Curcumin(diferuloylmethane), is one of the most active chemical constituents found in Turmeric or Curcuma longa. Traditionally used in herbal preparations and as a dye and flavoring agent, Curcumin is a polyphenol compound from the group of curcuminoids that is known for its characteristic yellow color, the color we can seen in curry powder, extracted from Turmeric root and used in many traditional culinary Indian recipes,

In a recent study done on the effects and efficacy of Curcumin in delaying the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus, 240 prediabetic population were given either placebo or curcumin during 9 months. After the test period the participants were subject of analysis with the following results:

1. 16.4% of the subjects in the placebo group were diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).
2. None (0%) in the Curcumin-treated group acquired Type 2 diabetes mellitus.

But that's not all, the curcumin-treated group showed a better overall function of β-cells and lower C-peptide. Image: Vietnam Plants under Creative Commons license (CC BY 2.0).

CURCUMA LONGA

Family: Zingiberaceae
Genus: Curcuma
Common name: Turmeric, Curcuma longa, Curcuma domestica Valeton.

Zanthoxylum piperitum (Rutaceae), also known as Szechuan (Sichuan) pepper, is an aromatic spiny shrub [1] commonly known as the Japanese pepper that has been used as a spice and a natural medicine in Japan [18]. The pulverized mature fruits of Japanese pepper are used as the standard spice for sprinkling on the broiled eel dish [1]. The essential oils of green and ripe fruits and dried pericarp of the Japanese pepper, are also commonly used in Japanese dishes as spices [24]. Image: Sichuan pepper by rduta under Creative Commons License (CC BY 2.0).

Other uses of Japanese pepper include the utilization of Sanshools, the major active constituent of Zanthoxylum piperitum, as food additives in East Asia. Sanshools cause irritant, tingling and sometimes paresthetic sensations on the tongue [14].

ZANTHOXYLUM PIPERITUM

Family: Rutaceae
Genus: Zanthoxylum
Common name: Japanese pepper, Sichuan pepper, Japanese pepper tree, Szechwan pepper, Japanese pricklyash.

Boswellia serrata has been traditionally used in ayurvedic medicine to treat inflammatory problems. This has been its main use since this herb was found to be rich in Boswellic acids, an active component found in Boswellia serrata that helps on the treatment of inflammatory conditions. Image: Boswellia sacra by Scott Zona under Creative Commons License (CC BY 2.0).

WHAT IS BOSWELLIC ACID?

Boswellic acids are Triterpenes, organic acids found mainly in the resin produced by plants in the genus Boswellia, as Boswellia serrata, and can be up to 30% of the total active constituents found in that resin. They were used in Ayurvedic medicine as part of many other traditional herbal remedies.

BOSWELLIA SERRATA

Family: Burseraceae
Genus: Boswellia
Common name: Indian frankincense, Salai, ru Xiang (Chinese).

Oenothera biennis (Evening primrose) is a plant native to North America that blooms in early summer, between June and September.

Its name, Primerose originates from the Latin and means first flower [1]. The other part of the name, Evening, refers to one of the characteristics of its flowers, they bloom only in the evening, within a matter of a few minutes, and close back again at the beginning of next day (see video at the end of this article). This plant is native to North America and blooms in early summer, between June and September. Image: Evening primerose by J Brew under Creative Commons License (CC BY-SA 2.0).

OENOTHERA BIENNIS

Family: Onagraceae

Genus: Oenothera

Common names: Evening primrose.