The most important chemical components of turmeric are a group of
compounds calledcurcuminoids, which include curcumin
(diferuloylmethane), demethoxycurcumin, and bisdemethoxycurcumin. The best studied compound is curcumin,
which constitutes 3.14% (on average) of powdered turmeric. In addition there are other important volatile oilssuch as turmerone, atlantone, and zingiberene. Some general constituents are sugars, proteins, and resins.
Chemical Formula: C21H20O6; Molecular Weight: 368.38
Metabolites: Curcumin-sulphate, Curcumin-glucuronide; Catabolites: Vanillic acid
and Ferulic acid.
Three Molecular Forms: curcumin, demethoxycurcumin and
bisdemethoxycurcumin.
Molecular structure: it is a dimer of vanillin (2 molecules of vanillin
conjoined).
Figure.1.6Molecular structure of Turmeric
Synopsis of Turmeric’s Healing Properties
Besides flavoring food, to purify the blood and skin conditions remedy
is probably the most common use of Turmeric in Ayurveda.
o
The main organs that
turmeric treats are the skin, heart, liver and lungs.
o
Turmeric is used
for epilepsy and bleeding disorders, skin diseases, to purify the body-mind,
and to help the lungs expel Kapha.
o
Activities of
Turmeric include: Alterative, analgesic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory,
anti-tumor, anti-allergic, antioxidant, antiseptic, antispasmodic, appetizer,
astringent, cardiovascular, carminative, cholagogue, digestive, diuretic,
stimulant, and vulnerary.
o
Therapeutic uses
of Turmeric: Anemia, cancer, diabetes, digestion, food poisoning,
gallstones, indigestion, IBS, parasites, poor circulation, staph infections,
and wounds.
o
Turmeric helps to
regulate the female reproductive system and purifies the uterus and breast
milk, and in men it purifies and builds semen, which is counterintuitive for a
pungent bitter.
o
Turmeric reduces
fevers, diarrhea, urinary disorders, insanity, poisoning, cough, and lactation
problems in general.
o
Turmeric is used
to treat external ulcers that respond to nothing else. Turmeric decreases Kapha
and so is used to remove mucus in the throat, watery discharges like
leucorrhea, and any pus in the eyes, ears, or in wounds, etc.
o
In Ayurveda,
cooking turmeric is everywhere, this multifaceted wonder spice helps
ü
Detoxify the
liver
ü
Balance
cholesterol levels
ü
Fight allergies
ü
Stimulate
digestion
ü
Boost immunity
ü
Enhance the
complexion
It is also an antioxidant Ayurveda recognizes turmeric as a heating
spice, contributing bitter, pungent and astringent tastes.