Your liver is responsible for a wide variety of physiological functions, including enzyme production, filtering your blood and converting glucose to energy. Cirrhosis is when your liver begins to deteriorate. It becomes inflamed and scar tissue replaces healthy tissue. Alcoholism and viruses such as hepatitis C can cause liver cirrhosis. Though human studies are lacking, animal studies suggest that the Indian spice curcumin may exert protective effects against liver cirrhosis. Consult your doctor before taking curcumin.
Curcumin
Turmeric is a spice in the ginger family. It is a bright yellow spice commonly used to flavor Indian cuisine. It is also used medicinally. Curcumin is the active substance in turmeric. It may have anti-inflammatory properties, according to the Linus Pauling Institute. Curcumin may also increase glutathione production. Glutathione is your body's primary antioxidant. It helps protect against free radical cellular damage. Free radicals are oxygen-uptake byproducts, but they are unstable and can damage your cells.
Reduces Inflammation
Curcumin may help slow liver cirrhosis. Clinical data show it reduces inflammation in rats with liver cirrhosis, according to a study published in the April 2007 issue of the journal "Liver International." The study, conducted by the Department of Gastroenterology at the Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center in Israel, found that one way curcumin helps prevent liver cirrhosis is through anti-inflammatory activity. Though human studies are needed for further investigation, this is promising data.
Reduces Fibrosis
Fibrogensis is the formation of scar tissue. Another way curcumin may help protect against liver cirrhosis is through suppressing fibrosis, according to a study published in the February 2008 issue of the journal "Molecular Biology." In animal studies, curcumin reduces oxidative stress and inflammation, leading to reduction in scar tissue formation, according to researchers at the Department of Pathology in the School of Medicine at the Saint Louis University in Missouri.
Precautions
Animal studies suggest that curcumin may help protect against liver cirrhosis. Curcumin is available as a dietary supplement. However, all herbs and supplements have the capacity to cause side effects and interact with your medicines. High doses up to 12 g are considered safe, according to the Linus Pauling Institute. However, curcumin stimulates gallbladder contraction, which can cause a gallbladder attack if you have gallstones. Curcumin may also interact with chemotherapy and blood-thinning drugs. Consult your doctor before taking curcumin.
References
- PubMed Health: Cirrhosis; George F. Longstreth; December 2010
- Linus Pauling Institute: Curcumin; Jane Higdon; November 2005
- "Liver International"; Prevention of Liver Cirrhosis in Rats by Curcumin; R. Bruck et al.; April 2007
- "Molecular Pharmacology"; Curcumin Protects the Rat Liver from Ccl4-caused Injury and Fibrogenesis by Attenuating Oxidative Stress and Suppressing Inflammation; Y. Fu; February 2008
