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Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a viable topical treatment option for yeast infections. Many yeast infections are caused by the fungi Candida. Turmeric has been shown to be able to inhibit (stop the growth of) and kill Candida. Turmeric is likely to be able to limit the development of Candida biofilm (a thick sludge this yeast forms to protect itself) as well. For these reasons, turmeric is a natural remedy that can be used to cure a yeast infection.
According to a journal paper, published in Cold Spring Harbor Perspectives in Medicine [4.9 (2014): a019778], Candida fungi are the most common cause of fungal infection. Candida fungi are responsible for both superficial (an infection of the mucus membranes or skin) and systemic infections. And, approximately 8% of nosocomial (diseases that start in a hospital) bloodstream infections are caused by Candida.
Concerning the prevalence of Candida species causing infection, Candida albicans (C. albicans) causes approximately 65.3% of infections, C. glabrata about 11.3%, C. tropicalis about 7.2%. Therefore C. albicans is often the species that causes yeast infections. Therefore it is more relevant to ascertain how C. albicans will react to turmeric than other species—and, we will discuss research that covers C. albicans and turmeric.
A journal study, published in Frontiers in Medicine [5 (2018): 28], discusses Candida biofilm. According to this research, all species of Candida form biofilms. This study defines a biofilm as a community of microorganisms that are irreversibly attached to a surface, which produce extracellular polymers (a very large molecule; plastic is an example of a polymer) that provide a structural matrix. In short, Candida produces a sludge it uses to cover itself and provide it with protection.
The study states that biofilm protects Candida cells from external factors; such as antifungal drugs and host immune system defenses.
Biofilm formation has been closely linked to resistance to antifungal drugs. A study is cited finding that C. albicans, when allowed to develop a biofilm for 48 hours, showed 5 to 8 fold resistance to all antifungal drugs. Other research has shown drastic increases in resistance of Candida to the antifungal drugs nystatin, amphotericin B, fluconazole, and chlorhexidine when biofilm is present.
Therefore, because turmeric may be able to reduce Candida biofilm, it is a good choice to include in a natural remedy for yeast infections. As research will show (which will be discussed later), turmeric essential oil and Javanese turmeric hindered Candida biofilm.
Because turmeric may be able to reduce Candida biofilm, it may have a synergistic effect when paired with a synthetic antifungal drug; as it can clear away what is probably causing the yeast to be resistant to the drug. The same may hold true for other natural remedies. Since turmeric might clear away biofilm, it could help other natural anti-Candida herbs to kill the yeast faster.
And, as will be discussed later, turmeric is shown to be generally safe to use; and, causes few—if any—side effects. Turmeric is an actual food spice; and, it has probably been eaten by humans for thousands of years. Given the long history people have with the use of turmeric, and the lack of studies finding significant adverse effects, it is likely going to be a safe natural remedy to employ to treat yeast infections.
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Visit Official Site!Turmeric Inhibits & Kills Candida
A study published in the Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology: JOMFP [23.2 (2019): 305-305] found how well turmeric inhibited and killed Candida. The study was an in-vitro examination (in a test environment and not in a living organism) of turmeric against C. albicans.
The study found the minimum inhibitory concentration (abbreviated MIC; i.e., the smallest amount of a substance that will stop the development of an organism) and minimum fungicidal concentration (abbreviated MFC; i.e., the smallest amount of a substance that will kill an organism) for a alcohol extract of turmeric (C. longa) against C. albicans.
The authors of the study stated that turmeric is a well known herbal medicine; and has long had a prominent place in India’s traditional Ayurvedic medicine. The study states that turmeric works in several different ways to stop fungal growth. In addition to being a capable antifungal, turmeric is an anti-HIV substance, antispasmodic, wound healer, anti-allergenic, anti-cancer, hepatoprotective, and anti-inflammatory.
Concerning the inhibitory action of turmeric for C. albicans, the study found that 800 microliters of turmeric alcohol extract solution (containing 0.1384 grams of tumeric in the solution) was the MIC against C. albicans. And, concerning the killing action of turmeric against C. albicans, the study found that the MFC was 1600 microliters of a turmeric solution (which contained 0.2768 grams of tumeric in the solution).
Another study, published in the Asian Journal of Pharmaceutical Research and Development [8.3 (2020): 5-8], found the zone of inhibition of turmeric against C. albicans, Escherichia coli (E. coli), and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). The zone of inhibition is an area next to the test substance (in this case turmeric) where the microbe does not develop. The size of this zone indicates how powerful of an inhibitory effect a substance has on a microorganism.
In this study, a sterile disc paper with a diameter of 6mm was soaked with an ethanol extract of varying concentrations of turmeric. The concentration of turmeric ranged from 25mg / mL to 500mg / mL. For the tests done against C. albicans, the antifungal ketoconazole was used as a positive control.
The test found that a concentration of 500mg / mL of turmeric produced a zone of inhibition for C. albicans of about 15.22mm. Ketoconazole produced a zone of inhibition of about 15.02mm. Thus, the turmeric showed that it possessed antifungal ability similar to the antifungal drug ketoconazole.
In addition to C. albicans; 500mg / mL turmeric concentrations produced a zone of inhibition for E. coli of about 15.88mm and about 15.63mm for S. aureus. The antibiotic drug amoxicillin produced a zone of inhibition against these two bacteria of about 15.38mm for E. coli, and about 15.8mm against S. aureus. Thus, this test demonstrated that turmeric is also capable against these two bacteria as well.
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Visit Official Site!Curcumin and Candida Biofilm
A study, published in the Indian Journal of Dental Research [31.1 (2020): 145], looked at how well curcumin would inhibit planktonic Candida cells (cells not covered by biofilm) and Candida in its biofilm phase. In this research the following Candida species were tested: C. albicans, C. glabrata, C. parapsilosis, and C. dubliniensis.
The study reported that turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) has been utilized for centuries for the cure of a variety of conditions in Chinese and Indian medicine. And, curcumin constitutes the active ingredient of turmeric. The research also reports that this spice has been demonstrated to be highly safe even at very high doses in various human and animal trials.
The results of the tests of curcumin against the Candida strains showed that curcmin had a MIC against one strain of C. albicans, in a planktonic form, of 0.5mg / mL. Yet, another strain of C. albicans in planktonic form had a MIC for curcumin of 2 mg / mL.
Concerning the other strains of Candida, planktonic cells of these species were inhibited at the following levels:
- MIC for C. parapsilosis = 0.4mg / mL
- MIC for C. glabrata = 0.5mg / mL
- MIC for C. dubliniensis = 0.1mg / mL
Concerning C. albicans with biofilm, one strain of this species had an MIC of 0.5mg / mL. Yet, the study found that another strain of C. albicans could not be inhibited by curcumin at the levels tested. Additionally, the antifungal drug fluconazole could not inhibit either C. albicans strain with biofilm even at concentrations of 4 times the planktonic MIC for fluconazole.
In the conclusion, the study’s authors stated: "To conclude, our data taken together with those of others indicate that curcumin could be an exciting alternate option or an adjunct for the management of candidiasis."
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Visit Official Site!Turmeric Essential Oil & Candida
Another study presented research on the MIC, MFC, and biofilm formation of C. albicans and C. krusei for turmeric essential oil and other plant essential oils. This study was published in the South African Journal of Botany [81 (2012): 95-102].
The study states that the phytochemical tumerone was present in turmeric essential oil at a high concentration. The study reported that turmeric essential oil was comprised of 42% tumerone and 11.6% curlone.
The study reported that the MIC for turmeric essential oil against C. albicans was over 32mcl / mL; and for C. krusei it was also over 32mcl / mL. It follows that the MFC for tumeric oil against C. albicans and C. krusei was over 32mcl / mL for both species.
Concerning the other tested oils, the MIC and MFC testing revealed that lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus DC) essential oil had the most powerful effect against Candida; therefore having the lowest MIC and MFC. The second best essential oil, after lemongrass, was a relative of lemongrass, java citronella essential oil (Cymbopogon winterianus Jowitt).
The MIC for lemongrass essential oil against both species of Candida was 0.5mcl / mL (also stated 0.4mg / mL). The MFC of lemongrass oil against both species of Candida was 1mcl / mL (also stated 0.8mg / mL).
Despite not being able to fully inhibit or kill, turmeric essential oil did have a significant impact on the development of Candida. The following charts, taken from this study, show the killing activity of various essential oils against C. albicans and C. krusei. The light blue line stands for turmeric; and, the chart legends show this light blue line standing for the scientific name of turmeric: C. longa.
Javanese Turmeric’s Biofilm Elimination & MIC / MFC
Another study, published in the International Journal of Applied Pharmaceutics [2019. 11(1), 1-4], looked at how Javanese turmeric ethanol extract (JTEE, this is drinking alcohol used to produce an extract with the Javanese turmeric) would affect C. albicans biofilms. This study also states that it is known that biofilm development leads to antifungal resistance.
The specific type of turmeric used by the study has the scientific name Curcuma xanthorrhiza Roxb. The study refers to this herb by the common name Javanese turmeric. Other common names for this kind of turmeric include temulawak, Java ginger, or Javanese ginger. In Sundanese it is known as koneng gede and in Madurese it is called temu labak.
The study reports that Javanese turmeric is one of Indonesia’s important medicinal plants. One of the active phytochemicals (plant chemicals) in this type of turmeric is xanthorrhizol. A cited study states that xanthorrhizol has several medicinal properties; including: antimicrobial, anticoagulant, anti-inflammatory, antihyperglycemic, antihypertensive, and antioxidant.
Concerning the MIC, the study defined the MIC as the smallest concentration that inhibited the growth of C. albicans by 90% or more. The MIC against C. albicans was shown to be 20% JTEE. The MFC for JTEE was also found to be 20% JTEE.
For biofilm testing, three phases of biofilm development were used. For the first phase, C. albicans was incubated for 6 hours. The second phase allowed C. albicans to incubate for 24 hours. And, the third phase allowed C. albicans to incubate for 48 hours.
Concerning biofilm formation, JTEE was able to destroy more than 50% of C. albicans biofilms at all three stages of biofilm development; except, for some reason, at a 20% concentration on the initial phase (6 hour) biofilms.
The minimal biofilm eradication concentration (MBEC) was set at concentrations that produced eradication values of 50% (MBEC50) or 90% (MBEC90). The MBEC90 could not be determined because the results were not considered accurate.
The research found that the MBEC50 for JTEE was as follows:
- Against the 6 hour biofilms: 30%
- Against the 24 hour biofilms: 20%
- Against the 48 hour biofilms: 25%
The following quote, taken from this study’s conclusion, reiterates the results of the research:
The results of this study indicate that the MIC and MFC of JTEE toward planktonic C. albicans after 1 h exposure are 20%. JTEE had the potential to eradicate C. albicans biofilms at any of the three phases of biofilm formation after 1 h of exposure.
International Journal of Applied Pharmaceutics [2019. 11(1), 1-4]
Safety & Side Effects of Turmeric and Curcumin
A systematic review of research regarding turmeric on skin health was published in Phytotherapy Research [30.8 (2016): 1243-1264]. Concerning side effects, this review study reports that turmeric and curcumin extracts have, at the time of the study’s writing, been shown to be safe—even at high doses without significant side effects.
Curcumin may have an inhibitory effect on platelet aggregation; it could interact with anticoagulation and antiplatelet drugs. Curcumin can cause gallbladder contractions, making symptoms worse for people with gallstones. In a clinical trial looking at the effects of high dose curcumin; curcumin in doses as high as 8,000mg / day had no toxic effects after 3 months.
Another study, published in Phytotherapy Research [32.6 (2018): 985-995], discussed the safety of turmeric and curcumin. This study was a review of previous studies; 227 studies were collected and 50 of them were selected for the review.
The study reports that curcumin is the major constituent of turmeric; and, turmeric is a popular spice used in foods and medicinal applications.
The review found that studies on humans did not demonstrate toxic effects, and curcumin was safe at the dose of 6 grams / day taken orally for 4 to 7 weeks. Yet, some adverse effects, like gastrointestinal discomfort, can happen.
Oral bioavailable formulations of curcumin were safe for use in humans at a dose of 500mg twice daily for 30 days; yet, there are not that many trials and more research is required especially on nanoformulations. Additionally, this review study reports that curcumin is a generally recognized as safe substance.
This review states that Turmeric and curcumin are non-toxic for humans; and this is true for oral use as well. Turmeric and curcumin were also found to be safe for animals. Turmeric and curcumin were also stated to be safe for pregnant animals, but more studies on pregnant humans were needed to give a definitive judgement on the herb’s safety with pregnant women.
An Effective, Safe, Natural 12 Hour Yeast Infection Cure
The yeast Candida can do more to a person’s health than cause superficial yeast infections—although these superficial infections are themselves difficult to deal with. When Candida overgrows in the body, it can cause a systemic infection. The result of yeast overgrowth can be a wide array of unusual health problems. A pioneer of yeast-related health problems, the late Dr. William Crook, wrote extensively about the relationship of Candida to various health problems (more about Dr. Crook). In general, systemic Candida can cause a significant loss of health, and cause recurrent yeast infections.
One woman, who struggled with systemic candidiasis and the recurrent yeast infections it caused, was Linda Allen. Like many women, Linda suffered from repeat episodes of yeast infections. And, Linda’s general health was terrible. She suffered from a variety of unusual symptoms that seemed, at the time, impossible to determine a source for.
Linda sought the advice of her doctor, yet she was only given increasingly stronger regimens of antibiotics. Eventually, Linda’s doctor even tried putting her on allergy medication. Yet, often these drugs would improve her situation at first, but then fail to produce any long term cure. The true problem for Linda and her doctor at this time was a lack of the correct diagnosis. Dr. C. Orian Truss, in his publication "The Missing Diagnosis," may discuss, in depth, this exact problem.
Linda ended up suffering with Candida related health problems for about 12 years. Linda’s symptoms included a vaginal discharge (that was sometimes foul smelling), severe itching, and burning sensations. Linda always seemed to have a headache, a cold, bronchitis, or some other health malady.
Those who knew Linda the best wondered if she was a hypochondriac; or, that she was more sick than she was admitting. Additionally, the medical bills she incurred began to add up. Linda’s family even helped her pay for her medical expenses—which left their bank accounts low as well!
Linda’s life suddenly changed for the better when she visited a naturopathic practitioner about her poor health. The naturopath finally provided Linda with the correct diagnosis: systemic candidiasis. Linda had a yeast infection in her body that had spread to the point where it caused all her unusual health problems.
After ascertaining the correct diagnosis, Linda began to diligently study natural medicine and Candida. She also tried an assortment of purported treatments, and learned a great deal through the process. Additionally, she interviewed many other yeast infection sufferers, and spoke at length with physicians, homeopathic practitioners, herbalists, and naturopaths.
Eventually Linda developed a system to cure systemic candidiasis; and spent about a year refining her new approach before she tried it on herself. When she did, she found that her health began to improve; and eventually she was totally healthy again. Her recurrent yeast infections also stopped—and stayed gone. Linda had finally put together a efficacious natural system that healed her.
To ensure she was cured, Linda went back to a few physicians and asked them to run some tests on her. These test results revealed that all indicators of infection had gone away. Linda was verifiably in good health; at long last!
Linda went on to write a detailed book outlining her natural treatment protocols so others can use her system to get the same results. Since Linda Allen’s book was first published in 2004, approximately 138,000 people around the world have used her system to completely change their lives by getting free from yeast infections.
Linda’s book is guaranteed by her publisher with a 60 day, 100% money back guarantee. Linda’s book is available as a digital ebook, and can be downloaded immediately and used. Linda’s publisher, a subsidiary of the United States based firm Keynetics Incorporated, provides a secure, easy to navigate purchasing process. And, again, if you are dissatisfied with the book, you can contact the publisher to quickly get a full refund within 60 days of purchasing it.
And, possibly most crucial, is the 12 hour yeast infection cure provided by Linda’s book. Using this treatment, you can cure a superficial yeast infection (one that occurs on the mucus membranes or skin; e.g., an infection in the mouth, vagina, on the penis, or on the skin) in about 12 hours of time. This treatment is extremely fast, and capable. As stated, you will have a full 60 days to get your money back if this 12 hour treatment does not work to your satisfaction. And, through getting rid of any systemic Candida problem via Linda’s treatment plan, you can expect to not have another recurrent infection.
To find out more about Linda’s personal journey to good health, see reviews of others who tried Linda’s treatment system, or to get more information about Linda’s book; you can learn much more at Linda Allen’s website.
Author: Mr. Nicholas Gross
Nick Gross is a natural medicine enthusiast who has been researching and writing about natural medicine since 2008. Nick is primarily a web developer but also researches and authors written and video content about natural health. Nick has a bachelor’s degree in Management Information Systems from the University of Northern Iowa.
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SOURCES:
- https://doi.org/10.1101/cshperspect.a019778 — Turner, Siobhán A., and Geraldine Butler. "The Candida pathogenic species complex." Cold Spring Harbor Perspectives in Medicine [4.9 (2014): a019778].
- https://doi.org/10.3389/fmed.2018.00028 — Cavalheiro, Mafalda, and Miguel Cacho Teixeira. "Candida biofilms: threats, challenges, and promising strategies." Frontiers in Medicine [5 (2018): 28].
- https://doi.org/10.4103/jomfp.jomfp_200_18 — Murugesh, J., et al. "Evaluation of the antifungal efficacy of different concentrations of Curcuma longa on Candida albicans: An in vitro study." Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology: JOMFP [23.2 (2019): 305-305].
- https://doi.org/10.22270/ajprd.v8i3.712 — Kasta, Gurning. "Antimicrobial activity of ethanol extract of rhizome turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) for growth of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans." Asian Journal of Pharmaceutical Research and Development [8.3 (2020): 5-8].
- https://doi.org/10.4103/ijdr.IJDR_521_17 — Narayanan, Veena S., et al. "Variable antifungal activity of curcumin against planktonic and biofilm phase of different candida species." Indian Journal of Dental Research [31.1 (2020): 145].
- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sajb.2012.06.003 — Taweechaisupapong, S., et al. "Inhibitory effect of lemongrass oil and its major constituents on Candida biofilm and germ tube formation." South African Journal of Botany [81 (2012): 95-102].
- https://doi.org/10.22159/ijap.2019.v11s1.148 — BELATRIX, B., PUSPITAWATI, R., & DJAIS, A. A.. "EFFECT OF JAVANESE TURMERIC ETHANOL EXTRACT ON THE ERADICATION OF CANDIDA ALBICANS BIOFILMS IN EARLY, INTERMEDIATE, AND MATURATION PHASES." International Journal of Applied Pharmaceutics [2019. 11(1), 1-4].
- https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.5640 — Vaughn, Alexandra R., Amy Branum, and Raja K. Sivamani. "Effects of turmeric (Curcuma longa) on skin health: a systematic review of the clinical evidence." Phytotherapy Research [30.8 (2016): 1243-1264].
- https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.6054 — Soleimani, Vahid, Amirhossein Sahebkar, and Hossein Hosseinzadeh. "Turmeric (Curcuma longa) and its major constituent (curcumin) as nontoxic and safe substances." Phytotherapy Research [32.6 (2018): 985-995].
- Google Books — C. Orian Truss. "The Missing Diagnosis." Missing Diagnosis, Incorporated [1985]. ISBN: 9780961575809
