The Holy Powder of India, turmeric, is spreading its healing influence around the world, blessing the open mind with its plethora of health benefits. (It is a great brain-boosting, mood-enhancing antidepressant). Used extensively in Ayurvedic, Unani and Chinese medicine, turmeric cures hepatic disorders and conditions caused by inflammation in the body. In topical applications, turmeric is supreme, proven to heal skin infections and treat boils efficiently.

Bright orange-yellow, turmeric is voluptuous to the eyes; its key component, curcumin glows strong as a natural blood-cleansing, antioxidant, cancer-killing super spice.

In all honesty, this bright orange-yellow color should be replacing the pink colors associated with the whole breast cancer awareness advertising malarkey. A study from Zehijian, China, shows that curcumin has the capability to kill triple negative breast cancer cells by inducing programmed cell death (apoptosis). In the US, curcumin-based treatments could replace, and should replace, expensive radiation treatments immediately.

In any case, turmeric could be used to protect skin cells from the damaging effects of radiation treatments, which are practically forced onto people who have cancer.

Study shows how turmeric protects skin from UVB radiation damage

A study from Ehime University in Japan suggests that turmeric extract protects skin health from ultraviolet B radiation damage.

The researchers examined the effects of long-term, low-dose UVB radiation on melanin-possessing hairless mice. They looked at changes such as skin thickness, elasticity, pigmentation and wrinkling.
When they began administering turmeric doses twice daily, they noticed preventative benefits showing up in the skin of the mice. Both dosages of 300 and 1000 mg/kg of turmeric were effective at reducing skin elasticity that was induced by UVB radiation. Both dosages also prevented an increase in skin thickness. The high dosage prevented wrinkle formation and also decreased the diameter and length of skin blood vessels.

In the end, the researchers found out that chronic irradiation increases the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2 genes. Turmeric, on the other hand, stops that gene’s expression in its tracks.

Study shows how topical vesicular formulations of turmeric recuperate UV-damaged skin

The anti-aging, moisturizing, antioxidant, astringent and antimicrobial properties of turmeric were put to the test in a study from India. Various creams containing Curcuma longa (turmeric) were formulated to study their effect on recuperating UV radiation-damaged skin.

What they found out was that the alcoholic Curcuma longa extract was most effective in transfersomal creams. It was found to enhance skin hydration when compared to plain extract-loaded conventional creams. Sebum production was enhanced as well. Sebum, a secretion from the sebaceous glands, acts as a cellular lubricant. By cleansing these glands, turmeric stimulated sebum production, which can keep the skin looking young and unblemished.

In conclusion, the herbal extract creams were highly efficacious and, with turmeric extract included, could be used as strong photo protective skin care products in the future.

Michigan study shows how curcumin works at the cellular level

In conjunction with the Japanese and Indian studies, a US study from the University of Michigan shows how curcumin helps regulate cells. By inserting itself inside the cell membranes, curcumin goes to work within the cells, fighting infections and cancers deep within the membranes. This study, spearheaded by Ayyalusamy Ramamoorthy, utilized solid-state NMR spectroscopy to examine atoms, membranes, proteins and compounds. Prior assumption alleged that curcumin acted by interacting with the proteins in the cell membrane, but the new Michigan study shows that the cell membrane undergoes unique changes in the presence of curcumin.

Curcumin will be used in future skin care creams to not only protect from radiation damage but also recuperate skin. With its cell-penetrating ability, curcumin can cleanse the body at the most vital level to prevent cancers and protect skin from damage imposed by an irradiated environment.

Sources for this article include:

http://science.naturalnews.com
http://www.naturalnews.com
http://dermatologistsblog.com
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
http://truthwiki.org/Turmeric