Curcumin: Add Some Spice to Your Health

Curcumin is One of the Most Biologically Active Herbal Extracts

Oct 28, 2008

Curcumin, a phytonutrient found in turmeric root has many health benefits including antioxidant activity, anti-aging, and immune balancing properties.

Ayurveda has long been aware of the wide array of health benefits from the Indian spice turmeric. It is only in recent years that western medicine has started taking interest in turmeric root, and specifically, the active phytochemical curcumin. Curcumin is the principle curcuminoid found in turmeric root. Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a perennial plant of the ginger family native to southern Asia and India. The root is commonly grinded into a deep orange-yellow powder and used in curry spices. In fact, if you have ever had curry powder or a curry dish, you have likely consumed curcumin.

The biological activities of curcumin are immense. Though it was traditionally used to treat upset stomach, arthritis pain, and fatigue syndrome, recent research has targeted curcumin as an antioxidant, anti-aging, and immune-balancing agent.

Antioxidant Protection

The antioxidant activities of curcumin include reducing superoxide anions, peroxides and inhibiting LDL oxidation and lipid peroxidation (1). Basically, curcumin is able to protect vital tissues and molecules in the body from being attacked by potentially damaging free radicals. It has been estimated that 1 gram of curcumin provides the same antioxidant protection as one cup of blueberries.

Anti-Aging

The anti-aging properties of curcumin are a research hotspot. Scientists worldwide are evaluating the neuroprotective properties of curcumin. Recently, curcumin has been designated as a “strong candidate” for protective use against neurodegenerative diseases. Research has found that curcumin can offer protection against amyloid-beta plaque formation, the underlying cause of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Curcumin can cross the blood-brain barrier and bind directly to amyloid plaques and increase the uptake of amyloid-beta by macrophages (2). In other words, curcumin helps to clear the “static” between neurons that can accumulate with age. In India, where turmeric is commonly used to flavor foods, the incidence of people with Alzheimer’s disease is the lowest worldwide.

Immune Balance

Just like curcumin has strong antioxidant and anti-aging activities, it also is a potent regulator of NF-kappaB and the immune system (3). NF-kappaB is a ubiquitous transcription factor found in cells involved in immune and inflammatory reactions. Transcription factor is a generic term for something that turns on and off genes. NF-kappaB regulates various aspects of innate and adaptive immune responses. It also regulates inflammatory activity by inhibiting the transcription and translation of cyclooxygenase (COX) and several other metabolites involved in prostaglandin synthesis. It can reduce the release of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by neutrophils (immune cells) and inhibit the activity of proinflammatory cytokines. This helps to reduce things such as arthritis, tendonitis, and other chronic inflammatory diseases. Curcumin can help alleviate the need for NSAIDS and corticosteroid therapy.

The immune balancing properties of curcumin can be thought of as an immune system adaptogen, helping to increase the immune response to fight off infection but decrease the immune response to decrease chronic inflammation.

Curcumin is found in international cuisines such as Indian, Thai, and Asian food. Due to the vast increase in scientific support for curcumin and health benefits, the nutraceutical industry has started offering curcumin extracts, some as high as 95% curcumin. Typical turmeric root contains between 2-5% curcumin so unless you frequently consume Indian and Thai cuisine, a curcumin supplement may be the best way to obtain all of the health benefits of curcumin.

The copyright of the article Curcumin: Add Some Spice to Your Health in Herbal Properties/Benefits is owned by Brooks W. Leigh. Permission to republish Curcumin: Add Some Spice to Your Health in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.