Curcumin

Curcumin is known for its antitumor, antioxidant, antiarthritic, and anti-inflammatory properties. In addition it may be effective in treating malaria, prevention of cervical cancer, and may interefere with the replication of the HIV virus.

For the last few decades, extensive work has been done to establish the biological activities and pharmacological actions of curcumin. Its anticancer effects stem from its ability to induce apoptosis in cancer cells without cytotoxic effects on healthy cells. Curcumin can interfere with the activity of the transcription factor NF-kB, which has been linked to a number of inflammatory diseases such as cancer.

Numerous studies have demonstrated that curcumin, amongst only a few other things such as high impact exercise, learning, bright light, and antidepressant usage, has a positive affect on stress, depression, and anxiety.

Little curcumin, when eaten, is absorbed : from 2 to 10 grams of curcumin eaten alone resulted in undetectable to very low serum levels. Some benefits of curcumin, such as the potential protection from colon cancer, may not require systemic absorption. Alternatively, dissolving curcumin in hot water prior to ingestion, or in warm oily liquids, appears to increase absorption. Cooking with curcumin and oil may increase absorption, however peer-reviewed scientific literature has not documented this.

Clinical studies in humans with high doses (>2-12 grams) curcumin supplementation have shown some subjects reporting diarrhea and nausea, however curcumin has also been indicated for these conditions as well.

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