New Research on Curcumin for Strokes and Cancer

Turmeric, a spice used in cooking, is in the news again for its health benefits. Curcumin is the main medicinal factor in Turmeric, a spice used in India. This herb has undergone tremendous research over the past few years. Turmeric has been used for centuries in both Ayurvedic and Chinese Traditional Medicine by physicians in China and India. New research shows promise for its treatment in the prevention and treatment of strokes and cancer.

The research project was led by Paul A. Lapchak, Ph.D., director of Translational Research in the Department of Neurology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. Dr. Lapchak presented this new research to the American Heart Association International Stroke Conference on February 9^th in Los Angeles. He presented evidence that a new molecule created form curcumin has been shown in research to both protect and regenerate new brain cells after a stroke. This is exciting news. The curcumin compound is called CNB-001. It has been shown to actually repair stroke damage at cell level. It does not dissolve clots as do some prescription drugs but works to regenerate new cells to replace the damaged cells. In strokes, cells are damaged by lack of oxygen.

Turmeric and Absorption: The problem with curcumin, which is derived from Turmeric, is that it is not well utilized by the body. Turmeric is rapidly metabolized by the body and does not cross the blood-brain barrier easily. This makes Turmeric a poor choice for someone experiencing a stroke. Taking Turmeric will not stop a stroke in progress.

How Turmeric Benefits Stroke Patients: Turmeric has been shown in new research to help repair the damage to the brain after a stroke occurs. The CNB-001 compound in this form is able to be absorbed by the brain and regenerate new brain cells. Just image how this compound may affect the outcome of stroke patients in the future? If this new compound is given to rats within an hour after a stroke, it has the ability to reduce motor and movement damage. This new compound has been found to influence over 700 genes. It is effective in reducing the chronic inflammation found in brain injuries, diabetes, arthritis, heart disease, and chronic knee pain.

Are Supplements of Turmeric Effective? Turmeric when used as a supplement has been shown in research studies with both rats and humans to: support a healthy digestion; support liver function and detoxification; helps to purify the blood; is beneficial in cystic fibrosis; type 2 diabetes; IBS and Crohn's disease; rheumatoid arthritis; psoriasis; arthritic knee pain; and Alzheimer's disease. It has been shown by research to influence 100 different cell functions.

Turmeric and Cancer: There had been numerous quality, double blind research studies on Turmeric and cancer. It is used by doctors in India and China for cancer and other inflammatory diseases. Turmeric has been shown to be beneficial for almost all cancers. It is interesting to note, in India where it is eaten daily in their diet, that cancer rates for colon, breast, prostate and lung cancer are 10 times lower than our cancer rates. Prostate cancer is rare in India.

How does Turmeric work against cancer? It inhibits the growth of tumor cells; inhibits the transformation of normal cells to cancerous cells; supports the body to destroy the cancer cells; lowers inflammation; increased healthy liver function; alters the tumor cells in its use of protein to multiply; slows down the blood supply needed for the cancer cells to multiply; blocks pathways that lead to the development of skin cancer; the spread of skin cancer cells; and other cancers.

The Problem: The problem according to medical research, is that it may require several grams of Curcumin to be effective because it is poorly utilized. I find this statement worth questioning. The people in India just use Turmeric in cooking. They don't take it as a supplement, yet their cancer rates are low. It may be their heavy use of Turmeric along with a diet based on vegetables with little or no red meat that gives them such good health. My husband and I take Turmeric in combination with Bromelain for our bad knees. We have found it extremely affective, giving us consistent relief from pain and discomfort. It has been the only herb that has worked consistently. When we don't take Turmeric, the pain returns within a few days. I notice all my joint pain is reduced when I take Turmeric with Bromelain.

How to pick a supplement? The problem with buying all supplements is quality. Turmeric is no exception. The turmeric formula should contain 95 percent curcuminoids which are certified organic. It should not contain additives, fillers, and other additions. It should meet GMP Manufacturing rules for every step of the processing. How the herb is grown, cultivated, harvested, and processed is all important to the end quality of the product. If these steps are not performed properly then the product will be medicinally useless. It is throwing money down the drain. You cannot tell the quality of the product by the look of the label or even the look of the product. You must really research the company and ask questions. You should see relief within a month if it is going to work for arthritic issues.

References:

http://www.medinewsdirect.com/?p=588

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080922135229.htm

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110210080312.htm