Turmeric, a perennial herb in the ginger family, has been used for its medicinal qualities for over 4,000 years, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Turmeric, which is a staple spice in Indian cuisine, adds the bright yellow color to curry powder. Curcumin, the active ingredient in curry, is a powerful antioxidant that has received considerable research attention, some of which has supported the traditional uses of turmeric for health and healing.
Protein Plaques
Curcumin, the active constituent in turmeric, reduces the damaging effects of protein plaques in the brains of Alzheimer's disease patients according to a U.S. study published in the September 2010 "Journal of Biological Chemistry." The study on laboratory mice revealed that curcumin inhibited the production of amyloid-beta protein, which comprises the plaques that disrupt brain function in Alzheimer's. The researchers noted that this study represents the first of its kind to pinpoint a mechanism for the effects of curcumin on this disease process.
Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant
Turmeric's antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and lipid-soluble properties give it particular benefits for improving the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease according to a study published in the January 2008 "Annals of the Indian Academy of Neurology." Turmeric relieves oxidative stress, reduces damage caused by free radicals, inhibits the formation of beta-amyloid proteins, reduces inflammation and protects against disruption of brain function by toxic metals that contribute to the development of the disease. These benefits to nerve function improved memory for Alzheimer's patients.
Depression
Depressive symptoms associated with Alzheimer's disease may respond to treatment with turmeric, according to an Indian study published in the November 2009 "Scientific World Journal." Turmeric could have the ability to regulate the release of the neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine and the spice has been shown to promote nerve growth in the frontal lobe, which is an area of the brain responsible for cognition, and also in the hippocampus, which is an area of the brain associated with memory. The researchers called for further testing, including clinical trials, to clearly define the role of turmeric in depression.
Binding Properties
One of the explanations for turmeric's healing properties for dementia is simply its ability to reach the brain where it can exert its beneficial influences, according to a study published in the May 2006 "Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry." Once there, curcumin also shows ability to bind to and inhibit formation of the amyloid-beta protein that forms plaques in the brains of Alzheimer's patients.
References
- PubMed.gov: Curcumin decreases amyloid-beta peptide levels by attenuating the maturation of amyloid-beta precursor protein
- "Annals of Indian Academy of Neurology": The effect of curcumin (turmeric) on Alzheimer's disease: An overview
- PubMed.gov: Potentials of curcumin as an antidepressant
- PubMed.gov: Molecular orbital basis for yellow curry spice curcumin's prevention of Alzheimer's disease
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Turmeric
