Curcumin is the yellow coloured phenolic pigment obtained from the powdered root of Curcuma longa, an herb native to India, where the powdered root is used extensively in the diet. Extensive investigations have found that curcumin demonstrates varied therapeutic effects as an anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, antitumor, and antispasmodic agent.36 It is also an important player in cell signalling processes and the modification of the expression of several genes related to longevity.37 The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions of curcumin, mediated by its control over the genetic switches Nrf2 and NF-kB, affect control of the antioxidant status and inflammatory pathways of the cell. Several reports highlight the anticancer powers of curcumin.38-40 The phenol has also been found to mitigate lung and kidney damage and play a protective role in atherosclerosis and myocardial infarction (heart attack).41-45
A growing body of evidence indicates that mitochondrial dysfunction is the main culprit in a myriad of chronic afflictions such as certain cancers, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, cardiovascular disease, and type 2 diabetes.46-49 Chronic excessive oxidative stress associated with a deficiency in endogenous enzymes leads to damage in the mitochondrial membrane, with resultant mitochondrial dysfunction. Curcumin has been shown to exert strong antioxidant effects upon mitochondria, dampening the production of reactive oxygen species by up-regulation of antioxidant defenses.50-52
Other recent studies confirm that curcumin has the capacity to stimulate mitochondrial biogenesis (the generation of new mitochondria) under conditions of increased cellular energy needs. Impaired biogenesis has been observed in several human diseases and indicates a clear role for curcumin in improving mitochondrial dynamics and disease outcomes.53 Recent studies have shown that curcumin appears to trigger the formation of new mitochondria both in vitro and in vivo inexperimental models, although the cellular concentrations of curcumin needed to achieve this were very high and likely not attainable through normal dietary consumption.54-58
In addition to inducing mitochondrial biogenesis, curcumin is also able to induce mitophagy, the destruction of damaged mitochondria through autophagy-related pathways. A 2012 human cancer study using curcumin and ultrasound found that mitophagy serves as an important process in inducing cell death of aberrant cells.59
Despite its abysmally low oral absorption and poor bioavailability at doses as high as 12 grams per day, curcumin remains a potent bioactive compound that has been used to treat cancers, atherosclerosis, and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Curcumin has the capability for hormesis (a characteristic of possessing dose-dependent opposing effects) because it possesses both antioxidant and oxidant properties that are closely related to cell-renewing autophagic properties and to cell death activation (apoptosis).60
Curcumin has been found safe at doses as high as 8,000 mg/day;61 however, this very large dose provides blood levels of only 500 to 1,000 nmol/L. Considering this, an 80 mg dose of curcumin should provide 5-10 nmol/L blood levels, likely within range of levels known to activate cell signalling pathways. In India, the intake of turmeric averages 2,000-2,500 mg/day, providing approximately 80-100 mg/day of active curcumin. Considering its safety and abysmally low bioavailability, NutriSearch has established a suggested daily intake of 100 mg for inclusion in our Blended Standard.
NutriSearch Corporation is a Canadian company specializing in nutrition and health research, focussed primarily on multiple vitamin and mineral supplementation.
Our main product is the NutriSearch Comparative Guide to Nutritional Supplements™, which examines current research on the health benefits of supplementation for prevention of degenerative disease. The guide also includes comparisons of broad-spectrum supplements available in various markets around the world, is available in various regions. The guide for the Americas includes product comparisons from Canada, Colombia, México, and the United States. We also publish a guide for Australia and New Zealand.
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