The Mahdi Times The Mahdi Times, Issue #28, March 2015 | Page 31

cancer cells are inhibited
by curcumin in the
laboratory, and curcumin
slows the growth and
spread of some cancers in
some animal studies.
Clinical trials are underway
to find out if it can help
humans as well.
Curcumin is being studied
to find out whether it helps
other diseases such as
arthritis, Alzheimer’s
disease, and stomach
ulcers. It is also being
studied to see whether it
can help lower “bad
cholesterol” and improve
outcome in kidney
transplants. A few early
studies have been done in
humans, but much more
human research is still
needed to find out if
curcumin can be effective
in these uses.
How is it promoted for
use?
Some proponents believe
turmeric may prevent and
slow the growth of a
number of types of cancer,
particularly tumors of the
esophagus, mouth,

intestines, stomach, breast,
and skin.

Turmeric is promoted
mainly as an antiinflammatory herbal
remedy and is said to
produce fewer side effects
than commonly used pain
relievers. Some
practitioners prescribe
turmeric to relieve
inflammation caused by
arthritis, muscle sprains,
swelling and pain caused
by injuries or surgical
incisions. It is also
promoted as a treatment
for rheumatism and as an
antiseptic for cleaning
wounds. Some proponents
claim turmeric interferes
with the actions of some