Curcumin: A Review of Its’ Effects on Human Health

Turmeric, commonly referred to as “Indian saffron” or the “golden spice”, is a rhizomatous herbaceous perennial plant (Curcuma longa) and belongs to the ginger family. Spices made from the ground roots of the plant are available commercially. It has been used an active ingredient for formulating various medicinal preparations, and finds regular use in Ayurveda and Chinese medicine. Turmeric,  and its constituent ingredients are being considered as multitargeted phytochemicals in the treatment of cancer as cell functions like apoptosis, autophagy, and cell cycle arrest are affected by its use. It has been shown to improve systemic markers of oxidative stress  and its effect on free radicals is carried out by several different mechanisms. This brief review discusses the health benefits of curcumin as well as its medicinal use.