EFFECT OF GRADED DOSES OF TURMERIC TEA ON SYSTEMIC BLOOD PRESSURE AND INTRAOCULAR PRESSURE OF HEALTHY SUBJECTS

ABSTRACT

Turmeric, also known by the scientific name Curcuma longa, is an ancient Indian spice, medicinal herb and food dye to in the ginger family. There has been a report that turmeric has a link with blood pressure and intraocular pressure. Therefore, it is pertinent to carry out a scientific investigation to know the effect of Turmeric on blood pressure (BP) and intraocular pressure (IOP). To investigate the effect of graded doses of Turmeric tea on systemic blood pressure (BP) and intraocular pressure (IOP), An experimental study in which Sixty(60) healthy subjects were selected from a three-day screening exercise in the University of Benin optometry teaching Clinics, University of Benin, Benin City. The subjects were grouped into three categories, with weight as a basis for the grouping into groups: A, B and C respectively. The demographic data of the subjects as well as a good case history was taken before the examination to rule out any existing ocular and systemic problems. The baseline systemic blood pressure (SBP), as well as the Intraocular pressure (IOP) of the subjects was measured. Graded doses of Turmeric tea was administered to each subject in Groups A, B & C respectively. Thereafter the SBP and the IOP were remeasured at 30 minutes interval until values return to baseline level. The data obtained from the study was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 22.0. Tables and graphs were used to represent the data obtained, the analysis then followed.