Turmeric

TURMERIC - CURCUMIN

Turmeric has been used for thousands of years as a spice and medicinal herb in the East. Interestingly there has been a lower Covid-19 case rate fatality in SE Asia and the East Mediterranean (WHO 2020) - is it because of turmeric? Research in the past has shown that there is a benefit in taking turmeric against viruses such as; Hepatitis, Zika, Human Papilloma Virus, Herpes Simplex Virus 2 and the Respiratory Influenza Virus. A recent paper (5th November 2020) in the European Journal of Pharmacology discusses " Curcumin, a traditional spice compound, can it hold promise against Covid-19?"

PROPERTIES: it is a phytochemical with strong anti-inflammatory properties, an antioxidant and an immune enhancer.

DOSAGE: turmeric contains curcuminoids, of which curcumin is the main active ingredient. However curcumin only only makes up 3 % of turmeric per weight. So you would need to eat a lot to get any benefits! It is best taken as a supplement of around 1000mg+ turmeric. It needs to be mixed with black pepper (piperine) as this increases curcumin absorption by 2000%. It is fat soluble so best taken with a fatty meal.

BENEFITS:

• Antiviral - helps fight an acute viral illness

• Antioxidant - mops up free radicals which cause ageing and prolong chronic illness

• Boosts Brain Derived Neurotrophic factor (BDNF) a "growth hormone for the brain". Increasing BDNF can help with the symptoms of depression, prevent Alzheimers and improve memory

• Reduces chronic inflammation

• Improves the endothelial lining of the heart blood vessels - has been shown to be as beneficial as exercise and statins. Therefore helps with hypertension and heart disease

• Has anticancer properties

• Helps with chronic inflammation - beneficial for those with cancer, rheumatoid arthritis and metabolic syndrome

• Helps the liver detoxify

• Helps with fatigue

ACUTE COVID - 19:

• Hinders the entry of SARS-CoV-2 into our body. The virus uses the ACE2 receptor to enter the cells. Curcumin can block the spike protein of the virus preventing binding between with the receptor and stopping access to the cell

• Reduces the replication of the virus by interfering with the viral replication machinery

• Affects the renin-angiotensin-system (ACE1 ACE2 angiotensin) and may improve the hypertensive and inflammatory responses to Covid-19 and thus:

• Reduces the damage of Covid-19 infected tissues - lung, kidney, heart, brain and blood

• Activates the immune system

LONGCOVID:

As yet there are no research papers on turmeric and its role in helping those suffering from LongCovid. However it is a safe, non toxic supplement which has known benefits in chronic inflammation. It can help with fatigue, memory issues and may help prevent further organ damage. It would definitely be one of my recommendations.