Active constituents
The active constituent is known as curcumin. It has been shown to have a wide range of
therapeutic actions. First, it protects against free radical damage because it is a strong antioxidant.1 2 Second, it reduces
inflammation by lowering histamine levels and possibly by increasing production of natural
cortisone by the adrenal glands.3 Third, it protects the liver from a number of
toxic compounds.4 Fourth, it has been shown to reduce platelets from clumping
together, which in turn improves circulation and may help protect against atherosclerosis.5 There are also test-tube and
animal studies showing a cancer-preventing action of
curcumin. In one of these studies, curcumin effectively inhibited metastasis (uncontrolled
spread) of melanoma (skin cancer) cells.6 This may be due to its antioxidant
activity in the body. Curcumin inhibits HIV in test
tubes, though human trials are needed to determine if it has any usefulness for treating
humans with this condition.7
A preliminary trial in people with rheumatoid
arthritis found curcumin to be somewhat useful for reducing inflammation and symptoms such
as pain and stiffness.8 A separate double-blind trial found that curcumin was
superior to placebo or phenylbutazone (an NSAID) for
alleviating post-surgical inflammation.9
While a double-blind trial has found turmeric helpful for people with indigestion,10 results in people with stomach or
intestinal ulcers have not shown it to be superior
to a placebo and have demonstrated it to be less effective than antacids.11 12
Preliminary research indicates a possible benefit of oral curcumin supplementation (375 mg
of turmeric extract with 95% curcuminoids three times daily for 12 weeks) for chronic anterior
uveitis (inflammation of the iris and middle coat of the eyeball).13
References
1. Sreejayan N, Rao MNA. Free radical scavenging activity of
curcuminoids. Arzneimittelforschung 1996;46:169–71.
2. Ramirez-Boscá A, Soler A, Gutierrez MAC, et al. Antioxidant
curcuma extracts decrease the blood lipid peroxide levels of human subjects. Age
1995;18:167–9.
3. Arora RB, Basu N, Kapoor V, Jain AP. Anti-inflammatory studies on
Curcuma longa (turmeric). Ind J Med Res 1971;59:1289–95.
4. Kiso Y, Suzuki Y, Watanbe N, et al. Antihepatotoxic principles of
Curcuma longa rhizomes. Planta Med 1983;49:185–7.
5. Srivastava R, Dikshit M, Srimal RC, Dhawan BN. Anti-thrombotic effect
of curcumin. Thromb Res 1985;40:413–7.
6. Menon LG, Kuttan R, Kuttan G. Anti-metastatic activity of curcumin and
catechin. Cancer Lett 1999;141:159–65.
7. Barthelemy S, Vergnes L, Moynier M, et al. Curcumin and curcumin
derivatives inhibit Tat-mediated transactivation of type 1 human immunodeficiency virus long
terminal repeat. Res Virol 1998;149:43–52.
8. Deodhar SD, Sethi R, Srimal RC. Preliminary studies on antirheumatic
activity of curcumin (diferuloyl methane). Ind J Med Res 1980;71:632–4.
9. Satoskar RR, Shah SJ, Shenoy SG. Evaluation of anti-inflammatory
property of curcumin (diferuloyl methane) in patients with postoperative inflammation.Int
J Clin Pharmacol Ther Toxicol 1986;24:651–4.
10. Thamlikitkul V, Bunyapraphathara N, Dechatiwongse T, et al.
Randomized double-blind study of Curcuma domestica Val for dyspepsia. J Med Assoc
Thai 1989;72:613–20.
11. Van Dau N, Ngoc Ham N, Huy Khac D, et al. The effects of traditional
drug, turmeric (Curcuma longa), and placebo on the healing of duodenal ulcer.
Phytomedicine 1998;5:29–34.
12. Kositchaiwat C, Kositchaiwat S, Havanondha J. Curcuma longa
Linn in the treatment of gastric ulcer comparison to liquid antacid: A controlled clinical
trial. J Med Assoc Thai 1993;76:601–5.
13. Lal B, Kapoor AK, Asthana OP, et al. Efficacy of curcumin in the
management of chronic anterior uveitis. Phytotherapy Res 1999;13:318–22.
14. Foster S. 101 Medicinal Herbs. Loveland, CO: Interweave
Press, 1998, 200–1.
15. Blumenthal M, Busse WR, Goldberg A, et al. (eds). The Complete
Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Boston, MA: Integrative
Medicine Communications, 1998, 222.
16. McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, et al. American Herbal Products
Association Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, 1997, 39.
Copyright © 2004 Healthnotes, Inc. All rights reserved.
www.healthnotes.com
Learn more about Healthnotes, the company.
Learn more about the authors of Healthnotes.
The information presented in Healthnotes is for informational
purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro),
clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may
not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with
prescription or over-the-counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor,
practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or
before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires March 2005.
Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
