Curcumin is the principal active ingredient and main curcuminoid of the spice turmeric. Curcumin is a natural phenol and is responsible for the typical yellow color of the spice. There are two different forms of curcumins that are present in the spice.
Turmeric has been used by the Indian System of Medicine for management of a wide range of ailments. Recent research studies conducted in the later part of the twentieth century identified curcumin, as the most potent component of turmeric, which had several medicinal properties. Most recent clinical trials on humans have pointed towards the possibility curcumin being effective in the management of cancer, Alzheimer’s disease and multiple myeloma.
What Are The Health Benefits Of Curcumin?
A wide range of laboratory tests and clinical trials have been conducted using this wonder ingredient of turmeric and the various health benefits identified include,
- Curcumin reduces beta-amyloid protein deposits on the brain (which causes plaque formation in individuals suffering from Alzheimer’s disease). Curcumin is considered beneficial in the management of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
- Curcumin is considered to have strong anti-inflammatory properties which make it effective in the management of chronic inflammatory conditions like Arthritis. It is often considered to be a safer alternative to the use of NSAIDs.
- In a recent study published, it was observed that turmeric tablets help increase the concentration of Gernaylgeranoic acid which is a potent retinoid that prevents cancer. It is considered effective in the management of skin cancer, prostate cancer and lung cancer.
- In a study conducted on rats, it was observed that curcumin has a protective action on the heart and reduces ischemia reperfusion injuries on the myocardium. The effect is attributed to the suppression of oxidative stress by curcumin which in turn improves ventricular functions.
- Curcumin is also considered effective in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome as per a study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine in 2004.
- Turmeric extracts are found to be effective in the management of cancer of the blood, as per a study conducted in University of Texas. Curcumin was responsible in restricting the mutation of the cells and helped prevent the spread of the condition to other bone marrows.
Side Effects Of Turmeric Curcumin
In lieu of the several potential health benefits offer by Curcumin, there are certain side effects,
- In a study conducted in 2005, it was observed that like the anti-oxidant effect of the ingredient, the ingredient may also have a pro-oxidant effect. This implies that curcumin could be associated with carcinogenic effects and can result in cancerous conditions like colon cancer, when consumed in very high concentrations or dosage.
- Clinical studies have pointed out the curcumin when taken in high dosage can result in mild nausea and vomiting. Recent studies have pointed out that high concentration of the ingredient may interfere with iron metabolism and can cause iron deficiency anemia in certain individuals.
- Based on studies conducted on mice, it is observed that curcumin can stimulate the uterus and result in miscarriage. Though there is no evidence of this action on humans, the findings have been fairly indicative in rats and guinea pigs. Further, in zebra fishes, curcumin was associated with teratogenic effects and embryo toxicity.
- Related Topics
- Turmeric Side Effects: Excessive use of Turmeric on Skin and Body
- Probiotic Supplement: Health Benefits And Side Effects Of Probiotics
- Health Benefits Of Cinnamon Supplements And Its Side Effects
- Natural Progesterone Cream Uses, Side Effects and Health Benefits
- Winter Cherry Root and Extract: Health Benefits And Side Effects
