Therapeutic effects of turmeric in several diseases: An overview

A nutraceutical product can be defined as a substance that has a physiological benefit or provides protection against chronic diseases. The term nutraceutical is a hybrid term derived from the union of “nutrition” and “pharmaceutical”. The list of studied nutraceuticals is constantly changing and reflects ongoing market developments, research and consumer interest. Spices, in addition to giving color and taste to foods, are also important nutraceutical. Spices have been an integral part of human diets and commerce for millennia but recently, the recognition of the link between health and nutrition has strengthened their importance in the food sector and sparked the interest of researchers who increasingly engage in trying to determine the mechanisms of action of spices and the countless beneficial properties attributed to them. Among the many existing spices, turmeric is one of the most studied for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and anticancer properties. The purpose of this review is to briefly summarize the fundamental characteristics of turmeric and give an overview of the use of this spice in several diseases.