The spice tumeric is a member of the Zingiberaceae (ginger) family. Most usage of turmeric is in the form of powder from the roots, for color, as well as for medicinal value. Curcumin is the orange-yellow component of turmeric and it is used to make curry, used in Indian cuisine. In Ayurvedic practices, turmeric is used as an antiseptic for cuts, burns and bruises and as an antibacterial agent. Tumeric is being investigated for possible benefits in pro-inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, cancer and Alzheimer's disease.
Anti-Inflammatory Benefits
In addition to being a good food source of the trace minerals iron and manganese, providing 10.4 and 18 percent of the Recommended Daily Value (DV) for each mineral in a 2 tsp. serving, respectively, tumeric is a potent anti-inflammatory spice. Curcumin is thought to be the primary pharmacological agent in turmeric. Curcumin's anti-inflammatory effects are comparable to drugs such as hydrocortisone and ibuprofen but, unlike these drugs, it has no toxic side effects. According to research published in 2007 in the medical journal Advances in Experimental Biology, curcumin has been shown to inhibit enzymes involved in the inflammatory process, such as cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), lipoxygenase (LOX) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). The process of inflammation plays a major role in many chronic illnesses, including cardiovascular disease, pulmonary conditions and autoimmune disorders. The conclusion of this and related studies suggests that there is a potential role of curcumin in the prevention and treatment of pro-inflammatory diseases.
Anti-Cancer Properties
Several epidemiological studies have linked the use of turmeric to reduced rates of breast, prostate, lung and colon cancers while laboratory experiments have shown curcumin may prevent tumors from forming. A study published in August 2006 in the journal Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology revealed that giving patients with Familialadenomatous polyposis (FAP), a disorder characterized by the development of hundreds of colorectal adenomas, 480 mg of curcumin and 20 mg of quercetin (an antioxidant found in onions) orally three times daily reduced the size and number of precancerous lesions in the human intestinal tract. Curcumin shows promise in possibly preventing breast cancer as well. According to a study published in the journal Breast Cancer Research and Treatment in November 2009, curcumin (as well as piperine, the compound responsible for the pungent flavor of black pepper, used in some forms of traditional medicine) inhibits malignant breast stem cell self-renewal without causing toxicity, making it a potential cancer preventive agent.
Alzheimer's Disease
Alzheimer's disease results when a protein fragment called amyloid accumulates in brain cells. It produced oxidative stress which leads to chronic inflammation. Plaque forms between nerve cells (neurons) in the brain, disrupting proper cognitive function. In healthy brains, these protein fragments are broken down and eliminated from the body. In a study published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry in 2005, curcumin was injected into aged mice with advanced amyloid plaque accumulation. The curcumin crossed the blood-brain barrier and bound to the plaques, preventing clumping and plaque formation characteristic of advanced Alzheimer's. Curcumin has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties as well, which offers additional protection to brain cells.
References
- "Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology"; Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of curcumin; V.P. Menon and A.R. Sudheer; 2007
- "Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology"; Combination treatment with curcumin and quercetin of adenomas in familial adenomatous polyposis; M. Cruz-Correa, D.A. Shoskes, P. Sanchez, et al.; Aug 2006
- "Breast Cancer Research and Treatment"; Targeting breast stem cells with the cancer preventive compounds curcumin and piperine; M. Kakarala, D.E. Brenner, H. Korkaya, et al.; Nov 2009
- "Journal of Biological Chemistry"; Curcumin inhibits formation of amyloid beta oligomers and fibrils, binds plaques, and reduces amyloid in vivo; F. Yang, G.P. Lim, A.N. Begum et al.; Feb 2005
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