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The Wonders of Curcumin and Why You Should Consider Taking It

The Wonders of Curcumin and Why You Should Consider Taking It

If I were asked what supplement I’d take if I were stranded on a desert island, it would definitely be curcumin.

What is Curcumin and How Is It Used?

Curcumin is an extract of an ancient medicinal and cooking herb, turmeric, that has been used throughout the middle east and Asia for more than 7000 years. Curcumin is a root, and is a member of the ginger family. It has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine. What makes it unique is that it has a multi-ring structure called a polyphenolic ring; this ring structure allows it to absorb multiple free radicals, thus making it a powerful antioxidant. Since it scavenges free radicals and reactive oxygen species, curcumin shows a great deal of therapeutic promise in many areas.

How Does the Body Absorb Curcumin?

Curcumin in its raw, natural form is not very bioavailable (isn’t absorbed well by the body). In traditional cultures (in Indian and Persian cooking), however, curcumin is generally dissolved in some sort of oil or taken with a sulfurated protein such as yogurt, coconut milk or dairy milk which may possibly make it more bioavailable (absorbable). Our highly absorbable curcumin supplement, Curcumin Rapid Absorb, is made using a specialized technology in the way it is mixed to produce spheres of curcumin dissolved in oil which is then rapidly absorbed by the body. This makes absorption more effective than even the traditional methods of simply mixing the curcumin in oil. Many curcumin supplements on the market today do not contain this technology, and most others I’ve seen that do, use soybean oil rather than healthier sunflower oil.

Unlike some formulations, we do not use Bioperine® for bioavailability as there are very few human studies of this substance. Another reason we prefer to not use it is that it contains piperine, a black pepper extract that has been shown to be toxic in mice, rats and hamsters when given in large amounts.1 Piperine can also have interactions with prescription medications, including blood pressure and epilepsy medications.2

Curcumin is Showing Great Promise in a Supportive Role in Cancer Studies

There are promising studies that suggest curcumin may induce the preferential death of cancer cells over normal cells, and may even change the way DNA is expressed in cancer cells making them unable to repair themselves while preserving the ability of normal cells to do so.3 It is shown in to have other anti-cancer benefits such as inhibiting cancer cell proliferation,4  and inducing killing of cancer cells in different ways (as well as apoptotic cell death).5,6 Curcumin combined with citral (basically an extract from the oils of lemon grasses/plants) has been shown to arrest the growth of cancerous cells and may be a “useful therapeutic intervention for breast cancer.”7

Clinical studies are under way which suggest that curcumin may work synergistically with certain chemotherapy medications possibly making them more effective and reducing their side effects.8,9,10  It is showing other promising anti-carcinogenic benefits in all stages of various types of tumors.11,12,13  It is possible that curcumin could become a supportive beneficial non-toxic part of a prescribed regimen for cancer patients in the future.14,15,16

Curcumin Has Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Normalizing Joint and Muscle Flexibility and Function

Joint and muscle aches and pains cause many people to run to the over-the-counter NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), such as ibuprofen, or to an analgesic such as acetaminophen. However, when pain is severe enough, stronger pain relievers may be prescribed by a physician. For instance, NSAIDS are often prescribed for arthritis.

Many doctors and patients are aware of the side effects of NSAIDS– some of which are gastrointestinal ulcers and bleeds, and kidney complications; also, analgesic pain relievers which can cause liver damage.

Curcumin can help support normal joint function and mobility, normal lung function, and decrease lung inflammation, and does not cause gastrointestinal ulcers or kidney side effects. Curcumin has excellent anti-inflammatory properties.17,18

Curcumin is a natural COX-2 inhibitor which means it works by inhibiting cyclooxygenase-2 (an enzyme that causes inflammation and pain). This action, in turn, triggers the release of prostaglandin (which aids in muscle repair).19  The anti-inflammatory properties curcumin has, and the effects it has on joint function, normalization and joint flexibility are truly remarkable.20  Where joint function is concerned, research is showing that curcumin treatment may even actually help to change the environment of cells in a way that aids in the “regeneration of articular cartilage.”21

There are many diseases in which inflammation is a key problem – autoimmune disease is one such class of diseases which include rheumatoid arthritis and ulcerative colitis.

Curcumin has been used for hundreds of years for its anti-inflammatory properties in Ayurvedic medicine, and is now showing promise in the treatment of joint dysfunction and inflammation in western medicine.22

Are There Any Common Diseases in Which Inflammation Is a Factor?

There are many diseases in which we now realize inflammation plays a large part.

One of the causes of Alzheimer’s disease is now believed to be neuroinflammation. In some animal studies, some anti-inflammatory substances have been shown to visually clear the plaques and tangles that are the hallmarks of the brain changes associated with Alzheimer’s disease.

With regard to heart disease, arterial inflammation is a significant contributor to forming arterial clot; therefore, decreasing inflammation is protective to arteries and the heart.

Inflammatory bowel disease: As its name suggests, in both Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, inflammation plays a large role. Please look for our future article on this topic. In brief, while ulcerative colitis is a true autoimmune disease wherein the body attacks itself and causes inflammation, it is thought that Crohn’s disease may result from a weakened immunity locally, at the intestine (gut) wall, which allows bacteria to seep in and start an inflammatory process. A recent study suggests that a combination of curcumin and flunixin (a combination NSAID, analgesic and antipyretic drug) may “be beneficial to patients with inflammatory bowel disease.”23

Can Curcumin Help Normalize Inflammation?

Curcumin is being experimented with where neurological health and memory is concerned for its cognition-enhancing effects as well as anti-inflammatory properties.24,25,26 

Curcumin shows promise in supporting normalization of cholesterol transport in diseased arteries and decreasing inflammation in the walls of arteries.27 It has been suggested that curcumin may have therapeutic potential in lessening oxidative stress and cell death.28  There is also some evidence that curcumin may help the body in the removal of harmful cholesterol.29,30

Studies are ongoing and suggest “bright prospects” with regard the use of curcumin in normalizing inflammation in the gut (intestine).31

The benefits of curcumin have been known for hundreds (if not thousands) of years in eastern countries and ancient cultures. Happily, curcumin is being recognized in the here and now in western medicine as having very beneficial properties, and without toxic side-effects.

Please visit Doctor Emi’s Natural Health Store specifically our Curcumin Rapid Absorb, which, as its name suggests, is rapidly absorbed into the system for maximum benefit. We use a technologically advanced, natural and non-toxic way of making our curcumin bioavailable. Our products are all third-party tested, made in the USA and achieve doses and blood levels necessary to see a positive effect.

Please Note!

If you are taking any blood-thinning medications such as Warfarin (sold under the name Coumadin) or Clopidogrel (often sold as Plavix), do not take curcumin as it can also have a mild blood thinning effect.32

If you have any chronic medical conditions, are taking prescription medications, or are undergoing chemotherapy treatment, it is imperative you consult your physician or licensed health care professional prior to starting this, or any other dietary supplement.

The Doctor Emi Team

References

1.  Piyachaturawat P, Glinsukon T, Toskulkao C. Acute and subacute toxicity of piperine in mice, rats and hamsters. Toxicol Lett. 1983 May;16(3-4):351-9. (PubMed)
2.  Hu Z, Yang X, Ho PC, Chan SY, Heng PW, Chan E, Duan W, Koh HL, Zhou S. Herb-drug interactions: a literature review. Drugs. 2005;65(9):1239-82 (PubMed)
3.  Yu CC, Yang ST, Huang WW, et al. Bisdemethoxycurcumin induces DNA damage and inhibits DNA repair associated protein expressions in NCI-H460 human lung cancer cells. Environ Toxicol. 2015 Aug 30. doi: 10.1002/tox.22187.(PubMed)
4.  Li F, Chen X, Xu B, Zhou H. Curcumin induces p53-independent necrosis in H1299 cells via a mitochondria-associated pathway. Mol Med Rep. 2015 Nov;12(5):7806-14. doi: 10.3892/mmr.2015.4395. Epub 2015 Sep 30. (PubMed)
5.  Ting CY, Wang HE, Yu CC, Liu HC, Liu YC, Chiang IT. Curcumin Triggers DNA Damage and Inhibits Expression of DNA Repair Proteins in Human Lung Cancer Cells.Anticancer Res. 2015 Jul;35(7):3867-73. (PubMed)
6.   Zaman MS, Chauhan N, Yallapu MM, et al. Curcumin Nanoformulation for Cervical Cancer Treatment.Sci Rep. 2016 Feb 3;6:20051. doi: 10.1038/srep20051. (PubMed)
7.   Patel PB, Thakkar VR, Patel JS. Cellular Effect of Curcumin and Citral Combination on Breast Cancer Cells: Induction of Apoptosis and Cell Cycle Arrest. J Breast Cancer. 2015 Sep;18(3):225-34. doi: 10.4048/jbc.2015.18.3.225. Epub 2015 Sep 24. (PubMed)
8.   Ji Z. Targeting DNA Damage and Repair by Curcumin. Breast Cancer: Basic and Clinical Research. 2010; 4:1-3. (PMC)
9.   Gali-Muhtasib H, Hmadi R, Kareh M, Tohme R, Darwiche N. Cell death mechanisms of plant-derived anticancer drugs: beyond apoptosis. Apoptosis. 2015 Dec;20(12):1531-62. doi: 10.1007/s10495-015-1169-2. (PubMed)
10.  Shi D, Xu Y, Du X, Chen X, Zhang X, Lou J, Li M, Zhuo J. Co-treatment of THP-1 cells with naringenin and curcumin induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis via numerous pathways. Mol Med Rep. 2015 Dec;12(6):8223-8. doi: 10.3892/mmr.2015.4480. Epub 2015 Oct 23. (PubMed)
11.   Muthu K. Shanmugam, Grishma Rane, Madhu Mathi Kanchi, et al. The Multifaceted Role of Curcumin in Cancer Prevention and Treatment. Molecules 2015, 20, 2728-2769; doi:10.3390/molecules20022728  (PubMed)
12.   Lee AY, Fan CC, Chen YA, et al. Curcumin Inhibits Invasiveness and Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Through Reducing Matrix Metalloproteinase 2, 9 and Modulating p53-E-Cadherin Pathway. Integr Cancer Ther. 2015 Sep;14(5):484-90. doi: 10.1177/1534735415588930. Epub 2015 Jun 2. (PubMed)
13.  Das L, Vinayak M. Long term effect of curcumin in restoration of tumour suppressor p53 and phase-II antioxidant enzymes via activation of Nrf2 signalling and modulation of inflammation in prevention of cancer. PLoS One. 2015 Apr 10;10 (4):e0124000. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0124000. eCollection 2015. (PubMed)
14.   Singh AK, Sharma N, Ghosh M, Park YH, Jeong DK. Emerging Importance of Dietary Phytochemicals in Fight against Cancer: Role in Targeting Cancer Stem Cells. Epub Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2016 Feb 6:0. (PubMed)
15.   Ahmad A, Li Y, Sarkar FH. The bounty of nature for changing the cancer landscape. Epub Mol Nutr Food Res. 2016 Jan 22. doi: 10.1002/mnfr.201500867. (PubMed)
16.   Olejnik A, Tomczyk J, Kowalska K, Grajek W. The role of natural dietary compounds in colorectal cancer chemoprevention. Postepy Hig Med Dosw (Online). 2010 Apr 7;64:175-87. (PubMed)
17.   Ka-Heng Lee, Faridah Abas, Noorjahan Banu Mohamed Alitheen 4, Khozirah Shaari, Nordin Haji Lajis, Syahida Ahmad. A Curcumin Derivative, 2,6-Bis(2,5-dimethoxybenzylidene)-cyclohexanone (BDMC33) Attenuates Prostaglandin E2 Synthesis via Selective Suppression of Cyclooxygenase-2 in IFN-g/LPS-Stimulated Macrophages. Molecules 2011, 16(11), 9728-9738; doi:10.3390/molecules16119728. (MDPI)
18.   Venugopal P. Menon, Adluri Ram Sudheer. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of curcumin. The Molecular Targets and Therapeutic Uses of Curcumin in Health and Disease. Volume 595 of the series Advances in Experimental medicine and Biology pp 105-125 (Springer)
19.   Kazumi M, Fumiko S, Kaori, M, Hiroyuki, N, Atsufumi K. Cucumin inhibits the proteinase-activated receptor-2-triggered prostaglandin E2 production by suppressing cyclooxygenase-2 upregulation and akt-dependent activation of nuclear factor-kb in human lung epithelial cells. J Pharmacol Sci 114, 225 – 229 (2010) (JStage)
20.   Taty Anna Kamarudin, Faizah Othman, Elvy Suhana Mohd Ramli, Nurismah Md Isa, Srijit Das. Protective effect of curcumin on experimentally induced arthritic rats: detailed histopathological study of the joints and white blood cell count. EXCLI Journal 2012;11:226-236 – ISSN 1611-2156 Received: May 07, 2012, accepted: May 11, 2012, published: May 15, 2012 (EXCLI)
21.  Constanze Buhrmann, Ali Mobasheri, Ulrike Matis and Mehdi Shakibaei. Curcumin mediated suppression of nuclear factor-κB promotes chondrogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells in a high-density co-culture microenvironment. Arthritis Research & Therapy 2010 12:R127 DOI: 10.1186/ar3065 ©Buhrmann et al. 2010 Received: 03 February 2010 Accepted: 01 July 2010Published: 01 July 2010 (BioMed Central)
22.   Funk j, Frye J, Oyarzo J, et al. Efficacy and mechanism of action of turmeric supplements in the treatment of experimental arthritis. American College of Rheumatology. Article first published online: 30 OCT 2006 DOI: 10.1002/art.22180 (Wiley)
23. Gopu B, Dileep R, Rani MU, Kumar CS, Kumar MV, Reddy AG. Protective Role of Curcumin and Flunixin Against Acetic Acid-Induced Inflammatory Bowel Disease via Modulating Inflammatory Mediators and Cytokine Profile in Rats. J Environ Pathol Toxicol Oncol. 2015;34(4):309-20. (PubMed)
24.   Ray B, Lahiri DK. Neuroinflammation in Alzheimer’s disease: different molecular targets and potential therapeutic agents including curcumin. Curr Opin Pharmacol. 2009 Aug;9(4):434-44. doi: 10.1016/j.coph.2009.06.012. Epub 2009 Aug 3. (PubMed)
25.  Venigalla M, Gyengesi E, Münch G. Curcumin and Apigenin – novel and promising therapeutics against chronic neuroinflammation in Alzheimer’s disease. Neural Regen Res. 2015 Aug;10(8):1181-5. doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.162686. (PubMed)
26.   Frautschy S, Hu W, Kim P, et al. Phenoloic anti-inflammatory antioxidant reversal of AB-induced cognitive deficits and neuropathology. November-December, 2001 Volume 22, Issue 6, Pages 993-1005  DOI: 10.1016/S0197-4580(01)00300-1 (Neurobiology of Aging)
27.   Li X, Lu Y, Sun Y, Zhang Q. Effect of curcumin on permeability of coronary artery and expression of related proteins in rat coronary atherosclerosis heart disease model. Int J Clin Exp Pathol. 2015 Jun 1;8(6):7247-53. eCollection 2015. (PubMed)
28.  Hernández-Reséndiz S, Correa F, García-Niño WR, et al. Cardioprotection by curcumin post-treatment in rats with established chronic kidney disease. Cardiovasc Drugs Ther. 2015 Apr;29(2):111-20. doi: 10.1007/s10557-015-6581-x. (PubMed)
29.  Canfrán-Duque A, Pastor O, Reina M, et al. Curcumin Mitigates the Intracellular Lipid Deposit Induced by Antipsychotics In Vitro. PLoS One. 2015 Oct 30;10(10):e0141829. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0141829. eCollection 2015. (PubMed)
30.    Chen FY, Zhou J, Guo N, Ma WG, Huang X, Wang H, Yuan ZY. Curcumin retunes cholesterol transport homeostasis and inflammation response in M1 macrophage to prevent atherosclerosis. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2015 Nov 27;467(4):872-8. doi: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2015.10.051. Epub 2015 Oct 19. (PubMed)
31.    Hanai H, Sugimoto K. Curcumin has bright prospects for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease. Curr Pharm Des. 2009;15(18):2087-94. (PubMed)
32.  Possible Interactions with: Turmeric. Complementary and Alternative Medicine Guide. University of Maryland Medical Center. Last reviewed on 1/5/2015  (UMM)

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