The Use Of Turmeric In Herbal Medicine

The health benefits of turmeric are dependent on the composition of turmeric, which include the photochemical, chemical, vitamin compositions and the essential oils present in turmeric.

Diarylheptanoids is a group of phytochemicals found in turmeric. They are a number of curcuminoids and the most active of them all is curcumin. Others in this class are dimethoxycurcumin and bisdemethoxycurcumin. Also found in turmeric are essential oils of which the most active are turmerone, gemacrone, atlantone and zingiberene.

Curcumin, the major active ingredient in Turmeric has a wide range of medicinal activities and it is composed of phytochemicals, mineral/vitamins and dietary fiber.

Minerals in curcumin are magnesium, potassium, sodium, iron, manganese, calcium, phosphorus and selenium. The following vitamins are included in Turmeric, vitamins C, E, K, B6 and folate. Turmeric is a very good source of dietary fiber and fatty acids are w-fatty acid and alpha-linolenic acid.

Curcumin possesses anticancer properties along with anti-inflammatory, anti-Alzheimer’s and anti-tumour potentials. It also has hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, cardioprotective, anti-rheumatic, anti-diabetic, hypoglycemic and analgesic activities.

The essential oils in curcumin are ar-turmerone, alpha-turmerone and beta-turmerone and they are biologically active constituents. These essential oils are endowed with anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antioxidative potentials. The curcuminoids and the volatile essential oils are responsible for the health benefits of turmeric.

Uses of turmeric in herbal medicine

Turmeric, like we know has been used for more than 4000 years in the Indian Ayurvedic medicine. There has also been extensive use of it in the Chinese traditional medicine and in parts of Asia.

Much research has been conducted in these areas and we owe the knowledge that we have today to the people of these regions, especially the Indians. The use of turmeric in the Western world and parts of Africa has been in the last hundred years, which time herbal medicine spread to these parts of the world.

Turmeric is a very interesting plant, which find its uses in the colouring, flavouring, cosmetic and medicinal/pharmaceutical industries. As expected, we are interested only in its medicinal uses. There is hardly any part of the body that you would not find the uses of turmeric. It can be used in the prevention and treatment of the following diseases listed below.

Digestive disorders, reduction of flatulence, menstrual problems, abdominal pain and bloating, dyspeptic pain and peptic ulcer, liver, gall bladder and bladder ailments along with urinary tract infection.

Other conditions are small pox, chicken pox, skin cancer and wound healing, conjunctivitis and uveitis. The digestive organs that turmeric target in the gastrointestinal system include the treatment of adenomatous polyposis in the intestine and in the colon; it is useful for the treatment of inflammatory bowel syndrome.

In the prevention and treatment of all these diseases in the human body, Turmeric utilises its medicinal properties, which we have found to be numerous. For example, we see in the case of the inflammatory diseases, which more often than not, are accompanied by pain, both the analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric come into play.

Furthermore, Turmeric, being loaded with antioxidants is highly indicated in those conditions caused by the accumulation of free radicals that lead to extensive damage of cells, tissues and organs by oxidative stress. This damage will further lead to the development of cancer, especially if the DNA becomes damaged.

It is important in Herbal Medicine that the products should be built up in the body for them to be effective in the management of these different conditions in the body.

In fact, the use of herbal products should be a new life style for our bodies to also become used to the new environment of the herbal product.

Turmeric like most of such herbal products should be added to different meals as the ground powder or added to water or beverages. Turmeric leaves can be dried, ground to powder and infused in water. The final product can be drunk as tea. Regular and continuous consumption of turmeric is encouraged for it to be effective.

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Bitter Leaf, Scent Leaf Can Help Cure Diabetes - Experts

One discovery being backed by science is that bitter leaf and scent leaf combined with normal routine diabetes medications drastically reduce sugar levels in people with diabetes.

In a new study, researchers found that the combination of these extracts with normal routine medications had better sugar level control when compared with only routine medication usage. Aside this, the use of two herbs also seemed to mitigate some symptoms of diabetes.

The study indicated that patients on both bitter leaf and scent leaf extracts had better blood sugar control when compared with those that had only one extract administered or those that served as controls and didn’t receive the extracts.

For the study, a total of 38 diabetic patients were enrolled within the Rumuepirikom community in Obio Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State for the study done over a four-week duration

Disease duration in each patient was roughly estimated from the time the disease was clinically diagnosed by medical personnel and all the patients had some basic investigations carried out before the commencement of the study.

Each patient was assigned to one of six groups based on age of onset of the disease, disease duration in the individual and the severity of the disease in the patient.

Their daily fasting blood sugar levels were monitored and extracts of both leaves daily obtained naturally by water extraction were administered to them accordingly.

Some groups had the extracts administered alone; some had the extracts given alongside their routine anti-diabetic medication while some served as control.

The 2018 study, published in the International Journal of Chemistry and Chemical Processes, involved Udeh Winifred and Mene Alexander at the University of Port Harcourt.

The study showed that patients on both Bitter leaf and scent leaf extracts combined had better  blood sugar control when compared with those that had only one extract administered solely or those that served as control and didn’t receive the extracts at all.

Patients that received doses of single extracts alone also had better controlled sugar level results than those who did not receive extracts at all. Also, patients who took the extracts alongside their routine medication had better sugar level control than those who took their medications alone without the extracts.

Bitter leaf is one of the most widely consumed leaf vegetables. The leaves, with a sweet and bitter taste, are sold fresh or dried, and are a typical ingredient in melon soup.

Bitter leaf is well known as a medicinal plant with several uses attributed to it, including treatment for diabetes, fever reduction, and recently a non-pharmaceutical solution to persistent fever, headache and joint pain associated with AIDS. Its roots have been used for relief from gingivitis and toothache due to its proven antimicrobial activity.

Scent leaf, locally called daidoya in Hausa, Efinrin in Yoruba and  Ntonng in Ibibio has a range of culinary and medicinal applications including the treatment of stomach ache, diarrhoea, chronic dysentery and vomiting. Its squeezed leaves are applied on the skin for treating skin diseases and ringworm.

Diabetes is a widespread disorder affecting the blood sugar and insulin levels in the body. Managing the long-term consequences and complications of diabetes is as much of a challenge as the disease itself.

There are two main types of diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is where the pancreas produces no insulin. Type 2 diabetes is more common. With type 2, the body either does not produce enough insulin or produces insulin that the body does not use properly.

There are many treatment options for people with type 2 diabetes. Growing research, however, suggests that some herbs and supplements could be combined with more traditional methods to find relief from many type 2 diabetes symptoms.

In fact, because certain herbs, vitamins and supplements may interact with diabetes medications (including insulin) and increase their hypoglycemic effects, it is often argued that use of natural therapies could reduce blood sugars to dangerously low levels and raise the risk of other diabetes complications.

Moreover, plant-based therapies that have been shown in some studies to have anti-diabetic properties include aloe vera, bitter melon, ginger and okra.

Preliminary research suggests that intake of aloe vera juice can help improve blood glucose levels and may therefore be useful in treating people with diabetes.

Researchers from the University of Sydney, Australia, found that extracts from Buderim Ginger (Australian grown ginger) rich in gingerols – the major active component of ginger rhizome – can increase uptake of glucose into muscle cells without using insulin, and may therefore assist in the management of high blood sugar levels.

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How To Achieve Effective Vaccination Against Liver, Cervical Cancers - Expert

A health expert, Dr Lai Ogunbiyi,  has called for urgent  commencement of national immunisation of Nigerians against the scourge of liver cancer and cervical cancer in Nigeria. 

Ogunbiyi, who is the Managing Director, Signal Health Nigeria Ltd., said  despite the availability of effective preventive vaccines, liver cancer and cervical cancer continue to kill Nigerians. 

Liver cancer, caused by Hepatitis B virus is the number two killer in Nigeria after malaria. Hepatitis B virus is about 100 times more infectious than HIV and is predominantly transmitted via sexual contact.  

However, because it is present in all bodily fluids and has an inherent high infection rate compared to other viruses, it can also be transmitted casually such as via coughing or kissing, mother to child at birth and by close contact or proximity to an infected individual. 

Ogunbiyi said 28 Nigerians die of liver cancer everyday, that is, more than one person an hour. “Liver cancer caused by Hepatitis B virus can be completely and effectively prevented by vaccines. 

The vaccination regimen usually calls for three vaccinations given at time intervals of   0, 1 month and 6 months. Efficacy of prevention is usually in the 99 percent range. 

Noting the demography of infection in Lagos State  presents a unique challenge, he said the infection rate in surgeons and emergency room madicals technicians exceeds the average infection rate of Lagos state. 

“As a resultt of the work these professional do, they  present a major source of spreading the virus in Lagos State and will require particular attention with respect ot a state immunisation programme. 

Arguing for the national vaccination drive, Ogunbiyi said it is generally recommended that the populace should be vaccinated starting with firstline responders such as the police, solders, firemen, healthcare professionals before progressing to the rest of the population. 

Further, Ogunbiyi said cervical cancer is a concern primarily caused by sexual transmission of the Human Papilloma virus (HPV) and unfortunately, Nigeria ranks 1st in deaths from cervical cancer in the 24 countries that constitute North and West Africa and is10th in the world.

 “Conservatively, about 30 women die of cervical cancer everyday in Nigeria. Cervical cancer currently affects 23.7 percent of girls and women between the ages of 15 – 44 years. It is projected to increase to 62 percent in Nigeria over the next 10-15 years. 

“Highly effective vaccines have been developed for the prevention of cervical cancer. A most effective strategy for prevention requires cervical cancer vaccination in routine annual immunisation programmes to ensure extensive coverage of the population over time."

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Home Management Of Rheumatoid Arthritis

If you have rheumatoid arthritis, you can take steps at home to manage your pain and stay active. Pay attention to your pain. Change your activity level or how you do a task to avoid making your pain worse.

Change position often. When writing, doing crafts or driving, release your grip every 10 to 15 minutes. 

When watching television or using the computer, get up and move around every 30 minutes. Look for tools and utensils designed for people with arthritis. 

Products such as anti-vibration gloves and large-diameter pens and kitchen utensils can reduce the pain caused by gripping or pinching movements. Conserve energy. 

Balance periods of rest and activity during the day. Work at a steady, moderate pace with frequent short breaks. Stop and rest before you become too tired or sore. 

Soaking your hands or feet in warm or cool water may help relieve joint pain and stiffness. Get enough sleep, eat a healthy diet and be as physically active as you can. 

If you are overweight, even a modest amount of weight loss can ease pressure on your joints. If you smoke, ask your doctor to help you quit. 

For more ideas about how to manage your joint pain, talk with a health expert.

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World Food Day: NAFDAC Decries Poor Handling Of Foods By Producers

As the World marked this year’s World Food Safety Day yesterday, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, has decried poor handling of foods in Nigeria by producers and sellers, saying the populace and consumers are being exposed unduly to health risks from contaminants.

At a briefing to mark the Day in Lagos with the theme: “Food Safety, Everyone’s Business”, the Director-General of NAFDAC, Dr. Christianah Adeyeye, also disclosed that the World Health Organisation, WHO’s, report showed that an estimated 600 million cases of food borne diseases occur annually while children under age five carry 40 percent of the burden of the disease with 125,000 deaths every year.

Adeyeye said in Nigeria, there had been reoccurring food safety issues as well as emerging issues including artificial ripening of fruits using unapproved agents such as calcium carbide which she said, could have deleterious effects on health when such fruits are consumed.

“Unauthorised chemicals such as dichlorvos for storage of grains and other agricultural produce by unauthorised persons could lead to contamination of the stored products.  

Implicated in this practice also are exporters and dealers of agricultural commodities who spray hazardous pesticides on produce during storage to prevent damage by pests at the cost of human lives and public health.  

All these among other poor practices unduly expose the populace to health risk from these contaminants.” Continuing, she listed other food safety challenges in the country to include; display of food products in the sun which could produce harmful by products such as benzene in soft drinks, poor transportation, and use of non-food grade packaging materials amongst others.

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How To Reduce Your Liver Cancer Risk

While it’s not always possible to prevent liver cancer, you can reduce your risk by being vaccinated against hepatitis B, being tested for hepatitis C, practising safe sex, and limiting your consumption of alcohol.

Hepatitis B can be transferred from mother to baby during childbirth or breastfeeding, often resulting in a chronic infection. 

What many people do not realise is that it is relatively easy to contract the hepatitis B virus, unlike viruses such as HIV. 

Simply sharing a toothbrush or having small cuts on your hand and touching a doorknob with a trace amount of blood from someone with hepatitis B is enough to contract the infection.

People who become infected with the hepatitis B virus are often not ill when they acquired it and may otherwise be unaware of the infection until it does substantial damage. 

If you have a family history of people who had liver disease, get tested for the disease. The consistent use of condoms can greatly reduce your risk. 

If you have hepatitis B, you should advise your partner so that he or she can get vaccinated. Cut down on your number of sex partners. Limit processed foods and red meats. 

If you are a smoker, now is the time to quit. Don’t share injection needles and syringes.

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