• Know how Haldi-Turmeric is part of life in India. Is Curcumin a Science and benefits to Muscles plus the Numerous Benefits of Turmeric. And Turmeric Eyes Drops and for Lung Support for premature born infants.

Summary of Turmeric use in India

Turmeric has been a cornerstone of Indian culture, cuisine and medicine for millennia. In Ayurveda, turmeric is known as haridra and is prescribed for its anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and digestive properties. It plays a crucial role in religious and cultural ceremonies such as weddings, where it is used in rituals symbolising purity and prosperity. In Indian cooking, turmeric is a staple ingredient, adding colour and flavour to dishes like curries, dals and pickles. Additionally, traditional remedies involve consuming turmeric with milk (haldi doodh), which is now gaining popularity in the West as ‘golden milk’ for its purported health benefits.

This article was first published in the Bhavan’s Journal.

Curcumin: Science vs. Pseudoscience

The active chemicals in turmeric are polyphenols which belong to a group of compounds known as curcuminoids with the molecular formula C21H20O6. They possess unique chemical properties that allow them to interact with a variety of biological pathways.

However, one major drawback of curcumin is its poor bioavailability, meaning the body has difficulty absorbing and utilising it efficiently. Scientists have developed various formulations such as combining it with piperine (black pepper extract), liposomal curcumin and nano-curcumin, to enhance its absorption.

While numerous studies highlight curcumin’s potential health benefits, the compound has also been at the centre of exaggerated and dubious claims. Some alternative medicine advocates claim that curcumin can cure cancer, reverse Alzheimer’s disease, and treat nearly every chronic illness. However, many of these claims lack evidence-based reasoning and robust scientific backing. 

A major issue with curcumin research is the inconsistency in study results. Factors such as low bioavailability, differences in experimental conditions, and variations in turmeric formulations contribute to conflicting findings. This has led to scepticism in the scientific community regarding curcumin’s purported efficacy beyond its well-established antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Curcumin under Radar

In recent years, the scientific journal Nature has taken a stance against publishing curcumin research papers due to widespread methodological flaws and irreproducible results in many studies. Some researchers have reported difficulties in replicating experiments due to issues such as poor solubility, unreliable controls, and exaggerated conclusions drawn from weak data. The controversy surrounding curcumin research reflects the broader problem of scientific reproducibility in natural compound studies.

While curcumin undoubtedly has some health benefits, more rigorous clinical trials with standardised methodologies are needed to clarify its true potential.

Curcumin for Muscles

Intense exercise can cause micro-tears in muscle fibres, leading to inflammation and soreness. Curcumin helps by lowering inflammatory markers and reducing oxidative stress caused by free radicals. This, in turn, improves pain perception and enhances the muscle’s range of movement, making recovery faster and more efficient. 

The study suggests that a daily intake of 1-4 grams of curcumin is effective for muscle recovery, particularly after eccentric exercises, which place higher strain on muscles.

However, experts caution that bioavailability—the body’s ability to absorb curcumin—plays a crucial role in its effectiveness. While the study highlights promising results, researchers emphasise the need for further studies, particularly in diverse populations, including female athletes and individuals undergoing hormonal changes such as menopause. 

Individual responses to curcumin can vary based on genetic, hormonal and metabolic factors.

Turmeric Thoughts

Turmeric’s potential as a natural supplement for muscle recovery is compelling. Whether you are a seasoned athlete or a fitness enthusiast, incorporating curcumin into your diet could prove to be a natural way to support your body’s recovery process. However, consulting a healthcare professional for personalised advice on dosage and timing remains crucial. As research continues, turmeric may soon become a staple in sports nutrition.

1. Natural Dye: Turmeric has been used for centuries as a natural dye for fabrics, giving them a vibrant yellow hue. In India, it is still used to colour clothing and even wedding garments.

2. Glow in the Dark: When mixed with boric acid, turmeric glows bright red under UV light, making it a fun experiment for science enthusiasts.

3. Ancient Cosmetic: In ancient India, turmeric was applied to the skin as a beauty treatment, believed to impart a natural glow and prevent acne.

4. Holy Spice: Turmeric is considered sacred in Hindu rituals and is used in religious ceremonies, often applied to idols and as a symbolic offering.

5. Turmeric Latte: Also known as ‘golden milk’, turmeric-infused milk has gained global popularity as a health drink, particularly in Western wellness circles.

6. Anti-Ant Venom: Some cultures believe that turmeric powder deters ants and other insects, using it as a natural repellent.

7. Historical Medicine: Marco Polo mentioned turmeric in his travel records in 1280, marvelling at its similarities to saffron in colour and properties.

8. NASA’s Space Connection: Researchers have explored curcumin’s potential in space medicine, as it could help counteract muscle and bone loss in astronauts.

9. Turmeric Teeth Whitening: Some people use turmeric as a natural teeth whitener despite its strong yellow colour!

10. Unusual Ice Cream Flavour: Turmeric has found its way into the world of desserts, with some chefs creating turmeric-flavoured ice creams that combine sweetness with spice.

Turmeric Milk Again

You might have noticed ‘golden’ turmeric milk on the menus of several eateries and cafes. Though recently advertised as a caffeine-free, healthy coffee alternative, the drink is a fancified version of haldi doodh—a traditional Indian beverage often used as an at-home cold remedy. 

Researchers have developed an efficient method to make a plant-based, instant version of the drink that maintains the beneficial properties of the ingredients while also extending their shelf life.

Curcumin is difficult to separate from turmeric, requiring complicated extraction techniques that involve organic solvents, multiple days and lots of energy. The compound tends to break down over time, shortening its shelf life. So, inspired by golden milk, scientists investigated whether there was a way to extract and store curcumin within plant-based milk.

They first added turmeric powder to an alkaline solution, where the high pH made the curcumin more soluble and easier to extract than in plain water. This deep red solution was then added to a sample of soy milk, turning it a dark yellow colour. They brought it down to a neutral pH of around 7. Just like low-pH acids, high-pH bases are not the most pleasant things to consume. The neutralised pseudo-golden milk could be enjoyed as is, but to further preserve it, the team removed the water from the solution through freeze-drying, producing an instant golden milk powder.

Turmeric Eye Drops

A derivative of turmeric could be used in eye drops to treat the early stages of glaucoma. The researchers report a new method to deliver curcumin, extracted from turmeric, directly to the back of the eye using eye drops, overcoming the challenge of curcumin’s poor solubility. 

The research team found that the eye drops can reduce the loss of retinal cells in rats, which is known to be an early sign of glaucoma. They are also investigating how the eye drops could be used as a diagnostic tool for a range of conditions.

Turmeric gives Lung Support

Now, new research finds that curcumin may provide lasting protection against potentially deadly lung damage in premature infants. Premature infants often need the assistance of ventilators and forced oxygen therapy because they are frequently born with inadequate lung function. These therapies can cause the infants to suffer lasting lung damage and even death.

Researchers at the Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute discovered that curcumin provided protection against bronchopulmonary dysplasia, a condition characterised by scarring and inflammation, and against hyperoxia, in which too much oxygen enters the body through the lungs, for up to 21 days after birth.

The Future of Turmeric Research

While turmeric’s benefits are documented in traditional knowledge systems, scientific validation is crucial for its acceptance in modern medicine. 

Researchers are working to understand its mechanisms of action at the molecular level, aiming to develop more effective formulations.

As the demand for natural and plant-based remedies rises worldwide, turmeric stands out as a promising candidate for integrative healthcare. Turmeric’s journey from ancient kitchens to high-tech laboratories is a testament to the enduring wisdom of traditional medicine and the power of scientific inquiry. As research continues to unfold, this golden spice may yet hold the key to many health breakthroughs in the years to come. 

To read all articles on Ayurveda

This article was first published in the Bhavan’s Journal, 1-15 May 2025 issue. This article is courtesy and copyright Bhavan’s Journal, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Mumbai-400007. eSamskriti has obtained permission from Bhavan’s Journal to share. Do subscribe to the Bhavan’s Journal – it is very good.

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2. Ayurveda fundamentals and science – a perspective