Curcumin Effects, Uses, Safety and Research Overview

Curcumin is the bioactive constituent of turmeric, the spice made from the underground stems (rhizomes) and roots of the plant Curcuma longa.

Curcumin concentrations in turmeric usually range between 2 and 7% with the highest concentrations found in the plant’s rhizomes.

Curcumin supplements are available and provide significantly higher concentrations of this compound than turmeric – up to 95% in some supplements. A good quality curcumin supplement will contain a standardized concentration of curcuminoids.

In laboratory tests, curcumin exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anti-platelet (prevents platelet clumping) and anti-cancer effects.

Turmeric and its extracts are used for a variety of indications, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, abdominal pain, flatulence, abdominal bloating, liver and gallbladder conditions, jaundice, hepatitis, cancer and the common cold, to name only of few of its many uses.

Curcumin

Anti-Inflammatory

Joints

Health

Anti- Aging

How It Works:

• Effective anti-inflammatory supplement
• Shown to improve joint functionality
• Anti-oxidant to supper general health

Dosage:

Between 1 - 3 g per day

Safety:

Rated Likely Safe

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What is Curcumin?

Turmeric contains over 200 known constituents, including sterols, alkaloids, monoterpenes, diterpenes, triterpenes, diarylheptanoids, phenylpropene compounds, fiber, volatile oils, vitamins and minerals.

These constituents are thought to be responsible for turmeric’s beneficial properties. However, curcumin and its fellow curcuminoids are thought to be the most bioactive of turmeric’s constituents.

Turmeric contains three curcuminoids: curcumin (diferuloylmethane), bisdemethoxycurcumin and demethoxycurcumin. The two other curcuminoids in turmeric are derived from curcumin itself.

Curcumin exhibits poor solubility in both water and fats and its therapeutic properties are limited by its low bioavailability. Curcumin metabolites, particularly demethoxycurcumin, may be more medicinally effective than curcumin itself because they may be more readily absorbed in the body.

Alternatively, combining curcumin with black pepper or black pepper extract (piperine) is thought to improve bioavailability.

Curcumin supplements are available for purchase online or in local health food stores. A good quality supplement will be standardized to contain a specific concentration of curcuminoids. This should be clearly labeled on the product.

Some supplements also include black pepper or piperine to improve curcumin’s bioavailability. Mounting evidence suggests turmeric, curcumin, demethoxycurcumin and other turmeric constituents may be safe, multi-therapeutic agents.

Curcumin and Cancer Research

Curcumin has exhibited antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects. On account of these properties, this supplement is sometimes used as a natural therapy in cancer treatment protocols.

Research into the therapeutic effect of curcumin in cancer patients is in the early stages and the majority of research has relied on laboratory cell lines or animal models. The effect of curcumin on human cancer has yet to be determined.

The University of Maryland Health Center notes that neither turmeric nor curcumin should be used as an alternative to conventional cancer therapies. In addition, turmeric may interact with some medications, including chemotherapy medications.

It is important to speak with your oncologist before taking turmeric or curcumin alongside conventional cancer treatments.

While the effect of curcumin on cancer is still being investigated, the turmeric extract has exhibited positive results in laboratory and animal studies. Curcumin was observed to prevent tumor growth when it was applied directly to tumor cells in a laboratory experiment. [1] In another study, rats given turmeric were protected against colon, skin and stomach cancer after being exposed to carcinogens. [1]

Other Uses of Curcumin

The uses of curcumin often relate to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

This natural extract is used for a wide array of health indications. Scientific support varies for each use. Curcumin is used for the following:

• Treating dyspepsia or digestive upset
• Improving triglyceride and LDL (“bad”) cholesterol levels
• Modulating blood glucose levels
• Increasing insulin sensitivity and slowing insulin secretion
• Alleviating the pain, stiffness and soreness associated with arthritis
• Modulating immune function and alleviating symptoms of autoimmune diseases
• Promoting neurological health and function

Turmeric and Curcumin for Skin Disorders

Curcumin exhibits antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, wound-healing and other properties. It is often used to support skin health and wound healing. Curcumin can be taken orally to support skin health while turmeric can be used both orally and topically.

A paste made from adding a small amount of water to turmeric powder can be placed directly on the skin. This mixture can be applied to psoriasis to help with inflammation and redness.

Turmeric also exhibits antibacterial properties. It is sometimes mixed with honey and yoghurt to make a moisturizing and antibacterial face mask.

Curcumin Safety and Side Effects

Like turmeric, curcumin is generally well tolerated by healthy individuals. Turmeric has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for millennia. It has also been used as both food and medicine for more than 2000 years in China and Indonesia.

The Natural Medicines therapeutic database rates turmeric as “Likely Safe” when the supplement is taken orally and appropriately. Curcumin has been used safely in clinical trials for up to eight months.

The United States Food and Drug Administration recognizes turmeric as a GRAS (generally regarded as safe) food source. Mild reported side effects of curcumin supplementation include gastrointestinal distress, constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pains and nausea.

Curcumin supplement may not be appropriate for individuals with liver disease, heart disease, estrogen-sensitive cancers, diabetes type II and other pre-existing health conditions. Also, those taking pharmaceuticals metabolized by the liver should not supplement curcumin without a doctor’s approval.

In all cases, be sure to speak with your doctor before taking curcumin to make sure the supplement is right for you.

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