Turmerones vs. Curcuminoids Effects, Uses & Side Effects

Turmerones are the major constituents of turmeric rhizome essential oils. ALPHAlpha-turmerone, Aromatic-turmerone and Beta-turmerone are largely responsible for giving turmeric its unique, pungent scent.

In the past several years, research has validated the use of turmeric for various health-enhancing purposes. Most of the research has focused on the effects of curcuminoid compounds, found in curcumin extract.

However, recent research has demonstrated anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects associated with turmerones.

Turmerones are also being researched for their effects on neuron health, pain sensation and Alzheimer’s disease.

Turmeric

Herbal Supplement

Joints

Heart Health

Anti- Aging

How It Works:

• Contains anti-inflammatory curcuminoids
• Promotes brain & cardiovascular health
• Supports the immune system & anti-oxidant enzymes

Dosage:

Between 400 - 1800 mg per day

Safety:

Rated Likely Safe

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What Are Turmerones?

Turmerones are not the only active molecules in turmeric. Over 200 unique compounds have been identified in turmeric. These include:

• 109 sesquiterpenes;
• 68 monoterpenes;
• 22 diarylheptanoids;
• 8 phenolic compounds;
• 5 diterpenes;
• 4 sterols;
• 3 triterpenes;
• 2 alkaloids;

Various other compounds, proteins, sugars and resins account for the rest of turmeric’s makeup. When dried, turmeric rhizomes generally yield between 2 and 5% essential oils. These oils include turmerone, zingiberone and atlantone.

Turmeric volatile oils are comprised of roughly 33% ar-turmerone, 24% alpha-turmerone and 23% beta-turmerone. However, in some turmeric rhizomes, ar-turmerone concentrations have been over 60%.

Turmerones vs Curcuminoids

Turmerones and curcminoids are not the same. Curcuminoids are diarylheptanoids. Curcuminoids are believed to be responsible for much of turmeric’s medicinal effects.

There are three primary curcminoids: demethoxycurcumin, bisdemethoxycurcumin and curcumin (diferuloylmehtane).

Turmerones are also bioactive molecules in turmeric known to benefit health. Currently, it is not possible to say exactly which benefits are due to curcuminoids, or turmerones – or a combination of both.

In some cases, curcuminoids seem to be able to mimic the effects of turmerones. However, some turmerone actions are completely independent of curcuminoids. Research has studied the effects the following effects of turmeric:

• Protect cells from damage due to heavy metal and/or radiation exposure;
• Protect neuronal health against dementia and Alzheimer’s disease;
• Inhibit the replication of HIV (human immunodeficiency virus);
• Balance plasma lipid levels (LDL-C, triglycerides);
• Alleviate RA (rheumatoid arthritis) symptoms:
• Impede the aggregation of blood platelets;
• Treat MS (multiple sclerosis) symptoms;
• Inhibit the peroxidation of lipoproteins;
• Suppress type 2 diabetes symptoms;
• Improve wound healing capacities;
• Suppress the formation of tumors;
• Protect against liver damage;

Turmeric has also been shown to inhibit cataract development, protect against pulmonary toxicity and fibrosis.

Many of these findings have been demonstrated in animal and laboratory studies. Not all of the therapeutic effects of turmeric have been validated by human research trials. More research is needed to rate the efficacy of turmeric for medicinal purposes.

Potential Health Benefits of Turmerones

Laboratory studies have shown that ar-turmerone and alpha-turmerone possess anticancer properties.

By promoting tumor cell apoptosis (natural death), inhibiting new blood vessel formation (angiogenesis) in tumors and inhibiting proliferation, these turmerones have been effective against breast cancer, liver cancer and leukemia cell lines.

All turmerones that have been studied to date have demonstrated potent anti-inflammatory effects.

By inhibiting the actions of inflammatory enzymes like COX-1 (cyclooxygenase-1), turmerones can help to reduce low-grade systemic inflammation. This harmful type of chronic inflammation is associated with the development of most diseases.

Some research suggests that Alpha-turmerone and ar-turmerone can improve dermatologic health. These turmerones demonstrate strong antioxidant effects. Multiple studies also report anti-wrinkle and antiaging effects.

Many people use turmeric to keep their skin looking younger. Some studies have shown that turmerones can help to lighten the skin, improve skin hydration and increase skin elasticity.

Aromatic turmerone demonstrates natural antifungal and antimicrobial properties. It is also an established antivenom agent.

Beta-turmerone and Alpha-turmerone demonstrate antibacterial effects. Turmeric is believed to be effective for preventing MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) and other bacterial infections.

Additional Uses of Turmerones

Preliminary evidence shows that turmerones may be effective for improving dental health. Beta-turmerone and Alpha-turmerone are believed to help to prevent cavities from developing.

All turmerones seem to prevent the aggregation of blood platelets. Turmeric has been used for many centuries for preventing the formation of potentially harmful blood clots. Routine ingestion of turmerones is believed by some to reduce risk factors for heart disease and stroke.

Both curcuminoids and turmerones seem to inhibit the formation of amyloid plaque which causes Alzheimer’s. This seems to happen via the blocking of protein aggregates that form the plaque.

Aromatic-turmerone exhibits antinociceptive effects. It is being explored for its capacities to block pain receptors.

It also activates mononuclear cell proliferation (rapid replication) in peripheral blood cells. Further, ar-turmerone upregulates production of IFN-gamma (interferon gamma), IL-2 (interleukin 2) and TNF-Alpha (tumor necrosis factor alpha).

Research also shows that ar-turmerone increases the growth of dendritic cells. In vitro and in vivo trials have shown that ar-turmerone induces neural stem cell proliferation. It may have neuroprotective effects and support the growth of new connections in the brain.

Conclusions

Like curcminoids and turmeric itself, turmerones seem to demonstrate multiple therapeutic effects. Currently, there are no options for isolated turmerone supplements. Turmerones must be consumed from turmeric rhizomes and/or extract products.

Turmeric is usually side-effects free in most healthy adults. However, mild and temporary side effects may occur. Some of these include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, insomnia and headache.

Until more is understood about turmeric, curcuminoids and turmerones, use in children and pregnant/nursing women is not recommended.

Turmeric and its phytoconstituents demonstrate various mechanisms of action in clinical trials. The multiple physiological effects of turmerones and curcuminoids can interact with certain drugs, herbs, supplements and diseases.

You should seek medical advice about using turmeric products or rhizomes if you have diabetes, heart disease, hormone-sensitive cancer or hypertension (high blood pressure).

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