Curcumin and Turmeric 500 mg, developed by Ray Sahelian, M.D.

Curcumin is one of the major antioxidants found in the spice turmeric. The roots of the turmeric plant are used as an herb in Asian cooking such as curries. Curcumin is a major component of Turmeric (Curcuma longa) and extensive scientific research on curcumin and turmeric has demonstrated their potent antioxidant properties. Through their antioxidant mechanisms, curcumin and turmeric support colon health, exert neuroprotective activity and help maintain a healthy cardiovascular system.

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Potential Benefits of Curcumin
Curcumin is the major component of Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) and extensive scientific research on curcumin has demonstrated its potent antioxidant properties. Through its antioxidant mechanisms, curcumin supports colon health, exerts neuroprotective activity and helps maintain a healthy cardiovascular system.
   In vitro and animal studies indicate that curcumin has potential as an antitumor, anti-invasive, and antiangiogenic agent; as a chemopreventive agent; and as a therapeutic agent in diabetes, Alzheimer disease, Parkinson disease, cardiovascular disease, pulmonary disease, and arthritis. Curcumin may play a role in diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, familial adenomatous polyposis, inflammatory bowel disease, ulcerative colitis, colon cancer, pancreatic cancer, atherosclerosis, psoriasis, chronic anterior uveitis and arthritis.

Alzheimer's Disease
Curcumin has compounds that may be helpful in Alzheimer's disease. Curcumin helps prevent the formation of beta-amyloids which are neural fibrils in the brain that cause Alzheimer's.

Cancer
Curcumin may help fight cancer, including prostate cancer. Researchers have found in the lab that curcumin can enhance the cancer-fighting power of treatment with TRAIL, a naturally occurring molecule that helps kill cancer cells. TRAIL stands for tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand. In an experiment with human prostate cancer cells in a laboratory dish, the combination treatment killed off two to three times more cells than either treatment alone. Curcumin exerts multiple different suppressive effects on human breast carcinoma cells in vitro.
   In a test tube study, curcumin was found to have anticancer effects on human Burkitt's lymphoma.

Heart
In a rodent study, curcumin was found to protect rat myocardium against ischemic insult and the protective effect could be attributed to its antioxidant properties.

Multiple Sclerosis
Curcumin may block the progression of multiple sclerosis.

Curcumin safety
Pilot phase I clinical trials show curcumin to be safe even when consumed at a daily dose of 10 grams a day for 3 months.

Curcumin for renal transplant
Beneficial effects of the bioflavonoids curcumin and quercetin on early function in cadaveric renal transplantation: a randomized placebo controlled trial.
Transplantation. 2005 Dec 15;80(11):1556-9. Shoskes D, Lapierre C, et al. Department of Kidney Transplantation, Cleveland Clinic Florida, Weston, FL, USA.
The bioflavonoids quercetin and curcumin are renoprotective natural antioxidants. We wished to examine their effects on early graft function (EF). 43 dialysis dependent cadaveric kidney recipients were enrolled into a study using Oxy-Q which contains 480 mg of curcumin and 20 mg of quercetin, started after surgery and taken for 1 month. They were randomized into three groups: control (placebo), low dose (one capsule, one placebo) and high dose (two capsules). Bioflavonoid therapy improved early graft function. Acute rejection and neurotoxicity were lowest in the high dose group. These bioflavonoids improve early outcomes in cadaveric renal transplantation, possibly through HO-1 induction.

Curcumin study
Curcumin modulates free radical quenching in myocardial ischaemia in rats.
Manikandan P. Central Leather Research Institute, Adyar, Chennai 600020, India.
Int J Biochem Cell Biol. 2004 Oct;36(10):1977-90.
This study was designed to investigate the protective effect of curcumin against isoprenaline induced myocardial ischaemia in rat myocardium. The effect of single oral dose of curcumin (15mgkg(-1)), administered 30min before and/or after the onset of ischaemia, was investigated by assessing oxidative stress related biochemical parameters in rat myocardium. Curcumin pre and post-treatment (PPT) was shown to decrease the levels of xanthine oxidase, superoxide anion, lipid peroxides and myeloperoxidase while the levels of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione-S-transferase activities were significantly increased after curcumin PPT. Histopathological and transmission electron microscopical studies also confirmed the severe myocardial damage occurring as a consequence of isoprenaline induced ischaemia and they also showed the significant improvement effected by curcumin PPT. These findings provided evidence that curcumin was found to protect rat myocardium against ischaemic insult and the protective effect could be attributed to its antioxidant properties as well as its inhibitory effects on xanthine dehydrogenase/xanthine oxidase conversion and resultant superoxide anion production.

Inhibition of colonic aberrant crypt foci by curcumin in rats is affected by age.
Kwon Y, Malik M, Magnuson BA.
Nutr Cancer. 2004;48(1):37-43.
Curcumin has antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and chemopreventive activities. To determine whether aging affects the inhibition of colon carcinogenesis by curcumin, young (6 wk), mature (12 mo), and old (22 mo) F344 male rats were fed either AIN-93 containing 0.6% curcumin or AIN-93 control diet. Aberrant crypt foci (ACF) were induced with two weekly s.c. injections of azoxymethane. After an additional 3 mo on the diets, the number, multiplicity, and distribution of ACF were evaluated. Addition of curcumin to the diet reduced the number of ACF by 49% in young rats and by 55% in old rats. However, interestingly, no reduction of ACF was found in mature rats fed curcumin. Inhibition of large ACF was also affected by age, with the greatest reduction of large ACF occurring in old rats. However, animal age did not significantly alter the effect of dietary curcumin on reduction of cyclooxygenase-2 mRNA expression in the liver or reduction of serum total cholesterol levels. These results indicate that age may play a significant role in the efficacy of chemoprevention of colon cancer by curcumin.

Curcumin has potent anti-amyloidogenic effects for Alzheimer's beta-amyloid fibrils in vitro.
Ono K.  J Neurosci Res. 2004 Mar 15;75(6):742-50.
Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Science, Kanazawa, Japan.
Inhibition of the accumulation of amyloid beta-peptide (Abeta) and the formation of beta-amyloid fibrils (fAbeta) from Abeta, as well as the destabilization of preformed fAbeta in the central nervous system, would be attractive therapeutic targets for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD). We reported previously that nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA) and wine-related polyphenols inhibit fAbeta formation from Abeta(1-40) and Abeta(1-42) and destabilize preformed fAbeta(1-40) and fAbeta(1-42) dose-dependently in vitro. Using fluorescence spectroscopic analysis with thioflavin T and electron microscopic studies, we examined the effects of curcumin and rosmarinic acid (RA) on the formation, extension, and destabilization of fAbeta(1-40) and fAbeta(1-42) at pH 7.5 at 37 degrees C in vitro. We next compared the anti-amyloidogenic activities of Curcumin and RA with NDGA. Curcumin and RA dose-dependently inhibited fAbeta formation from Abeta(1-40) and Abeta(1-42), as well as their extension. In addition, they dose-dependently destabilized preformed fAbetas. The overall activities of Curcumin, RA, and NDGA were similar. The effective concentrations (EC(50)) of Curcumin, RA, and NDGA for the formation, extension, and destabilization of fAbetas were in the order of 0.1-1 microM. Although the mechanism by which Curcumin and RA inhibit fAbeta formation from Abeta and destabilize preformed fAbeta in vitro remains unclear, they could be a key molecule for the development of therapeutics for AD.

Health benefit of curcumin and turmeric
There is ongoing research regarding the role of this herbal extract for its use in Alzheimer's disease, diabetes, inflammatory conditions, and several types of cancer.

Alzheimer's disease
In laboratory studies, curcumin inhibits amyloid formation. Amyloids are insoluble fibrous protein aggregates that clump in the brain cells of Alzheimer's patients.  Whether curcumin supplements help reduce the incidence of Alzheimer's disease or help improve this condition is not known at this time.

Cancer
Curcumin has the capacity to interact with multiple molecular targets affecting the many processes in cancer formation. Curcumin, in mice, interferes with the spread of breast cancer tumor cells to the lungs. Tests in laboratory dishes show that curcumin made melanoma skin cancer cells more likely to self-destruct in a process known as apoptosis. There have been additional laboratory studies showing this substance may play a role in leukemia and pancreatic cancer. Studies evaluating the role of curcumin and cancer continue to advance at a fast rate.

Heart
In a rodent study, curcumin was found to protect rat heart cells against free radical damage and the protective effect could be attributed to its antioxidant properties.

Inflammatory bowel disease
A small human study at St. Luke's Roosevelt Hospital Center, Columbia University in New York involved giving curcumin supplements to five patients with ulcerative proctitis and five with Crohn's disease. All proctitis patients improved, with reductions in medication use in four, and four of five Crohn's disease patients had lowered crohn's disease activity index scores and sedimentation rates. This encouraging pilot study suggests the need for double-blind placebo-controlled follow-up studies.

Side effects
No major side effects have been reported in medical journals. High dosages may cause a slight increase in body temperature.

Availability
You can add turmeric powder or curry powder to your recipes or take curcumin supplements. Most curcumin supplements will be listed as a 95% extract of turmeric and contain 500 mg. For long term health you can take a 500 mg capsule a few times a week. Higher dosages may be required to treat a particular medical condition.

Summary
Curcumin, the extract found in the spice turmeric, has great potential in medicine and hopefully additional research may convince more doctors to recommend this supplement to their patients.

Curcumin pill usage
Q. I just purchased several bottles of Curcumin and found a discrepancy that I would appreciate your assistance in clarifying. The bottle says to take 1 to 3 capsules daily and some sites says to take 1 to 2 a few times a week with breakfast. Which one should I follow?
   A. There is no dosage guideline that is appropriate for everyone. As a general rule, it is a good idea to start with one capsule and over time gradually increase to determine the ideal amount that works for you. It is generally preferable to take 2 or 3 different beneficial herbs in smaller amounts than to take one herb in a high amount.

Q. Can acai or Mangosteen one capsule be taken along with one capsule of curcumin?
   A. We don't foresee any problems with the combination of Acai or mangosteen and curcumin.

Q. I have read that curcumin is basically not assimilated by the body without the addition of black pepper, in itself not something desirable in a diet.
   A. We have not seen any studies that prove the claim that a curcumin supplement needs a black pepper extract to be effective.

Q. I wanted to let you know about an interesting curcumin study.
Effects of curcumin on bladder cancer cells and development of urothelial tumors in a rat bladder carcinogenesis model - Cancer Lett. 2008 Mar 12 - "Exposure of human bladder cancer cells to curcumin resulted in the induction of apoptotic cell death and caused cells to arrest in the G2/M phase. The anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 and Survivin protein was downregulated by the curcumin treatment together with enhancement of the Bax and p53 expression. The inhibitory activities of curcumin were stronger than those of cisplatin and could not be prevented by catalase pretreatment in T24 cells. Clonal assay indicated large-dose and short-term curcumin was lethal to bladder cancer cells. Moreover, the in vivo study revealed curcumin did induce apoptosis in situ, inhibit and slow the development of bladder cancer. These observations suggest that curcumin could prove an effective chemopreventive and chemotherapy agent for bladder cancer."

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a plant native to south India and Indonesia. Its root-like structures have been used from antiquity as a condiment, as a textile dye, and for medical purposes. Curry powder, which is extensively used in Indian cuisine, is largely made of turmeric and other spices such as coriander and fenugreek. Curcuminoids are the major substances that give the spice turmeric its yellow color. The major curcuminoids are curcumin, demethoxycurcumin and bisdemethoxycurcumin which are powerful antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. They also have anti-cancer activity.

Health Benefit of Curcumin and Turmeric
Several additional human trials are needed before we can know with any certainty how we can best use curcumin in medicine. But one thing is certain: most doctors are not, at this time, aware of the potential benefits of curcumin and turmeric.

Curcumin and Alzheimer's disease
In laboratory studies, curcumin inhibits amyloid formation. Amyloids are insoluble fibrous protein aggregates that clump in the brain cells of Alzheimer's patients. Whether taking curcumin supplements will help reduce the incidence of Alzheimer's disease or help improve this condition is not fully understood at this time, but studies are ongoing.

Curcumin and Cancer
Curcumin has the capacity of interact with multiple molecular targets affecting the many  process in cancer formation. In mice studies, curcumin helped stop the spread of breast cancer tumor cells to the lungs. Curcumin administration suppressed two proteins that tumor cells use to keep themselves immortal. Studies evaluating the role of curcumin and cancer continue to advance at a fast rate.

Curcumin and Melanoma
Curcumin interferes with the functioning of melanoma cells. Tests in laboratory dishes show that curcumin made melanoma skin cancer cells more likely to self-destruct in a process known as apoptosis.

Curcumin therapy in inflammatory bowel disease
Curcumin has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties in cell cultures and animal studies. Small studies in patients with ulcerative proctitis and Crohn's disease showed this supplement to have some beneficial properties.

Curcumin side effects
No apparent curcumin side effects have been reported in the medical literature thus far. Increased body temperature on high doses may be a possible curcumin side effect on high doses. A study performed at the University of Michigan showed no curcumin toxicity at doses up to 6 grams a day.

Availability of curcumin supplements
You can consume turmeric as a spice and obtain a small amount of curcumin from it. However, to get a more concentrated form of the spice, you can buy supplements that are 95% percent curcumin. You will see on the supplement fact panel of the curcumin bottle where it says 95% curcumin. Some products combine both turmeric and curcumin. A daily maintenance dose of curcumin could range from 250 mg to 500 mg. Therapeutic dosages of curcumin could be as high as several grams.

Bottom line
Curcumin has a great deal of potential as a spice that can help prevent or treat certain medical conditions. Hopefully further research will point to the areas where this supplement is most useful and more doctors will incorporate this herb into their practice.

Curcumin supplement questions
Q. Are you familiar with the research concerning curcumin's ability to remove lead from the brain? There has been a small amount of research. I am writing an article on lead poisoning. To date, brain damage caused by lead ingestion has been permanent, so this would be very hopeful.
   A. There seems to be some potential in curucmin and curcuminoids being helpful in lead induced neuronal damage.
Curcuminoids, curcumin, and demethoxycurcumin reduce lead-induced memory deficits in male Wistar rats.
J Agric Food Chem. 2007 Feb. Dairam A, Limson JL, Watkins GM, Antunes E, Daya S. Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Biotechnology, Rhodes University, Grahamstown 6140, South Africa.
This study investigated the neuroprotective effects of curcumin and the curcuminoids against lead-induced neurotoxicity. The results show that lead significantly increases lipid peroxidation and reduces the viability of primary hippocampal neurons in culture. This lead-induced toxicity was significantly curtailed by the co-incubation of the neurons with the curcuminoids. In a whole animal experiment, rats were trained in a water maze and thereafter dosed with lead and/or curcumin, demethoxycurcumin, or bisdemethoxycurcumin for 5 days. Animals treated with curcumin and demethoxycurcumin but not bisdemethoxycurcumin had more glutathione and less oxidized proteins in the hippocampus than those treated with lead alone. The findings of this study indicate that curcumin, a well-established dietary antioxidant, is capable of playing a major role against heavy metal-induced neurotoxicity and has neuroprotective properties.

Q. Does the curcumin capsules you provide contain more curcuminoids than the turmeric you purchase from stores? If so, how do i know this is true? How many tsp's (or another unit of measure) do the capsules equal compared to turmeric powder? Is it higher quality or it it the same? If it is higher quality, before i order, i still need to know how many capsules would equal how much turmeric to get my dosing correct.
   A. This supplement has 250 mg of turmeric extract and 250 mg of turmeric powder. The turmeric extract is 95% curcuminoids, therefore, 95% of the 250 mg turmeric extract is curcumin, which is about 238 mg. Turmeric powder itself is only 5% curcumin. Therefore 5% of 250 mg of the turmeric is curcuminoids, which makes it about 12 mg. in total, this curcumin-turmeric  supplement has a total of 500 mg of which about 250 mg is pure curcumin. We provide the highest curcumin quality we can find.

Q. I have been doing some reading and found curcumin and I am pretty interested in it. But I am taking Levoxyl. Back in 2000 the doctors at a military hospital had decided that I needed to destroy it, I guess. They gave me the radioactive iodine pill. The strength of Levoxyl is 100mcg. I am very careful as to what I take both OTC and herbal. I have looked and can't really find anything on taking curcumin if I'm taking Levoxyl or any type of thyroid problem. Do you have any suggestions or knowlage on if I can take curcumin supplement along with thyroid medications?
   A. We have not seen any studies relating the to the influence of curcumin supplements on thyroid function or interactions with thyroid medications such as Synthroid or Levoxyl. One option, if your doctor approves, is to begin with half a capsule of curcumin supplement for a week and then to increase the dosage if no side effects are noticed. This would also apply to other supplements and combining them with medications. It is a good idea to begin with low dosages to avoid any potential side effects.

Q. We are one of the main manufacturers, exporters, importers and distributors of Curcumin Powder and Granular 95%, Essential oils, Spice Oleoresins, USDA Certified Organic Green, Black, White Pepper corn and other spices. Right now we have 1000 kg curcumin Powder 95% and 100 kg curcumin granules 95% in New York. Another 1000 kg Curcumin Powder 95% reaching New York by end of this month. Best regards. TAK-Natural & Organic Products. Sark-USA 1763 Spur Drive North Central Islip New York 11722.

Q. I purchased Broccoli-Sprouts extract sulforaphane 60 Tabs. Prickly-Pear-Cactus herbal supplements, opuntia ficus, nopal 250Mg/100 caps. Cranberry extract pills, urinary tract herb supplement 560 mg/90 Tabs and Curcumin Turmeric extract supplement, 60 capsules, Curcuma longa. All these were for blood in semen and in urine and it appeared they had started to work somewhat. All were taken as directions state and spread out (daily) AM, Mid-Day, and PM. Problem is chronic diarrhea. We know one or more of these is causing it as no diarrhea was present before starting any of the above and the diarrhea ceased within 48 hours after stopping all above. Tell us which one or two (whatever) more of these products is causing the diarrhea so we don't have to guess and can toss it out, then continue with the others once again.
   A. Different individuals can have vastly different effects from supplements so it is not possible for us to know which supplement or whether the combination caused the diarrhea. It is always a good idea, when trying new supplements, to only use one at a time for a few days to see what the benefits and potential side effects could be. In guidance with your doctor, you may consider trying one supplement at a time not exceeding one capsule a day for a few days. It is possible the curcumin is causing the diarrhea, or the nopal or the broccoli extract, or perhaps the combination.

Does curcumin interact with the use of tribulus extract herb?
    We don't think curcumin or turmeric interact with the aphrodisiac herb.