TURMERIC ESSENTIAL OIL: Uses and benefits

Curcuma longa

Plant organ: Rhizome

Optimal ranges of biochemical composition of a good pure and chemotyped Turmeric essential oil:

• Beta-Tumerone 15-38%
• Alpha-tumerone ≤40%
• Ar-Curcumene 2-10%
• Alpha-Phelandrene 2-10%
• Beta-Sesquiphelandrene 2-10%
• Ar-Tumerone ≤20%.

General information and properties:

Turmeric essential oil stands out among most of the most common essential oils for being a powerful antioxidant since tumerone gives it a high capacity to capture free radicals from the body, contributing to the delay of cellular aging. It is widely recommended for the treatment of intestinal and digestive conditions. It is truly valued for stimulating the liver and gallbladder thanks to the action of turmerone, the main molecule of this essential oil that favors the production of bile by the liver, allowing digestion to be stimulated, facilitating the dissolution of fats and contributing to the elimination of toxins. The antiparasitic property of tumerone is especially effective against intestinal parasites. Tumerone contributes to the healing process by promoting skin cell regeneration. The sesquiterpene carbides in Turmeric essential oil participate in its anti-inflammatory and analgesic response. In 1972, Chandra & Gupta scientifically demonstrated the anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritis actions of this essential oil. Turmeric essential oil, accompanied by Eucalyptus citriodora or Copaiba essential oils, is optimal in the preparation of formulas for arthritis and osteoarthritis pain. In 2017 Amutha et al. found that α - and β -turmerone, curlone and α -terpineo have important activity to treat heavy metal poisoning by the chelation and scavenging mechanism of action [5].

Curcumin improves muscle insulin resistance by increasing fatty acid and glucose oxidation, which is, at least in part, mediated by the LKB1-AMPK pathway. Curcumin positively affects metabolic variables. Curcumin increases the absorption and oxidation of free fatty acids in skeletal muscle. Curcumin improves glucose oxidation and glycogen synthesis in skeletal muscle. Phosphorylated AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) participates in the effect of curcumin. AMPK is phosphorylated and activated by LKB1 in curcumin signaling. LKB1 is a kinase that controls the activation of AMPK and its phosphorylation was increased by curcumin [6].

Diffusing turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) essential oil inhibits key enzymes related to type 2 diabetes. The antidiabetic capacity of Curcuma longa oil was evaluated in terms of its ability to inhibit glucosidase activities. Turmeric volatile oils inhibited glucosidase enzymes more effectively than the reference standard drug, acarbose. Drying of rhizomes was found to enhance the α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibitory capabilities of the volatile oils. Ar-Turmerone, the main volatile component of the rhizome, also showed potent inhibition of a-glucosidase and a-amylase [7].
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a group of metabolic diseases that has reached pandemic dimensions throughout the world. The multifactorial nature of the pathology makes patient management, including lifelong drug therapy and lifestyle modification, extremely challenging. It is well known that T2DM is a preventable disease, so reducing the incidence of new cases of T2DM could be a key strategy to reduce the global impact of diabetes. Currently, there is growing evidence on the effectiveness of using medicinal plant supplements for the prevention and treatment of T2DM. Among these medicinal plants, curcumin is gaining increasing interest in the scientific community. Curcumin is a bioactive molecule present in the rhizome of the plant Curcuma longa, also known as turmeric. Curcumin has different pharmacological and biological effects that have been described in both in vitro and in vivo studies, and include antioxidant, cardioprotective, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, nephroprotective, antineoplastic, hepatoprotective, immunomodulatory, hypoglycemic and antirheumatic effects. In animal models, curcumin extract delays the development of diabetes, improves β-cell functions, prevents β-cell death, and decreases insulin resistance. The present review focuses on preclinical and clinical trials on curcumin supplementation in T2DM and discusses the peculiar mechanisms by which curcumin could improve diabetes control [8].

Inhibition of a glucosidase secreted by the brush border of the small intestine In mammals, a glucosidase, a membrane-bound hydrolytic enzyme found in the brush border of the mucosa of small intestinal epithelia, plays a key role in the carbohydrate digestion. Inhibitors of this glucosidase enzyme delay carbohydrate cleavage, resulting in reduced glucose absorption and an attenuated postprandial glycemic level. Thus, glucosidase inhibitors could show a beneficial effect in the treatment of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) by causing a reduction in postprandial blood glucose levels [9].

Correct traditional indications

Dermatology

Wrinkles - Anti-aging effect and skin regeneration

Dilute 1 drop of Turmeric essential oil in 4 drops of Argan vegetable oil. Massage the affected area until completely absorbed into the skin.

Dandruff

Dilute 1 drop of Turmeric essential oil in 4 drops of Argan vegetable oil. Apply to the hair and massage the scalp, leave for 1 hour and rinse.

Scar

Dilute 1 drop of Turmeric essential oil in 4 drops of Rosehip or Jojoba vegetable oil. Apply to the affected area.

Dermatitis

Dilute 1 drop of Turmeric essential oil in 4 drops of Safflower vegetable oil. Massage the affected area.

Boils

Dilute 1 drop of Turmeric essential oil in 4 drops of vegetable oil. Massage the affected area. Apply 2 times a day for a maximum period of 5 consecutive days.

Gastroenterology

Aerophagia

Dilute 1 drop of Turmeric essential oil in 4 drops of vegetable oil. Massage the affected area towards the heart.

Irritable bowel or colitis

Dilute 1 drop of Turmeric essential oil in 4 drops of Safflower vegetable oil. Massage the belly clockwise until completely absorbed into the skin. Apply 2 times a day for a maximum period of 5 consecutive days.

slow digestion

Dilute 1 drop of Turmeric essential oil in 4 drops of Safflower vegetable oil. Massage the belly clockwise until completely absorbed into the skin. Apply 2 times a day for a maximum period of 5 consecutive days.

Constipation

Dilute 1 drop of Turmeric essential oil in 4 drops of Safflower vegetable oil. Massage the belly clockwise until completely absorbed into the skin. Apply 2 times a day for a maximum period of 5 consecutive days.

Flatulence

Dilute 1 drop of Turmeric essential oil in 4 drops of Safflower vegetable oil. Massage the belly clockwise until completely absorbed into the skin. Apply 2 times a day for a maximum period of 5 consecutive days.

Biliary insufficiency

Dilute 1 drop of Turmeric essential oil in 4 drops of Safflower vegetable oil. Massage the belly clockwise until completely absorbed into the skin. Apply 2 times a day for a maximum period of 5 consecutive days.

Mellitus diabetes

Dilute 1 drop of Turmeric essential oil in 4 drops of Safflower vegetable oil. Massage the belly clockwise until completely absorbed into the skin. Apply 2 times a day for a period of 100 consecutive days, suspend and evaluate.

Intestinal worms (Pinworms)

Dilute 1 drop of Turmeric essential oil in 4 drops of Safflower vegetable oil. Massage the belly until completely absorbed into the skin.

Toxicology

Heavy metal poisoning

In an empty, clean bottle with a dropper, dilute 5 mL of Turmeric essential oil in 25 mL of Safflower vegetable oil . Store raw materials in a cool, dry and dark place. With the mixture, massage the belly in a clockwise direction until completely absorbed into the skin. Apply 2 times a day for a maximum period of 5 consecutive days. Do not ingest or inhale.

Warnings on the use of essential oils:

Information on traditional use does not replace the recommendation of a pharmacist or aromatherapy doctor. Its use without following this recommendation will always be under your responsibility. If you have any questions, it is recommended to consult your doctor. It is important to confirm the diagnosis of your illness or condition to make the best decision. It is especially important to review the contraindications and precautions for use of each essential oil. The indications and contraindications of an essential oil depend on its molecular composition. The traditional uses reviewed refer to 100% pure essential oils and vegetable oils with detailed information on origin, quality and specific molecular composition ranges for SAFE AND EFFECTIVE AROMATHERAPY. THEY DO NOT APPLY TO ANY ESSENTIAL OIL THAT DOES NOT COMPLY WITH THIS INFORMATION. QUALITY GLOBAL SAS AND/OR DOCTOR SALIARMO VALDERRAMA AND/OR AROMATMA SAS is/are not responsible for inappropriate and/or abusive use of essential oils and vegetable oils. Allergy: Before using an essential oil, it is advisable to apply a drop to the inside of the elbow and wait 24 hours in order to detect a possible allergic reaction. It is appropriate to consult the chapter titled “Risks of using essential oil” if the “Allergy risks” icon appears.

Contraindications:

Do not apply during pregnancy; Contains abortive molecules. Potential drug interaction. Do not apply orally (except under medical supervision). Do not apply in diffusion. Do not apply pure; Dilute it in a vegetable oil in a maximum proportion between 1% and 3% (it can be used diluted for cooking). Test the oil on the inside of the elbow to check for allergy risk.

Bibliography:

[1] De la Charie, T. et al. “Compagnie des Sens” website – https://www.compagnie-des-sens.fr/

[2] Franchomme, P., R. Jollois, and D. Pénoël. 2001. L'aromathérapie Exactement. Encyclopédie de L'utilisation Thérapeutique Des Huiles Essentielles. Editions Roger Jollois.

[3] Zhiri A., Baudoux D. Huiles essentielles chémotypées et leurs synergies.

[4] Passeport Santé. Website https://www.passeportsante.net/

[5] Amutha M, Sivasakthi J, Gubendran A, Dhanasekaran P, Imayatharasi R (2017) Studies on metal chelating properties and pharmaceutical applications of curcumin metal complex. IOSR J Pharm Biol Sci 12: 72 – 77

[6] Na, LX, Zhang, YL, Li, Y., Liu, LY, Li, R., Kong, T., & Sun, CH (2011). Curcumin improves insulin resistance in skeletal muscle of rats. Nutrition, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases , 21 (7), 526-533.

[7] Lekshmi, P.C., Arimboor, R., Indulekha, P.S., & Nirmala Menon, A. (2012). Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) volatile oil inhibits key enzymes linked to type 2 diabetes. International journal of food sciences and nutrition , 63 (7), 832-834.

[8] Pivari, F., Mingione, A., Brasacchio, C., & Soldati, L. (2019). Curcumin and type 2 diabetes mellitus: prevention and treatment. Nutrients , 11 (8), 1837.

[9] Alam, S., Sarker, MMR, Sultana, TN, Chowdhury, MNR, Rashid, MA, Chaity, NI, ... & Mohamed, IN (2022). Antidiabetic phytochemicals from medicinal plants: prospective candidates for new drug discovery and development. Frontiers in endocrinology , 13 , 800714.

IMAGE SOURCE: Curcuma longa - Köhler–s Medizinal-Pflanzen-199.jpg

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/2e/Curcuma_longa_-_Köhler–s_Medizinal-Pflanzen-199.jpg

IMAGE DESCRIPTION: Curcuma longa - A plant, reduced; Sheet B, nat. Size; C flower spike, same; 1 flower, somewhat enlarged; 2 equal in longitudinal section, equal.; 3 internal perigon of C. aromatica stripped of lobes and staminodes, with the fertile stamen enlarged; 4 stamens from the same plant, on the side, the same; 4a Anthers of C. longa from different sides, equal; 5 ovary in longitudinal section with the lower sterile stamens (staminodes), equal.; 6 ovary in cross section, equal