Dr. Banarsi Lal
Health is the biggest wealth for all of us. Presently we are grappling with the unforeseen deadly Coronavirus pandemic. Immunity is our body natural defence against diseases-causing bacteria and fungus. It is due to the weak immune system because of which people are being affected by the widespread pandemic. Experts are guiding us to strengthen the immune system of body so that we can save ourselves from this virus. In order to fortify our immune system we should think for our ancient wisdom of the Indian kitchen system. Turmeric is loaded with anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and anti-bacterial properties due to presence of curcumin in it. So it should be added in our diet so that we can fight against different kinds of viral and bacterial diseases by strengthening our immunity system. Turmeric is the yellow spice extracted from the tuberose rhizome of the plant Curcuma longa. It was originated from the South Asia region. Its scientific name is Curcuma longa belonging to Zingiberaceae family and is considered as the triploid. In Hindi it is commonly called as Haldi. It has been used in the traditional Indian systems of medicines for centuries to treat different types of ailments such as anorexia, diabetic wounds, jaundice, hepatic disorders and menstrual difficulties. Medicinal effects of turmeric are attributed to curcumin, the principal curcumanoid found in turmeric. Curcumin contains strong anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties. It is helpful to cure cancer and other inflammatory diseases. Curcumin affect has also been seen on the lymphoid cell populations, antigen presentations, cytokine production, humoral and cell-mediated immunity. Turmeric if taken properly, it can considerably reduce the chance of sickness. Nutritionists and health experts have often considered turmeric as the booster for health immunity. Now as the summers are approaching, our immune system gets compromised slightly due to change in weather. Due to the weak immunity system people get affected by the various viruses and bacterial diseases. Turmeric contains anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and anti-bacterial properties. It also keeps us away from various serious ailments. Turmeric contains 3-5 % of curcumin and it helps us to make our immunity stronger. Curcumin is phyto-derivative and it contains the healing properties. As the season approaches from cold to warm, individuals are affected by the flu or cold. Turmeric helps to cleanse the respiratory tract naturally. It protects the individuals from flu or cold and helps to fight the infection. People suffering with bronchial problems such as Sinuits, Sinus etc. face lot of problems. Curcumin in turmeric is helpful to fight against such kinds of problems by building the strong immunity system. Bronchial asthma, congestion of nose and airways due to inflammation, cough, cold and shortness of breath affects children, adults and elderly people. Inflammation constricts the airways and thus makes it difficult to breathe. It leads to chronic inflammation and affects the lungs tissues. Curcumin in turmeric inhibits inflammation, relieves congestion, pain and improves breathing. Curcumin boosts the immunity of body and helps to fight against the various viral infections. It reduces the inflammation and reduces the cause of viral infection. It contains all the antiviral properties and reduces the replication of virus. It reduces the viral load. Although a good diet, proper sleep and a good exercise are good factors to strengthen the immunity but turmeric is very handy to improve the immunity of the body. Turmeric also said to be the golden spice is one of the most important spices across the globe. It contains a wide spectrum of qualities and medicinal uses. For countless centuries, many different people are using this versatile herb to treat a myriad of ailments. This crop is known for its multipurpose value such as for the medicines, colour pigment, spicy flavor etc. It is anti-cancerous, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antiproliferative, antioxidant, carminative diuretic etc. The curcumin found in it is used as a food colourant. Turmeric annual growth rate in terms of area is 3.7% and in terms of production is 9.1%. Its somatic chromosome number is 63.Modern science has recognized the healing qualities of turmeric and much research is being conducted on it. Presently turmeric is being used in the treatment of the most intense ailments afflicting today such as Diabetes, Sclerosis, Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Acne, Kidney Infections, Alzheimer’s disease, Arthritis, Anemia, Leprosy etc. It can also be used as the mosquito repellent, cure of scorpion stings and wound healer. It also helps to balance the reproductive system of the females and males. Presently it is one of the most important herbs in any natural medicines. Turmeric was very sacred to the Aryans due to its golden yellow colour. Even now the Hindus consider turmeric to have auspicious qualities and use it in many sacred ceremonies. During the Indian wedding ceremonies, the bride and groom paste it on their bodies. India is the largest producer, consumer and exporter of turmeric in the world and 46% of world turmeric trade is run by India. Jamaica and Peru are the main exporters of turmeric while Iran is the largest importer. In India total area under turmeric is about 1, 72,000 ha and total production is about 8, 51,000 tonnes. Turmeric occupies 6.6 per cent of total area of spices in India. In order to mitigate the increasing demand of this spice there is dire need to cultivate this crop in a scientific way. Turmeric became valuable to human beings when it was discovered that the powdered rhizome preserved the freshness and nutritive value of foods. Turmeric is used as a condiment, dye, food colourant, drug and medicine. Turmeric rhizomes have yellow colour component as curcumin, essential oil (5-9%) and oleoresin (3-13%).Curcumin is the substance that is responsible for the biological activity of turmeric. Turmeric rhizome is 70 % carbohydrates,7% proteins,4% minerals and 4% oil. It also has vitamins and alkaloids. Curcumin is used in cosmetics, preservatives, food industries and pharmaceuticals. The artificial colouring agents have been banned and so the use of curcumin is prompted. Curcumin protects the liver from toxic compounds as it acts like an anticoagulant by inhibiting collagen and by adrenaline induced platelet aggregation. Curcumin is also used to heal the wounds. It has antifungal and antiseptic effects. It has also antiviral effects and is found effective against the HIV. Various kinds of cancer including skin, colon and prostrate can be cured by the use of curcumin. It has been proved through the research that turmeric stabilizes and protects biomolecules in the body at the molecular level which is shown in its ant-oxidant, anti-mutagenic and anti-carcinogenic action.
(The writer is Sr. Scientist & Head, KVK, Reasi, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology-Jammu )
