Turmeric derivative ‘can treat tendonitis’Aashima Dogra

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Former Miss Universe Jennifer Hawkins showcases her own swimwear label, “Cozi”, at a fashion show in Sydney on Thursday. PHOTO:

Two separate studies published this week report the medicinal efficiency of Indian spices. Especially turmeric has been found to have wide ranging therapeutic applications from easing tendonitis to reducing triglyceride response.
Curcumin — the key component in haldi (turmeric) that gives it the potent yellow colour might be the active ingredient in anti-inflammatory drugs of the future. On testing its effects on tendon (tissue that connect bone to muscle) cell culture, scientists at the University of Nottingham, observed that it prevents the activation of the genetic switch of inflammatory response. This inhibition avoids the unnecessary inflammation of the tendons called tendonitis, which is characterised by pain and sensitivity in the joints.
Such an influence of turmeric compounds in the body’s signalling pathways makes it suitable for formulating new treatments for arthritis, other rheumatic problems and even cancer.
Another study, this one at Penn State, reports the nutritive enrichment that spices can provide in already fatty meals.
They documented the changes in blood after a high-fat meal in 2 groups of people-one ate a spicy meal and the other ate the spice free version. Researchers found that in consuming spice infused meals led to reduced the triglyceride response by about 30 per cent, increase in antioxidant activity by 13 per cent and lowered insulin response by about 20 per cent.
“In the spiced meal, we used rosemary, oregano, cinnamon, turmeric, black pepper, cloves, garlic powder and paprika,” says Ann Skulas-Ray, one of the researchers. “We selected these spices because they had potent antioxidant activity previously under controlled conditions in the lab.”
Both these studies have added weight to the pile of evidence supporting the value in traditional ways of medication.