World-Renowned Artistry
Turmeric has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties. It contains the polyphenol curcumin and has been studied extensively regarding a variety of health benefits it is suspected to have based on its long historical use.
Curcumin is used worldwide in many different forms. In Asian countries it has long been recognized as a medical herb. In India, it is used in curries. In Japan, in tea. Curcumin has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Together these provide a powerful combination to counteract chronic inflammation and free radicals called oxidants. Underlying chronic inflammation in the body is known to be the basis of the development of many diseases. Not only has curcumin been shown to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, but perhaps as a consequence, it may also be antimutagenic (anti-tumor growth), antimicrobial (anti-infectious) [5,6], and it may be an anticancer agent [7,8].
As a result of these properties it has been used for a wide variety of ailments, showing benefit in Metabolic syndrome, and hyperlipidemia as well as others.
Curcumin has been shown to have some benefit as an anti-anxiety agent. In one study 30 adults received curcuminoids (1 g/day) or a placebo for 30 days. Results of the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) showed that curcumin was effective in improving this anxiety index score. [64] It helps muscle soreness after exercise, enhancing recovery from workouts. A study by Delecroix et al. showed that 2 grams of curcumin helped muscle soreness after an intense workout in elite rugby players [63]. Due to its health promoting properties curcumin may provide preventive health benefits in people who may not have any symptoms or significant health problems. These benefits are again, are attributed to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions which are known to help to prevent disease.
Curcumin is one the most researched plant substances in the world. There are many studies confirming its use in pain [11], metabolic syndrome [10], and inflammatory conditions [9]. It has been shown to benefit the kidneys [14], and degenerative eye conditions [12,13]. While there are many benefits to curcumin supplementation there is a practical problem which arises due to the poor bioavailability of some sources of curcumin. These include poor absorption, and rapid metabolism and elimination from the system.
There are , however, bioavailability enhancers, including piperine the active component of black pepper [16], which enhances the absorption of its active component after ingestion. In the production of curcumin supplements adding piperine and other substances has been shown to enhance the bioavailability of curcumins by as much as 2000% in [17].
Research continues regarding the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of curcumin, as these are the two primary mechanisms that explain the many effects of curcumin on various conditions. Oxidative stress which is implicated in many chronic diseases, and its pathological processes are related to its pro-inflammatory actions. These diseases include Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, cerebral injury, cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, cancer, allergy, asthma, bronchitis, colitis, arthritis, renal ischemia, psoriasis, diabetes, obesity, depression, and fatigue.
Tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) is a marker of inflammation in many diseases. Curcumin can block TNF activation which occurs as a result of many different inflammatory stimuli [10]. Curcumin likely suppresses inflammatory responses through this and more mechanisms yet to be proven. This is a topic of continuing research [10]. Curcumin’s effect on free radicals is carried out by several different mechanisms. It can scavenge for free radicals [25]. It modulates the activity of enzymes such as GSH, catalase, and SOD which neutralize free radicals [21,22]. Curcumin is a lipophilic compound, makeing it an efficient scavenger of free radicals, similar to what is felt to be the antioxidant mechanism of Vitamin E. Curcumin improves systemic markers of oxidative stress [23]. It can increase the activities of the antioxidant superoxide dismutase.
Does curcumin have any common side effects?
Curcumin has a very long and well-established safety record. Curcuminoids have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as “Generally Recognized As Safe” (GRAS) [2]. Many trials on healthy subjects have documented the safety and efficacy of curcumin. Studies have repeatedly shown it to be well tolerated, and safe even at high doses as much a 8 gm/day.