Nutritional Composition, Bioavailability, Medicinal Functions and Uses of Turmeric: A Review

Abstract

In recent years, studies have placed a greater emphasis on the scientific evaluation of historical plant-based medications, as well as the examination of various plant parts for medicinal and pharmacological significance. In light of cultural histories and ancient medicine from previous decades, which have continued to promote the healing benefits of plants and their extracts, the medicinal values of plants cannot be overstated. Nutraceuticals are the use of therapeutic properties of plants or plant parts to prevent and control illness. The Zingiberaceae family includes Curcuma longa (Turmeric), which is one of the most innovative nutraceuticals. It is widely grown and consumed in India and Asian countries as a shelf-life enhancer and preservative, aromatic, and coloring ingredient. It possesses anti-glycemic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-carcinogenic, and anti-viral properties, among other health advantages. For millennia, Curcuma longa has been regarded safe to use as a spice and seasoning.

Chemical assessment of the quality of palm oil produced and sold in major markets in Orlu zone in Imo state, Nigeria

“…Basically, FFA is the widely used method for examining the quality of palm oil, increased FFA beyond normal (5%) is known to cause an increased risk of coronary heart disease, a leading cause of death in Western nations (Ngando et al, 2011). In order to limit lipase activity, fresh fruit bunches must be handled gently and above all, processed rapidly after harvest to inhibit free radicals of reactive oxygen species, lipid peroxidation, and up-regulating other free radical detoxification mechanisms (Ugo, 2022).…”

Ameliorating Effects of Curcumin on Diabetes

“…They are components in diet asides from those required for day-to-day functions which control changes in an individual's state of health and well-being. Studies which range from in vitro to in vivo experiments showed that curcumin, the major component of turmeric has biological activities, contains vitamins or vitamin precursors that produce ascorbic acid, beta-carotene, polyphenols, fatty acids, and essential oils mainly terpenoids (Ugo et al, 2022). These nutrients indicate the effective and important nature of curcumin.…”

“…However, in life, the general rule that applies is that consumption of any substance in excess is not a wise idea as it could lead to complications as nephrotoxicity, diarrhoea, elevated liver function tests, and an increased risk of bleeding have all been linked to high dosages of curcumin (Silva et al, 2021) This indicates that while this is a "wonder-working herb" of some sort, its use should also be in moderation. It has been speculated that the weak water solubility and rapid gastrointestinal digestion of curcumin, which lower its bioavailability, may contribute to the substance's low toxicity (Ugo et al, 2022).…”

“…Asides these, other reasons account for curcumin's limited bioavailability: low water solubility which means that its efficacy can be limited when taken orally, poor absorption, and significant metabolic conversion. Although curcumin's polarity and slow rate of dissolution contribute to its limited solubility in water, its lipophilic nature plays a critical role in its malabsorption (Ugo et al, 2022).…”

Evaluation of commercial doses of a feed additive and silymarin on broiler performance with and without CCl4-induced liver damage

“…Silymarin, betaine, and turmeric extracts have been extensively studied because of their benefits, which have been summarized in many reviews ( Yarru et al, 2009 ; Akhavan-Salamat and Ghasemi, 2016 ; Zaker-Esteghamati et al, 2020 ; Nawab et al, 2020 ; Mishra et al, 2021 ; Abd El-Hack et al, 2021 ; Abd El-Ghany and Babazadeh, 2022 ; Alagawany et al, 2022 ; Ugo et al, 2022 ; Elnesr et al, 2023 ; Gana et al, 2023 ; Guerrini and Tedesco, 2023 ; Surai and Surai, 2023 ; Sureshbabu et al, 2023 ). Adding these active ingredients to livestock and poultry feed improves metabolism, reproduction, immunity, nutrient digestibility, fat metabolism and can alleviate chronic liver injuries and mitigate the detrimental effects of heat stress, improving overall health and favoring animal growth and development.…”