosis.
AUTHORS:
Gholami-Ahangaran, Majid1
Rangsaz, Nader2
Azizi, Shahrzad3

SOURCE:
Pharmaceutical Biology.
May2016, Vol. 54 Issue 5,
p780-787. 8p.

M

any times in research with rats, aflatoxin
is used to induce an inflammatory state.
Aflatoxins are naturally occurring toxins
that are produced by a specific species of fungus
called Aspergillus. The toxins released from this
fungus are very potent and lead to cell death,
interference with DNA signaling, decreased protein
synthesis and break down the cell membrane
leading to cell damage. Because of these effects,
there are effects on various organs and leads to
liver and kidney impairment, decreased protein and
fat utilization, and organ shutdown.

Turmeric, also known by the botanical name
Curcuma longa, is a bright yellow aromatic
powder that is a root from the ginger family.
It has been used for centuries in the Middle
East and Asian cultures for its medicinal and
cooking purposes. Lately, it has been brought
to light the many effects it has on decreasing
inflammation and promoting optimal health
and wellness throughout life. To some, it is
known as the most powerful herb because of
its ability to fight disease.

There are over 6000 published research
reports on turmeric and research suggests
that turmeric may help in treating many
inflammatory diseases, including heart
disease, high cholesterol, indigestion, liver
concerns, Alzheimer’s disease, joint pain, and
even some cancers.
This research, like many of the other
research studies on turmeric, revealed the
undeniable benefits of turmeric. Even though
the rats were exposed to high levels of this
carcinogenic agent, turmeric, if they were also
given the protective agent of turmeric than
they had documented better levels of kidney
and liver function. This showed that there
were protective properties of turmeric most
likely due to the anti-inflammatory properties
of turmeric.
Every day we are exposed to environmental
toxins. We can not always decrease or limit
these exposures. Therefore, it is important
to make sure that we have the proper antiinflammatories that will reduce the response
to these toxins. Research time and time again
reveals the many benefits of turmeric.

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