Therapeutic effects of haridra (Curcuma longa) in health review

Glossary definitions and references:

Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Therapeutic effects of haridra (Curcuma longa) in health review”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.

1) Turmeric:
Turmeric (Haldi) is a flavor-rich yellow-orange spice derived from the rhizome of Curcuma longa. It is notable for its medicinal properties, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial effects, making it valuable in both general and dental health applications.

2) Haridra:
Haridra is the Sanskrit name for turmeric, frequently mentioned in classical Ayurvedic texts like Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita for its therapeutic benefits such as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

3) Gana:
In Ayurvedic medicine, 'Gana' refers to a group or category of medicinal herbs with specific health benefits. Haridra is categorized in various Gana for its multiple therapeutic actions.

4) Curcuma longa:
Curcuma longa is the scientific name for the plant commonly known as turmeric. The primary bioactive compound in its rhizome is curcumin, which exhibits numerous health benefits including anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties.

5) Medicine:
The document extensively discusses the use of turmeric as a medicine, highlighting its efficacy in treating a range of conditions such as inflammation, pain, and even cancer, both in general health and more specifically in dental health.

6) Disease:
Diseases mentioned in the text include inflammatory conditions, cancers, and various dental problems. Turmeric's curcumin exhibits properties that can mitigate these diseases through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

7) Powder:
Turmeric is commonly used in powdered form, which can be applied directly to the skin, used in cooking, or mixed into pastes for dental care. It is praised for practical uses such as easing pain and inflammation.

8) Pain:
Pain relief is one of turmeric's significant benefits, particularly due to its anti-inflammatory properties. The text mentions its application in post-surgical pain and conditions like arthritis.

9) Inflammation:
Turmeric's anti-inflammatory properties are highlighted repeatedly. It reduces inflammation by lowering histamine levels and may increase the production of natural cortisone, thus providing relief in conditions like arthritis and periodontitis.

10) Cancer:
Curcumin in turmeric exhibits anticancer properties by affecting various biological pathways. It helps prevent cell mutation, inhibits cancer cell metastasis, and enhances the effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

11) India:
India is both the primary cultivator and traditional user of turmeric. The historical context of its medicinal use is heavily rooted in Indian Ayurvedic practices.

12) Drug:
Turmeric is compared to conventional drugs in terms of its efficacy and safety. The text posits turmeric as a non-toxic alternative with fewer side effects for treating various ailments compared to chemically synthesized drugs.

13) Haridradi (Haridra-adi):
In Ayurvedic texts, Haridradi is a category under which turmeric is listed. This classification suggests specific medical uses and therapeutic benefits of turmeric.

14) Mustadi (Musta-adi):
Mustadi is another Ayurvedic category that includes turmeric, emphasizing its role in balancing bodily humors (Doshas) and its medicinal qualities such as anti-inflammatory effects.

15) Ranjana (Ramjana):
Dr. Tiwari Ranjana, one of the authors of the study, is associated with the Department of Stree and Prasuti Tantra at Major S.D. Singh Ayurvedic Medical College, contributing to the research on turmeric’s health benefits.

16) Sugar:
The text mentions that turmeric contains sugars among its other components. These sugars play a minor role compared to more highlighted compounds like curcuminoids.

17) Diet:
Including turmeric in one's diet is suggested to help prevent conditions such as digestive issues, pain from arthritis, and other inflammatory conditions, owing to its digestive and anti-inflammatory properties.

18) Mustard oil:
Mustard oil is mentioned as an ingredient in medicinal pastes for dental use. Combined with turmeric and salt, it helps alleviate gingivitis and periodontitis.

19) Antibiotic (Antibacterial):
Turmeric’s anti-bacterial properties make it effective in treating infections and in promoting oral hygiene by reducing dental plaque and preventing periodontal diseases.

20) Chemotherapy:
Turmeric enhances the effects of chemotherapy. Its curcumin compound aids in the prevention of cancer cell spread and acts as a protective agent during cancer treatments.

21) Radiotherapy:
Similar to chemotherapy, turmeric potentiates the effects of radiotherapy. It makes cancer cells more susceptible to radiation, thus aiding in the treatment effectiveness.

22) Krimighna (Krmighna, Krimi-ghna):
Krimighna is an Ayurvedic term categorizing herbs effective against parasitic infections. Turmeric’s listing under Krimighna indicates its anti-parasitic and anti-microbial properties.

23) Kandughna (Kandu-ghna):
Kandughna refers to the property of relieving itching. Turmeric's application for skin conditions and its anti-inflammatory effects are acknowledged under this category in the text.

24) Samhita:
The term 'Samhita' refers to classical Ayurvedic scriptures like Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita, which document the therapeutic uses of turmeric among other herbs.

25) Prasuti:
Prasuti refers to obstetrics in Ayurvedic medicine. The text's author, an expert in Stree and Prasuti Tantra, highlights turmeric's overlaps into women's health and pregnancy-related therapies.

26) Mustard:
Mustard oil, not mustard the plant, is mentioned in the document. It serves as a carrier oil for medicinal pastes, enhancing turmeric’s therapeutic effects in oral treatments.

27) Tantra (Tamtra, Tantrism):
In Ayurveda, Tantra refers to specialized branches of knowledge. The Department of Stree and Prasuti Tantra, associated with one author, focuses on female health and pregnancy, where turmeric’s benefits are utilized.

28) Salt (Salty):
Salt is combined with turmeric and mustard oil in medicinal pastes for dental applications. This combination provides relief from conditions like gingivitis and tooth pain.

29) Burning sensation:
Turmeric is noted for reducing the burning sensation, especially in conditions like oral submucous fibrosis. Its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties alleviate such symptoms.

30) Sushruta-samhita (Susruta-samhita):
An ancient Ayurvedic text, Sushruta-samhita lists turmeric under categories that highlight its medicinal uses, particularly for inflammatory and microbial infections.

31) Snake-bite:
Turmeric can be used as a treatment for snake-bites. Applying fresh turmeric paste or decoction helps by leveraging its anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, and pain-relieving properties.

32) Krimighni (Krmighni, Krimi-ghni):
Krimighni indicates an Ayurvedic property of being effective against parasitic worms and infections. Turmeric’s inclusion under Krimighni underscores its anti-parasitic applications.

33) Tiktarasa:
Tiktarasa in Ayurveda denotes a bitter taste, which is associated with detoxifying properties. Turmeric’s bitter taste (Tiktarasa) implies its capability to balance bodily humors and treat various ailments.

34) Stiffness:
Curcumin in turmeric helps reduce stiffness, particularly related to arthritis and joint pain, owing to its potent anti-inflammatory effects.

35) Flavonoid:
Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, is classified as a flavonoid. Flavonoids are known for their antioxidant properties, contributing to turmeric's wide therapeutic uses.

36) Vagbhata:
Vagbhata is another classical Ayurvedic author who categorizes turmeric in his texts for its medicinal properties, validating its multifaceted therapeutic effects.

37) Tridosha (Tridosa, Tri-dosha):
Ayurveda’s concept of Tridosha (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha) is balanced using turmeric, which is suitable for addressing imbalances in all three doshas, particularly Kapha and Pitta.

38) Vomiting:
Turmeric is beneficial in treating vomiting, especially in pregnancy-induced nausea, due to its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties.

39) Swelling:
Turmeric helps reduce swelling due to its anti-inflammatory properties. It is used topically or ingested to alleviate inflammatory conditions and oedema.

40) Kancani (Kamcani):
Another Sanskrit synonym for turmeric, Kanchani underscores the cultural and historical significance of turmeric in traditional Indian medicine.

41) Leprosy:
Turmeric is used in the treatment of leprosy for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, and is applied both topically and taken internally.

42) Methane:
Curcumin in turmeric is chemically known as diferuloyl methane. This compound is responsible for many of its therapeutic properties, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.

43) Family:
Turmeric is a member of the ginger family, Zingiberaceae. This botanical family includes plants known for their aromatic, flavorful rhizomes and diverse medicinal properties.

44) Animal:
The document mentions that turmeric's anticancer effects have been studied in animal models, demonstrating its potential efficacy in cancer control and treatment improvement.

45) Indian:
Turmeric’s extensive use in India is emphasized, where traditional Ayurvedic medicine recognizes it for its wide-ranging health benefits, both topically and internally.

46) Dosha (Dosa):
In Ayurveda, doshas are bodily energies (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) that turmeric helps balance. It is particularly effective against disorders caused by Kapha and Pitta imbalances.

47) Gauri:
Gauri is another synonym for turmeric in Sanskrit, representing its revered status in Ayurveda and its widespread use in medicinal formulations.

48) Ayus (Ayush):
AYUSH stands for Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy. The document is part of AYUSHDHARA, a journal focusing on research in these traditional systems of medicine.

49) Ulcer:
Turmeric’s therapeutic properties are used to treat ulcers by acting as an anti-inflammatory and promoting healing in the digestive tract.

50) Nish (Nisa, Nis, Nishe, Nisha):
Nisha is yet another Sanskrit name for turmeric. The multiple synonyms for turmeric highlight its cultural and medicinal significance in traditional Indian medicine.

51) Rama:
Dr. Tripathi V.D., one of the authors, is associated with the Department of Periodontics at Rama Dental College, contributing to the study on turmeric’s dental benefits.

52) Bile:
Turmeric stimulates the secretion of bile, aiding in digestion. This bile-stimulating property helps in breaking down fats and improving digestive health.