Curcumin
Curcumin, I know you’ve heard of it, and if you haven’t you’ll be happy to today! Popularly seen in the spice isles of all the grocery stores, and in health supplement isles in conjunction with turmeric and other peppery, spice like supplements. But, what does it do and why is it good for you? We were curious as well and decided to create a quick, short summary of our findings.
Did you know that the National Institute of Health has funded studies investigating curcumin as a treatment for diseases ranging from cystic fibrosis to autoimmune diseases and various cancers? Pharmaceutical companies are even jumping in on the bandwagon, grinding to create potent patentable molecules based on curcumin to market to cancer patients. Some are even saying that curcumin is one of the most powerful chemo-preventive and anticancer agents being researched today!
Biological effects of curcumin on the human body range from antioxidant to anti-inflammatory, to inhibition of angiogenesis. Angiogenesis is “the physiological processes through which new blood vessels form from pre-existing vessels. In terms of cancer, angiogenesis is an integral part of the metastatic pathway. Metastasis is the spread of a pathogenic agent from an initial or primary site to a different secondary site within the body of the host. Metastasis is usually referred to the spread of cancer cells from a tumor site.
Curcumin has been shown to harbor specific anti-tumor activity (anti-angiogenesis). While the exact mechanism of curcumin’s actions is yet to be determined, its magic has to do with anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Curcumin promotes the bodies healthy response to inflamation by specifically inhibiting key inflammatory factors such as NF-kappaB. NF-kappaB is a protein molecule which acts as an “on-switch” in genes that govern the bodies pro-inflammatory responses. Curcumin has shown powerful inhibitory effects on this molecule as well as the metabolism of arachidonic acid (an omega-6 unsaturated fatty acid your body requires to function properly).
Arachidonic acid is the molecule known to stimulate most inflammatory responses and curcumin directly prevents it from starting a cascade of inflammation. Curcumin is also a powerful antioxidant, fighting free radicals and supporting other antioxidants.
Furthermore, free radical mediated damage of cell membranes, DNA, and protein is believed to be heavily associated with a variety of diseases including but not limited to cancer, atherosclerosis, and neuro-degenerative diseases. Curcumin is thought to play an important role against pathological conditions.
One powerful spice, curcumin is sold in supplemental forms such as tablets and pills for those looking to supplement more easily. Fresh seasoning can also be added to foods, smoothies and soups as additional supplementation. Curcumin can be found in your local grocery store, however, is most likely more properly sourced through your local herb shop!