Curcumin and Turmeric medical doctor formulated

Curcumin is one of the major antioxidants found in the spice turmeric. The roots of the turmeric plant are used as an herb in Asian cooking such as curries. Curcumin is a major component of Turmeric (Curcuma longa) and extensive scientific research on curcumin and turmeric has demonstrated their potent antioxidant properties. Through their antioxidant mechanisms, curcumin and turmeric support colon health, exert neuroprotective activity and help maintain a healthy cardiovascular system.

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Curcumin mechanism of action
The mechanism of action of curcumin is still being investigated, but curcumin appears to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions.

Benefit of curcumin
Over the last few years, a number of studies have provided evidence of its main pharmacological properties including wound healing activities, antimicrobial, antiviral, anti-fungal, immune influencing, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory.

Alzheimer's Disease
Curcumin has compounds that may be helpful in Alzheimer's disease. Curcumin helps prevent the formation of beta-amyloids which are neural fibrils in the brain that cause Alzheimer's.

Curcumin may increase the clearance of amyloid plaques in the brain. Amyloids are insoluble protein aggregates found in the brain tissue of patients with Alzheimer's disease. Amyloid accumulation in organs leads to amyloidosis. Dr. Milan Fiala, from the Greater Los Angeles Veteran's Affairs Medical Center, found in that immune cells called macrophages taken from patients with Alzheimer's disease cannot efficiently eliminate amyloid. Treating these cells with curcumin improves macrophage function.

Cancer
Curcumin may help fight cancer, including prostate cancer. Researchers have found in the lab that curcumin can enhance the cancer-fighting power of treatment with TRAIL, a naturally occurring molecule that helps kill cancer cells. TRAIL stands for tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand. In an experiment with human prostate cancer cells in a laboratory dish, the combination treatment killed off two to three times more cells than either treatment alone.
   Curcumin exerts multiple different suppressive effects on human breast carcinoma cells in vitro.
   In a test tube study, curcumin was found to have anticancer effects on human Burkitt's lymphoma.

Curcumin and breast cancer
Curcumin appears to stop the spread of breast cancer tumor cells to the lungs of mice. Tests have already started in people, too, says Bharat Aggarwal of the Department of Experimental Therapeutics at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, who led the study. "What's exciting about this agent is that it seems to have both chemopreventive and therapeutic properties. Earlier research showed that curcumin, an antioxidant, can help prevent tumors from forming in the laboratory. For their study, Aggarwal and colleagues injected mice with human breast cancer cells -- a batch of cells grown from a patient whose cancer had spread to the lungs. The resulting tumors were allowed to grow, and then surgically removed, to simulate a mastectomy. Then the mice either got no additional treatment; curcumin alone; the cancer drug paclitaxel (sold under the brand name Taxol); or curcumin plus Taxol. Only half the mice in the curcumin-only group and 22 percent of those in the curcumin plus Taxol group had evidence of breast cancer that had spread to the lungs. But 75 percent of animals that got Taxol alone and 95 percent of those that got no treatment developed lung tumors. IN other words, the addition of curcumin lowered the rate of cancer spread. Earlier studies suggest that people who eat diets rich in turmeric have lower rates of breast cancer, prostate cancer, lung cancer and colon cancer.

Inflammation
Curcumin blocks prostaglandin E2 biosynthesis through direct inhibition of the microsomal prostaglandin E2 synthase-1.
Mol Cancer Ther. 2009 Aug;8(8): Koeberle A, Northoff H, Werz O. Department of Pharmaceutical Analytics, Pharmaceutical Institute, University of Tuebingen, D-72076 Tuebingen, Germany.
Prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) plays a crucial role in the apparent link between tumor growth and chronic inflammation. Cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 and microsomal PGE(2) synthase-1, which are overexpressed in many cancers, are functionally coupled and thus produce massive PGE(2) in various tumors. Curcumin, a polyphenolic beta-diketone from tumeric with anti-carcinogenic and anti-inflammatory activities, was shown to suppress PGE(2) formation and to block the expression of COX-2 and of microsomal PGE(2) synthase-1. Here, we identified microsomal PGE(2) synthase-1 as a molecular target of curcumin and we show that inhibition of microsomal PGE(2) synthase-1 activity is the predominant mechanism of curcumin to suppress PGE(2) biosynthesis. Curcumin reversibly inhibited the conversion of PGH(2) to PGE(2) by microsomal PGE(2) synthase-1 in microsomes of interleukin-1beta-stimulated A549 lung carcinoma cells. Closely related polyphenols (e.g., resveratrol, coniferyl alcohol, eugenol, rosmarinic acid) failed in this respect, and isolated ovine COX-1 and human recombinant COX-2 were not inhibited by curcumin. Based on the key function of PGE(2) in inflammation and carcinogenesis, inhibition of microsomal PGE(2) synthase-1 by curcumin provides a molecular basis for its anticarcinogenic and anti-inflammatory activities.

Curcumin and pancreatic cancer
Phase II Trial of Curcumin in Patients with Advanced Pancreatic Cancer.
Clin Cancer Res. 2008 Jul 15. Dhillon N, Aggarwal BB, Newman RA, Wolff RA, Kunnumakkara AB, Abbruzzese JL, Ng CS, Badmaev V, Kurzrock R. Authors' Affiliations: Phase I Program, Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, Department of Experimental Therapeutics, Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Division of Cancer Medicine, and Department of Diagnostic Radiology, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas and Sabinsa Corporation, Piscataway, New Jersey.
Pancreatic cancer is almost always lethal, and the only U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved therapies for it, gemcitabine and erlotinib, produce objective responses in <10% of patients. Patients received 8 g curcumin by mouth daily until disease progression, with restaging every 2 months. Serum cytokine levels for interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, IL-10, and IL-1 receptor antagonists and peripheral blood mononuclear cell expression of NF-kappaB and cyclooxygenase-2 were monitored. Circulating curcumin was detectable as drug in glucuronide and sulfate conjugate forms, albeit at low steady-state levels, suggesting poor oral bioavailability. Two patients showed clinical biological activity. One had ongoing stable disease for >18 months; interestingly, one additional patient had a brief, but marked, tumor regression (73%) accompanied by significant increases (4- to 35-fold) in serum cytokine levels (IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, and IL-1 receptor antagonists). No toxicities were observed. Curcumin down-regulated expression of NF-kappaB, cyclooxygenase-2, and phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients (most of whom had baseline levels considerably higher than those found in healthy volunteers). Whereas there was considerable interpatient variation in plasma curcumin levels, drug levels peaked at 22 to 41 ng/mL and remained relatively constant over the first 4 weeks. Oral curcumin is well tolerated and, despite its limited absorption, has biological activity in some patients with pancreatic cancer.

Heart
In a rodent study, curcumin was found to protect rat myocardium against ischemic insult and the protective effect could be attributed to its antioxidant properties.

Multiple Sclerosis
Curcumin may block the progression of multiple sclerosis.

Curcumin and Parkinson's disease
Curcumin treatment alleviates the effects of glutathione depletion in vitro and in vivo: therapeutic implications for Parkinson's disease explained via in silico studies.
Free Radic Biol Med. 2008 Mar 1. Jagatha B, Mythri RB, Vali S, Bharath MM. Department of Neurochemistry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, 2900 Hosur Road, Bangalore, Karnataka, India.
An important biochemical feature of presymptomatic Parkinson's disease is a significant depletion of the thiol antioxidant glutathione in these neurons resulting in oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and ultimately cell death. We have earlier demonstrated that curcumin, a natural polyphenol obtained from turmeric, protects against peroxynitrite-mediated mitochondrial dysfunction both in vitro and in vivo. Here we report that treatment of dopaminergic neuronal cells and mice with curcumin restores depletion of glutathione levels, protects against protein oxidation, and preserves mitochondrial complex I activity which normally is impaired due to glutathione loss. Using systems biology and dynamic modeling we have explained the mechanism of curcumin action in a model of mitochondrial dysfunction linked to glutathione metabolism that corroborates the major findings of our experimental work. These data suggest that curcumin has potential therapeutic value for neurodegenerative diseases involving glutathione depletion-mediated oxidative stress.

Uveitis
Efficacy of curcumin in the management of chronic anterior uveitis.
Phytother Res. 1999 Jun;13(4):318-22. Department of Ophthalmology, K.G. Medical College, Lucknow, India.
Curcumin was administered orally to patients suffering from chronic anterior uveitis at a dose of 375 mg three times a day for 12 weeks. One group of 18 patients received curcumin alone, whereas the other group of 14 patients, who had a strong PPD reaction, in addition received antitubercular treatment. The patients in both the groups started improving after 2 weeks of treatment. All the patients who received curcumin alone improved, whereas the group receiving antitubercular therapy along with curcumin had a response rate of 86%. Follow up of all the patients for the next 3 years indicated a recurrence rate of 55% in the first group and of 36% in the second group. Four of 18 (22%) patients in the first group and 3 of 14 patients (21%) in the second group lost their vision in the follow up period due to various complications in the eyes, e.g. vitritis, macular oedema, central venous block, cataract formation, glaucomatous optic nerve damage etc. None of the patients reported any side effect of the drug. The efficacy of curcumin and recurrences following treatment are comparable to corticosteroid therapy which is presently the only available standard treatment for this disease. The lack of side effects with curcumin is its greatest advantage compared with corticosteroids.

Curcumin is not toxic
Dose escalation of a curcuminoid formulation.
BMC Complement Altern Med. 2006 Mar 17;6:10. Lao CD, Ruffin MT 4th, et al. Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, 2150 CCGC, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-0930, USA
A dose escalation study was conducted to determine the maximum tolerated dose and safety of a single dose of standardized powder extract, uniformly milled curcumin (C3 Complex, Sabinsa Corporation). Healthy volunteers were administered escalating doses from 500 to 12,000 mg. Seven of twenty-four subjects (30%) experienced only minimal toxicity that did not appear to be dose-related. No curcumin was detected in the serum of subjects administered 500, 1,000, 2,000, 4,000, 6,000 or 8,000 mg. Low levels of curcumin were detected in two subjects administered 10,000 or 12,000 mg. The tolerance of curcumin in high single oral doses appears to be excellent. Given that achieving systemic bioavailability of curcumin or its metabolites may not be essential for colorectal cancer chemoprevention, these findings warrant further investigation for its utility as a long-term chemopreventive agent.

Curcumin side effects
Q. I am a cancer patient and have been working very closely with my naturopathic doctor. I wanted to let you know about curcumin side effects. She had recommended curcumin (turmeric) capsules to help fight cancer. I began taking one capsule daily in January 2008. By late April, I was experiencing daily bouts of vomiting and diarrhea. I stopped all supplements as I was too ill to take anything, and saw a medical doctor who, after many tests, thought I had developed chronic irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). After a week or so my symptoms went away and I began taking my supplements again, but adding only one at a day for several days, as my system still seemed "sensitive". When I added the curcumin, I again became violently ill. Since then I have found I cannot even eat foods with turmeric without experiencing gastrointestinal distress. I have tested this reaction several times-taking only the curcumin capsule and each time, became sicker than the last. Now, even regular yellow mustard containing turmeric will bother me. My doctor(s) have determined that I have developed an unusual, severe allergic reaction to turmeric and instead of getting better, subsequent exposure seems to make me sicker than the time before. I felt that you should be aware that, although uncommon, curcumin side effect reactions are possible. Unfortunately I am not able to take advantage of the possible cancer fighting benefits of curcumin.
     
Curcumin 665 mg, 60 vegicaps
Curcumin is the major component of Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) and extensive scientific research on Curcumin has demonstrated its potent antioxidant properties. Through its antioxidant mechanisms, Curcumin supports colon health, exerts neuroprotective activity and helps maintain a healthy cardiovascular system.

Curcumin Research study
Curcumin modulates free radical quenching in myocardial ischaemia in rats.
Manikandan P. Central Leather Research Institute, Adyar, Chennai 600020, India.Int J Biochem Cell Biol. 2004 Oct;36(10):1977-90.
Inhibition of colonic aberrant crypt foci by curcumin in rats is affected by age.
Kwon Y, Malik M, Magnuson BA.Nutr Cancer. 2004;48(1):37-43.

Curcumin supplement pill questions
Q. I'm currently taking 8 grams per day of curcumin with Bioperine to deal with a large breast cancer. The cancer seems larger and harder and it has been giving me more discomfort. I have yet to find an actual human being that has used curcumin to cure a breast cancer. It would be wonderful if I could read some testimonials or even speak to someone that knows what happens during the healing process. Do you have this information?
   A. We are not aware of anyone who has cured or treated breast cancer with curcumin, alone.

Q. Can you tell me about phenocane, a friend mentioned it to me recently.
   A. Phenocane appears to be the brand name used by several products such as Phenocane by medpro Holland B.V., Phenocane by Oxylife, and Phenocane by Golden Tones International. The main ingredient of Phenocane is curcumin. One formula of Phenocane contains boswellia, nattokinase, and dl phenylalanine.

Q. I recently started taking curcumin and am wondering if it can be given to dogs? I have an aging Jack Russell Terrier that has a bad knee and sometimes limps. She weighs 13 pounds.
   A. We don't have much experience with the use of curcumin supplements in dogs or other animals, but it would seem that a third or half a capsule a day should not cause a problem, but to make sure the vet should be consulted.

Q. I am a private practice veterinarian performing a research trial utilizing curcumin in horses for various inflammatory conditions. It is my understanding, that based on prior research, that curcumin bioavailability is compromised and in turn the absorption and therapeutic blood levels are low. I also understand that various research trials are demonstrating the concurrent use of piperine, which enhances the absorption and bioavailability. I am curious if your research supports this as well and if there is any further information that you might have to support this fact.
   A. We have not seen convincing research that indicates piperine is needed for curcumin absorption or bioavailability. Almost all studies with curcumin have not used any piperine, therefore we tend to understand that curcumin works well by itself.

Q. I am 76 years old and had for several years suffered from cold feet even in the summer. Several visits to different doctors and tests did not find the cause and treatment. So I searched the internet and found a product curcumin turmeric by Dr. Sahelian and that it raises body temperature. I have been taking the curcumin turmeric supplements for two months and have noticed quite an improvement after a couple of weeks while taking one capsule in the morning and one in the evening. When I skipped a dose, the cold feeling came back. I have been taking for the last tne years pills to control my blood pressure but recently noticed that while taking both the blood pressure and the curcumin turmeric, my blood pressure dropped below normal and I was having dizzy spells. I have stopped the last five days the blood pressure pills while continuing the curcumin turmeric and have been surprised to find out my blood pressure has stabilized at 120 over 80.

Q. I have a problem with bleeding, (colon, I think), and I can't take anti-inflamatories, asprin, capsacin, etc. Probably because of the thinning of my blood. I heard a little about Curamin, also read a little. Supposed to be "no side effects". Would that include my situation? I am 77 years young and have osteoartheridus.
   A. A search on the internet reveals Curamin contains the following ingredients: Curcumin, curcuminoids, dl phenylananine, Boswellia and Nattokinase. We suggest you and your physician read about each ingredient in Curamin since some of them do thin the blood.

Q. I was searching for any relationship between thyroid function and curcumin, beneficial or adverse. Anyway, 1 small thing stood out - in aged adults, curcumin was found to have a mildly adverse (hypothyroid) effect on thyroid function. I'm wondering whether and to what extent curcumin exerts any estrogenic / antiestrogenic activity.
   A. Results of experiments in animals may not reflect what happens in humans since the dosages given to animals during experiments is much higher than those used by humans. We have not seen clinical studies in humans regarding the influence of curcumin supplements on estrogen hormone levels or whether curcumin itself has estrogenic activity. The influence of curcumin in lab studies on isolated cells does not necessarily reflect the effects when ingested as a supplement.

Q. I have heard that people who have gall bladder trouble should not take the supplement, curcumin. Do you know anything about this or can you direct me where to look?
   A. We have seen no human research that precludes the use of curcumin in those who have gallbladder problems.

What possible side effects if any are reported with curcumin supplements? Can it be taken with IV Zithromax and Rocephin Ceftriaxone?
    We have not seen studies with this spice extract and the medications you mention, so we don't know.

In reference to your Curcumin 500mg product, one could assume that if a daily intake of 2000mg was recommended by their pharmacist -- then four tablets daily would achieve this. However it must be said that due to this product being contained in Gelatine capsules and not enteric coating, the potentcy of the curcumin would be considerably destroyed by acids in the stomach. In other words four 500mg tablets may only achieve 50mg of absorbtion in the body. Some manufacturers include Bioperine as an enhancer for increased bioactivity.
    At this point it is not known fully how much curcumin is absorbed with or without Bioperine and with or without enteric coating. We have no seen such comparative studies.


Interactions
There could be elevated body temperature if tongkat ali herb is taken the same day as a curcumin turmeric capsule.