26 functions of curcumin
Turmeric has been used by humans for more than 4,000 years. It belongs to the ginger family. The source of the yellow color in curry is it. Turmeric was used in ancient Indian and Chinese medicine to treat inflammatory diseases, protect the liver, skin diseases and wounds. Called herbal aspirin
The most active ingredient in turmeric is curcuminoids. Although they account for only 3% of the total weight, they have countless effects. Among them, Curcumin is the discussion here. Focus
According to a study by a well-known American journal (J. Am. Chem. Soc.), the antioxidant capacity of natural curcumin is 2.33 times that of bioflavonoids, 1.6 times that of vitamin E and 2.75 times that of vitamin C, which can help the human body Fight many diseases
What are the recommended empirical effects (benefits) of curcumin?
1. The unique active ingredients of turmeric have rich medical value
The curcumin (curcumin) in turmeric extract (curcuminoids) is the focus of the discussion here. It is the most medically valuable part, accounting for about 3% -5% of the weight. Although not much, it has very strong Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant capacity, the current medical research is mainly to use this ingredient
When curcumin is used alone, it is not easily absorbed by the human body (the oral absorption rate is only 1% in animal experiments). Therefore, thanks to modern technology, there are many formulas to enhance absorption. For example, Meriva is combined with lecithin (Lecithin). Others, such as the addition of bioperine (BioPerine), phospholipids (phospholipids) or the addition of plant-origin essential oils, are claimed to increase the bioavailability several times
*Conclusion: The oral absorption rate of natural curcumin is not high, but thanks to the advancement of science and technology. A variety of formulas to increase absorption rate have been released
2. Anti-oxidant stress
Oxidative Stress is characterized by an imbalance in the production and elimination of reactive oxygen species, which can lead to protein carboxylation, DNA damage, cytoskeleton destruction and lipid peroxidation, and is related to aging and a variety of chronic diseases Including cancer, lung disease, diabetes, neurodegenerative and cardiovascular disease related
The activities of serum malondialdehyde, glutathione peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase are considered to be the main indicators of oxidative stress
A literature meta-analysis (including 17 randomized controlled trials) pointed out that compared with the control group, curcumin significantly reduced malondialdehyde, increased superoxide dismutase, and Catalase and glutathione peroxidase levels.
In addition, subgroup analyses found that only under the action of piperine, curcumin can increase the level of superoxide dismutase, and no matter whether piperine is used in combination, curcumin can be significantly Reduce the level of malondialdehyde
*Conclusion: Curcumin can help improve the body's ability to fight oxidative stress, but due to the heterogeneity of the included studies, more studies are needed to support it
3. Good for regulating blood lipids
Dyslipidemia is characterized by high triglycerides, low levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and an increased proportion of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) particles
In the past few decades, statins have been the cornerstone of the treatment of dyslipidemia, which can reduce the risk of arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease by 15% to 37%, but still 60% to 80% of arteriosclerosis There is a risk of cardiovascular disease
A systematic literature review and integrated analysis (Meta-analysis, including 16 randomized controlled trials related to metabolic syndrome) pointed out that turmeric and curcumin can reduce triglycerides, total cholesterol, Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL cholesterol), and increase high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL cholesterol)
In addition, subgroup analyses show that curcumin-related blood lipid regulation effects are especially significant during use for longer than 8 weeks, and daily doses greater than 300 mg are the most significant
The underlying mechanism may be related to curcumin’s regulation of citric acid cycle, glycolysis, glycogenogenesis, ketone body and cholesterol synthesis, ketogenesis of branched chain amino acids, choline metabolism and fatty acid metabolism
*Conclusion: For adults with metabolic syndrome, the use of curcumin has a positive effect on the regulation of blood lipids, but due to the heterogeneity of the included studies, more homogeneous and high-quality randomized controlled trials are still needed. Evidence
4. Beneficial for blood pressure regulation
High blood pressure is part of a clinical syndrome. Its etiology is multifaceted. It is caused by a combination of genetic, environmental and behavioral factors, which can lead to the development of complex cardiovascular diseases. It is estimated that at the age of 60 Of the above population, 65% are affected by the disease.
Data from observational studies show that the risk of coronary artery disease and stroke gradually increases from 115/75 mmHg or more. Every 20/10 mmHg increase in blood pressure will double the mortality of the two diseases.</ p>
A systematic literature review and integrated analysis (meta-analysis, including 11 randomized controlled trials, 734 participants in total) pointed out that, overall, oral curcumin and turmeric are effective in reducing systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure. (DBP) No obvious help.
In addition, a subgroup analysis showed that the systolic blood pressure level was significantly reduced while the diastolic blood pressure was not significantly reduced in the study of supplementation for ≥12 weeks.
*Conclusion: Long-term supplementation of curcumin or turmeric may have a positive effect on blood pressure regulation, but it is limited by the small number of samples and potential interference factors, and more research is needed to support it
5. Good for non-alcoholic fatty liver
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease) is characterized by more than 5% liver fat accumulation, and without any secondary causes, such as excessive drinking, viral hepatitis, Wilson disease, hemoglobin Sedimentation disease, autoimmune hepatitis, cholestatic liver disease, hunger, lipodystrophy, celiac disease, Cushing’s disease, and medications (corticosteroids, methotrexate, diltiazem, oxaliplatin, amiodarone, Isoniazid, highly effective antiretroviral therapy, etc.)
It is currently estimated that the global prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is as high as 1 billion, including simple steatosis and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis that can eventually lead to fibrosis and cirrhosis. The development of liver cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma is the most important cause of cryptogenic liver cirrhosis.
A literature meta-analysis (including 4 randomized placebo-controlled trials, a total of 229 non-alcoholic fatty liver patients) pointed out that curcumin can effectively reduce low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), three Triglyceride (triglyceride), fasting blood sugar (fasting blood sugar), insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), body weight (weight) and aminotransferase (AST) levels.
In addition, related benefits are not significantly helpful for total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and insulin (insulin).< /p>
*Conclusion: Oral curcumin may be positively helpful for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, but limited by the small number of samples, more large-scale trials are still needed to support it
6. Beneficial for oral submucosal fibrosis
Oral submucous fibrosis (Oral submucous fibrosis) is a chronic latent disease that affects the oral cavity, which can affect the throat or esophagus. Due to mucosal fibrosis, the oral mucosa and deep tissues harden, which gradually leads to eating, swallowing and dysphonia< /p>
The etiology of this disease is unknown. It is generally believed that various factors that may lead to oral submucosal fibrosis include: genetic susceptibility, capsaicin, betel nut chewing, autoimmunity, hormones, lack of nutrients, such as vitamin B12 and iron
A systematic review (including 6 randomized clinical trials, 298 patients with oral submucosal fibrosis) pointed out that oral curcumin can effectively relieve related symptoms and signs, especially pain or burning sensation. .
*Conclusion: Curcumin may have a positive effect on improving the symptoms of oral submucosal fibrosis, but due to the small number of samples and the heterogeneity between studies, more design and precise studies are still needed for further verification
7. Good for osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis (mainly affecting the joints of the knees, hands, and hips). It is a disabling, delayed and degenerative disease characterized by the loss of articular cartilage and inflammation of the synovium, which leads to joint stiffness, swelling, pain and loss of mobility
Specifically, the incidence of knee osteoarthritis is mainly related to overweight, obesity, female gender, and previous knee injury. Among the population over 65 years old, about half are affected, and the proportion of women after menopause is higher than that of men (18% vs. 9.6%)
A systematic literature review and integrated analysis (meta-analysis, including 7 randomized controlled trials, with a total of 797 participants with primary knee osteoarthritis) pointed out that, compared with placebo, taking curcuminoids The compound (the daily dose ranges from 180 mg to 2 grams, and the intervention time is 4 to 16 weeks) can significantly reduce knee pain and improve the quality of life of patients.
In addition, compared with the anti-inflammatory drug ibuprofen, curcumin has a lower effect on pain relief, knee stiffness and physical function, but it can significantly reduce the frequency of use of rescue drugs
*Conclusion: For primary knee osteoarthritis, oral curcumin may be helpful for pain and quality of life improvement, but due to the small number of samples and heterogeneity, more studies are needed to support it
8. Good for diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is a serious and common chronic disease caused by complex genetic-environmental interactions and other risk factors such as obesity and sedentary lifestyle.
In addition, the lack of the first phase of insulin release, the abnormal pulsatility of basal insulin secretion, and the increase of glucagon secretion will also accelerate the development of type 2 diabetes
A systematic literature review and integrated analysis (meta-analysis, including 12 randomized controlled trials, a total of 1154 pre-diabetic and diabetes type 2 participants)
For prediabetes subjects, curcumin can significantly reduce glycosylated hemoglobin
In addition, for subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus, curcumin can significantly reduce HbA1c and fasting plasma glucose.
*Conclusion: Curcumin can bring positive help to blood sugar control, especially glycosylated hemoglobin, but it is limited by the high heterogeneity of the included studies, and more accurately designed studies are still needed to support it
9. Improve brain-derived neurotrophic factor
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a member of the neurotrophic factor family. Others include nerve growth factor, neurotrophic factor 3 and neurotrophic factor 4
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor is one of the neurotrophic factors that support the differentiation, maturation, morphological plasticity and survival of neurons in the nervous system. It has adverse conditions such as glutamate stimulation, cerebral ischemia, hypoglycemia, and neurotoxicity. Neuroprotection
Many neurodegenerative diseases and mental diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, Huntington’s disease, major depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and anxiety disorders, are all related to low BDNF Level related
A systematic literature review and integrated analysis (meta-analysis, including 4 randomized controlled trials, with a total of 139 participants) pointed out that supplementing curcumin (daily dose ranging from 200 mg to 1820 mg, the trial period from 8 weeks to 12 weeks) can significantly increase the serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) level.
In addition, the subgroup analysis showed that the related serum BDNF level raising effect was particularly significant for the following subjects, such as: women, participants over 40 years old, high-dose curcumin (≥500 mg/d) and Longer trial time (>8 weeks)
*Conclusion: Supplementing curcumin helps to increase brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and may be positively helpful for neurological diseases related to low BDNF levels
10. Beneficial for irritable bowel syndrome (abbreviated as irritable bowel syndrome)
Irritable bowel syndrome (Irritable bowel syndrome) is a chronic functional gastrointestinal disease that affects 9% to 23% of the global population. It is typically characterized by recurring abdominal pain and changes in bowel habits (diarrhea, constipation, or both Both), but no detectable structural and biochemical abnormalities (such as: gastrointestinal bleeding, weight loss, fever, anemia, or abdominal mass)
Because the clinical symptoms of irritable bowel are variable, common comorbidities include: gastroesophageal reflux, genital urinary system symptoms, fibromyalgia, headache, back pain and psychological symptoms, so they are often misdiagnosed at the beginning
A systematic literature review and analysis (Meta-Analysis, including 3 random A controlled trial of 326 patients with irritable bowel syndrome) pointed out that although curcumin is helpful in improving irritable bowel symptoms, the effect is not statistically significant (compared with placebo).
*Conclusion: The effectiveness of oral curcumin for improving irritable bowel syndrome is unknown, and it is limited by the small number of samples and high heterogeneity of the included studies. More accurate and long-term large-scale studies are still needed to confirm its clinical benefits</ p>
11. Relieve ulcerative colitis
Ulcerative Colitis is a subgroup of intestinal inflammatory diseases. It is a chronic disease that affects the rectum and colon mucosa. It affects more than 600,000 Americans. It is caused by a variety of factors, such as genetic susceptibility. , Environmental factors, immune disorders and imbalance of intestinal bacteria.
Common symptoms include: bloody diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, high fever, weight loss, and diffuse abdominal tenderness. The 10-year colonoscopy rate of patients is 9% to 24%, and the cumulative colonoscopy rate for 25 years is 33% to 45%
A systematic literature review and analysis (Meta-Analysis, including 3 randomized controlled trials for patients with mild to moderate ulcerative colitis) pointed out that, compared with placebo, curcumin adjuvant therapy is effective in alleviating the disease Or improve the clinical response has no obvious effect.
*Conclusion: Oral curcumin is not significantly helpful in improving ulcerative colitis, but due to the small number of samples and high heterogeneity of the included studies, more accurate long-term large-scale studies are still needed to confirm its clinical benefits< /p>
12. Aid to lose weight
Obesity itself is a ubiquitous health problem, and it is also a risk factor for chronic diseases such as coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, dyslipidemia, stroke and cancer
According to the latest statistics of the World Health Organization, 13% of adults worldwide are obese and 39% are overweight. In terms of overall health and health-related costs, the harmful effects of obesity are greater than smoking and drinking
A moderate weight loss, even if only 5% to 10%, is sufficient to obtain significant health benefits and prevent obesity-related diseases
A systematic literature review and meta-analysis (including 11 randomized controlled trials, a total of 876 overweight and obese subjects) pointed out that the use of curcumin can reduce body weight (WMD: -1.14 kg) and body mass index ( WMD: -0.48 kg/m2), but the effect of reducing waist circumference (Waist Circumference) is not significant.
In addition, subgroup analysis found that in a trial of overweight subjects with a daily dose of ≥1000 mg and a dry duration of ≥8 weeks, the use of curcumin can help improve waist circumference
*Conclusion: Oral curcumin can bring positive help in assisting weight loss, but due to the heterogeneity of the included studies, more studies are still needed to support it
13. Good for allergic rhinitis
Allergic rhinitis (allergic rhinitis) is the most common form of allergic diseases. The main symptoms are runny nose, sneezing, itching and nasal obstruction, affecting more than 400 million people worldwide
Allergic rhinitis is mainly related to IgE-mediated inflammation caused by inhalation of allergens. Related allergens: dust mite excretion particles in the air, cockroach residues, animal dander, mold and pollen.
A randomized double-blind controlled study (2 months, 241 patients with chronic allergic rhinitis) pointed out that compared with placebo, oral curcumin (500 mg daily) can reduce related nasal symptoms, including Sneezing, itching, runny nose and obstruction.
The underlying mechanism and regulation of immune function, inhibit pro-inflammatory hormones, such as: interleukin-4 (IL-4), interleukin-8 (IL-8), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and increase Related to anti-inflammatory interleukin-10 (IL-10) and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (sCAMs)
*Conclusion: Oral curcumin may be positively helpful for allergic rhinitis, but more large studies are still needed for further verification
14. Has a natural anti-inflammatory effect
Inflammation represents the complex chemical signals, cell types and cytokine interactions generated by the body's tissue damage caused by pathogens, trauma or toxic substances.
The inflammation process is closely related to a variety of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF-alpha), interleukin-6, leptin, resistin, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, C reaction Protein and anti-inflammatory molecule adiponectin
The loss of balance of these molecules is the key to chronic inflammation, which is closely related to type 2 diabetes, atherosclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, psoriasis and cancer.
Several meta-analysis of highly evidence-based literature all pointed out that oral curcumin-related compounds can significantly reduce related pro-inflammatory markers, such as C-reactive protein and tumor necrosis Factor-alpha (Tumor necrosis factor alpha), interleukin-6 (interleukin-6) effect.
*Conclusion: Curcumin can reduce some inflammation markers, such as TNF-alpha, CRP, IL-6, and has a positive effect on inflammation-related diseases
15. Prevent bone loss (Osteopenia)
Bone mass reduction generally refers to bone calcification, bone density or bone mass reduction, and may have symptoms of pain and spinal deformation. If it is not improved, it will lead to osteoporosis or fractures.
Many animal and in vitro experiments have found that curcumin can affect the state of bone through a variety of molecular mechanisms, such as activation and differentiation of osteoclasts (osteoclasts).
A preliminary controlled study (24-week period, 57-bit elderly with low bone density / DXA t-score between -1 and -2.5) pointed out that taking curcumin with dietary adjustment and exercise can improve bone The effect of density (little finger, upper jaw and heel area).
*Conclusion: Curcumin may have a positive effect on preventing bone loss, but more large studies are still needed to confirm
16. Beneficial for pain relief
According to the survey, 25% of the population in the United States (about 75 million people) have chronic or recurrent pain problems, and 40% of them affect work and family, causing huge economic losses
Chronic pain is related to the subsequent abuse of prescription pain medications. In particular, the abuse of opioid pain medications causes more deaths than drugs (heroin and cocaine), and is listed as a national by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Sexual health issues.
A systematic literature review and integrated analysis (Meta-Analysis, including 8 randomized controlled studies, with a total of 606 participants) pointed out that curcuminoids (curcuminoids) help to improve the severity of pain (due to surgery, arthritis) Or caused by exercise), it is safe and highly tolerable, and the formula with enhanced absorption rate is more effective.
*Conclusion: The use of curcumin has the effect of relieving pain, but more research is still needed to confirm its effectiveness and safety in long-term use
17. Good for depression
According to the World Health Organization, depression, cancer, and AIDS are listed as the three major diseases of the century, with a lifetime prevalence rate of about 16%, and a high recurrence rate of 45%. Since the suicide rate of depression patients is 8 times that of ordinary people, and suicide has become one of the top ten causes of death, it is worthy of everyone’s attention
Depression is not just a temporary emotion. Usually, it will be severe enough to affect your daily life and rest. Endless grief, insomnia, fatigue, loss of self-worth, loss of libido, and even feelings of worthless life, etc.
A double-blind controlled study (6 weeks, with 108 men suffering from depression) found that, compared with the use of antidepressants alone, curcumin combined with drugs not only further reduced the depression index (in terms of Han’s depression) It can also reduce inflammation and stress response, and increase brain-derived neurotrophic factor (brain-derived neurotrophic factor).
A recent integrated analysis (Meta-analysis, including 6 clinical trials) also pointed out that curcumin (BCM-95 or piperine formula with enhanced absorption rate) can help reduce depression symptoms, especially for longer periods of use. Middle-aged and elderly patients with longer length and higher doses.
The underlying mechanism may be related to its antioxidant, hormone and neurotransmitter effects, and neuroprotective functions
*Conclusion: Curcumin combined with traditional antidepressant drugs may improve the therapeutic effect of drugs
18. Cancer prevention
Most cancers originate from the interaction of two factors: genetic and epigenetic alterations, which in turn leads to cell apoptosis resistance, cell proliferation out of control, metastasis induction, angiogenesis, and immune system dysfunction.
Curcumin has been found in many studies to inhibit tumor growth through a variety of pathways, including inducing apoptosis, inhibiting angiogenesis, inhibiting cell cycle progression, regulating cell signals, and regulating immune responses.
Therefore, curcumin has the potential to fight cancer alone or in combination with other substances, such as multiple myeloma, pancreatic cancer, lung cancer, breast cancer, oral cancer, prostate cancer, rectal cancer, and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.
*Conclusion: Curcumin can inhibit cancer through a variety of biochemical mechanisms, but so far, most studies have been limited to animal experiments, and related human studies are still rare, and further verification is needed
19. Improve sarcopenia
Sarcopenia is a symptom that gradually loses muscle mass and strength with aging. In severe cases, it can cause falls and fractures, which can lead to involuntary life and need to be taken care of by others
Muscle mass begins to decline at a rate of 8% after the age of 40, and by the age of 80, muscle mass will be lost by 50%
Animal studies have found that curcumin has the effect of promoting protein regeneration and reducing muscle loss.
A controlled experiment pointed out (for a period of 3 months, the subjects were 86 elderly people with muscle strength loss and fatigue symptoms), compared with the control group, curcumin combined with exercise training and dietary adjustments can significantly improve the subjects A variety of evaluation indicators, including grip strength, weightlifting, cycling time, walking, climbing stairs, proteinuria, oxidative pressure, Coriolis energy meter, left ventricular ejection fraction.
*Conclusion: Curcumin has the potential to improve muscle endurance and physical performance, and may be able to prevent the occurrence of sarcopenia
20. Improve periodontal disease (Periodontal Diseases)
Periodontal disease is mainly defined as the structural destruction of periodontal tissues caused by inflammation, and the main method to prevent this disease is dental calculus or plaque removal
However, depending on the treatment technique and proficiency, the bacteria in the treatment area are very difficult to eradicate, so the auxiliary antibacterial formula becomes an important help to increase the cure rate
A randomized controlled study pointed out (a 30-day period, 30 patients with periodontitis who underwent calculus removal), in addition to the regular therapy, combined with chlorhexidine or 1% curcumin preformed solution , All have significant clinical symptom improvement effect.
But after comparing the two, the improvement range (periodontal pocket depth, number of colonies) of curcumin prefabricated solution is significantly better than that of chlorhexidine fungicide, and there are no side effects
*Conclusion: 1% curcumin preformed solution may be an alternative alternative to chlorhexidine fungicide, but it still needs to be further confirmed by large-scale experiments
21. Improve Alzheimer’s disease
Alzheimer's disease is the most common type of dementia, accounting for about 60-70% of all cases. It mainly shows progressive decline in memory, thinking, language and learning ability, and even loss of autonomy in the final stage , To be taken care of by others
It is estimated that about 40 million people in the global population suffer from this disease. However, due to the aging of the population, the number of people suffering from the disease will increase by three times by 2050, so how to prevent it is worth paying attention to
Up to now, although it has been found that curcumin can affect and inhibit the formation of Alzheimer’s disease through multiple pathways (such as anti-oxidation, anti-inflammation and inhibition of beta amyloid), most of the relevant research is limited to animals and in vitro the study.
However, human studies have not yet shown the expected results, which are generally believed to be related to absorption difficulties, bioavailability, and time and length of use
However, there are currently more new patented technologies that can increase the bioavailability, blood-brain barrier penetration and half-life of curcumin, so future human studies need to further confirm its effectiveness
22. Improve premenstrual syndrome
Premenstrual syndrome generally refers to the repetitive emotional and physical symptoms of the luteal phase. Epidemiological studies have found that about 50% to 80% of women have experienced mild to moderate premenstrual discomforts</p >
Although premenstrual discomfort can be treated symptomatically, due to potential drug side effects, patients often stay away
A double-blind controlled study pointed out (3 consecutive cycles, with 70 women suffering from premenstrual syndrome), compared with placebo, taking curcumin before and after menstruation (dose of 100 mg every 12 hours) helped to improve The severity of premenstrual syndrome (measured by three questionnaire surveys: physical, psychological and behavioral).
The underlying mechanism is related to the regulation of neurotransmitters (serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine) and the inhibition of prostaglandin production (both are considered to be the main factors causing premenstrual discomfort).
23. Improve functional dyspepsia (Dyspepsia)
The digestive organ is the most important function for maintaining life. After eating food, all nutrient absorption depends on it, just like the root of a big tree, responsible for absorbing nutrients and making life strong
But in this society where efficiency is important in everything, even the enjoyment of life, which is eating, has begun to turn quickly. People start to gobble up and overeating. The consequence is not only not enjoying the delicious food, but also often causing Gastrointestinal dysfunction, causing abdomen Symptoms such as bloating, abdominal pain, belching, and heartburn.
In medicine, these symptoms are also named functional dyspepsia, which means that organic diseases such as gastrointestinal ulcers, inflammation, tumors, etc., are excluded after careful examination. It is estimated that in every 10 clinically dyspepsia patients, 7 are functional dyspepsia, which greatly affects the quality of life of Chinese people
In ancient medicine in China and India, turmeric is regarded as a digestive promoter, which has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, (stimulates bile secretion, improves fat absorption), reduces flatulence, and improves ulcers.
A randomized study found that after taking turmeric for 7 consecutive days in patients with dyspepsia, 87% of the patients reported improvement in symptoms such as abdominal pain, flatulence, and belching (compared to 53% in the control group)
24. Curcumin has hepatoprotective effect
The liver is the most functional organ of the human body. In addition to eliminating various endogenous and exogenous toxins, the liver is also an important metabolic center. It has the functions of producing energy and synthesizing nutrients. It can be said to be capable of everything except giving birth.
Because of the excellent regenerative function of the liver, even if it is damaged, it can repair and regenerate itself. However, when the damage reaches a certain level, it is easy to cause various liver diseases (such as hepatitis, fatty liver, liver cancer, cirrhosis, etc.)</p >
Oxidative stress plays an important role in liver disease, and curcumin has a special anti-oxidation and inhibition of NF-kB transcription factor mechanism, so the liver protection effect has been revealed in many studies, and it has the ability to prevent a variety of toxins from damaging the liver. Efficacy (such as aflatoxin, excess iron, antibiotics, alcohol, carcinogen "thioacetamide" carbon tetrachloride, etc.), but most of them belong to animal and cell experiments.
25. Reduce the risk factors of a variety of cardiovascular diseases
Cerebral cardiovascular disease has long been the second cause of death in Chinese people (second only to cancer). Stroke is more common in the brain, and myocardial infarction and angina pectoris are more common in the heart. Most of these diseases are not caused by Decline of organ function, but from the aging of blood vessels
The main cause of vascular aging comes from damage to endothelial cells (endothelial dysfunction). Endothelial cells are located inside blood vessels and have the function of protecting and activating blood vessels. Once this function is abnormal, it will cause circulatory disorders, high blood pressure, thrombosis and even arteries. Sclerosis (which leads to cardiovascular disease)
Several studies have found that curcumin can improve the function of vascular endothelial cells, and the effect is not even lost to atorvastatin.
In addition, curcumin can also reduce inflammation. Inflammation is currently recognized by the medical community as the main cause of cardiovascular disease
A study found that 121 patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery received a placebo or 4g curcumin daily before and after the surgery. After statistics, it was found that the patients who used curcumin reduced the incidence of heart disease by 65%.< /p>
26. Delay aging and reduce senile degenerative diseases
The damage caused by oxidative stress or free radicals is one of the main causes of aging and degenerative diseases. Antioxidants are our weapons. They can neutralize the damage of free radicals. As long as there are sufficient numbers, they can be Delay aging, prevent Alzheimer's disease, atherosclerosis, hypertension, arthritis, cancer and other diseases
And curcumin itself is a powerful antioxidant, so it is very helpful for delaying aging and preventing degenerative diseases
Are there any side effects of curcumin?
Turmeric and the curcumin contained in it are generally considered safe to use at the recommended dosage, but some side effects have been reported, such as gastrointestinal upset, nausea, dizziness, diarrhea, headache and skin allergies (rash )
A Phase I clinical trial pointed out that 8 grams of curcumin per day for 3 months was well tolerated and no toxic reactions occurred.
It has been observed in patients with colorectal cancer, which may cause some test values to increase (but it is not determined whether it is related to cancer progression or curcumin consumption), such as alkaline phosphatase and lactate dehydrogenase.
