10/23/2018 / By Michelle Simmons
Turmeric is a well-known superfood because it offers many health benefits, and researchers continue to discover more benefits from it. In a study published in the Chinese Journal of Natural Medicines, researchers discovered that curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, can prevent and reverse liver fibrosis.
The study, which was conducted by a team of researchers from Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine in China, examined the inhibitory effects of curcumin and its underlying mechanisms in liver fibrosis. Research has shown that liver fibrosis can be treated. However, there are no approved agents available for the treatment and prevention of this condition until today.
For the study, the research team induced liver injury in mice and in the rat hepatic stellate cell line HSC-T6 to serve as experimental models. Then, they treated the mice and cells with curcumin.
After the treatment, the research team found that the treatment of curcumin reversed liver injury in mice and the hepatic cell line. Based on the findings of the study, the research team concluded that curcumin could be used to prevent and even reverse liver fibrosis.
Liver fibrosis develops when the healthy tissue of the liver becomes scarred, leading them to function improperly. Liver fibrosis can occur due to many health conditions, such as autoimmune hepatitis, biliary obstruction, iron overload, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, viral hepatitis B and C, and alcoholic liver disease. A person with liver fibrosis may experience symptoms, such as appetite loss, difficulty concentrating, fluid buildup in the legs or stomach, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes), nausea, sudden weight loss, and weakness.
Liver fibrosis is the first stage of liver scarring. If more of the liver becomes scarred, it can develop into liver cirrhosis. (Related: DHA shown to reduce proteins involved in liver fibrosis; good news for the obese.)
Turmeric is one of the most studied and most commonly used nutritional supplement. Here are some evidence-based health benefits of turmeric:
Turmeric can be included into your diet by the following:
Read more news stories and studies on superfoods like turmeric by going to SuperFoods.news.
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Tagged Under: alternative medicine, curcumin, herbal medicine, Herbs, liver fibrosis, liver health, natural cures, natural healing, natural medicine, natural remedies, turmeric