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What Are the Benefits of Curcumin?

Curcumin, also known as turmeric, is used as a food color in spreads, mustards and cheese. However, its benefits are not limited to food coloring. Currently, researchers are investigating the potential health benefits of turmeric for treating cancer, arthritis and digestive disorders, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Healers, including Chinese and Ayurvedic doctors, have used the healing benefits of turmeric for 4,000 years.

  1. Digestive Disorders

    • A placebo-controlled, double blind study revealed that patients in remission with ulcerative colitis remained in remission longer by supplementing with turmeric. It may improve digestion by stimulating bile production in the gallbladder. However, increased bile production worsens the symptoms of stomach ulcers. Additionally, turmeric reduced the symptoms of bloating and gas in patients with indigestion in a double blind study.

    Cancer

    • Curcumin is a focus of anti-cancer research due to its antioxidant activity and ability to limit blood flow to malignant tumors. Turmeric appears to have greater potential in treating cancers of the gastrointestinal tract than in other organs. A clinical trial on patients with colorectal cancer showed that turmeric was found in both malignant and normal tissues, according to the Linus Pauling Institute. Trials on patients with liver cancer found only turmeric metabolites in liver tissue, indicating fewer therapeutic benefits.

    Inflammation

    • Curcumin has comparable effects to phenylbutazone, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, for treating pain in rheumatoid arthritis patients, according to the Linus Pauling Institute. An Ayurvedic formula containing turmeric, Boswellia serrata, Withinia somifera and minerals significantly reduced pain in test subjects. It is unknown if the pain reducing benefits are derived solely from turmeric or from the entire formula. Curcumin reduces inflammation by restricting the production of the inflammation producing enzymes COX-2 and LOX.

    Alzheimer's Disease

    • Animal studies show that injected curcumin is able to cross the blood brain barrier and dietary supplementation reduces inflammation, amyloid plaque and oxidative damage in the brain, according to the Linus Pauling Institute. Research is being conducted to determine if oral curcumin crosses the blood brain barrier in humans.

    Other Benefits

    • Initial studies indicate that curcumin has antiviral and antibacterial properties, however more research is needed. Turmeric lowers blood sugar and cholesterol in diabetic lab animals but it is unknown if this benefit occurs in humans.

    Cautions

    • Curcumin may inhibit platelet aggregation and should be used under a doctor's supervision in patients taking antiplatelet and anticoagulant drugs. Turmeric supplements may interfere with diabetes and antacid medications.

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