Curcumin is one of the fundamental components of turmeric or Curcumin longa. Apart from curcumin, the other two curcuminoids present in turmeric being desmethoxycurcumin and bis-desmethoxycurcumin. All these three curcuminoids provides the yellow color of turmeric. Turmeric plant is a perennial that is cultivated exclusively in south and south east Asia. The dried rhizome of the plant is used as spice in different countries and also as food colorant. 100gm of turmeric rhizome contains almost 2% to 5% of curcumin. Curcumin has several positive effects for the body, which includes anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anti-cancer, and antitoxic effects.
General characteristics of curcumin
Curcumin is partly soluble in water and fat. As a result, its maximum benefits are not obtained when applied in smaller quantities. One of the metabolites curcumin, desmethoxycurcumin is actually soluble in water and fat. Hence, this component of curcumin is more effective for the body. Moreover, several studies have shown that curcumin is more effective when used with black pepper extract called piperine.
Benefits of curcumin
Curcumin or the turmeric as a whole has several benefits for the body. Some of such benefits are as follows –
- Curcumin is an anti-inflammatory compound – Curcumin works as a wonderful anti-inflammatory ingredient. Researchers have proved that in several instances curcumin functions like powerful anti-inflammatory drugs.
- Curcumin increases antioxidant capacity – Curcumin works against oxidative damages caused by free radicals and toxic ingredients. Free radicals tend to damage DNA and vital proteins of the body, which is largely protected by curcumin.
- Curcumin boosts brain-derived neurotrophic factors – Human brain is continuously forming neurotransmitters, which are the pillars of all major and minor bodily activities. One of the main drivers of this process is Brain-derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), which is a kind of growth hormone. Several brain disorders including dementia, depression and memory loss are caused due to low secretion of BDNF. Studies have shown that curcumin can increase brain levels of BDNF.
- Curcumin lowers the risk of heart disease – Endothelial dysfunction is the major cause of several heart diseases. Curcumin reverses endothelial dysfunction, thereby reducing the risk of several heart diseases.
- Curcumin prevents proliferation of cancerous cells – Curcumin works at molecular levels to reduce the growth of cancer cells, and growth of new blood vessels on the tumors. In several occasions, it is found to kill cancer cells also. Apart from preventing cancer cells from proliferating further, curcumin is also very effective in protecting the body from developing cancer.
- Effective ingredient against Alzheimer’s disease – Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of neurological diseases in elderly population. There is no suitable treatment or medicine available against this disease. It is found that Alzheimer’s disease is caused due to the formation of protein masses called amyloid plaques. Curcumin can effectively clear that plaque.
- Curcumin is good for arthritis patients too – Due to its anti-inflammatory feature, curcumin is very effective for different kinds of arthritis. Doctors have successfully used curcumin to reduce several symptoms in arthritis.
Due to its so many benefits, the active ingredient curcumin, is abundantly used as a perfect supplement against several health issues. It is completely natural and safe to use, for which common people are getting interest in using this product confidently.
