Joerg Gruenwald, Ph.D.
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 Not To Be Confused With: Curcuma xanthorrhiza
ACTIONS AND PHARMACOLOGY
COMPOUNDS
Volatile oil: chief components alpha- and beta-tumerone, artumerone, alpha- and gamma- atlantone, curlone, zingiber-ene, curcumol
Curcuminoids: including curcumin, demefhoxycurcumin, bidemethoxycurcumin
1,5-diaryl-penta-l,4-dien-3-on- derivatives
Starch
EFFECTS
Turmeric has choleretic, cholikinetic, antihepatotoxic, anti-hyperlipidemic and anti-inflammatory. It is also antioxida-tive, antitumoral and antimicrobial. It has insect repellent and antifertile effects. It also effects prostaglandin. |
| D-camphor, D-camphene, D-borneol, alpha-pinene, further including among others curcumol, zederone, curcu-meneol, curculone, furanodienone, isofuranodienone
Curcuminoids: curcumin, desmethoxycurcumin, bisdes-methoxycurcumin
Starch (50%)
EFFECTS
No information is available.
INDICATIONS AND USAGE
Zedoary is used as a stomachic for digestive debility, colic, and spasms (stomachic, carminative). In folk medicine, it is also used as a remedy for nervous diseases. |
Dr. Michael Heinrich, Joanne Barnes, Simon Gibbons and Elizabeth M. Williamson
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 Constituents
Three classes of compounds are particularly important: the curcuminoids; the mixture known as curcumin (Fig. 20.3), consisting of several phenolic diaryl-heptanoids, including curcumin, monodemethoxy-curcumin and bisdemethoxycurcumin; an essential oil (about 3-5%), containing about 60% sesquiterpene ketones (turmerones), including arturmerone, oc-atlantone, zingberene, with borneol, oc-phellandrene, eugenol and others; and polysaccharides such as glycans, the ukonans A-D. |
Joerg Gruenwald, Ph.D.
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| Not To Be Confused With: The rhizome of Curcuma domestica
Other Names: Tewon Lawa, Temu Lawak
ACTIONS AND PHARMACOLOGY
COMPOUNDS
Volatile oil: chief components ar-cureumene (alpha-curcu-mene), xanthorrhizol, beta-curcumene, germacrene, furano-dien, furanodienone
Curcuminoids: including curcumin, demethoxycurcumin
Non-phenolic diarylheptanoids
Starch
EFFECTS
Curcuma acts in a similar manner to turmeric root but is mainly choleretic and antitumoral (animal testing). |
Andreas Moritz
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 Apparently, University of Texas researchers treated some human colorectal cancer cells with neurotensin, with and without curcumin. They confirmed that neurotensin started a chain reaction of chemicals that can increase the growth of cancer and also the migration of cancer cells and that curcumin blocked the process. The researchers concluded that curcumin may have the potential to both treat and prevent colon cancer and other cancers. |
Carol Simontacchi
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 In a rat study comparing conventional NSAIDs (ibuprofen) and curcumin, dietary curcumin but not ibuprofen, suppressed oxidative and other types of age-related damage. curcumin also reduced memory deficits and oxidative deposits. Researchers believe that curcumin may help prevent Alzheimer's disease (inflammation may play a role in the genesis of Alzheimer's disease).5
Aberrant arachidonic acid metabolism is involved in the inflammatory and carcinogenic processes. |
Andreas Moritz
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| A laboratory study published in the journal, Clinical Cancer Research (Volume 12, page 5346), looked at the effects of curcumin on cell activity and found it interferes with neurotensin, a gastrointestinal hormone suspected of setting off the cancer process in colon cells. Apparently, University of Texas researchers treated some human colorectal cancer cells with neurotensin, with and without curcumin. They confirmed that neurotensin started a chain reaction of chemicals that can increase the growth of cancer and also the migration of cancer cells and that curcumin blocked the process. |
Byron J. Richards, CCN
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 Another promising nutrient is curcumin, a natural spice. curcumin can directly turn off NF kappaB in hormone sensitive and hormone independent types of prostate cancer, leading to the death of prostate cancer cells.787 A recent study showed curcumin to make prostate cancer cells more susceptible to be killed, enabling chemotherapy to kill them when before it could not. This led researchers to conclude that "the incorporation of curcumin into cytotoxic therapies may be a promising strategy for the treatment of androgen-independent prostate cancer. |
Donna Jackson Nakazawa
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 NIH researchers found that curcumin completely inhibited the onset of rheumatoid arthritis in animals by working to keep inflammatory proteins from being released and preventing destruction in the joints. The daily dose of curcumin administered was roughly equivalent to 120 curry dinners—so future uses of curcumin in humans will revolve around supplementation rather than dietary intake. Meanwhile, clinical trials are currently planned to test turmeric supplements in suppressing rheumatoid arthritis in humans. |
Peter J. Whitehouse and Daniel George
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 The neuroprotective effects were attributed to curcumin, the active ingredient in the curry spice turmeric. Like resveratrol in wine, curcumin is a polyphenol that is thought to possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and even anti-amyloid properties. Previous studies in mice have shown that a diet high in curcumin appears to both lower inflammatory agents (cytokines) in the brain and significantly reduce the formation of beta-amyloid protein depositions. |
Donna Jackson Nakazawa
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| The daily dose of curcumin administered was roughly equivalent to 120 curry dinners—so future uses of curcumin in humans will revolve around supplementation rather than dietary intake. Meanwhile, clinical trials are currently planned to test turmeric supplements in suppressing rheumatoid arthritis in humans. Other investigations show that two grams of curcumin a day helps to control ulcerative colitis.
SEA ANEMONE EXTRACT. |
Byron J. Richards, CCN
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| Another promising nutrient is curcumin, a natural spice. curcumin can directly turn off NF kappaB in hormone sensitive and hormone independent types of prostate cancer, leading to the death of prostate cancer cells.787 A recent study showed curcumin to make prostate cancer cells more susceptible to be killed, enabling chemotherapy to kill them when before it could not. This led researchers to conclude that "the incorporation of curcumin into cytotoxic therapies may be a promising strategy for the treatment of androgen-independent prostate cancer. |
Jonny Bowden, Ph.D., C.N.S.
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 But one group of the rats was also treated with curcumin. The curcumin group not only had protection against the damage done by this chemical, but the transparency of the lenses in their little eyes was improved as well.
The majority of the studies are done on cur-cumin since it's easy to isolate chemically and therefore study scientifically. But there's every reason to believe there are dozens of other healthy compounds in the turmeric spice itself that can benefit you in addition to the cur-cumin (which is only one of the many curcum-inoids). |
Donna Jackson Nakazawa
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| Turmeric, a key ingredient in curry, has been used for centuries by practitioners of Ayurvedic medicine to treat inflammatory disorders, and turmeric extract containing curcumin (not to be confused with cumin, a spice commonly associated with Moroccan cooking) is available in most health-food stores as a dietary supplement for the treatment and prevention of rheumatoid arthritis. NIH researchers found that curcumin completely inhibited the onset of rheumatoid arthritis in animals by working to keep inflammatory proteins from being released and preventing destruction in the joints. |
Jonny Bowden, Ph.D., C.N.S.
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| One study, in the journal Toxicology, demonstrated curcumin's significant liver protection in male rats largely through its antioxidant properties. Mark Stengler, N.D., recommends it for hepatitis and says that it is frequently used to lower elevated liver enzymes.
And then, to top it off, there's cancer. There are at least thirteen published studies indicating that curcumin reduced either the number or the size of tumors or the percentage of animals in the studies that developed them. Of course, these are mostly animal studies, but still, that's pretty promising. |
Andreas Moritz
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| They confirmed that neurotensin started a chain reaction of chemicals that can increase the growth of cancer and also the migration of cancer cells and that curcumin blocked the process. The researchers concluded that curcumin may have the potential to both treat and prevent colon cancer and other cancers.
Ginger Combats Motion Sickness and More
Conducted by Svensborg Hospital in Denmark, a seasickness trial and clinical study has shown that ginger was as effective as, or superior to, over-the-counter drugs in dealing with motion sickness. |
Jonny Bowden, Ph.D., C.N.S.
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| There are at least thirteen published studies indicating that curcumin reduced either the number or the size of tumors or the percentage of animals in the studies that developed them. Of course, these are mostly animal studies, but still, that's pretty promising. And not all the studies are on animals: One study, published in 2006 in the medical journal Oncogene, showed that curcumin inhibited the growth of human colon cancer cells. |
The Editors of FC&A
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| Traditionally a spice for curry dishes, turmeric has a new claim to fame - curcumin. curcumin is a natural antioxidant in turmeric. When researchers fed curcumin to rats, the rats were more resistant to cataracts. Throw some spicy turmeric in your dishes, and see what it does for you.
• Substitute olive oil for heavier fats. Saturated fats, such as butter, lard, and hydrogenated vegetable shortenings can raise your risk of cataracts. Use olive oil instead, and get a light taste of what's good for your eyes. chapter 7 Colds & flu fighters
What are COldS and flu? |
David W. Grotto, RD, LDN
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 BRAIN INJURY: In a rat study, supplementation with curcumin was found to counteract the oxidative damage and cognitive impairment encountered in the injured brain.
DEMENTIA AND ALZHEIMER'S: One mouse study confirmed that curcumin significantly lowers oxidized proteins and inflammatory cytokines associated with Alzheimer's. Elderly people who ate curry at least once a month scored better on tests to measure cognitive function than those who reported they ate curry less frequently. |
| COLON CANCER: In a small study, patients who had precancerous polyps were treated with curcumin for six months. The average number of polyps dropped sixty percent, and the average size dropped by fifty percent.
HEART HEALTH: Rats who were fed higher doses of curcumin in their diet had significantly lower liver triacylglycerols and very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol.
Tips on Using Turmeric
SELECTION AND STORAGE:
• Choose fresh turmeric roots that have a spicy fragrance and hearty rhizomes.
• When buying in powdered form, buy in small quantities and from fresh sources. |
Bottom Line Health
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| Typical dose: Take 250 to 500 mg of curcumin (standardized to 80% to 90% curcumin) three times daily.. .or add 40 to 60 drops of the tincture to 1 ounce of water and drink three to four times daily.
For tea, mix Vi teaspoon of powdered turmeric with 8 ounces of boiling water. Steep for 10 to 15 minutes, covered. Drink 4 ounces up to four times a day.
Possible side effects: Turmeric stimulates liver function, so it should be avoided by anyone who has gallstones or any other bile-duct obstruction. |
| Curry Fights Skin Cancer
In a lab study of human cells, curcumin (the compound that makes curry yellow) was shown to interfere with the development of melanoma cells.
Past studies have shown that people who eat curry in abundance have lower rates of lung, colon, prostate and breast cancers.
Theory: curcumin curbs inflammation, a risk factor for cancer.
Self-defense: Eat one-half tablespoon of curry every day.
Bharat B. Aggarwal, PhD, professor of cancer medicine, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, University of Texas, Houston. |
| Typical dose: Take 250 to 500 mg of curcumin (standardized to 80% to 90% curcumin) three times daily.. .or add 40 to 60 drops of the tincture to 1 ounce of water and drink three to four times daily.
For tea, mix Vi teaspoon of powdered turmeric with 8 ounces of boiling water. Steep for 10 to 15 minutes, covered. Drink 4 ounces up to four times a day.
Possible side effects: Turmeric stimulates liver function, so it should be avoided by anyone who has gallstones or any other bile-duct obstruction. |
Jonny Bowden, Ph.D., C.N.S.
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 In fact, although curcumin is available as a supplement, some herbal experts suggest that eating turmeric itself is even more beneficial since you not only get the curcumin, but all the other potentially beneficial components of the spice as well.
Turmeric Known for Alleviating Arthritis and Joint Inflammation
Turmeric is part of the healing systems of India, China, and the Polynesian Islands, and occupies a place of distinction in both Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine. |
Phyllis A. Balch, CNC
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 Many curcuminoids have been discovered so far, including curcumin, tetrahydrocurcumin, demeth-oxycurcumin, and cassumunins A and B, among others. Food sources include curry, ginger, and turmeric.
Type: Flavones
Flavones have been found to stop the proliferation of human breast cancer cells and to act as monoamine oxidase inhibitors, which gives them the potential to be used as natural, safe antidepressants. This possibility is currently being studied. |
Carol Simontacchi
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| The extract curcumin appears to reduce the synthesis of pro-inflammatory leukotriene and to promote the breakdown of fibrin, the blood-clotting protein that can prevent the proper drainage of tissues.
Curcumin has been found to have substantial antiinflammatory effects in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. It has been shown to improve the duration of morning stiffness, to shorten walking time, and to diminish joint swelling.
The Science Behind It
Curcumin has been studied for many years. |
| Researchers believe that curcumin may help prevent Alzheimer's disease (inflammation may play a role in the genesis of Alzheimer's disease).5
Aberrant arachidonic acid metabolism is involved in the inflammatory and carcinogenic processes. Researchers investigated the effects of curcumin on the release of arachidonic acid and its metabolites, and found that curcumin inhibited the release of arachidonic acid and prohibited the formation of PGE2.6
Is It Safe? |
| Taking curcumin with bromelain or fish oil may enhance absorption. If curcumin is used on its own, for maximum effectiveness, take on an empty stomach twenty minutes prior to each meal. When using the curcumin-fish oil combination, it is best to take the supplement with food. (Information on fish oil follows.)
_FISH OIL_
Fish oil is a rich source of the omega-3 fatty acids that have been found to have strong anti-inflammatory properties. |
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