Turmeric May Potentially Help the Fight Against Malaria

(Newswire.net — October 25, 2016) Orlando, FL — Turmeric has been, for thousands of years, used as a natural alternative for a wide range of conditions. This unique spice may also be helpful in getting more protection against certain diseases.

Scientific studies reveal turmeric may potentially be able to help fight malaria. There have been studies that reveal this ancient spice may contain some insect repellant properties. This means it may potentially fight mosquitoes, including the Plasmodium falciparum, which is a malaria-causing parasite.

It has also been found that there are turmeric compounds that may have the ability to block the growth and activity of P. falciparum. Thus, it has the potential to help individuals who are infected with the malaria parasite.

People may be infected by malaria when they are bitten by an infected mosquito, which transmits blood parasites. There are other species of Plasmodium that may cause malaria. However, it is the P. Falciparum that is considered to be the most common disease-causing parasite in humans.

Some of the symptoms of malaria are chills, pains, aches, diarrhea, fever, vomiting, low blood sugar, and weakness.  When the infection is not treated or when it worsens, it may lead to severe anemia, kidney failure, and respiratory distress.

In Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine, turmeric has been utilized for thousands of years to help fight a range of conditions. It is believed to offer a myriad of potential health benefits.

Turmeric rhizomes have a deep yellow-orange color with a potent taste. Turmeric can be added to a wide variety of dishes and beverages.  Many of the potentially beneficial effects of turmeric are believed to come from its phytochemical called curcumin.

Curcumin is believed to contain antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-carcinogenic, antiviral, and antiseptic properties. These properties are believed to play an important role in the health benefit potentials of the spice.

In a laboratory study, it was found that curcumin may have the ability to block the growth of P. Falciparum, which causes malaria. It is important to note that the type of P. falciparum used in the study was a drug-resistant variety.  The study suggests that curcumin may have the ability to help fight malaria cases that are unresponsive to chloroquine treatment.

Today, there are curcumin supplements for individuals who want to obtain the unique properties of the phytochemical. There are curcumin supplements that also contain a potential bioavailability-enhancing ingredient called piperine. Piperine is a black pepper extract believed to help increase the absorption of curcumin inside the body.

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