Evidence supporting the use of: Turmeric
For the body system: Prostaglandins

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is widely known for its anti-inflammatory properties, which are primarily attributed to its active constituent, curcumin. Scientific research indicates that curcumin can modulate the production and activity of various prostaglandins in the body. Prostaglandins are lipid compounds involved in inflammation, pain, and the regulation of several physiological processes. Curcumin has been shown in both in vitro and animal studies to inhibit cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and lipoxygenase enzymes, which are critical in the biosynthesis of prostaglandins from arachidonic acid. This suggests a mechanism by which turmeric may influence prostaglandin-mediated pathways, thereby potentially reducing inflammation and pain.

However, much of the available evidence comes from preclinical studies, and while there are some human trials supporting turmeric's anti-inflammatory effects, direct measurement of prostaglandin modulation in humans is limited. Nevertheless, the traditional use of turmeric for inflammatory conditions aligns with these mechanistic findings. Overall, turmeric’s influence on the prostaglandin system is supported by a moderate level of scientific evidence, mostly mechanistic and preclinical, with emerging but still limited clinical confirmation.

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