Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a herbaceous plant from berimpang-jahean ginger family (Zingiberaceae), which originated from tropical South Asia. These plants need a temperature of 20 ° C to 30 ° C and rainfall to grow a normal routine.
Plant part used is the rhizome much it. Turmeric rhizome is used extensively in the field of food. Kari is one type of food that uses turmeric. Yellow pigment in turmeric (coded E100) used to protect food products against sun damage. When used with other pigments, namely annatto (E160b), turmeric can be used to give color to cheese, yogurt, butter, and margarine.
Chemical compounds contained in turmeric is kurkumin (polyphenol compound) and essential oil. Kurkumin is an active compound in turmeric, which is found in two forms Tautomer, namely the keto form in solid phase and the enol form in solution phase.
A 2004 study at the University of California showed that "kurkumin" compounds can inhibit the accumulation of destructive beta-amyloid in the brains of Alzheimer's disease and also describe plaques that have been there before.
Given also that "kurkumin" is a compound MAO-A inhibitors (monoamin oxidase) is strong at doses above 150 mg/kg. Inhibitory efficacy of MAO-B is at doses above 550 mg/kg.
A recent study on laboratory mice showed that turmeric can slow the spread of breast cancer to the lungs and other body parts.
Kurkumin also have the efficacy to relieve pain. A study published in November 2006 in the journal Arthritis & Rheumatism shows the effectiveness of relief kurkumin as inflammation in the joints. This compound is a natural inhibitor of COX-2 enzyme.
A study in 2008 and concluded that turmeric is also able to reduce insulin resistance and prevent type 2 diabetes in laboratory mice.
In addition to the health benefit, turmeric is also useful for skin care and beauty. Several formulations of sunscreen (sunscreen) contains turmeric. Turmeric paste is used by women in India to remove the excess hair on the skin.
Compounds THCs (tetrahydrocurcuminoids) in turmeric useful as antioxidants and skin brightening, which has prospects in the manufacture of cosmetic formula.
