Effect of The Long Turmeric (Curcuma Longa Linn) on Healing of Peptic Ulcer : A Preliminary Report of 10 Cases Study

Abstract

The effect of capsule - filled turmeric (Curcuma longa Linn) on healing of peptic ulcer was studied endoscopically in gastric and duodenal ulcer patients with abdominal pain. The drug was given orally with the dose of 2 capsules (250 mg each) four times daily, one half to an hour before meals and at bed time. Endoscopic examinations were done periodically at 0, 4, 8 and 12 weeks after starting treatment. Among the 10 patients treated, 8 were men and 2 were women with age ranging from 16 to 60 years. Eight patients suffered from duodenal ulcer and the rest have gastric ulcer. The ulcer sizes varied between 0.5 and 1.5 cm. in diameter. The ulcers were completely healed in 5 patients (50%) within 4 weeks or 7 patients (70%) within

4 to 12 weeks.

             Effects on blood chemistry were also studied in 30 patients with abdominal pain. Among these patients 10 have peptic ulcer comfirmed by endoscopic examinations, the others have clinical symptoms and physical findings suggestive of peptic ulcer, gastritis or duodenitis or non-ulcer dyspepsia. The comparative studies of blood collected before and after 4 weeks of treatment showed no change in hematologic system, liver and renal functions.

 Adverse effects observed were relatively few, including constipation in 3 cases, and allergic skin rashes in 2 cases, while other patients were free of any unwanted effect.