In India, Turmeric is a sacred spice that has always played an important role in social, culinary and medicinal traditions. It is one of the main ingredients used in traditional Indian (Ayurvedic) medicine, for its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antioxidant and anti-microbial properties.
For over 30 years, researchers have taken an interest in Curcumin in relation to the treatment of illnesses such as cancer, diabetes, arthritis and degenerative diseases. Today, scientific studies seem to be unanimous: Curcumin appears to significantly strengthen the entire immune system and thus help prevent certain inflammatory, viral, bacterial and genetic diseases.
A powerful antioxidant, Curcumin helps fight against damage caused by free radicals. It stimulates the activity of antioxidant enzymes in our bodies, so preventing the symptoms of auto-immune diseases.
"Based on early cell culture and animal research, clinical trials indicate curcumin may have potential as a therapeutic agent in diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease, pancreatitis, arthritis, and chronic anterior uveitis, as well as certain types of cancer."
Jurenka J S, "Anti-inflammatory properties of curcumin, a major constituent of Curcuma longa: a review of preclinical and clinical research." Alternative medicine review. 2009; 14(2): 141-153
Curcumin plays a role in regulating certain inflammatory enzymes by combating inflammation at the molecular level i.e. at its source. It is believed to help lower the production of histamine, prolong the action of cortisol and improve blood circulation.
"This systematic review and meta-analysis provided scientific evidence that 8–12 weeks of standardized turmeric extracts (typically 1000 mg/day of curcumin) treatment can reduce arthritis symptoms (mainly pain and inflammation-related symptoms) and result in similar improvements in the symptoms as ibuprofen and diclofenac sodium. Therefore, turmeric extracts and curcumin can be recommended for alleviating the symptoms of arthritis, especially osteoarthritis."
Banach, M et al, "Lipid, blood pressure and kidney update 2013" Int. Urol. Nephrol. 2014; 46: 947–961.
Curcumin helps to eliminate bad cholesterol, improve the quality of blood vessel walls and reduce the risk of blood clots and accumulation of arterial plaque.
"As exemplified in this article, curcumin has been shown to exert beneficial effects in several models of cardiovascular disease, including atherosclerosis, cardiac hypertrophy, hypertension and ischemia/reperfusion."
Kapakos G, Youreva V, and Srivastava A K, "Cardiovascular protection by curcumin: molecular aspects." Indian Journal of Biochemistry & Biophysics. 2012; 49 : 306-315
It also helps stimulate the entire digestive system: production of pancreatic enzymes, decongestion of digestive organs, production of gastric mucus, stimulation of gallbladder activity and protection of the liver from various toxic substances.
"Because of its increased bioavailability in the gastrointestinal tract, gastrointestinal diseases including inflammatory bowel diseases, hepatic fibrosis and gastrointestinal cancers are one of the most investigated diseases demonstrating the therapeutic potential of curcumin."
Rajasekaran S A "Therapeutic potential of curcumin in gastrointestinal diseases." World journal of gastrointestinal pathophysiology. 2011; 2(1) : 1-14
Curcumin is believed to help protect the nervous system, even against certain neurodegenerative diseases, and to have the capacity to delay many brain disorders, which increase with age. Thanks to its ability to pass through the blood-brain barrier, it is believed to protect neurons and reduce the formation of amyloid plaques, which can cause Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s, amongst other diseases.
"Indeed, accumulating cell culture and animal model data show that dietary curcumin is a strong candidate for use in the prevention or treatment of major disabling age-related neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and stroke."
Cole G M, Teter B, and Frautschy S A, "Neuroprotective effects of curcumin." Adv Exp Med Biol. 2007; 595: 197-212
Many clinical trials have highlighted the anti-inflammatory potential of Curcumin in a variety of ailments, such as arthrosis, arthritis, ulcerative colitis, pancreatitis and even irritable bowel syndrome. The anti-inflammatory action of Curcumin and curcuminoids appears to decrease and regulate the formation of inflammatory molecules.
"Research has shown curcumin to be a highly pleiotropic molecule capable of interacting with numerous molecular targets involved in inflammation."
Jurenka J S, "Anti-inflammatory properties of curcumin, a major constituent of Curcuma longa: a review of preclinical and clinical research." Alternative medicine review. 2009; 14(2): 141-153
Curcumin may also help regulate insulin in several ways, particularly by stimulating the production of insulin, diminishing blood sugar level and reducing the production of glucose in the liver.
"A 9-month curcumin intervention in a prediabetic population significantly lowered the number of prediabetic individuals who eventually developed T2DM."
Chuengsamarn S et al., "Curcumin extract for prevention of type 2 diabetes." Diabetes care. 2012; 35(11): 2121-2127.
Scientific studies have shown that Curcumin inhibits the growth of certain bacteria, parasites and pathogenic fungi. With its powerful intestinal anti-microbial action, Curcumin is believed to help against Helicobacter pilori, the bacteria that cause gastric ulcers.
"An agent which possesses both anti-bacterial and antiinflammatory actions can be considered as ideal for developing into medicaments with a range of possible applications in endodontic procedures."
Mandroli P S, and Bhat K, "An in-vitro evaluation of antibacterial activity of curcumin against common endodontic bacteria." Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Science. 2013 3(10) : 106-108