The immune system initiates inflammation, a process that normally protects your body from invasion by potentially harmful microorganisms. Sometimes, however, inflammation occurs in the absence of a threat to your body. In these cases, the immune system may cause damage to the body's own tissues, producing an inflammatory disorder such as rheumatoid arthritis, asthma or certain types of colitis. Curcumin is a component of the spice turmeric that may help suppress inflammation. Consult your doctor to determine if taking curcumin is a good choice for you.
Curcumin
Curcumin is the biologically active component of the spice turmeric, which is made from the dried rhizomes of the Curcuma longa plant. Turmeric is a bright, yellow-orange spice that has been part of Indian cuisine and traditional Indian medicine, or Ayurveda, for thousands of years. It is recommended by practitioners to treat many conditions that involve inflammation, including digestive and liver disorders, wounds, skin irritations and inflammation of the eyes. Curcumin possesses several properties that make it useful for combating inflammation.
Properties
Curcumin is a potent antioxidant that removes free radicals from the body. These molecules are metabolic byproducts that may damage cellular DNA and hasten cell death. Curcumin may also increase production of a molecule called glutathione, a natural antioxidant made by several of the body's tissues. Finally, curcumin also suppresses production of inflammatory chemicals called leukotrienes, which are made by immune cells responsible for initiating inflammation.
The Evidence
A number of clinical studies have been conducted to test the ability of curcumin to suppress inflammation in human subjects. In a review paper summarizing the results of six clinical trials, published in 2003 in the "Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine," curcumin was judged to be safe and effective in suppressing inflammation, acting by inhibiting production of several different inflammatory compounds.
Recommendations and Precautions
Curcumin is available from most health food stores as a supplement in capsules. The usual dose is 400 to 600 mg three times daily. Curcumin is generally considered safe and without significant side effects, although it may cause mild stomach upset in some people. Curcumin may interact with some prescription medications, including blood thinners, drugs that decrease stomach acid and drugs used to treat diabetes. Discuss its use with your doctor before adding it to your regimen.
References
- The Cleveland Clinic: Inflammation: What You Need To Know
- Linus Pauling Institute: Curcumin
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center: Turmeric
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Turmeric
- "Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine"; Safety and Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Curcumin: A Component of Turmeric (Curcuma Longa); N. Chainani-Wu; 2003
