Health benefits of curry leaves: Here’s what research says

Curry leaves don’t just add to the taste and aroma of a variety of Indian dishes, but they also posses numerous health benefits. Ayurveda, the traditional Indian system of medicine, recommends their use for the treatment of diabetes, inflammation, infections and a host of other health issues. The curry leaves are said to aggravate the Pitta (digestion) dosha and pacify the Vata (air) and Kapha (earth and water) doshas.

Curry leaves are also used in the form of extract or essential oil. Since the emergence of coronavirus, the use of curry leaves has been stressed even more by holistic medicine practitioners as a means to build and maintain immunity.

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But what about science? Several studies have shown that curry leaves contain powerful plant compounds such as linalool, alpha-terpinene, myrcene, and alpha-pinene, which act as antioxidants in our body.

A 2014 study conducted on rats demonstrated the protective effect of antioxidant-rich curry leaf extract against medication-induced stomach damage. The curry leaf extract also reduced markers of oxidative stress.

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Research has also shown that curry leaf extract may protect the nervous system, heart, brain, and kidneys against oxidative damage.

Curry leaves can also cut risk of heart disease by reducing cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Research on animals has also shown that curry leaf extract may protect against neurodegenerative diseases and improve memory.

The anticancer effects of curry leaves have been demonstrated in test-tube and animal research with studies showing the impact of an alkaloid compound( girinimbine) and antioxidants inhibiting the spread or inducing death of breast, lung, and colon cancer cells.

Research has also demonstrated the ability of curry leaf extract to help reduce high levels of blood sugar and protect against diabetes-related nerve pain and kidney damage.

A test-tube study found that curry leaf extract proved effective against the growth of potentially harmful bacteria, including Corynebacterium tuberculosis and Streptococcus pyogenes.