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Curcumin Applications:
Curcumin is one of a small number of super nutrients which has the demonstrated ability to dramatically lower the risk from cancer, heart disease and Alzheimer`s disease and has been shown to influence the storage of body fat by altering fat metabolism. Curcumin is a natural polyphenol which is extracted from curry powder and has powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. You can experience a multitude of health benefits by eating the spice in its natural form or by supplementing with a concentrated extract of active curcuminoids.
Curcumin in the Fight against Cancer
Curcumin has been shown to be a powerful tool in the fight against cancer as it helps to restore immune system function which begins to weaken in many people as a result of decades of poor diet and environmental factors. Curcumin works to bolster immune function by restoring the function of key immune cells known as CD4 and CD8 T cells. According to a study published in The Journal of Biological Chemistry, curcumin increases the production of proteins which are needed for immune cell proliferation while reducing the development of proteins which destroy immune cells.
Curcumin Prevents Clogged Arteries While Lowering Heart Attack Risk
Curcumin influences the formation of dangerous coronary artery plaque by lowering levels of systemic inflammation which are known to cause the foamy substance to become unstable and rupture leading to a heart attack. This super nutrient regulates the action of our genes to inhibit the release of chemical messengers through the body in response to stress, poor diet and our environment. The result of a study released in The Journal of Cardiovascular Medicine indicates that curcumin prevents platelet coagulation which can result in a life threatening blood clot.
Curcumin Shown to Prevent Alzheimer`s Disease
Researchers have noted that the incidence of Alzheimer`s disease among the elderly Indian population where curry is regularly eaten with most meals is significantly lower than their western counterparts. Curcumin exhibits strong antioxidant properties and is known to cross the crucial blood-brain barrier, where it acts to limit the accumulation of damaging plaque; it also reduces the neuronal response to existing plaque tangles. By inhibiting amyloid plaque formation at the synapse where electrical impulses connect different parts of the brain, memory is preserved and symptoms of this devastating disease are minimized or eliminated.
Curcumin Assists Weight Management Goals
Curcumin helps to prevent obesity and assists natural weight loss due to its ability to inhibit the formation of new blood vessels which are required to form new baby fat cells. This polyphenol also influences how the body regulates triglycerides (blood fats) which are then stored as body fat or burned as a source of energy. A study published in The Journal of Nutrition details how curcumin prevents excessive accumulation of triglycerides in the blood and shifts our metabolism away from fat storage. The study authors conclude that curcumin `may have a potential benefit in preventing obesity.`
Very few natural nutrients exhibit such a wide array of health benefits as curcumin. Extensive research confirms the powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects which provide protection against many of today`s most devastating illnesses. Whether you choose to add curry to your diet or supplement with a concentrated form of this amazing spice, you can be assured of lowered disease risk and improved quality of life.
Curcumin is a Powerful Anti-Cancer Agent
Curcumin has a long history as an effective weapon in the fight against cancer and as an anti-aging nutrient. Derived from curry powder, curcumin has been shown to initiate normal cell death in abnormal cancer cells in a process called apoptosis. The nutrient works on cellular DNA to stimulate the removal of waste debris, and it can target precancerous tumor cells to undergo programmed destruction.
Curcumin Reduces Brain Mediated Stress
The normal process of metabolic function creates free radicals that are damaging to the brain. We can limit the effects of free radicals by eating a naturally raw diet filled with fresh vegetables, nuts and seeds and limiting stressful situations. Super nutrients such as curcumin can help keep free radicals at bay by absorbing the impact of these damaging particles. The results of information published in the journal Neurotoxicity show that curcumin deactivates one of the most damaging free radicals known as peroxynitrite by boosting antioxidant defenses in the brain and lowering inflammatory responses.
Protect your liver with curry spice A powerful compound in curry known as curcumin may play an important role in liver health, according to a new study out of Saint Louis University (SLU). Researchers observed that curcumin seems to help fight and prevent damage caused by liver fibrosis, a chronic liver disease that typically leads to cirrhosis, liver failure, and portal hypertension, as well as the eventual need for a liver transplant.
"My laboratory studies the molecular mechanism of liver fibrosis and is searching for natural ways to prevent and treat this liver damage," explained Anping Chen, Ph.D., author of the study and director of research in the pathology department of SLU. "[O]ur study suggests that curcumin may be an effective therapy to treat and prevent liver fibrosis, which is associated with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)."
Curcumin plays many important roles in health. Besides recent research published in the journal Gut that found similar benefits for curcumin in liver health (http://www.naturalnews.com/029872_c...), studies have shown that curcumin prevents and fights cancer (http://www.naturalnews.com/028763_c...), prevents and treats Alzheimer's disease and other mental conditions (http://www.naturalnews.com/029767_t...), and even reverses the aging process (http://www.naturalnews.com/028556_t...).
High levels of leptin, a key protein hormone that helps regulate energy intake and use, is linked to causing liver fibrosis. Leptin activates hepatic stellate cells which can cause the overproduction of collagen protein responsible for liver damage. But Chen and his team learned that curcumin helps to stop leptin from activating these cells, effectively halting the liver damage process.
Other key factors associated with liver disease include high glucose and insulin levels, both of which are common among obese and type-2 diabetic individuals. These conditions make people more prone to developing liver disease, but in the presence of curcumin, the likelihood of their onset is significantly reduced.
Curcumin - Relieve arthritis pain naturally
Arthritis is a broad term used to describe joint pain or inflammatory conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis (which is actually an auto-immune disease) and gout.
Curcumin is derived from the herb turmeric which is common in traditional Indian cooking. Research has validated its effectiveness as an anti-inflammatory that is helpful for arthritis pain. It may also help reduce LDL cholesterol and suppress the growth of tumors. Curcumin may promote blood thinning so consult a knowledgeable professional if you take medication for this purpose.
New hope for liver disease:
curcumin in tumeric spice fights liver damage and cirrhosis
Chronic cholangiopathies (bile duct diseases) have limited therapeutic options and represent an important indication for liver transplantation. Curcumin, the yellow pigment of the spice turmeric, has pleiotropic (multiple effect) actions and attenuates hepatic damage in animal models of chemically-induced liver injury,"
Curcumin inhibits cancers of the head and neck
According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), the majority of head and neck cancers start in cells that line the mucosal surfaces such as the mouth, nose, and throat. Normal mucosal cells viewed through a microscope look like scales (squamous), so head and neck cancers of this type are labeled head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC). However, some head and neck cancers begin in other types of cells; adenocarcinomas, for example, originate in glandular cells. In all, the NCI web site states, head and neck cancers account for three to five percent of cancers in the US, with about 40,000 new cases diagnosed each year. The vast majority, approximately 85 percent of these cancers, are linked to tobacco use.
Benefits of Curcumin
Several uses have been proposed for Curcumin. Many of these are supported by scientific research. Others are supported by centuries of use and tradition.
Curcumin is one of a small number of super nutrients which has the demonstrated ability to dramatically lower the risk from cancer, heart disease and Alzheimer`s disease and has been shown to influence the storage of body fat by altering fat metabolism. Curcumin is a natural polyphenol which is extracted from curry powder and has powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. You can experience a multitude of health benefits by eating the spice in its natural form or by supplementing with a concentrated extract of active curcuminoids.
Curcumin in the Fight against Cancer
Curcumin has been shown to be a powerful tool in the fight against cancer as it helps to restore immune system function which begins to weaken in many people as a result of decades of poor diet and environmental factors. Curcumin works to bolster immune function by restoring the function of key immune cells known as CD4 and CD8 T cells. According to a study published in The Journal of Biological Chemistry, curcumin increases the production of proteins which are needed for immune cell proliferation while reducing the development of proteins which destroy immune cells.
Curcumin Prevents Clogged Arteries While Lowering Heart Attack Risk
Curcumin influences the formation of dangerous coronary artery plaque by lowering levels of systemic inflammation which are known to cause the foamy substance to become unstable and rupture leading to a heart attack. This super nutrient regulates the action of our genes to inhibit the release of chemical messengers through the body in response to stress, poor diet and our environment. The result of a study released in The Journal of Cardiovascular Medicine indicates that curcumin prevents platelet coagulation which can result in a life threatening blood clot.
Curcumin Shown to Prevent Alzheimer`s Disease
Researchers have noted that the incidence of Alzheimer`s disease among the elderly Indian population where curry is regularly eaten with most meals is significantly lower than their western counterparts. Curcumin exhibits strong antioxidant properties and is known to cross the crucial blood-brain barrier, where it acts to limit the accumulation of damaging plaque; it also reduces the neuronal response to existing plaque tangles. By inhibiting amyloid plaque formation at the synapse where electrical impulses connect different parts of the brain, memory is preserved and symptoms of this devastating disease are minimized or eliminated.
Curcumin Assists Weight Management Goals
Curcumin helps to prevent obesity and assists natural weight loss due to its ability to inhibit the formation of new blood vessels which are required to form new baby fat cells. This polyphenol also influences how the body regulates triglycerides (blood fats) which are then stored as body fat or burned as a source of energy. A study published in The Journal of Nutrition details how curcumin prevents excessive accumulation of triglycerides in the blood and shifts our metabolism away from fat storage. The study authors conclude that curcumin `may have a potential benefit in preventing obesity.`
Very few natural nutrients exhibit such a wide array of health benefits as curcumin. Extensive research confirms the powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects which provide protection against many of today`s most devastating illnesses. Whether you choose to add curry to your diet or supplement with a concentrated form of this amazing spice, you can be assured of lowered disease risk and improved quality of life.
Curcumin is a Powerful Anti-Cancer Agent
Curcumin has a long history as an effective weapon in the fight against cancer and as an anti-aging nutrient. Derived from curry powder, curcumin has been shown to initiate normal cell death in abnormal cancer cells in a process called apoptosis. The nutrient works on cellular DNA to stimulate the removal of waste debris, and it can target precancerous tumor cells to undergo programmed destruction.
Curcumin Reduces Brain Mediated Stress
The normal process of metabolic function creates free radicals that are damaging to the brain. We can limit the effects of free radicals by eating a naturally raw diet filled with fresh vegetables, nuts and seeds and limiting stressful situations. Super nutrients such as curcumin can help keep free radicals at bay by absorbing the impact of these damaging particles. The results of information published in the journal Neurotoxicity show that curcumin deactivates one of the most damaging free radicals known as peroxynitrite by boosting antioxidant defenses in the brain and lowering inflammatory responses.
Protect your liver with curry spice A powerful compound in curry known as curcumin may play an important role in liver health, according to a new study out of Saint Louis University (SLU). Researchers observed that curcumin seems to help fight and prevent damage caused by liver fibrosis, a chronic liver disease that typically leads to cirrhosis, liver failure, and portal hypertension, as well as the eventual need for a liver transplant.
"My laboratory studies the molecular mechanism of liver fibrosis and is searching for natural ways to prevent and treat this liver damage," explained Anping Chen, Ph.D., author of the study and director of research in the pathology department of SLU. "[O]ur study suggests that curcumin may be an effective therapy to treat and prevent liver fibrosis, which is associated with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)."
Curcumin plays many important roles in health. Besides recent research published in the journal Gut that found similar benefits for curcumin in liver health (http://www.naturalnews.com/029872_c...), studies have shown that curcumin prevents and fights cancer (http://www.naturalnews.com/028763_c...), prevents and treats Alzheimer's disease and other mental conditions (http://www.naturalnews.com/029767_t...), and even reverses the aging process (http://www.naturalnews.com/028556_t...).
High levels of leptin, a key protein hormone that helps regulate energy intake and use, is linked to causing liver fibrosis. Leptin activates hepatic stellate cells which can cause the overproduction of collagen protein responsible for liver damage. But Chen and his team learned that curcumin helps to stop leptin from activating these cells, effectively halting the liver damage process.
Other key factors associated with liver disease include high glucose and insulin levels, both of which are common among obese and type-2 diabetic individuals. These conditions make people more prone to developing liver disease, but in the presence of curcumin, the likelihood of their onset is significantly reduced.
Curcumin - Relieve arthritis pain naturally
Arthritis is a broad term used to describe joint pain or inflammatory conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis (which is actually an auto-immune disease) and gout.
Curcumin is derived from the herb turmeric which is common in traditional Indian cooking. Research has validated its effectiveness as an anti-inflammatory that is helpful for arthritis pain. It may also help reduce LDL cholesterol and suppress the growth of tumors. Curcumin may promote blood thinning so consult a knowledgeable professional if you take medication for this purpose.
New hope for liver disease:
curcumin in tumeric spice fights liver damage and cirrhosis
Chronic cholangiopathies (bile duct diseases) have limited therapeutic options and represent an important indication for liver transplantation. Curcumin, the yellow pigment of the spice turmeric, has pleiotropic (multiple effect) actions and attenuates hepatic damage in animal models of chemically-induced liver injury,"
Curcumin inhibits cancers of the head and neck
According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), the majority of head and neck cancers start in cells that line the mucosal surfaces such as the mouth, nose, and throat. Normal mucosal cells viewed through a microscope look like scales (squamous), so head and neck cancers of this type are labeled head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC). However, some head and neck cancers begin in other types of cells; adenocarcinomas, for example, originate in glandular cells. In all, the NCI web site states, head and neck cancers account for three to five percent of cancers in the US, with about 40,000 new cases diagnosed each year. The vast majority, approximately 85 percent of these cancers, are linked to tobacco use.
Benefits of Curcumin
Several uses have been proposed for Curcumin. Many of these are supported by scientific research. Others are supported by centuries of use and tradition.
- Curcumin and Cholesterol
- Kidney disease may be helped by Curcumin
- A possible treatment for Alzheimer's disease?
- Curcumin and HIV
- Other Benefits of Curcumin
- Treatment for Indigestion and upper abdominal pain due to functional disorders of the biliary system.
- Treatment for cataracts.
- As a contraceptive.
- Possible treatment for Multiple Sclerosis.
- Arthritis treatment.
Curcumin's Mechanism of Action:
Turmeric has been used therapeutically since time immemorial. According to ancient Ayurvedic literature, Turmeric was used in India as a medicine as far back as 5000 years ago. Even today, it is regularly used in Asian food as a spice to add flavour and colour to curry.
Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric is the latest discovery in organic cures. Scientists have hailed it as potential cure for liver disease, cancer, Alzheimer's disease and even AIDS. It is expected to be valuable since it is completely natural and abundantly found. The need for Curcumin has been intensified by the comorbidity of certain diseases, like diabetes and obesity, and the need for a single ingredient to tackle these diseases at the root and nip them in the bud.
Curcumin has been variously ascribed properties like anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and anti-oxidant. It is a detoxifying agent that stimulates the immune system and lowers the level of bad cholesterol. This description makes it clear that Curcumin acts on our body in more ways than one. All of these different mechanisms are inter-linked. To determine its exact effects Curcumin has been the subject of much research in the recent past.
Although its properties have been known and exploited for a long time, the biosynthetic route of Curcumin has proven difficult to establish. Following oral administration, the bioavailability of curcumin is approximately 60-65%. Two mechanisms of the consequent synthesis were proposed in 1973 by Roughly and Whiting, but these were tested experimentally only 35 years later. Both of these proposed mechanisms start with the usage of cinnamic acid, a derivative of the amino acid phenylalanine. This partially explains why Curcumin has such an unusual effect since only a handful of currently identified compounds, such as anigorufone and pinosylvin, use cinnamic acid as their starting point.
Curcumin's anti-inflammatory action:
Inflammation is caused when the immune system responds to tissue damage with a complex series of actions and reactions. When the body fights infection and initiates healing, some inflammation occurs. If this inflammation becomes chronic, then the person may fall prey to a myriad of degenerative diseases like arthritis and arteriosclerosis.
Curcumin works to inhibit the activity and synthesis of the enzymes implicated in inflammation, such as, cyclooxygenase-2 and 5-lipooxygenase. Its anti-inflammatory action may also be attributed to inhibition of pro-inflammatory leukotrienes, postraglandins and arachidonic acid, as well as to its neutrophil function during inflammatory states. Along with the curcuminoids, the volatile oils present in turmeric are also responsible for the anti-inflammatory activity. One of the constituents of turmeric, ar-tumerone, has been shown to arrest the growth and cytotoxic activity of human lymphocytes.
Curcumin's behaves in a manner similar to aspirin, without causing vascular thrombosis. Curcumin has been compared in potency to steroidal drugs and some nonsterodial drugs as well, again without the dangerous side effects. Clinical trials show that at dosages of 400 mg per day to 1200 mg per day, curcumin is comparable to the drug phenylbutazone.
Curcumin's anti-oxidant action:
Chemicals, tissue injury, infections, and auto-immune processes are all sources of free radicals which have the potential to cause damage to our body. This is where antioxidants enter the scene to provide protection from free radical-induced damage.
Curcumin and other extracts of turmeric act as free radical scavengers and make for effective antioxidants. In addition, they inhibit oxidative DNA damage and relieve oxidative stress. Curcumin is a great antioxidant since it is able to regulate the formation of nitric oxide which plays a key role in inflammation and is carcinogenic.
Curcumin's potency is are comparable to vitamins C and E. Curcumin was shown to be eight times more potent than vitamin E in lipid peroxidation, and three times more powerful than vitamin C in neutralizing free radicals.
Curcumin's anti-microbial properties:
In India, turmeric was, and in some parts of the country still is, applied to cuts and wounds to heal them, evincing its antimicrobial properties. Laboratory studies have confirmed this traditional use of turmeric. Curcumin inhibits the growth of a variety of bacteria, parasites and pathogenic fungi. It also reduces the lesions caused by intestinal parasites, dermatophytes, and fungi.
In addition to these basic functions, Curcumin also acts as a choleretic, that is, a substance that increases the volume of bile and amounts of solids secreted from the liver. More than 700 genes have been shown to be modulated by curcumin. Curcumin works well against many different kinds of cancer such as prostate cancer, colon cancer, lung cancer and breast cancer. Its anti-tumor activity appears to be due to its interactions with arachidonate metabolism and its anti-angiogenic properties.
Given these unique advantages, it is no wonder that Curcumin is slowly emerging as a one-stop cure for all ailments.
Turmeric has been used therapeutically since time immemorial. According to ancient Ayurvedic literature, Turmeric was used in India as a medicine as far back as 5000 years ago. Even today, it is regularly used in Asian food as a spice to add flavour and colour to curry.
Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric is the latest discovery in organic cures. Scientists have hailed it as potential cure for liver disease, cancer, Alzheimer's disease and even AIDS. It is expected to be valuable since it is completely natural and abundantly found. The need for Curcumin has been intensified by the comorbidity of certain diseases, like diabetes and obesity, and the need for a single ingredient to tackle these diseases at the root and nip them in the bud.
Curcumin has been variously ascribed properties like anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and anti-oxidant. It is a detoxifying agent that stimulates the immune system and lowers the level of bad cholesterol. This description makes it clear that Curcumin acts on our body in more ways than one. All of these different mechanisms are inter-linked. To determine its exact effects Curcumin has been the subject of much research in the recent past.
Although its properties have been known and exploited for a long time, the biosynthetic route of Curcumin has proven difficult to establish. Following oral administration, the bioavailability of curcumin is approximately 60-65%. Two mechanisms of the consequent synthesis were proposed in 1973 by Roughly and Whiting, but these were tested experimentally only 35 years later. Both of these proposed mechanisms start with the usage of cinnamic acid, a derivative of the amino acid phenylalanine. This partially explains why Curcumin has such an unusual effect since only a handful of currently identified compounds, such as anigorufone and pinosylvin, use cinnamic acid as their starting point.
Curcumin's anti-inflammatory action:
Inflammation is caused when the immune system responds to tissue damage with a complex series of actions and reactions. When the body fights infection and initiates healing, some inflammation occurs. If this inflammation becomes chronic, then the person may fall prey to a myriad of degenerative diseases like arthritis and arteriosclerosis.
Curcumin works to inhibit the activity and synthesis of the enzymes implicated in inflammation, such as, cyclooxygenase-2 and 5-lipooxygenase. Its anti-inflammatory action may also be attributed to inhibition of pro-inflammatory leukotrienes, postraglandins and arachidonic acid, as well as to its neutrophil function during inflammatory states. Along with the curcuminoids, the volatile oils present in turmeric are also responsible for the anti-inflammatory activity. One of the constituents of turmeric, ar-tumerone, has been shown to arrest the growth and cytotoxic activity of human lymphocytes.
Curcumin's behaves in a manner similar to aspirin, without causing vascular thrombosis. Curcumin has been compared in potency to steroidal drugs and some nonsterodial drugs as well, again without the dangerous side effects. Clinical trials show that at dosages of 400 mg per day to 1200 mg per day, curcumin is comparable to the drug phenylbutazone.
Curcumin's anti-oxidant action:
Chemicals, tissue injury, infections, and auto-immune processes are all sources of free radicals which have the potential to cause damage to our body. This is where antioxidants enter the scene to provide protection from free radical-induced damage.
Curcumin and other extracts of turmeric act as free radical scavengers and make for effective antioxidants. In addition, they inhibit oxidative DNA damage and relieve oxidative stress. Curcumin is a great antioxidant since it is able to regulate the formation of nitric oxide which plays a key role in inflammation and is carcinogenic.
Curcumin's potency is are comparable to vitamins C and E. Curcumin was shown to be eight times more potent than vitamin E in lipid peroxidation, and three times more powerful than vitamin C in neutralizing free radicals.
Curcumin's anti-microbial properties:
In India, turmeric was, and in some parts of the country still is, applied to cuts and wounds to heal them, evincing its antimicrobial properties. Laboratory studies have confirmed this traditional use of turmeric. Curcumin inhibits the growth of a variety of bacteria, parasites and pathogenic fungi. It also reduces the lesions caused by intestinal parasites, dermatophytes, and fungi.
In addition to these basic functions, Curcumin also acts as a choleretic, that is, a substance that increases the volume of bile and amounts of solids secreted from the liver. More than 700 genes have been shown to be modulated by curcumin. Curcumin works well against many different kinds of cancer such as prostate cancer, colon cancer, lung cancer and breast cancer. Its anti-tumor activity appears to be due to its interactions with arachidonate metabolism and its anti-angiogenic properties.
Given these unique advantages, it is no wonder that Curcumin is slowly emerging as a one-stop cure for all ailments.