This is a summary of research papers and studies
from the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI)
ABOUT TURMERIC EXTRACT
Turmeric (Curcuma longa) has long been celebrated in traditional medicine for its vast therapeutic potential. Turmeric is a rhizomatous perennial herb of the ginger family, widely used as a spice and for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. Its main bioactive component is curcumin, which provides the characteristic yellow color and has been utilized in traditional medicine for ailments like arthritis and indigestion.
Properties
Wild turmeric (Curcuma aromatica) oil is a volatile essential oil with high concentrations of sesquiterpenes, particularly ar-turmerone, -turmerone, and -turmerone. It exhibits antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties, with a high concentration of curcuminoids in its fermented state.
Benefits
Potent Anti-Inflammatory Action
Wild turmeric oil, rich in compounds like -turmerone and curcumenes, exhibits potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-arthritic properties. Key components contributing to its activity include aromatic-turmerones, -turmerones, -turmerones, and aromatic curcumene.
Research shows it's effective for reducing joint inflammation, pain, and treating skin issues. Studies indicate that turmeric oil significantly reduces joint swelling, stiffness, and pain, providing anti-arthritic effects. It possesses wound-healing capabilities and offers photoprotective properties, which can help in reducing skin inflammation and regulating sebum. Research indicates that turmeric oil has significant anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties, with studies comparing its efficacy to agents like aspirin.
Treatment of Psoriasis and Eczema
Turmeric components inhibit phosphorylase kinase (PhK), a protein kinase that is elevated in psoriatic plaques and contributes to uncontrolled skin cell growth. Topical application has demonstrated significant reductions in plaque severity, redness, and scaling. Turmeric helps counteract itchy skin (pruritus) associated with eczema, and inhibits the infiltration of inflammatory cells and helps normalize skin thickness.
Depigmentation and Skin Lightening
Wild turmeric oil possesses skin depigmentation and lightening properties primarily through its active compounds, including ar-turmeroneand curcumin. Research confirms its role in suppressing melanin production and acting as an antioxidant to improve skin tone. The oil, particularly through its ar-turmerone constituent, inhibits tyrosinase, the rate-limiting enzyme responsible for melanin production. This slows down the formation of melanin in melanocytes.
Enhanced Moisturization
Turmeric oil (including volatile compounds like ar-turmerone) acts as a potent moisturizing agent by enhancing skin barrier integrity, which reduces Transepidermal Water Loss (TEWL). It helps improve the structural integrity of the skin, essential for maintaining hydration.
Turmeric oil possesses significant anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, with studies demonstrating substantial pain-relieving effects. Key compounds like ar-turmerone act as potent analgesics, increasing pain thresholds in animal models, with efficacy sometimes comparable to standard anti-inflammatory agents.