Curcumin (Curcuma longa) is the source of the spice Turmeric, and is used in curries and other spicy dishes from India, Asia, and the Middle East. Curcumin is what gives the Curry its characteristic bright yellow color and strong taste. If curry is too spicy for your tummy, then you can still obtain the benefits of Curcumin by taking it as a nutritional supplement in convenient capsule form. Or, if you like the heat, break the capsule open and sprinkle it on your food.
Like many herbal remedies, people first used Curcumin as a food and later discovered that it also had impressive medicinal qualities. Over the centuries, this spice has been used as a pain relieving, anti-inflammatory agent to relieve pain and inflammation in the skin and muscles. It has served as a treatment for jaundice, menstrual difficulties, hematuria, hemorrhage, colic, and flatulence. In modern times, research has focused on Curcumin's antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticarcinogenic, and antimicrobial properties, and on its use in cardiovascular disease, gastrointestinal disorders, and as a treatment for the liver.
The food we eat has a direct effect on our health, even if that food is something as seemingly insignificant as a spice. Research on families immigrating from India to the United States may reflect the importance of Curcumin in the diet. It is well documented that cancer rates in India are lower than those seen in Western countries. However, studies of Indian immigrants in Western societies indicate that rates of cancer and other chronic diseases, such as coronary heart disease and diabetes, increase dramatically after a generation in the adopted country. Change of diet is among the factors that may be responsible for the changing disease rates. In a study conducted by the United States National Cancer Institute, the researchers noted, "Of particular interest for cancer prevention is the role of turmeric (Curcumin), an ingredient in common Indian curry spice.
The health benefits of curcumin are extremely well known, stretching back to ancient times. It has been widely used in medicine as an anti-inflammatory, to treat digestive and liver problems, skin diseases, biliary disorders, anorexia, cough, hepatic disorders, bloody urine, hemorrhage, toothache, rheumatism, sinusitis, bruises and wounds. Studies show that curcumin may help fight infections some cancers, reduce inflammation, and treat digestive problems.
Several uses have been proposed for Curcumin. Many of these are supported by scientific research. Others are supported by centuries of use and tradition.
Curcumin and Cholesterol
Several studies have reported that Curcumin is beneficial in lowering LDL and raising HDL or good cholesterol while reducing the lipid peroxidation. Ten human volunteers were given 500 mg of curcumin for seven days during a controlled trial at Amala Cancer Research Centre in India. After seven days, they noted a 29% increase in good cholesterol (HDL) and a reduction of 11.6% total cholesterol. Lipid peroxidation was also reduced by 33%. Another study published in Atherosclerosis in Dec. 1999 by the Faculty of Pharmacy at the University of Granada reported that curcumin was effective in inhibiting LDL oxidation and lowering LDL cholesterol as well as triglycerides. According to the latest research, curcumin reduces cholesterol by interfering with intestinal cholesterol uptake, increasing the conversion of cholesterol into bile acids, and increasing the excretion of bile acids (International Journal of Vitamin Nutritional Research, 1991, 61:364-69). Another 2000 study shows that "a daily oral administration of the curcumin extract significantly decreases LDL and apo B (a leading heart disease risk factors) and increases the HDL and apo A of healthy subjects."
Kidney disease may be helped by Curcumin
Researchers in India found treatment with Curcumin prevented the kidney injury and restored kidney function in rats with artificially induced kidney disease. Treatment with Curcumin significantly protected against the rats from proteinuria, albuminuria, hypoalbuminaemia and hyperlipidaemia. The study also demonstrated that Curcumin protected against kidney injury by suppressing free radicals and increasing kidney glutathione content and glutathione peroxidase activity (endogenous antioxidants). Curcumin also eliminated kidney microsomal and mitochondrial lipid peroxidation. The doctors in the study suggest that Curcumin is a promising approach in the treatment of kidney disease.
A possible treatment for Alzheimer's disease?
Aging baby boomers are becoming increasingly aware of the risk of Alzheimer's disease, first in their parents and eventually in their own generation. Curcumin may offer some hope as a treatment for this devastating disease. Research is still ongoing, but there is evidence that Curcumin could offer significant protection against neurotoxic and genotoxic agents. One research team concluded that "In view of its efficacy and apparent low toxicity, this Indian spice component shows promise for the prevention of Alzheimer's disease."
Curcumin and HIV
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV, the AIDS virus) appears to respond somewhat to Curcumin treatment. Curcumin interferes with the replication cycle of HIV. Researchers warn that these are preliminary findings and many more studies remain to be done. However, research does appear to offer some hope for a Curcumin-based treatment for HIV.
Other Benefits of Curcumin
In scientific studies, Curcumin has shown promise for:
Treatment for Indigestion and upper abdominal pain due to functional disorders of the biliary system.
Treatment for cataracts.
Possible treatment for Multiple Sclerosis.
Arthritis treatment.
In experiments on tumors, Curcumin was shown to "directly and irreversibly" affect the growth of new cancers. It appears to suppress the onset of tumors as well as their growth and metastasis. Doctors at the National Institute of Health are excited about the possibilities of using Curcumin to treat cancer. In their words, Curcumin is, "an exciting compound because it can be taken orally and may not have any side effects for cancer patients."
Curcumin and Lung Cancer
Curcumin also appears
to reduce the risk of lung cancer associated with smoking.
Experiments on Curcumin and nicotine, a powerful cancer-causing
chemical, showed that Curcumin reduced the effects of nicotine as a
carcinogen by 50%. Curcumin specifically showed significant
potential in the reducing the chances of lung cancer, colon cancer,
and as a preventive for cancer in the liver, duodenum, and kidneys.
Doctors stress that more research is needed, but the initial results
about Curcumin and cancer are very encouraging.
These
scientific findings seem to be confirming what millions of Indians
already know about the health benefits of curry, Turmeric, and
Curcumin.
Curcumin and Prostate Cancer
Curcumin appears to slow or prevent the growth of prostate cancer, the most common cancer in American men. Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in American men, surpassed only by lung cancer in total number of deaths. On average, an American man has about a 30 percent risk of having prostate cancer in his lifetime. As you age, your risk of prostate cancer increases. By age 50, up to one in four men have some cancerous cells in the prostate gland. By age 80, that number has increased to one in two. In a study of prostate cancer cells, Curcumin inhibited cell growth, thus demonstrating a potential for slowing the progression of prostate cancer., Researchers concluded that Curcumin may provide "an alternative, nontoxic" means of treating prostate cancer in men.
Curcumin and Breast Cancer
Curcumin has shown potential as a treatment for breast cancer. Researchers in China found that Curcumin exerts multiple suppressive effects on human breast carcinoma cells. Other researchers note that the results of studies on Curcumin and breast cancer are mixed and that more research is needed. As always, consult your doctor before adding any herbal supplements to your treatment regimen.
Colorectal Cancer and Curcumin
Colorectal cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths in the Western world. More than 56,000 newly diagnosed colorectal cancer patients die each year in the United States. Researchers at the University of California studied the effects of Curcumin on colorectal cancer and found that "Curcumin should be considered as a safe, non-toxic, and easy to use chemotherapeutic agent for colorectal cancers arise in the setting of chromosomal instability as well as microsatellite instability." Treatment with Curcumin has fewer side effects than some other cancer treatment. One researcher wrote, "Naturally occurring COX-2 inhibitors such as Curcumin and certain phytosterols have been proven to be effective as chemopreventive agents against colon carcinogenesis with minimal gastrointestinal toxicity."
In the body, Curcumin functions as a free radical scavenger. It also reduces free radical production, functioning as an antioxidant. The cancer-fighting properties of Curcumin come from its ability to inhibit neuroglia cell proliferation. Curcumin inhibits lipooxygenase activity and is a specific inhibitor of cyclooxygenase-2 expression. Curcumin inhibits the initiation of carcinogenesis by inhibiting the cytochrome P-450 enzyme activity and increasing the levels of glutathione-S-transferase. Basically, Curcumin appears to arrest cancer cells, stopping them before they can grow and spread throughout the rest of the organ and on to the rest of the body.
Curcumin is LIKELY SAFE when used in amounts found in food. It is POSSIBLY SAFE when used in medicinal amounts. But it can sometimes cause nausea or diarrhea.
Turmeric and curcumin supplements are considered safe when taken at the recommended doses. With large doses or long term use curcumin may increase stomach acid levels and possibly lead to heartburn, ulcers, stomach irritation, skin rashes, dizzines, liver problems, gallbladder problems and gallstones.
If you have been diagnosed with gallstones, obstructions of the bile ducts, stomach or intestinal ulcers, high levels of stomach acid, immune system diseases or liver conditions you should first talk to your physician before using curcumin.
Curcumin eases the flow of bile from the liver, and in this way helps prevent the formation of gallstones. It is an ineffective treatment, however, if there are already gallstones in the gallbladder. In fact, curcumin may exacerbate the problem by flushing existing gallstones through the bile duct, and blocking it.
If you are allergic to spices including turmeric or to yellow food colorings you should avoid curcumin. This applies to any allergies you may have to any plants of the ginger family.
Upset Stomach: High doses--2g to 2.5g--of turmeric may cause stomach upset and nausea. Using turmeric over an extended period could also cause nausea and upset stomach. Doses of turmeric ranging from 2g to 2.5g have the corresponding doses of 60mg to 200mg of curcumin, according to the National Institutes of Health. The recommended daily dose for adults is 400mg to 600mg, three times per day of powdered curcumin. For curcumin fluid extract, the daily dose is 30 to 90 drops.
Diarrhea: Using turmeric curcumin may cause diarrhea in some people. Some patients have reported having diarrhea as a side effect of using turmeric curcumin, according to the National Institutes of Health.
Bleeding: Studies on animals by the Department of Oral Biology and Maxillofacial Pathology, School of Dentistry at the Medical College of Georgia indicate that turmeric may increase the risk of bleeding. People with hemophilia should consult their physician before using turmeric curcumin.
Gallbladder Contraction: People with gallstones may be affected by using turmeric curcumin. It may cause the gallbladder to contract, sometimes called gallbladder squeezing, according to the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University. If you have gallstones, consult with a physician before using turmeric.
Blood Pressure Reduction: In a study by the Department of Physiology at the V.P. Chest Institute of the University of Delhi, India, animals treated with turmeric showed a lowering of blood pressure. Individuals using high blood pressure medications should consult with their physicians before using turmeric curcumin.
Uterine Stimulation: Turmeric curcumin causes uterine stimulation and can stimulate menstrual flow, according to the National Institutes of Health. Pregnant women should not use turmeric herbal supplements. No evidence has been found to indicate that eating turmeric in foods causes abnormal fetal development. Pregnant women should consult with their physician before using turmeric curcumin or any herbal supplement.
Decrease in Blood Sugar: Turmeric may cause a lowering of blood sugar, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Diabetics or people with hypoglycemia should consult their doctor before taking any turmeric supplements. It could cause a significant blood sugar drop when combined with diabetic medications.
Interactions With Other Drugs: Turmeric may have an additive effect on some diabetes and blood pressure medications, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. People with either of these conditions should consult with a doctor or health care professional before using a turmeric curcumin supplement. Laboratory studies on animals show turmeric to interfere with how the body processes certain herbs or supplements like garlic, fish oil and niacin. Other herbs may be affected and their potency either increased or decreased. Anyone taking medications or herbal supplements should consult a physician before adding turmeric curcumin to their diet.
Some drugs that have possible interactions with turmeric curcumin are blood-thinners, warfarin (Coumadin), clopidogrel (Plavix) and aspirin. Antacid drugs that interact with turmeric are cimetidine (Tagamet), famotidine (Pepcid), ranitidine (Zantac), esomeprazole (Nexium), omerprazole and lansoprazole (Prevacid).
Anyone on blood thinners, blood-pressure medications and antacids should consult with a physician before using turmeric curcumin.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Although it is safe to eat foods with turmeric, pregnant and breastfeeding women should not take turmeric supplements. Curcumin has been found to stimulate the uterus and menstruation, which can be dangerous during pregnancy. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should consult a doctor before taking curcumin.
Diabetes:
If you have diabetes, talk to your doctor before taking turmeric
supplements. Turmeric may lower blood sugar levels, and when
combined with medications for diabetes could cause hypoglycemia (low
blood sugar).
Gallbladder problems:
Curcumin can make gallbladder problems worse. Don't use turmeric if
you have gallstones or a bile duct obstruction.
Surgery: Curcumin might slow blood clotting. It might cause extra bleeding during and after surgery. Stop using turmeric at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery. Tell your doctor and surgeon that you have been taking turmeric.
What do other people think of Curcumin? Read curcumin reviews and find out:
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54 of 59 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars No more inflammation, January 28, 2008
By
S. Burleson (Houston, TX USA)
I have had much inflammation from arthritis. At my last checkup, I was told I had "no inflammation in your body."
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Helpful Anti-inflammatory, December 3, 2011
By
Mark Goodman
I've been taking curcumin to reduce the arthritis inflammation so I can continue playing tennis. It really helps. So much so, that I don't have to take the prescription NSAIDs very often. I haven't experienced any side effects.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Noticable Difference, November 26, 2011
By
Chris St Pierre (Wilmington, NC)
I have noticed a decrease in the amount of joint pain since I began using this product. The glucosamine seemed to have stopped working so I was in need of a replacement. I found this product through an article in Natural News that spoke of its benefits. So far I am pleased, and at the huge cost reduction its a win win!
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99 of 105 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Anti-Inflammatory, February 27, 2009
By
ZoomDoc (La Canada, CA United States)
I'm surprised there aren't more reviews on this product. Curcumin is an extract from TUMERIC. It is now being researched for its anti-inflammatory properties especially involving blood vessels. Cardiovascular disease starts out as an inflammatory condition and progresses from there. It is a potent antioxidant which protects your genes and can be considered prevention against cancer... There is a slight controversy. Should you use the whole herb tumeric or the extract Curcumin? I would use both combined with cayenne pepper and Hawthorne berry root. Add some Garlic extract and fish oil and you have a superior heart healthy nutrient mix. This is a very good product. And don't leave out the Coenzyme Q-10.
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28 of 28 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars ..., January 30, 2010
By
LG "sparklytwink" (TX)
I bought these because I'd been reading that curcumin (an ingredient in turmeric) is helpful in controlling psoriasis. I've been on Soriatane, a prescription capsule, for several years and taking a half dose (one Soriatane cap per day) plus two capsules of the curcumin seems just as effective as the full dose of Soriatane with way fewer side effects. Soriatane is insanely expensive and can really beat up your liver, so the curcumin experiment seemed reasonable to me. Two months in and it appears to be working just fine. My doctor is pleased with my latest labs and my psoriasis is manageable (not gone, but better than it was on just the half dose of Soriatane -- about the same as it was on a full dose of Soriatane), so I'm happy with this product. Note: psoriasis flares and wanes and you usually never know why, but usually in January mine is really bad. This year it's not too bad, though a half dose of Soriatane does not control it. I definitely think the curcumin has helped, and I'm not one of the "nature is best/drugs are bad/eat healthy and you'll cure anything" crowd...I was skeptical but willing to give it a couple of months. So far, so good.
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars You better be taking this:, November 4, 2011
By
j-fit
The benefits of turmeric are numerous, and should be one of those supplements just about everyone should be taking.
Anti-inflammatory, pain reliever, anti-tumor, and can help fat loss. Just overall great addition to your supplement stack.
We also give it to our Great Danes for optimal health and for the one that is on chemo.
This brand is among the cheapest while being of superior quality from independent lab testing for their product line.
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8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Love!, December 3, 2010
By
123456789
I love Curcumin and Turmeric! I bought this as a last result to clear up my skin and it has been the ONLY thing that has actually worked. I never fail to take this supplement everyday. I usually take two sometimes three. This is by far my most favorite purchase for my skin! Sometimes I've used it as a mask and slept in it and I wake up with my skin healed almost completely! It's great stuff, whether it's this brand or another. Turmeric is a wonderful supplement!
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8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars tried it and love it, December 1, 2010
By
Thomas L. Robbins
I tried Curcumin as a last resort for flatulence. Nothing seemed to help and my needed prescriptions may have been the cause of the gas problem. A week after I tried Curcumin I noticed that I no longer had the gas problem. I take one cap each AM. excellant product.
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Broad range of effect, September 20, 2011
By
Rued Gestures
A good friend and fellow-sufferer recommended this product to me for relief from joint inflammation and pain. After just a few doses I noticed that my ever-stiff and often-swollen hands were much more flexible and less swollen. That was terrific, and I also noticed that my knees felt better than usual. But what really took me by surprise was the improvement to my breathing. I feel like I am ventilating much better and using less energy to get a deeper, more relaxed breath, all day long... Breathing better can't be bad, right? And I have had other improvements: my stomach also feels more balanced. I suffer greatly from a hyper-acidity condition, coupled with IBS, a painful, very explosive combination. After a four week spell of very bad IBS I was desperate to recover my well-being. Since using this product my digestive tract has felt more robust and less 'wobbly', what a blessing!
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