Who am I?

My root has been used since ancient times as seasoning and for my medicinal properties. In India I am regarded as a tonic and blood purifier which is used for poor digestion, seizures, skin conditions, vomiting in pregnancy and liver disorders. Externally I have been used for skin infections, cancer, sprains, arthritis, haemorrhoids and eczema. I support normal liver function and help to protect cells from oxidative damage. My active compounds are associated with digestive comfort and have a role in the normal inflammatory response.

I am a powerful antioxidant that inhibits the production of free radicals, removes them from the body and promotes the production of endogenous antioxidants (glutathione).

I also help prevent and neutralise lipid peroxidation involved in the onset and development of degenerative diseases in organs and tissues.

My plant has liver protection characteristics and that ensures increased bile production and secretion, prevents damage to sensitive body tissues caused by excess oestrogen and protects the liver against harmful substances. Consequently, I help to promote liver cell membrane stabilisation and inhibit lipid peroxidation during liver inflammation. Cleansing the blood and liver is essential to protect against advanced tumour growth.

As a natural anti-inflammatory, I inhibit the release of inflammatory mediators (prostaglandins, thromboxanes and eicosanoids), providing similar benefits to cortisone, but without the toxicity. I am a natural inhibitor of the COX-2 enzyme which facilitates or induces the development of cancer. The most recent scientific research on my plant focuses on its promising antimutagenic, anticancer and antimetastatic activity. A growing number of studies assessing the important role of my use in the fight against cancer have already defined it as a broad-spectrum anti-cancer agent that has enzymes with detoxifying properties, highlighting my potential as a preventive agent against chemical carcinogenesis and other forms of electrophilic toxicity.

In addition to my properties as an antimutagen (reducing the mutation of cells exposed to cancerous substances), as a cell protector (especially of DNA) and as a detoxifier, studies indicate that I slow down the development and growth of various types of cancer cells. My anticancer effect is shown especially in its ability to interfere against melanoma cells by promoting apoptosis or the process of self-destruction of these cells. Numerous scientific studies demonstrate my powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. I also exhibit antimicrobial (Salmonella, Helicobacter pylori and HIV-1 virus), antifungal (topical use) and antiparasitic effects and I can be beneficial for maintaining a healthy colon and cardiovascular system and as an immune modulator. Several laboratory studies have focused on my neuroprotective activity in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease by inhibiting the formation of amyloid plaque.

You can find me in many of the New Roots Herbal formulas including the GI Repair, Aid Inflam, Liver, Joint Complex, Ultra Protect, Strong Bones, in a Fermented powder and as a high potency standardised extract combined with piperine.