turmeric from traditional medicine point of view

turmeric from traditional medicine point of view   jajvandian. r [1]     abstract     introduction: turmeric (curcuma longa) has been considered as a plant with special place in traditional medicine. this permanent plant has about 1.5 meters height with basal leaves of pedicle and specified sheat without petiole, and the flowers are hyacinthine covered with two yellowish green brackets. some tubercles are produced around the underground pedicles that are yellow with 3‑7 cm length and 1‑2 cm diameter with relatively smooth surface with obvious fallen root marks on them, these tubercles are called turmeric.   turmeric is antiduodenal and peptic ulcers and reduces gasteric secretions. because of phototoxicity of its curcumin, it can cure some skin disorders (e.g. psoriasis and viral infections). cyclo curcumin has antinematodal activity. turmeric extract decreases blood cholesterol, phospholipids and triglyceride levels and so, which is suitable for treating cardiovas cular diseases.   it plays a condign role in lowering blood pressure that associate with antagonistic effects of adrenergic, histaminergic and atropine, too.   it has anti‑infammatoric effects, that reduces histamine levels and increases cortisol production. it has an inhibitory effect on cancers and neoplasia too. as an antioxidant and hypolipidemic agent, it plays a major role in protecting of brain tissues against damages caused by ethanol. turmeric is effective in wound healing and treatment of liver diseases.   the alcoholic extract of turmeric causes a significant reduction in testicular weight and testosterone concentration and causes infertility. oral consumption of curcumin prevents cataract. it is less effective than phenylbutazone in treatment of rheumatoidal arthritis. turmeric is contraindicated in hepatotoxicity, cholelithiasis and pregnancy. the main effects of turmeric are due to its curcumin.     key words: curcumin, turmeric, traditional medicine   [1] . m.s.n of physiology, faculty member of nursing and midwifery group of islamic azad university,   bojnord branch