Curcumin: Some FAQs

By Uma Aggarwal

There are tremendous health benefits of Curcumin, active ingredient of Turmeric. Just taking of 500mg a day can solve lot of common problems, like allergies, aches and pain, high blood pressure, cholesterol, acne, skin problems, arthritis, acid reflex, sinus infections etc. It is the good old benefits of Turmeric except in concentrated form. If taken in high doses it has also cured cancer. These are some Frequently Asked Questions regarding Curcumin---

What is Curcumin?

Curcumin is a component of an Indian spice, turmeric. It is estimated that 100 grams of turmeric contains 3-5 gram curcumin. Curcumin gives a yellow color to turmeric, also present in curry powder. Chemically, Curcumin is called Diferuloylmethane. Curcumin is yellow-orange in color. It is used as a natural yellow coloring in mustard, cereals, cheese, and butter. In some countries, it is used as a natural coloring agent in the textile industry.

When was Curcumin isolated?

Curcumin was isolated from the spice turmeric, as one of the active principle, more than 100 years ago.

What does Curcumin do?

The activity of Curcumin has been demonstrated against cancer, cardiovascular diseases, type II diabetes, Crohn’s disease, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, arthritis etc.

How does Curcumin work?

Turmeric has been described in Ayurveda as an agent that can suppress inflammation. An extensive research during last 50 years has revealed that the anti-inflammatory activity of turmeric is due to Curcumin. Curcumin can inhibit both the activity and the synthesis of cyclooxygenase-2 and 5-lipooxygenase; and other enzymes that have been implicated in inflammation. Curcumin has also been shown to work through numerous other mechanisms. More than 700 genes have been shown to be modulated by Curcumin.

Does Curcumin work against cancer?

Curcumin has been shown to prevent a large of number of cancers in animal studies. Laboratory data indicates that curcumin can inhibits tumor initiation, promotion, invasion, angiogenesis and metastasis. Epidemeological evidence indicate that incidence of certain cancers are less in people who consume Curcumin than those who do not. Recent evidence indicates that, besides chemo-preventive activity, Curcumin may also be effective in the treatment of cancer.

How does Curcumin work against cancer?

Numerous mechanisms have been described for the anticancer activity of Curcumin. Inhibition of proliferation of tumor cells, induction of apoptosis (a mode of cell death), inhibition of transformation of cells from normal to tumor, invasion of invasion and metastasis and suppression of inflammation, have been linked with the anticancer activity of Curcumin. Downregulation of COX2, 5-LOX, adhesion molecules, inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, growth factor receptors, VEGF and transcription factors by Curcumin have been linked to its anti-tumor activity.

Does Curcumin work against arthritis?

Arthritis is also a pro-inflammatory disease. All current drugs approved for arthritis have anti-inflammatory activity. Anti-TNF therapy has been approved for this disease. Curcumin has been shown to both suppress the TNF production as well as block the action of TNF. Curcumin, when applied topically, has been shown to have activity against arthritis.

Does Curcumin work against Crohn’s disease (inflammatory bowl disease)?

Crohn’s disease is also a pro-inflammatory disease. All current drugs approved for this disease have anti-inflammatory activity. Anti-TNF therapy has been approved for this disease. Curcumin has been shown to both suppress the TNF production and the TNF action. Curcumin, taken orally, has been shown to have activity against Crohn’s disease.

Does Curcumin accelerate wound-healing?

There is numerous experimental data that suggest that Curcumin can accelerate wound healing. This has lead Johnson & Johnson to supply Curcumin-containing band-aid.

Does Curcumin work against Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is another pro-inflammatory disease. Numerous evidence, both in animal and human, indicate that Curcumin is quite effective against Psoriasis when applied topically to the skin.

Does Curcumin work against Alzheimer disease?

Because Alzheimer disease is caused in part by amyloid-induced inflammation, Curcumin has been shown to be effective against Alzheimer. Clinical trials are in progress in UCLA with Curcumin for Alzheimer.

Are there any human clinical trials done with Curcumin?

There have been at least 10 different clinical trials performed with Curcumin in patients with different diseases. These are mostly pilot studies that are “proof of concept” type. More than 10 trials are now in progress in United States and other countries.

Has there been any toxicity associated with Curcumin?

According to one of the Phase I study, Curcumin was found to be safe in human subjects even when consumed up to 8 grams per day for three months. Inspite of it, one is recommended to take low dose 500 mg/day to higher dose if needed gradually. Look for signs of both potential toxicity and improvement by talking to your body and to your doctor.

Recommendations for Cancer: If you have cancer, please consider Curcumin for yourself as following regimen--

1 g/day for week one; if no side effects then,
2 g/day for week two; if no side effects then (can be split into 3 separate doses).,
4 g/day for week three; if no side effects then (can be split into 3 separate doses).,
8 g/day for week four; for eight weeks (can be split into 3 separate doses).
By then, a significant improvement is expected.

How should I take Curcumin?

There are reports to indicate Curcumin taken empty stomach is more effective than with the meals. Thus it is recommended that you take Curcumin 1hour before meals. If you are taking Curcumin powder, you can take it with milk, yogurt, coconut milk or other fluids.

Where do I buy Curcumin?

Although there are numerous companies that supply Curcumin, one need to be careful that you are buying genuine product.

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