What Are the Health Benefits of Curcumin?

Curcumin is the most biologically active component found in turmeric (Curcuma Longa) and is the compound that gives the spice its distinctive golden color. Chinese herbal medicine, Ayurveda and other Asian medical traditions have long prized turmeric for its wide-ranging healing properties and low toxicity. Modern medical research is ongoing to assess the healing properties of turmeric and curcumin.

Alzheimer's Disease

• Long-term use of nonsteroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease; unfortunately, excessive NSAID use can also damage the gastrointestinal system, liver and kidneys. UCLA researcher Giselle P. Lim and her team investigated curcumin's effectiveness as an alternative NSAID in Alzheimer's treatment. In studies with mice, the research team found curcumin reduced Alzheimer's-related inflammation in neural tissue and blocked the accumulation of Alzheimer's-related plaques in brain tissue. According to the Linus Pauling Institute's Micronutrient Information Center (MIC), studies have yet to determine whether oral curcumin can cross the blood-brain barrier or slow the progress of Alzheimer's disease in humans.

Cardiovascular Diseases

• According to Aggarwal et al. (in Ravindran et al., eds., 2007), animal and human tests have shown curcumin to lower serum cholesterol levels. Animal study results suggest that curcumin may also combat hardening of the arteries. Tests with human platelets indicate that curcumin inhibits the formation of blood clots.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

• According to the MIC, cell culture and animal studies have shown that curcumin is an effective anti-inflammatory. In 1980, an Indian research team led by S.D. Deodhar published an article reporting promising results for rheumatoid arthritis patients. Test subjects who took 1.2 grams of curcumin a day for two weeks experienced improvements in morning stiffness, joint swelling and walking time comparable to those afforded by treatment with the NSAID phenylbutazone.

Cancer

• The MIC reports that, in studies with cultured cells, curcumin has stopped various types of cancer from propagating. In animal studies, curcumin has inhibited the development of cancers of the mouth, stomach, liver and colon. Because human studies have shown that tissue in the gastrointestinal tract is able to absorb and use oral curcumin more readily than other organs do, curcumin's use as an anticancer treatment may prove most effective in cancers of the gastrointestinal tract.

Diabetes

• In a 2008 article in the journal Endocrinology, researcher Stuart Weisberg and his team reported that, based on animal tests, curcumin shows potential as a treatment for Type 2 diabetes. Obese, diabetic mice that received oral doses of curcumin experienced a significant improvement in diabetes symptoms and obesity-associated inflammation.

Considerations

• Curcumin is available as a dietary supplement. Its most common side effects are heartburn, upset stomach, nausea and diarrhea, especially at high doses or after prolonged use. Because curcumin can induce gallbladder contractions, those suffering from gallbladder or bile duct problems should avoid the supplement. Curcumin is a mild uterine stimulant and is not recommended for pregnant women. To avoid exacerbating existing conditions or risking harmful drug interactions, consult with a doctor or alternative health professional before beginning a course of treatment with curcumin.