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The studies that were reviewed found that extracts of Curcuma longa injected into standard animal models reduced inflammation. An extract is a way of purifying and concentrating the active part of the drug. Curcumin and the volatile oil are at least in part responsible for this action. Curcumin is the chemical which is the most potent part of this remedy. The benefit of curcumin for peptic ulcers is unproven because of varying results. Protection against ulcers caused by histamine is in dispute. Whether curcumin reduces acid and stomach secretions has not been tested. Curcumin reduced muscle contractions in the test tube. In animals these extracts protected the liver and increased bile secretion. Therefore Curcuma longa has been advocated for use in liver disorders. But so far there is no proof treating liver disease in humans. It appears that when given by mouth, curcumin is far less active than when it is injected into the abdomen (intra-peritoneal). When given by mouth only tiny amounts of curcumin were found in the blood. Also most of the curcumin was excreted in the stool. So it was concluded that curcumin is absorbed poorly by the gastrointestinal tract. The authors question whether effects on the whole body are really possible after curcumin is given by mouth, unless they require only minute amount of curcumin. Since curcumin stays in the intestine, it is still possible that when given by mouth it acts directly on the mucosa of the stomach or intestine, without being absorbed.

Pharmacology of Curcuma longa. [Planta Med. 1991]

The Japanese folk remedy “ukon” is made from the root of the plant CURCUMA LONGA. Scientists looked at whether parts of this remedy could protect the liver from the harm usually caused by toxins. First they prepared an extract from the roots. This extract strongly prevented the liver damage that is usually caused by the poison, carbon tetrachloride. This was found both in laboratory tests and in live animals. Then they split the extract into parts. Then each part was tested to see which prevented injury to rat liver cells. The liver cells were taken from live rats and grown in liquids. Each test looked at the harm to rat liver cells caused by poisons, either carbon tetrachloride or galactosamine. Curcumin is the chemical which is the most potent part of this remedy. Curcuminoids are compounds related to curcumin. Curcuminoids were shown to have an important protective effect against liver cell damage from these poisons. These scientists also evaluated the liver protective activity of likely metabolites of the curcuminoids. Metabolites are produced when the body breaks down a chemical. The likely metabolites they evaluated were compounds related to the chemicals, ferulic acid and p-coumaric acid.

Antihepatotoxic Principles of Curcuma longa Rhizom…[Planta Med. 1983]