The Ultimate Evidence Based Guide on Curcumin's Health Benefits
20.05.21This article has been researched and written by Allbeing's in-house writers.
Turmeric is an age-old spice well known as Asian or Golden Spice and recognized worldwide for its medicinal and culinary properties. Curcumin (diferuloylmethane) is one of the chemical components in turmeric with a long list of health benefits and receives attention worldwide from scientists for its medicinal applications. This yellow-colored chemical is a bioactive component, meaning that they act to promote health. It encompasses the potential of anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and anti-microbial properties making it a gem of our native ancient India.
FunFact
India is the world's largest producer of turmeric and also the highest consumer. The city of Erode in Tamil Nadu is the world's largest producer of turmeric and called as "yellow city" or "Turmeric city".
Haldi versus Curcumin - Know the difference!
There is a general misconception about curcumin and turmeric being the same because the biological name of turmeric is Curcuma longa. Turmeric is a herbaceous plant of the ginger family and a major source of polyphenol curcumin.
Curcumin is one of the many bioactive components present in turmeric and is around 2 - 5% in the rhizome of the turmeric plant. It belongs to the family of curcuminoids with great medicinal properties.
The main drawback of curcumin is its low bioavailability when taken orally. They undergo rapid metabolism in liver and get eliminated through gall bladder quickly than absorbed by intestine. Higher the bioavailability, higher their benefits to the body.
Turmeric contains many natural chemical substances and curcuminoids are one of them. curcuminoids are highly health promoting factors.
The natural form of turmeric already holds a low percentage of curcumin and their poor bioavailability makes it hard for the body to take up the complete potential of curcumin by our body.
Types of curcuminoids - A triad.
Curcuminoids are a family of active compounds including curcumin, demethoxycurcumin, and bisdemethoxycurcumin. They are polyphenolic pigments and curcumin is the most beneficial among them.
Curcumin in turmeric carries a wide range of pharmacological and physiological benefits. Apart from their poor solubility during digestion, the other important challenge is their capability to transform from bioactive to inactive metabolites rapidly.
To overcome these limitations, curcumin supplements such as micro and nanoformulations of curcumin were created using the latest scientific advances which improved the absorption and extended the availability of the curcumin in active form.
Why should you start early?
The scientific researchers have shown that a person needs to take 500 – 1000 mg of curcumin per day. The natural form of curcumin in turmeric has poor bioavailability, the average Indian diet constitutes around 60 - 100 mg of curcumin per day from 2000 – 2500 mg of turmeric included in cooking.
Starting early with curcumin supplements helps in receiving its numerous health benefits. It improves immunity from younger age and keeps children robust. There are several researches focused on curcumin as cure for many health conditions and disease such as arthritis, cardiac problems, thyroid, kidney, skin etc. Curcumin is also researched as a therapeutic agent for treatment of cancer.
It is advised to take curcumin as supplements as it increases the absorption in GI tract and helps in acquiring the curcumin benefits completely. Taking the right amount of curcumin everyday helps in establishing its medicinal benefits for improvement of our body health.
Fact
After COVID19 outbreak, the turmeric sales is increasing continuously and the export rate of turmeric from India have gone to great heights.
Let’s talk about the golden hidden treasure.
Curcumin for inflammatory conditions
The evidence for strong anti-inflammatory property of curcumin
It’s proven through scientific experiments that curcumin contains anti-inflammatory property. They interfere with inflammatory pathways and thus suppress swelling, redness, and pain in the inflammation process.
In a cross over study carried out by PIMER, Chandigarh and CDRI, Lucknow in 18 patients with rheumatoid arthritis was given a daily dose of 1200 mg of curcumin in three divided doses. At the end of the study, Curcumin showed anti-rheumatic activity which denotes anti-inflammatory activity without any side effects.
Curcumin aids in treating eczema with its anti-inflammatory power
Eczema condition includes inflammation, redness, swelling, and itching. Turmeric helps in reducing all the symptoms and improves the health condition. The effect of turmeric in reducing irritation lacks much scientific evidence, but it is used for a long time in folk medicine as first aid in treating irritation.
In an open-label trial carried out at Civil Hospital, Ahmedabad, Seth V.S. Hospital, Ahmedabad, and Stanley Medical College, Chennai involving 150 patients diagnosed with eczema were instructed curcumin dosage twice a day for four weeks to analyze its effect on symptoms such as erythema, scaling, thickening, and itching.
The outcome showed that there is a clinical improvement in the symptoms, and the local tolerance was good, with only very few experiencing side effects.
A potential medication to treat Crohn's Disease
Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory condition of the digestive tract. The anti-inflammatory property of curcumin helps in treating the inflammation in Crohn's disease which causes inflammation in different regions of the digestive tract.
Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology published an article assessing the effect of curcumin maintenance therapy for ulcerative colitis. A randomized, multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving eighty-nine patients who were administered with curcumin showed improvement in clinical activity index and endoscopic index.
The findings showed that curcumin can be a promising and safe medication for maintaining remission in patients with quiescent ulcerative colitis. Another study showed that curcumin has influence over inflammatory pathways involving TLR-4 and MyD88, so it can be used as a therapeutic target in Inflammatory bowel disease.
A promising medicinal component to treat Gout isease
In gout, arthritis inflammation is one of the prominent characteristics, and curcumin helps in reducing the inflammation.
The deposition of monosodium urate crystals in synovial joints causes gout arthritis. A study published in the Journal of Arthritis Research and Therapy showed the effect of curcumin on monosodium urate crystals-stimulated inflammatory response.
The results proved that the curcumin treatment inhibited the inflammatory pathway and also exhibited protection against mitochondrial damage. This proved that curcumin therapy can be used to avoid acute phases of gout
It also acts as an antioxidant agent and helps in pain relief. Many researchers have shown evidence for using curcumin as a potential anti-gout agent.
Helps in treating Osteoarthritis - a significant alternative care
Curcumin supplementation reduces pain and increases physical function in patients affected by osteoarthritis. The curcumin supplementation showed the consistent and notable result in scientific research for osteoarthritis.
A randomized double-blinded placebo-controlled trial published by The Journal of Phytotherapy Research investigated the efficacy of curcumin in treating patients of knee osteoarthritis. A dose of 1500 mg/day was administered, and scores of parameters were measured using the standard method.
The results showed significant improvements in pain reduction and physical function with no adverse effects. Curcuminoids are proven to be a potential and safe alternative treatment for osteoarthritis.
Curcumin improve performance and muscle strength
Strong evidences to show that curcumin is an effective antioxidant
Curcumin in turmeric has a high antioxidant property and it helps in reducing oxidative stress and preventing DNA damage. There is evidence from scientific trials that curcumin increases serum activities of antioxidants such as superoxide dismutase.
A human clinical trial involving 10 males to investigate the effects of curcumin supplementation in reducing oxidative stress after exercise concluded that the oral intake before and after exercise attenuated exercise-induced oxidative stress and also increase anti-oxidant capacity
In a study published by Cambridge university press showed that patients who received curcumin orally for 14 days before surgery showed enhancement in the anti-oxidant activity. Curcumin is potent ROS scavengers and this helped in suppressing inflammation and apoptosis (cell death).
This inhibits free radicals such as reactive oxygen and reactive nitrogen species therefore reducing the damage to cells and organs.
Protects your muscle from damages caused by eccentric exercise routine
Vigorous exercise regime leads to reactive oxygen species production, increase muscle fatigue causing decrease in physical performance. It also cause production of inflammatory cytokines and advances glycation end-products (AGEs). Curcumin being potent anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory compound it reduce the accumulation of AGEs and decrease muscular damage. This will directly contribute to improvement in performance and muscle fitness.
It is found that downhill running is associated with fiber damage and delayed onset of muscle soreness. In an animal trial with male mice, they were administered with curcumin and made run downhill and uphill treadmill running. curcumin fed mice showed reduced inflammation and decreased level of performance deficits associated with eccentric exercise-induced muscle damage.
Curcumin for heart
Curcumin’s cardio protection - a knight in shining armor
Curcumin seems to have a cardiac protective effect; the anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties help in relieving oxidative stress and inflammation. It also helps in maintaining the integrity of cardiac muscle and even in the prevention of fat accumulation in it.
American Journal of Hypertension published a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study assessing the effect of curcumin intake on age-related left ventricular afterload in postmenopausal women.
The outcomes suggested that regular exercise combined with curcumin intake on daily basis may reduce left ventricular afterload to a greater extent in postmenopausal women.
Supports in reducing fat levels of your body
Curcumin helps in improving the overall lipid profile of the body and also in weight reduction. The weight reduction impacts both physical and mental health of the people.
A randomized, double-blind controlled trial conducted at Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital (RSUPN-CM), Persahabatan Hospital, MMC Hospital, and Medistra Hospital, Jakarta, analyzed the effect of curcumin on lipid level in patients with the acute coronary syndrome. Patients were administered three different levels of doses of curcumin three times a day.
The results showed that the administration of low dose curcumin showed a reduction in total cholesterol levels, including LDL and HDL, then the higher dosage. The moderate dose showed a significant effect on triglyceride levels.
A remarkable component to treat obesity in diabetic patients
Diabetes increased blood sugar and fat level because it affects carbohydrate and fat metabolism. Type 2 diabetes causes obesity in most of the affected population, and curcumin helps in reducing Body mass index, total weight, and body fat percent.
An animal study published in the Journal of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry studied the hypolipidemic (lipid-lowering) action of curcumin in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. The rats were supplemented with curcumin for eight weeks, and the result showed a significant reduction in blood cholesterol levels.
Blood triglyceride and phospholipids were also significantly decreased along with cholesterol levels. It also exhibited significant countering of renal cholesterol and triglycerides elevated in diabetic rats.
Curcumin for cancer
Compelling proofs that curcumin exhibits anticancer activity
Curcumin being a natural and non-toxic agent shows inhibitory effects in cellular pathways of cancer and tumour formation. The lack of toxicity and broad mechanism in inhibitory action makes it a valid component for adjuvant therapy in treating cancer.
The article published in Open Access Journal of Clinical trials assessed the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of curcumin for cervical cancer. Thirteen subjects in the age range of 18-45 years were administered curcumin powder intravaginally for 14 days. The results suggested that curcumin was well tolerated and proved to be safe.
Curcumin is a notable therapy for cervical cancer prevention and treatment
Even though in-vitro, cell lines and animal studies show significant evidence that curcumin can be used as a therapeutic modality, human trials are essential to conclude the effect of curcumin in treating cervical cancer.
[Divya CS et al.](https://www.gynecologiconcology-online.net/article/S0090-8258(12)00952-3/abstract](https://www.gynecologiconcology-online.net/article/S0090-8258(12)00952-3/abstract)) reported antitumor action of curcumin in human papillomavirus-associated viral oncogene down regulation. Cervical cancer cells treated with curcumin showed toxicity towards HPV associated cervical cancer cells.
The cytotoxic activity of curcumin is less in normal cells than cancer cells. Curcumin induced cell death in cervical cancer cells and can be used to treat human papillomavirus-associated tumor growth.
Used as therapeutic element for prostate cancer
Curcumin exhibits a therapeutic effect on prostate cancer treatment and also helps in increasing the tumour cell killing process. The anti-proliferative property of curcumin in cancer cells is making it as a valid chemopreventive agent.
Prostate cancer cell line study published in the Journal of Biomaterials involved a subline of LNCaP cells (metastatic lesion of human prostatic adenocarcinoma). The novel poly(lactic- co -glycolic acid) PLGA-CUR (curcumin) nanoparticles were used to evaluate the therapeutic potential of prostate cancer cells.
The results indicated that PLGA-CUR nanoparticles efficiently internalize cancer cells and release bioactive curcumin in cancer cells to produce a therapeutic effect.
Curcumin for women
Curcumin helps in handling polycystic ovary syndrome
The properties of curcumin assist in managing the clinical features of PCOS, which include both physical and emotional issues. It facilitates balancing hormone profile, reducing inflammation, and lipid profile of the body. Its anti-inflammatory property helps in treating physical cramps, and its influence on hormonal balance helps in reducing emotional stress and mood swings.
The Asian Pacific Journal of Reproduction published an article investigating the beneficial effect of curcumin in letrozole induced polycystic ovary syndrome in female Wistar rats. Letrozole administered for 21 days, followed by curcumin intake for 15 days, was done as part of the experiment.
Letrozole induced abnormal levels of sex steroid profile, lipid profile, and glucose, and also a reduction in antioxidant activity. Curcumin restored the abnormal levels of these parameters and also led to the disappearance of cysts in ovaries.
Curcumin provide overall protection to female reproductive system
Turmeric is a natural source of phytoestrogen, and that helps in maintaining the menstrual cycle. It is also an emmenagogue that functions as a stimulator of blood flow in the uterus and pelvic region. Curcumin helps in the healing process and also as a therapeutic modality for female reproductive health problems.
PMS control - cure for cramps
Curcumin helps in managing the premenstrual syndrome symptoms, which include both physical and emotional issues. Its anti-inflammatory property helps in treating physical cramps, and its influence on hormonal balance helps in reducing emotional stress and mood swings.
The Journal of Natural Medicine analyzed the effect of turmeric in mood swings, behavioral characteristics, anxiety, restlessness, depression, and feeling of isolation. Seventy healthy premenopausal women received 100 mg turmeric capsule every 12 hours for seven days before menstruation and three days into menstruation for three cycles.
Curcumin shows an increase in norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin, which can be the reason for its positive effect in managing PMS behavioral and mood symptoms.
Curcumin for skin
Curcumin - acne healer
Curcumin, by nature, contains antibacterial, antifungal, and antimicrobial properties. It is included in treating skin conditions such as rashes, cysts and also included in antiseptic creams. Curcumin can help in curing cystic acne, which is generally caused by bacterial infections.
The phase II clinical trial assessed the ayurvedic formulation for treating acne vulgaris, which included curcumin as one of the major components. 53 patients for 4 weeks were recruited in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
The curcumin administration was in the form of gel and cream along with aloe vera. The outcomes showed that the use of the ayurvedic formulation as internal and external preparation showed higher efficiency than the alone use of oral formulation.
The potential of curcumin prevent and cure skin infection
In general, skin infection includes rashes, redness, hives, itching, and swelling caused by microbial infection or allergies. The anti-bacterial, anti-microbial, and anti-fungal properties of curcumin are evident, and for their benefits, they are included in skincare creams and ointments.
In a randomized, double-blinded study of 4 groups with 53 patients in total received a different combination of oral tablets, topical aqueous gel, topical cream, and placebo preparation. Curcumin was included in the gel and cream as an active ingredient along with aloe vera. The results showed that the combination of the use of internal and external preparation showed higher efficacy than compared to the use of oral formulation alone.
Reduces skin irritation with its anti-bacterial quality
The two leading causes of skin itching are microbial infection and acne. The skin ointments contain curcumin which has anti-bacterial, antimicrobial and antifungal properties. They help in controlling microbial infection and acne is generally caused by bacteria, therefore they also get treated using curcumin.
All natural cosmetic ingredient
Curcumin is a natural yellow colour pigment and also used in cosmetics as a skincare compound. Curcumin got anti-ageing activity which is a promise of many cosmetic and skincare products.
There are many studies, and researches prove that curcumin reduces inflammation and also helps in healing dermal wounds. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of curcumin aid in reducing inflammation by blocking cytokines in inflammation pathways. The oxygen radical scavenging activity adds strength to its property as an anti-inflammatory agent. It also helps in wound healing as it improves collagen deposition and fibroblast.
Curcumin for lungs
Curcumin provide relief from coughs
Turmeric helps in reducing infection and also in controlling common issues such as cough. Curcumin helps in clearing airway obstruction with no adverse effects and also in reducing airway inflammation.
In a study published by the Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research, 77 patients with bronchial asthma with severe cough were randomized into two groups. One received standard treatment and other with added curcumin capsules. The result showed that curcumin helped in clearing airway obstruction with no adverse effects.
Curcumin manage allergies with its remedial characteristics
Allergy induced airway problems include sneeze, cough, mucus secretion, inflammation, and airway hyper-responsiveness (AHR). Curcumin helps in treating all those symptoms.
In an invitro mice model study, induced airway problems were treated with the administration of curcumin. It is found that turmeric helps in reducing AHR, and it may help in attenuating asthma.
Tends to general health of lungs
Curcumin helps in maintaining the overall health of the lungs by lowering inflammation and controlling signal pathways. The intake of curcumin medicinal dosage have shown to reduce intrinsic and extrinsic inflammation in lungs.
Curcumin for thyroid glands
Curcumin manages symptoms and reduce goiter
Thyroid gland inflammation, coughs are some of the critical signs of goiter. Curcumin helps in reducing inflammation and also treats cough. The overall effect of curcumin helps in reducing goiter.
In a study conducted in the south Asian population to analyze the association and 2335 people were interviewed. The result showed that turmeric inclusion in diet reflected in reduced association of goiter in people. The study concluded that goiter is less common among the population who consumed dairy products, spices, and turmeric on a daily basis.
Controls the regulation of thyroid production
Hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism are the results of hormonal imbalance. The clinical features include goiter, diarrhea, and muscular weakness. Curcumin helps in maintaining the hormonal balance in the body. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant property of curcumin is found to be useful in maintaining, preventing and repairing the damages to thyroid glands.
In a study published in chemico-biological interactions, adult male rats with hyperthyroidism were administered with curcumin and vitamin E for 30 days orally. Curcumin and vitamin E have control over the regulation of different stages of mitochondrial respiration and protective role against oxidative stress caused by hyperthyroidism.
Curcumin for general body and mental health
Treats the features of metabolic disorders
Metabolic disorders cause obesity, inflammation, and oxidative stress. The anti-inflammatory, antioxidant property of curcumin seems to help in resolving the problems.
In a randomized controlled trial of 117 subjects with metabolic syndrome were subjected to daily curcumin intake of 1 g/day for 8 weeks. The result showed significant decrease in serum concentration of inflammatory cytokines.
Curcumin holds medicinal properties capable of treating characteristics exhibited by metabolic disorders.
Curcumin displays antidepressant and anti-anxiety action
There is a strong basis for using turmeric as a combination therapy for treating depression. Compared to placebo, curcumin seems to be more effective in reducing the symptoms of depression and also shows the anti-anxiety effect in individuals with obesity.
An article published in the Chinese Journal of Integrative Medicine investigated the effect of curcumin on anxiety and depression in obese individuals through randomized control trial showed that curcumin has anti-anxiety potential and can be used to treat people suffering from anxiety.
Curcumin for men
Curcumin maintains semen quality
Curcumin helps in maintaining the quality of sperm and also the motility and viability. The dosage of curcumin is essential when used as therapeutic medicine because higher concentration seems to have a negative effect on the motility and viability of the sperms.
A study published in Pharmacological Reports, the effect of curcumin treatment on mice semen quality and on testicular damage induced by di(2-ethylhexyl)DEHP is investigated in vitro.
The results showed a protective effect on sperm motility and from the damage of seminiferous tubules in testis. In contrast, the high concentration decreased sperm motility and viability.
Protects sperms from environmental toxicity and metal pollutants
Toxic metal pollutants can cause severe damage to testicular tissues, and curcumin has a protective effect against the damages caused by these metal pollutants. The testosterone concentration and sperm quality are maintained with curcumin intake.
In a study published in The Journal of Toxicology and Industrial Health, the anti-apoptotic effects of curcumin on cadmium-induced apoptosis in rat testis were investigated. Cadmium is an environmental pollutant and causes damage to tissues and organs. The curcumin-treated rats showed decreased histological damage and lowered apoptosis activity in testes cells.
Preserve sperms from oxidative stress
The action of curcumin is found to have a protective nature against the damage of oxidative stress and ROS in the male reproductive system. It can also be used as a supplement to preserve sperm and spermatozoa as it maintains the motility, viability, and integrity of the healthy sperms.
In the cryopreservation process, sperms undergo oxidative stress, which compromises the quality of stored sperm. In an animal study published in the Veterinary Research Forum, sperm collected from rats were stored in two conditions, and one group is supplemented with 2.5 mM of curcumin in preservation.
The spermatozoa count, motility, viability, anti-oxidant capacity, and DNA integrity were analyzed and found to be significantly higher in the curcumin group than in the control group.
Aids in healing testicular torsion
Testicular torsion can cause oxidative stress and can be treated with curcumin. Research evidence shows that they have preventive effects against tissue damage and oxidative stress.
In a controlled experimental study involving sixty adult male rats, induced testicular torsion and curcumin was administered IV for repair. The activity of xanthine oxidase, which catalyzes the production of ROS and other levels of protein expression along with spermatogenesis, was analyzed.
The result showed that rats treated with curcumin had a significant decrease in xanthine oxidase activity and increased in testicular spermatogenesis.
Effective in treating erectile dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction may act as one of the reasons for infertility among patients, and curcumin is found to help in treating the condition. Both topical application and curcumin intake seem to have an effect in treating erectile dysfunction.
The Journal of Sexual Medicine published an animal study assessing the effect of water-soluble curcumin in erectile function. Curcumin is administered to White albino rats with the diabetic condition, and quantitative gene expression of various factors related to erectile function is analyzed. Water-soluble curcumin showed a significant increase in these factors, enhanced erectile function, and a more prolonged duration of action.
Curcumin for women during and after menopause
Curcumin maintains endothelial function in menopause women
In menopausal women, the endothelial function seems to downgrade due to age and hormonal change. Obesity also plays a part in it, and curcumin seems to have a positive effect on endothelial function.
A pilot study was conducted in 45 women by Sugawara et. al. to determine the effect of curcumin in reducing the age-related increase in left ventricular afterload (i.e., the pressure against which the heart pumps blood). The result showed that the group with regular exercise combined with curcumin ingestion reduced LV afterload to a greater extent
Curcumin reduces hot flashes in postmenopausal women
Women experience hot flashes, night sweats, and anxiety during their menopausal period or even after the menopause. Curcumin helps in reducing these problems and significantly reduces their frequency.
The reduction in estrogen production during menopause causes night sweats and hot flashes. In a triple blinded randomized controlled clinical trial, postmenopausal women received an oral capsule of curcumin and vitamin E, twice a day for eight weeks.
The results showed that the oral intake of curcumin has significantly reduced the hot flashes in postmenopausal women.
It helps in managing post-menopausal weight gain
The benefit of curcumin in weight reduction is well studied using animal models and human trials in the field of science. Curcumin acts on total fat, cholesterol, triglycerides, and body mass index. It proves that curcumin can help in controlling weight gain or reducing weight in PCOS affected women.
A randomized control carried out in Genova University, Italy, showed that the subjects undergone curcumin intake program for thirty days demonstrated a significant reduction in weight and improved hip circumference reduction, BMI, and body fat.
Curcumin - a notable therapeutic component for endometriosis
Endometriosis affects up to 10% of women of reproductive age. Research proves that curcumin helps in reducing the endometrial stromal cells. There are no current effective treatment methods; therefore, investigations for therapeutic strategies are of primary concern. Curcumin seems to be a significant therapeutic component for treating endometriosis.
Management and Treatment for uterine fibroids
Curcumin seems to be a valuable therapeutic option for treating uterine fibroids. They help in reducing both the size and volume of the leiomyoma by inhibiting cell proliferation.
Helps in handling menopause effects
Menopause in women indirectly affects bone health, and curcumin helps in reducing the damage. It also helps in strengthening the bone and prevents bone loss.
Curcumin for kidney
Curcumin helps in managing hemodialysis patient
Patients undergoing dialysis experience renal damage and increased level of oxidative stress. Curcumin helps in attenuating these conditions through its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It also shows increased acceptance in renal transplantation.
The Journal of Clinical Nutrition ESPEN published an article assessing the effect of turmeric on inflammation in hemodialysis patients. The study includes hemodialysis patients over 18, and the group received turmeric for 12 weeks.
The results showed that there is a significant reduction in inflammatory markers and an increase in albumin levels. There are no adverse effects in the ingestion of turmeric is concluded as an effective anti-inflammatory supplement for hemodialysis patients.
Curcumin reduces glomerulonephritis
The anti-inflammatory property of curcumin helps in reducing the inflammation of glomeruli. It also helps in managing the health of the kidney and the preservation of antioxidant enzymes.
Glomerulonephritis is the inflammation of glomeruli (tiny filters) in the kidney. A study published in The Journal of Immunology determines the effectiveness of curcumin in alleviating glomerulonephritis showed reduction in glomerulosclerosis, improvement in kidney function, and can be used as a therapeutic agent for serum sickness.
Curcumin for treating viral infection
A significant component for Herpes simplex treatment
Curcumin nanoparticles seem to be a promising compound for treating inflammation and also as a carrier for other medicinal drugs. It decreases the risk of viral infection and helps in delivering drugs to the affected region.
An in vitro research published in The Journal of Natural Products Communications assessed the anti-viral activity of curcumin and its derivatives such as gallium-curcumin and Cu-curcumin in the replication of Herpes Simplex Virus-1 in cell culture. The results demonstrated that curcumin and its derivatives have significant anti-viral activity on HSV-1 in cell culture.
Controls Human Papillomavirus infection
Curcumin shows antiviral activity against a wide range of viruses by inhibiting their proliferation and progression. It also shows significant action against human papillomavirus infection and also helps in killing infected cells.
Curcumin based cream is proven to have a significant curing effect in cervical HPV infection. It shows a high infection clearance rate with no side effects. It also inhibits HPV(+) cancer cell progression and expression while protecting non-cancerous cells.
The note-worthy properties of curcumin make it a valuable alternative for treating sexually transmitted disease
The anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial property of curcumin helps in treating the Neisseria gonorrhoeae infection. Curcumin induces the production of cathelicidin, which has antimicrobial and anti endotoxin property. It inhibits N. gonorrhea inflammation pathway and also helps in killing the infection. Curcumin, in combination with vitamin D, can be used to treat both normal and drug-resistant gonorrhea.
A study published in The Journal of PLOS one evaluated the potency of curcumin as an anti-inflammatory agent for the process of HIV-1 and HSV-2 acquisition in the female genital tract.
The results suggested that curcumin can be a viable alternative for the prevention and control of viral replication in the female genital tract. Curcumin shows anti-HIV action by degrading viral protein and also the multiplication of the viral particles inside infected cells. Derivatized curcumin shows increased stability and thus seems to be a potential anti-HIV compound.
Curcumin for nerves
Curcumin protects neurons from damage
Curcumin exhibits protective characteristics against nerve and myelin sheath damage. This property of curcumin can help in preventing damage caused by various neural injuries and also the damage inflicted due to inherited neural-genetic disorders.
Experimental Research published an article that evaluated the capacity of curcumin in improving early neuron functional results after experimental spinal cord injury. The rats were introduced to closing force aneurysm clip injury and treated with curcumin.
The findings proved that curcumin shows the neuroprotective effect on experimental spinal cord injury models. Curcumin seems to reduce the impact of the injury on the spinal cord by inhibiting cell apoptosis (cell death), which may be beneficial for neuronal survival.
Curcumin heals nerve damage
Curcumin helps in functional recovery of the myelin sheath and nerve signal conduction after damage to the nerves. Curcumin treatment provides faster and stable recovery also helps in nerve regeneration.
American Journal of Human Genetics published an article that demonstrated the potential of curcumin as a therapy option for inherited neuropathy. The oral administration of curcumin in the Trembler-J mouse model in a dose-dependent manner increased neuron conductivity and the size of myelinated axons along with their numbers.
Even though the research is at animal level, the results are solid enough to conclude that curcumin helps in healing nerve damage.
Curcumin as basic health component
Indispensable part of herbal supplement
Turmeric is a natural herb and used as the first line of medicine in the household for cold, cough and bruises. Curcumin supplementation on daily basis will help in improving the overall health of body.
An important dietary supplement
Dietary supplements of turmeric are made from dried rhizomes and contain a mixture of curcuminoids. They are taken as part of daily regime focusing on maintaining the general health of the body.
A viable Immunomodulatory agent
Curcumin helps in up-regulating the immune system and maintains the general health of the body. It is also found that in low doses, it enhances antibody action. The healing properties help in maintaining various aspects of bodily health, and it helps in increasing immunity.
Things to know before taking curcumin
Effective dosage
There is no official statement in fixing dosage of curcumin or turmeric. Based on scientific evidences, the effective doses for treatment of health conditions are used. Curcumin supplements are likely safe and have negligible levels of negative effects.
US Food and Drug Administration approved curcuminoids as “generally recognized as safe” and well tolerated by out body even in higher doses like 8,000 mg/day of supplement with 95% concentration of curcuminoids. World Health Organization states that 1.4mg of turmeric per pound of body weight is safe and acceptable for a daily intake.
Despite their tremendous health benefits, the poor availability is a major concern. Even taken in turmeric form as part of food, the curcumin gets rapidly eliminated. To stabilize curcumin and increase its absorption certain supporting components are added in supplements. This increase their bioavailability and benefits to our body.
Considering various research data, one has to take 500 – 1500 mg of curcumin per day to acquire the complete health benefit of curcumin. So it is advised to take curcumin as supplement to meet beneficial dosage for everyday requirement.
Turmeric and curcumin are both equally supported and recommended as supplements. The turmeric showing highly effective results in researches contained curcuminoids or curcumin in higher concentration.
The important point to consider while buying a curcumin supplement is to check whether the formula has been clinically proved. In case of turmeric supplement, the curcumin level in it should meet the daily requirement.
There are certain aspects which can exhibit negative action while interacting with curcumin. Aspirin, pain killers, blood pressure medicines, blood thinners, and non-steroidal anti inflammatory drugs may cause nausea and gastrointestinal complaints.
Fun Fact
Curcumin taken along with piperine from black pepper enhances the absorption of curcumin in our body by 2000%.
Curcumin supplements during pregnancy
Safety of turmeric supplements or turmeric in medicinal dosage during pregnancy period is not proven through scientific researches. To avoid risk, it is generally not advised to take curcumin supplements during pregnancy and breastfeeding in medicinal quantities.
Their potential in maintaining the menstrual cycle raises questions on their capability to protect pregnancy. They may induce menstruation or stimulate the uterus which can put pregnancy at risk.
Who should be cautious on taking curcumin supplements?
People with bleeding disorders, kidney stones, gallbladder disease, diabetes, GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), liver disease and iron deficiency should take advice from healthcare professionals before taking curcumin supplements. In high concentration, it interferes with iron absorption in the body.
Curcumin tends to slow down the clotting process in blood, therefore it is not advised to people with bleeding disorders. It is also refrained for patients who underwent surgery for at least two weeks. Curcumin may reduce blood sugar, therefore diabetic patients are prone to low blood sugar level if they take curcumin supplements in daily basis.
Men with fertility problems are advised to consult respective healthcare professionals before taking curcumin supplements because they may reduce testosterone level and slow down sperm movement in oral intake.
Fact
Long term intake of curcumin in higher doses is not recommended for general health. Healthcare professional advice should be taken before taking clinical dosage of curcumin for long term.
Conclusion
Turmeric is a medicinal herb and curcumin is a highly potent bioactive present in it. Curcumin is the primary bioactive substance of turmeric and holds great medicinal potential. Intake of curcumin as part of daily regimen will improve the general health and also expand immunity against common health problems.
The extracts are best form of curcumin for consumption. They contain concentration up to 95% of curcumin in supplements whereas turmeric contains around 2 - 8%. Early start of curcumin helps people to stay as fit as a fiddle. They maintain certain important health aspects of both men and women indirectly.
Taking turmeric supplement or curcumin with enhancing agents such as piperine increase its bioavailability and pave better way for achieving the health benefits.
To make use of these bioactive compounds with medicinal properties , it is important to include curcumin in your daily regime. The immunition is a rapid rescue biotonik which contain curcumin in the form of curcuvail making it more stable and bioactive for longer time. The curcuvail increase the absorption of curcumin and availability of medicinal properties in curcumin increases.