Turmeric
Turmeric, the dried rhizome powder of Curcuma Longa, an herb of the Zingiberaceae (Ginger) family, is widely cultivated in Asia, India, China and other tropical countries. Turmeric contains Curcumin, an orange yellow component, known for its anti-viral, anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory effects in the last two decades.
Turmeric is used in Hindu religious ceremonies. Hindus are known to apply a mixture of turmeric and sandalwood powder on their foreheads.
Preclinical and clinical data have demonstrated the effectiveness of curcumin in the prevention and treatment of various human diseases such as skin, cardiovascular, inflammatory, and neurological diseases (2).
Curcumin consumption reduces inflammation and supports immunity
Curcuminoids are the main chemical principles of turmeric, which have been shown to modulate the activation of T cells, B cells, macrophages, and natural killer cells. Curcumin can downregulate the expression of proinflammatory cytokines and enhance antibody responses; therefore, modulating the immune system (1).
Research has also shown that curcumin can relieve lung inflammation and infection caused by influenza A viruses by inhibiting the NF-κB signaling pathway (3).