Turmeric Could Help Treat Endometriosis, Says Study

The debilitating disease affects one in 10 Australian women. - by Lauren Williamson

Endometriosis affects one in 10 Australian women, many of whom have suffered in silence thanks to a lack of awareness about the debilitating disease. It occurs when tissue that is similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside of it, resulting in chronic pain and fertility issues.

There’s currently no known cause or cure for the condition, but new research has shed light on a potential treatment option – turmeric.

The popular “superfood” has previously been found to have anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, hypoglycemic, wound healing, anti-microbial, anti-tumour, anti-angiogenic, anti-mutagenic, anti-metastatic, and hormonal regulatory properties.

A review of relevant studies published in the journal Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, examined the effect that curcumin, a compound found in turmeric, has on the disease.

Results of in vitro and animal studies showed that curcumin reduced pain and inflammation through the suppression of inflammatory cytokines expression. It was also found to repress the invasion, attachment, and angiogenesis of endometrial lesions, inhibiting the disease's progression.

Researchers say that further clinical trials are necessary but the spice could have potential benefits as a dietary and pharmacological agent in treatment.

Adding more turmeric into your diet might not be a cure-all at this stage, but it's a safe and inexpensive option.