Scientsts unravel turmeric's healing secret

In some previous studies, researchers have found that curcumin, a main ingredient in turmeric, contains many medicinal properties including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-cancerdefine agents that can protect against cancer, Alzheimer's, and other diseases.

But how exactly curcumin functions inside the body is still not known. The latest research looks at how curcumin works to increase the body's resistance to disease.

Now a new research by Michigan scientists claims to have solved the mystery behind the much hyped healing power of curcumin.

In the novel study, Indian-origin researcher Ayyalusamy Ramamoorthy, professor of biophysics, University of Michigan and his fellow workers, used a high-tech instrument termed solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and discovered that molecules of curcumin act like a biochemical disciplinarian.

The research team explains that curcumin fights infection and promotes good health after its molecules insert themselves into cell membranes and make the membranes more stable and orderly. which increases cells’ resistance to infection by disease-causing microbes.

Also known as the Indian Saffron, turmeric is the root of a tropical plant related to ginger, which has long been used in Eastern medicine - both oriental herbal medicine and Ayurveda, the traditional system of medicine from India.

Regarded as auspicious and ‘holy powder’ in India, it is used for the treatment of inflammatory and digestive disorders in both Indian Ayurvedic and Chinese medicines. It is also used in Hindu religious rituals in India.

This spice was always considered a magical herb in India, and has been used by traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda, Unani, and Siddha for treating wounds and infections. It has also been used in cosmetic preparations.

Some earlier studies have found that turmeric could be an effective enhancer of an enzyme that protects the brain against oxidative conditions. Researches have also shown that turmeric has other health benefits - it aids digestion, helps fight infection and guards against heart attacks.

The findings of the latest study appear in the Journal of the American Chemical Society, a weekly publication.