Curcumin: Health Benefits, Side Effects, Dosage

Aspirin - recommendations
If you take aspirin daily to prevent heart attack and stroke or in connection with any inflammation, then you should consider the side effects that this drug may entail. At the same time, aspirin can be replaced with much safer natural remedies.

NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) can be dangerous, but for some reason aspirin is still considered completely harmless. This may be because the drug is designed to reduce the production of hormone-like substances that promote inflammation and blood clotting.

However, many who take aspirin regularly over a long period of time are not at risk for developing heart disease, and the drug may cause more harm than good.

New medical recommendations have begun to include information about the potential dangers of low-dose aspirin. Most recently, the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), an independent expert group on disease prevention, developed a new list of recommendations for the use of aspirin.

The changes follow the results of a new study showing that taking small amounts of aspirin (80-100 mg) to prevent cardiovascular disease has only a “little” effect in middle-aged people.

Before you start taking aspirin regularly, here are a few questions to ask yourself and your doctor: Are you in the category of people who need to take aspirin daily to prevent a second heart attack or stroke? Can you fully appreciate the benefits and risks of taking this medicine?

Below we will talk in more detail about the side effects of aspirin and more.

What is aspirin?

Aspirin was discovered in 1853; until 1897, it was used for medical purposes only in powder form. In 1915, the small white aspirin tablets that we still use today were introduced.

The active component in aspirin, acetylsalicylic acid, was originally isolated from the bark of the willow tree. Did you know that this same ingredient is present in beans, peas, jasmine and clover?

In ancient Egypt, willow bark was used to relieve pain long before the benefits of acetylsalicylic acid were discovered.

Other ingredients in aspirin include cornstarch, hypromellose, cellulose powder, triacetin (a solvent), and carnauba wax.

Taking aspirin regularly is recommended for three reasons:

• to relieve pain and inflammation
• to prevent heart attack and stroke
• to fight fever

Data suggest that aspirin as a preventive therapy may be indicated for people with a medical history of heart attack, chest pain, and ischemic stroke. Aspirin is also used to reduce the risk of developing cancer, particularly colorectal cancer.

The production of this drug amounts to about 120 billion tablets per year, making it one of the most popular drugs in the world.

You might be wondering why so many people take aspirin regularly? The study suggests that regular aspirin use is often recommended for men aged 45 to 79 and women aged 55 to 79 to prevent heart attacks and strokes.

Aspirin reduces the amount of prostaglandins, hormone-like substances that control the body's inflammatory responses and processes such as blood flow and blood clot formation. Thus, the drug reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke, which are often the result of a blood clot in the coronary arteries or vessels.

Taking aspirin irregularly will not help to cope with this problem, but using the medicine every day for a long time can cause many side effects and complications.

What is curcumin?

Curcumin

is a bright yellow substance found in the turmeric plant (Curcuma longa).
This plant is a member of the ginger family. Curcumin is one of the main curcuminoids in turmeric.
It is produced in modern production from turmeric root and sold as a biological additive, cosmetics ingredient, food flavoring and coloring. In general, turmeric was previously mainly known as a spice, which was part of the famous seasoning - curry.

Curcumin was first discovered in 1815, when scientists Vogel and Pierre Joseph Pelletier reported isolating a “yellow coloring matter” from turmeric roots. Although curcumin has been used in turmeric for a very long time in Ayurvedic medicine in India, its potential as a medicine is still questionable due to poor oral bioavailability.

What diseases can curcumin be beneficial for?

From a large body of research conducted, it was determined that curcumin shows positive properties for the following diseases :

• Allergic rhinitis (hay fever)
• Depression
• High cholesterol and blood lipids
• Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
• Osteoarthritis
• Itching (itchy skin)

Please note that curcumin and turmeric itself are very poorly bioavailable . Taking most curcumin supplements is unlikely to provide benefits outside of the gut. (, ) Therefore, it is always worth paying special attention to the ways to increase the bioavailability of curcumin , which the manufacturer offers in its supplement.

Today, turmeric or curcumin is not approved by national health authorities for use in the treatment of various diseases. Dietary supplements generally require solid clinical studies. Therefore, curcumin is currently used as an additional substance to the main treatment protocol as a dietary supplement.

Before you start taking curcumin, talk to your doctor to prevent possible complications or side effects.

How much do we know about curcumin?

According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCIH), there are many studies on turmeric or curcumin, including various human studies, to evaluate the effects on a variety of diseases. ()

Turmeric contains several major components known as curcuminoids , which typically make up about 2-9% by weight of turmeric powder. ()

The main curcuminoids are isolated from the rhizome of turmeric (Curcuma longa L.). (source)

Curcumin is the most active phytochemical of the four curcuminoids in turmeric. Curcumin makes up approximately 77% by weight of all curcuminoids. ()

The remaining 3 components of the plant are represented by the following amounts: 17% demethoxycurcumin , 3% bisdemethoxycurcumin and the remaining 3% belong to the recently discovered curcuminoid - cyclocurcumin . ()

Is it safe to take aspirin every day?

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not recommend using aspirin every day to prevent heart attacks and strokes. However, in some cases, the risk of heart attack and stroke may be much greater than the risk of side effects associated with aspirin use.

But in any case, you need to discuss the consequences of taking this drug with your doctor.

Recent changes to the USPSTF guidelines state that patients should decide to take aspirin only after discussing the benefits and risks of the drug with their doctor. The organization suggests that taking low-dose aspirin as a measure to prevent cardiovascular disease may have a negative effect on people of a certain age.

Taking aspirin daily as a preventative measure may not be effective in those aged 40–59 years.

One study also suggests that one-time use of the drug may be as effective as regular use.

Thus, a 2016 study published in the European Journal of Clinical Research analyzed the effects of aspirin taken regularly and intermittently for the prevention of cardiovascular disease. The study included 1,720 pairs of patients who took aspirin daily or occasionally between 1997 and 2000. Scientists recorded 25 cases of bleeding and 67 cases of stroke in volunteers who regularly took the drug, while in patients of the second group the number of cases was 69 and 100, respectively.

At the same time, the researchers monitored the development of cancer in the experiment participants. In those who periodically took aspirin, 32 cases of cancer were identified, and in patients who constantly took the drug, 26 cases were recorded. The scientists concluded that long-term, regular use of aspirin was not significantly more effective than intermittent use of the drug in preventing heart attack and stroke.

Those who take aspirin for preventive purposes have something to think about. Is Aspirin Really Necessary for Your Health? Will it do more harm than good?

Side effects of aspirin

Kidney failure

A study has found that taking aspirin regularly can lead to kidney damage called analgesic nephropathy. Analgesic nephropathy is a form of chronic kidney failure that occurs with long-term regular use of analgesics such as aspirin.

This disease often begins without visible symptoms, leading to severe kidney failure and the need for daily kidney dialysis.

A 2016 review published in the Korean Journal of Family Medicine found that long-term use of large amounts of aspirin may be associated with kidney failure. The evidence, however, has been mixed, as some studies have not shown a relationship between aspirin abuse and kidney damage. One study, however, found that combining paracetamol and aspirin resulted in greater kidney toxicity than taking aspirin alone.

A study published in the European Journal of Heart Failure found that the effects of aspirin on the kidneys are dose dependent, with aspirin taking more than 80 mg being associated with adverse effects, especially in patients with heart failure.

Liver failure

When aspirin is taken regularly, the drug is absorbed by the liver, which can lead to liver disease or liver failure. This is a very serious disease, since the liver helps eliminate harmful substances from the body. Otherwise, if the liver does not function properly, intoxication occurs.

A 2014 study from Georgetown University Hospital found that drug-related liver damage occurs in an average of 10 out of 100,000 patients. Scientists say that high-dose aspirin can cause hepatotoxicity.

Thus, as a result of treatment with high-dose aspirin, a 41-year-old patient developed acute liver damage, which was eliminated by discontinuation of the drug. This case showed scientists that, despite the lack of information about the effects of aspirin on liver health, the drug can be dangerous in large quantities.

Ulcers

The American College of Gastroenterology states that regularly taking aspirin is the second most common cause of stomach ulcers. This drug causes irritation of the stomach lining and the formation of painful ulcers. Moreover, regular use of aspirin aggravates existing ulcers and can cause complications such as bleeding and perforation of the ulcers.

A study published in the Journal of Multidisciplinary Healthcare indicates that aspirin treatment is one of the leading causes of deterioration in patients with gastrointestinal ulcers. Scientists have found that aspirin and Helicobacter pylori, a bacterium that attacks the stomach, significantly contribute to their development.

Tinnitus and hearing loss

Ringing or tinnitus is a symptom of impaired hearing and damage to the nerves located near the ears. Ringing may be caused by excess aspirin consumption and may indicate intoxication.

According to a systematic review conducted by Harvard Medical School, USA, among patients aged 45 to 79 years who regularly take aspirin, the likelihood of hearing loss is 13-68%.

Scientists have found that 1.95 grams of aspirin per day can significantly impair hearing. They also believe that the side effect is related to the dosage of the drug, and the condition can be improved by stopping the drug.

Hemorrhagic stroke

Although many people take aspirin to thin their blood and prevent heart attack and stroke, this drug can actually make your condition worse in some cases. Sometimes strokes can be caused by bleeding in the brain. In this situation, taking aspirin can make the problem worse and lead to serious brain damage and even death.

Scientists from the University of Illinois, USA, suggest that "the cardiovascular benefits of aspirin must be weighed against the possible risks associated with taking this drug, the most serious of which is hemorrhagic stroke."

Although research suggests that the risk of hemorrhage associated with aspirin use is quite low (0.2 cases per 1,000 patients per year), it should still be listed as a side effect and considered when prescribing aspirin as a measure to prevent heart attacks. and strokes.

Reye's syndrome

Reye's syndrome is a fatal disease that affects vital organs in children, mainly the brain and liver. The study showed that Reye's syndrome is quite rare, but the likelihood of death is very high (about 30-40% of cases lead to death as a result of brain stem dysfunction).

This disease typically occurs in children and adolescents recovering from the flu or chickenpox, and aspirin has been linked to the development of Reye's syndrome.

Scientists believe that the drug may act as a contributing factor in susceptible patients. For this reason, children and teenagers with viral infections should never take aspirin.

A study published in the journal Drug Safety suggests that the severity of the disease may depend on the dosage of aspirin. And in the case of taking aspirin during a viral infection, this drug, in principle, cannot be called safe.

Interaction with other drugs

If you regularly take aspirin, it is important to consult your doctor about possible drug interactions with other medications, vitamins, or dietary supplements.

The way aspirin works can be affected by:

• arthritis medications
• medications to treat symptoms of chronic gout
• drugs to normalize blood pressure
• medications that thin the blood and fight blood clots
• steroids
• anticonvulsants

Some people are more sensitive to complications associated with long-term use of aspirin. For this reason, they should not take this drug daily, especially in large quantities. People at risk of developing complications include people who suffer from the following diseases:

• heart failure
• kidney and liver diseases
• asthma
• stomach ulcers
• bleeding, bleeding disorders, blood clots
• uncontrolled hypertension
• diabetes

People who are allergic to aspirin or other NSAIDs, and people who have asthma with nasal polyps and rhinitis should never take aspirin. An allergic reaction to aspirin typically results in a rash, facial swelling, wheezing, and even anaphylactic shock.

It should also be avoided if you drink more than three alcoholic drinks a day. The medicine is not recommended for women during pregnancy and breastfeeding without a doctor's recommendation.

What is functional soda?

Dosage and Application

Aspirin is taken for a number of reasons, including pain, swelling and cardiovascular disease. It helps relieve pain from menstrual cramps, headaches, rheumatoid arthritis and sprains.

The dosage of the drug varies from 50 mg to 6,000 mg per day. Taking a small amount of this medication daily is generally recommended for vascular and heart disease, poor blood flow, high cholesterol, and diabetes.

Smokers and those who have been diagnosed with a heart attack or blood clot can also take a small dose of aspirin every day.

Dietary supplements with curcumin

Dosages

The following doses of curcumin were used in human clinical studies:

• Osteoarthritis : Turmeric extract 500 mg orally 2-4 times daily for 1-3 months (the following products have been used and may be important to the outcome for bioavailability reasons: Turmacin by Natural Remedies Pvt.Ltd., Meriva by Indena and CuraMed by EuroPharma USA)
• Allergic rhinitis (hay fever): curcumin 500 mg daily for 2 months (Organika Health Products)
• Crohn's disease : curcumin 1.08 g daily for one month, then 1.44 g daily for the second month
• Prevention of type 2 diabetes in people with prediabetes: curcumin 750 mg twice daily for 9 months
• Depression : curcumin 500 mg twice daily for 6-8 weeks (alone or as an adjunct to the antidepressant fluoxetine)
• Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease ( NAFLD ): 70 mg curcumin daily for 8 weeks (curcumin dose in 500 mg dispersion)
• Itchy skin : turmeric 500 mg orally 3 times daily for 8 weeks, or turmeric extract (Sami Labs LTD C3 complex) standardized to 1 g curcumin along with black pepper/long pepper extract (bioperine) daily for 4 weeks.

Natural alternative

Anti-inflammatory diet

If you are using aspirin to relieve swelling or inflammation, keep in mind that this can be achieved in other, more natural and safer ways. The best place to start is with your diet.

First of all, you need to avoid foods that cause inflammation, swelling and pain: fast food, processed and packaged foods, foods containing artificial ingredients and added sugar, high amounts of caffeine and alcohol.

Instead, focus on eating healthy to help manage inflammation. Anti-inflammatory foods include:

• leafy greens and colored vegetables
• fruits such as blueberries and pineapple
• healthy fats, such as wild salmon and coconut oil
• bone broth
• nuts and seeds, such as walnuts, flax and chia seeds
• high quality free range meat and organic chicken
• anti-inflammatory spices such as ginger, cayenne pepper and turmeric

Ginger

Did you know that ginger has antithrombosis properties? Regular consumption of ginger can actually prevent the occurrence of heart attack and stroke.

In addition, ginger can relieve pain and cope with inflammation. Gingerol, the most powerful healing substance in ginger, affects receptors that are located on our nerve endings.

Research suggests that due to its ability to fight pain and inflammation, ginger is often used as part of natural therapy to treat degenerative diseases such as arthritis and rheumatism, as well as cardiovascular disorders such as hypertension and atherosclerosis.

Turmeric

Research shows that turmeric may even be more effective than some anti-inflammatory drugs, anticoagulants and painkillers. Moreover, turmeric does not have any side effects unless consumed in too much quantity.

Research also suggests that curcumin in turmeric has antithrombotic effects, and daily consumption of this spice may help thin the blood.

Scientists believe that turmeric extract can be used as a pain reliever. A meta-analysis published in the Journal of Medicinal Food found that 1,000 mg of curcumin per day was effective in relieving pain in patients with arthritis.

In fact, five studies found no significant difference between the effectiveness of turmeric and painkillers.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon may not only fight inflammation, but also promote heart health. Research suggests that the main benefit of cinnamon is its ability to reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Scientists have found that cinnamon acts as a natural coagulant and can speed up blood flow. The spice promotes tissue repair and cell regeneration, which can help your body cope with a heart attack or stroke.

Methylsulfonylmethane

Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is a plant-derived adaptogen that helps manage stress and recover from injury, surgery, and exercise. MSM supplements are often used to relieve chronic pain, muscle cramps, lower blood pressure, and relieve eye inflammation.

MSM fights inflammation thanks to the sulfur it delivers to your body. Sulfur helps restore muscle cells. Research has shown that MSM also helps restore flexibility and permeability of cell walls within muscles, which speeds up muscle recovery.

Bromelain

This enzyme is present in pineapples and is often used to treat inflammation caused by diseases such as arthritis. Research suggests it may be used to relieve post-surgical pain and swelling, joint pain and sinus inflammation.

A study published in the journal Biomedical Reports found that bromelain has anti-inflammatory and antithrombotic effects. It effectively speeds up blood flow and strengthens the immune system.

Magnesium

Scientists have found that magnesium deficiency can lead to a range of problems, including hypertension, cardiovascular disease, kidney and liver damage, muscle spasms, decreased immunity and migraines.

Supplementing with magnesium will keep your blood pressure normal and prevent hypertension. A study from the Journal of Clinical Hypertension found that heart diseases such as coronary artery disease, ischemic stroke and heart rhythm disorders can be prevented and treated by simply taking magnesium.

• Aspirin is an anti-inflammatory drug that is used to relieve pain, inflammation, and fever.
• Although taking aspirin daily is recommended for adult men and women to prevent heart attack and stroke, it is important to understand that it carries certain risks. The most dangerous side effects of aspirin include liver and kidney damage, ulcers, hearing loss, hemorrhagic stroke and Reye's syndrome.
• Long-term use of aspirin can be especially dangerous for people with heart failure, liver and kidney disease, asthma, stomach ulcers, bleeding disorders, hypertension, and diabetes.
• Fortunately, there are natural, safer alternatives to aspirin that can help you avoid the side effects associated with taking this drug.

Take care of yourself and your loved ones, buy only healthy products!

Health Benefits of Curcumin

Potentially effective

Osteoarthritis

Human studies show that specific turmeric extracts (from Meriva), alone or in combination with other plants, can reduce pain and improve joint function in people with knee osteoarthritis . Curcumin was assessed using several inflammatory parameters: interleukins IL-1beta and IL-6, soluble CD40 ligand, soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule (sVCAM)-1 and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). ()

Three months of 200 mg/day curcumin plus soy phosphatidylcholine (to improve intestinal absorption) reduced pain by 58% and increased walking distance by more than 400% in people with osteoarthritis. During the study, walking distance increased from 77 to 332 meters. And the level of inflammation represented by its marker, C-reactive protein (CRP), decreased by 22.2 mg/l, while treatment costs (use of anti-inflammatory drugs, hospitalization) were significantly reduced. ()

Scheme of the anti-inflammatory effect of curcumin in osteoarthritis (source)

Curcumin has also been studied as a potential agent for cartilage tissue regeneration. During the experiments, the drug Flexofytol® was used and patients received 4-6 capsules per day. Within the first 6 weeks, curcumin reduced patients' pain, joint mobility, and quality of life. Excellent tolerability was noted, and more than half of these patients were able to discontinue analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs. ()

Allergic rhinitis/hay fever

Some clinical studies have shown that 2 months of receiving curcumin at a dose of 500 mg/day can reduce the symptoms of allergic rhinitis: sneezing, itching, runny nose and nasal congestion. The study authors suggested that curcumin helps balance the immune response , lowering some of the immunity responsible for hay fever. In particular, the levels of the cytokines IL-4, IL-8 and tumor necrosis factor TNF-alpha decreased, but the levels of IL-10 and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule increased. ()

Depression

A recent review of clinical studies found that curcumin reduced symptoms of depression in people already using antidepressants.

The effects of curcumin seemed to be more effective in middle-aged people compared to older people. The best results were found in those patients who received a curcumin supplement for at least 6 weeks and who used at least 1 gram of this substance daily. ()

Additionally, the review of clinical studies used different formulations of curcumin. All had similar effectiveness, although one specific formula (BCM-95) seemed to offer marginally more benefit to people with depression than typical curcumin-piperine compounds. New studies are needed to compare different curcumin formulations. ()

In older adults, curcumin improved attention, working memory, and mood. ()

Today, scientists are investigating whether curcumin influences the development of new cells and the retention of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the hippocampus of chronically stressed rats (an animal model of depression). ()

Neurons are able to form new connections, but in some areas of the brain they can also multiply and increase in number. One of the main drivers of this process is brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which is a type of growth hormone that functions in the brain. ()

Many brain problems have been linked to decreased BDNF levels, including depression and Alzheimer's disease. (, ) Interestingly, curcumin may increase BDNF levels in the brain. (, )

Diagram of the positive effects of curcumin on depression (source)

Other active areas of research include studying the effect of curcumin on reducing cortisol levels and cell sensitivity to this hormone (expression of glucocorticoid receptors), activation of the NMDA receptor (ionotropic glutamate receptor) and 5HT2c receptor (one of the serotonin receptors), as well as the activity of glutamate in brain. (, , , , )

Potential interactions and synergistic effects between curcumin (with piperine to increase absorption) and the antidepressants SSRI and SNRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) are being studied in mice. ()

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)

Clinical trials show that curcumin may reduce markers of liver damage and the rate of fat accumulation in the liver in people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). (, )

Scientists are studying curcumin-related mechanisms of NAFLD in animals and cells. Some hypotheses suggest that curcumin improves NAFLD by increasing sensitivity to the hormone leptin, suppressing obesity-induced inflammation, and reducing LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. But these mechanisms have yet to be confirmed in humans. (, )

Itchy skin

Clinical studies have shown that taking curcumin 500 mg three times daily for 8 weeks reduces the symptoms of itchy skin (uremic pruritus) in patients with end-stage renal disease. ()

Other clinical studies also suggest that curcumin can reduce itch and improve quality of life in patients with chronic itch after daily use for 4 weeks. (, )

Possibly low efficiency

Elevated cholesterol/blood lipids

The effect of turmeric on cholesterol levels is controversial. Some studies show that turmeric reduces levels of “bad” LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, but has no effect on total cholesterol or “good” HDL cholesterol. Another review of studies suggested that curcumin improves HDL but has no effect on LDL. Future research should clarify the conflicting findings. (, )

Additionally, it is unclear which specific curcumin preparations have significant effects, requiring more research. (, )

Cardiovascular diseases

Perhaps the biggest benefit of curcumin when it comes to heart disease is improving the function of the endothelium , which is the lining of your blood vessels.

It is well known that endothelial dysfunction is a major factor in the development of cardiovascular disease and involves the inability of the endothelium to regulate blood pressure, blood clotting, and various other factors. ()

Some studies show that curcumin leads to improved endothelial function. One study found curcumin to be as effective as exercise , while another study found it to work similarly to the drug Atorvastatin . Moreover, physical exercise together with curcumin had a greater effect than either of them alone. (, )

Various
epigenetic targets for the prevention or treatment of cardiovascular diseases .
Curcumin is able to inhibit histone acetyltransferases (HATs). (source) In one study of 121 patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery , they were given either a placebo or 4 grams of curcumin per day for several days before and after surgery. In the group of people given curcumin, the risk of having a heart attack in hospital was reduced by 65%. ()

Peptic ulcer

Based on the available evidence, it is possible that curcumin has no effect on gastric and duodenal ulcers. (, )

Radiation/radiation dermatitis

Existing research shows that curcumin does not improve radiation dermatitis, which is a type of skin damage and irritation caused by radiation therapy. ()

Alzheimer's disease

Available data do not support the benefit of turmeric in patients with Alzheimer's disease. In a small study, 1-4 g/day curcumin for 6 months had no effect on mental and cognitive status in patients with Alzheimer's disease. ()

A meta-analysis of several studies found that a group of patients who received turmeric may have worsened their brain function compared to a group of patients who received a placebo.

. These data are limited by small sample sizes and patient variability, but there is other evidence that may support the recommendation of turmeric for people with Alzheimer's disease. ()

This difference in research results suggests that curcumin may have very different effects in animals compared to humans.

. This should serve as a reminder that the results of animal experiments should always be interpreted with extreme caution and healthy skepticism.

Prior to the aforementioned clinical studies, many animal experiments suggested that curcumin could “reduce cognitive decline, memory deficits, and brain inflammation in animal models of Alzheimer's disease.” Various mechanisms have been proposed (such as increased neurogenesis, increased BDNF and CREB). However, curcumin has not yet shown significant effects in humans. (, , , , )

Insufficient evidence

The following purported benefits of curcumin are supported only by limited clinical research. There is insufficient evidence to support the use of curcumin as an adjuvant treatment for any of the following conditions. Be sure to talk to your doctor before you start taking curcumin. Curcumin should never be used as a substitute for approved medical treatments.

Rheumatoid arthritis

In a study of 45 patients with rheumatoid arthritis, it was found that taking 500 mg of curcumin daily compared with 50 mg of diclofenac sodium was significantly better in reducing disease activity score (DAS) . The group of people with curcumin showed a 70% improvement in well-being, compared to 50% for those taking diclofenac. However, this work was limited in the number of participants, so larger-scale studies are required. ()

Crohn's disease

Data from a small study (5 people) suggests that curcumin may reduce intestinal cramps, diarrhea and abdominal pain in people with Crohn's disease after taking the supplement daily for a month. ()

Systemic lupus erythematosus

According to preliminary studies in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and associated nephritis (kidney damage), taking a 500 mg turmeric supplement for 3 months (where curcumin was 22 mg) reduces blood and protein in the urine , along with a decrease in systolic blood pressure. ()

Type 2 diabetes

Preliminary evidence suggests that curcumin improves cardiovascular function and reduces oxidative stress in patients with type 2 diabetes. This was due to curcumin suppressing the expression of tumor necrosis factor (TNF-alpha), an inflammatory cytokine. At the same time, improvement in endothelial cells of blood vessels, reduction in the level of malondialdehyde, suppression of inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-alpha occurred already at a dose of 150 mg of curcumin per day. ()

Nine months of curcumin significantly reduced the likelihood of developing prediabetes in people at risk of developing type 2 diabetes, potentially improving overall pancreatic cell . During these 9 months, 16% of people who did not take curcumin developed diabetes, and none of the people who took curcumin developed diabetes. ()

Premenstrual syndrome

Curcumin reduced the severity of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) in a very small (35 women) human study. The assessments were based on average scores for the manifestation of PMS symptoms (mood, behavioral and physical symptoms). Scientists found an increase in BDNF levels in the blood of women who received curcumin supplements. (, )

Cell and animal studies (no evidence of benefit in humans)

No clinical studies support the use of curcumin for any of the conditions listed in this section.

The following is a summary of existing animal and cell research that should serve as a guide for further research. However, the studies listed below should not be interpreted as supporting any health benefits.

Autoimmune diseases, intestinal diseases, etc.

Scientists have discovered the following effects of curcumin in animals and in cell studies:

• Release of bile from the gallbladder ()
• Reduced manifestations of multiple sclerosis, psoriasis, ulcerative colitis and inflammatory bowel diseases (, , , )
• Suppression of inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1beta, IL-6, IL-12, TNF-alpha and interferon IFN-gamma, as well as associated Jak-STAT and NF-kappaB signaling pathways in immune cells ()
• Suppresses viruses such as influenza virus, adenovirus, coxsackie virus and human immunodeficiency virus HIV ()
• Reduces the activity of the bacterium Candida albicans (, , , )
• Suppresses the growth of Vibrio vulnificus bacteria responsible for sepsis ()
• Protects against acute lung injury caused by the bacterium Klebsiella pneumoniae ()
• Prevents the death of neurons in the brain due to head injury ()
• Increases glutathione levels, reduces oxidative stress in dementia ()
• Decreased secretion of the GSK3b gene, which is associated with the development of diabetes, dementia, inflammation, pain, and depression. ()

There are no data on these effects of curcumin in humans.

Molecular targets that curcumin acts on in various diseases (source)

The site has previously published information on how curcumin inhibits biofilms and quorum sensing, and how it is being scientifically studied to activate the vitamin D receptor , which may be important in fighting infections.

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in the brain

One of the interesting things scientists are studying about curcumin is its possible effect on ocosahexaenoic acid (DHA) levels in the brain. In cells, curcumin increases levels of enzymes involved in the synthesis of DHA from ALA (alpha-linolenic acid) in both the liver and brain. ()

This may be important since fish oil/DHA supplements sometimes fail to increase DHA in the brain.

Toxicity of substances

The effect of curcumin on metal toxicity in humans is unknown. However, curcumin reduced inflammatory markers in rats with high levels of copper in the blood and reduced aluminum- inflammatory responses in the brain. (, )

Cellular studies show the beneficial effects of curcumin in protecting DNA from damage caused by arsenic , mercury , fluoride selenium exposure . (, , , )

Pattern of curcumin protecting the liver from the toxic effects of the drug
methotrexate (source)
In rats exposed to mercury, curcumin reduced oxidative stress.()

In rats given very high amounts of iron , curcumin reduced iron accumulation in the liver and spleen, and restored antioxidant levels. ()

Obesity, libido, cataracts, muscles

None of the following effects of curcumin have been confirmed in humans

Curcumin enhances erectile function in male diabetic rats. ()

Curcumin lowers blood sugar , improves cell sensitivity to insulin, and reduces urine sugar in diabetic mice. (, )

In animal experiments, scientists have found that curcumin can reduce blood glucose levels by stimulating the secretion of insulin by pancreatic cells (), affects gland regeneration, helps reduce insulin resistance in muscles and reduces the number of fat cells. (, , )

Curcumin regulates (activates or blocks) several different signaling pathways in non-infectious diseases. This helps reduce the risk and reduce the rate of disease progression. (source)

Bioavailable curcumin delays cataract in diabetic rats. ()

It improves diabetic cardiomyopathy in diabetic rats. ()

Studies in rats have shown that curcumin may reduce complications of diabetes in the brain by slowing mitochondrial dysfunction. ()

In cellular experiments, scientists discovered curcumin's ability to activate the AMPK enzyme in muscle, leading to increased glucose uptake () and inhibiting new growth and formation of fat cells. (, )

Other studies have indicated curcumin's potential to influence muscle tissue formation and healing after injury. ()

Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory

Some scientists consider curcumin to be an oxygen radical scavenger. One hypothesis is that it acts as an antioxidant by increasing glutathione levels, and as an anti-inflammatory agent through suppressing the cytokine IL-8 (in lung cells). But these effects have not yet been confirmed in humans. ()

Scientists have discovered the effects of curcumin on the following signaling pathways and genes in animal and cell experiments:

• Reducing lipid peroxidation and increasing glutathione levels ()
• Boosts Vitamin C and E Levels and Protects against DNA Damage ()
• Acts as an epigenetic agent, influencing gene expression and enzyme interactions (HDACs, HATs, DNMT I and miRNAs) ()
• Reduction of inflammatory markers in the blood (increasing the cytokine IL-10 and decreasing
• cytokines IL-8 and TNF-alpha) ()
• Preventing chronic fatigue and preventing prostate inflammation (, )
• Reducing the amount of inflammatory IL-1, Il-18 (, ), PAI-1 (, ) and suppressing the mTOR pathway (, )
• Increased number of anti-inflammatory immune cells T-reg (, , )
• Reducing the number of mast cells () and histamine ()
• Binding of nicotinic receptors Alpha 7-nACh as pain reduction (, )

Cancer Research and Curcumin

Neither turmeric nor its active compound, curcumin, has been shown to treat or prevent cancer.

However, there are some small studies that have demonstrated that curcumin may have biological effects in some cancer patients, but more clinical studies are needed to test its safety and effectiveness.

An early phase clinical trial found that the combination of curcumin and docetaxel (a chemotherapy drug) was safe in 14 patients with advanced and metastatic breast cancer . The study determined the maximum tolerated dose of curcumin to be 8 mg/day. ()

Turmeric extract appeared to be safe in a small study involving patients with colorectal cancer . Patients received turmeric extract in doses ranging from 440 to 2200 mg/day, containing 36-180 mg curcumin. Curcumin was taken while waiting for surgery. Preliminary evidence suggests that curcumin may reduce the number of precancerous rectal lesions in people at high risk of developing colorectal cancer. Curcumin supplementation increased body weight, decreased serum levels of the cytokine TNF-alpha, increased apoptosis of cancer cells, increased the expression of the anti-cancer gene p53 in tumor tissue, and stimulated the apoptotic pathway (suicide) of tumor cells. (, 100, 101)

The main research on curcumin was not on humans, but on cancer cells

Remember that many substances have anti-cancer effects in cell experiments, including toxic chemicals. This does not mean that they have any medical value. In contrast, most substances (natural or synthetic) that are tested on cancer cells do not undergo further animal studies or human clinical trials due to lack of safety or effectiveness.

Curcumin has been shown to be effective in inhibiting the following cancer cells (in cell studies):

• Brain cancer cells (glioblastoma) and oral cavity (102)
• T-cell lymphomas (103), bone cancer (104), brain tumors (105) and melanoma (106)
• Cancer cell mitochondria (107)
• Breast cancer (108)
• Colon cancer
• Curcumin increases its activity when combined with EGCG (green tea polyphenol) in lymphocytic leukemia cells (109)
• Lung cancer cells (inhibition of cytokine IL-8) ()
• Prostate cancer cells (110, 111)
• Pancreatic cancer cells (112)
• Activation of the vitamin D receptor, of theoretical importance in the fight against colorectal cancer (113)

Liver and Kidney Health

In animal experiments with oxidative stress caused by alcohol, curcumin was shown to reduce overall inflammation, lipid peroxidation and liver damage.

Curcumin has also been studied in rats that suffered acute kidney injury from taking paracetamol. Curcumin has been shown to reduce inflammation and kidney damage. (114, 115, 114, 114, 116, 117, 118).