Curcumin Benefits And Side Effects

26 Curcumin Benefits And Side Effects

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There are so many people who take curcumin every day but do you know what is curcumin benefits and side effects?

Curcumin has been used by humans for more than 4,000 years and belongs to the ginger family. The source of yellow in curry is it. It has been used in ancient Indian and Chinese medicine to treat inflammatory diseases, protect the liver, skin diseases, and wounds.

The most active ingredient in curcumin as Curcuminoids. Although it only accounts for 3% of the total weight, it has numerous effects. Among them, Curcumin is the focus of discussion here.

According to research by a well-known American journal (J. Am. Chem. Soc.), natural curcumin has an antioxidant capacity of 2.33 times that of bioflavonoids, 1.6 times of Vitamin E and 2.75 times of Vitamin C, which can help the body fight many diseases.

Table of Contents

What are the benefits of curcumin recommended?

1. Curcumin’s unique active ingredients have rich medical value

Curcumin in curcuminoids is the focus of discussion here, is the most medically valuable part, accounting for about 3% -5% by weight, although not much, it has a very strong anti-inflammatory Antioxidant ability, the current medical research is to use this ingredient mainly.

Curcumin is not easily absorbed by the human body when used alone (the oral absorption rate is only 1% in animal experiments), so thanks to modern technology, there are many absorption-enhancing formulas, such as Meriva is combined with lecithin, other For example, the addition of piperine, phospholipids or the addition of plant-derived essential oil components are said to increase bioavailability several times.

*Conclusion: Natural curcumin oral absorption rate is not high, but thanks to the advancement of science and technology. A variety of formulas have been developed to increase the absorption rate.

2. Beneficial blood pressure regulation

High blood pressure is a part of a clinical syndrome, its cause is multifaceted, caused by a combination of genetic, environmental and behavioral factors, can lead to the development of the complex cardiovascular disease, it is estimated that people over 60 years of age Among them, 65% are affected by the disease.

Data from observational studies show that the risk of coronary artery disease and stroke gradually increases from 115/75 mm Hg and above and for every 20/10 mm Hg increase in blood pressure, the mortality rate of both diseases doubles.

A systematic literature review and meta-analysis (including 11 randomized controlled trials, a total of 734 participants) pointed out that, overall, Oral curcumin and turmeric have no obvious effect on reducing systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP).

In addition, subgroup analysis showed that in studies supplemented ≥ 12 weeks, systolic blood pressure levels were significantly reduced, while diastolic blood pressure was not significantly reduced.

*Conclusion: Long-term supplementation with curcumin or Curcumin may have a positive effect on blood pressure regulation but limited by the small sample size and potential interference factors, more research is needed to corroborate.

3. Beneficial non-alcoholic fatty liver

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is characterized by the accumulation of liver fat greater than 5%, and without any secondary causes, such as excessive drinking, viral hepatitis, Wilson disease, hemochromatosis, autoimmune hepatitis, cholestatic liver disease, hunger, dyslipidemia, celiac disease, Cushing’s disease, and medication (corticosteroids, methotrexate, diltiazem, oxaliplatin, amiodarone, isoniazid, Highly effective antiretroviral therapy, etc.).

It is currently estimated that the global prevalence of the non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is as high as 1 billion, including simple steatosis and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, which can eventually lead to fibrosis and cirrhosis, and may progress to the liver Cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma is the most important cause of cryptogenic cirrhosis.

A meta-analysis (including 4 randomized placebo-controlled trials, a total of 229 non-alcoholic fatty liver patients) pointed out that curcumin can effectively reduce low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglycerides, fasting blood sugar, insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), weigh and aminotransferase (AST) levels.

In addition, related benefits do not significantly help total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and insulin.

*Conclusion: Oral curcumin may have a positive effect on the condition of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, but it is limited by the small sample size and more large-scale trials are still needed to corroborate it.

4. Beneficial submucosal fibrosis

Oral submucous fibrosis is a chronic latent disease affecting the oral cavity, which can involve the throat or esophagus. Due to the mucosal fibrosis, oral mucosa and deep tissue harden, which gradually leads to difficulty in eating, swallowing, and pronunciation.

The etiology of this disease is unknown, and it is generally believed that various factors that may cause submucosal fibrosis include: genetic susceptibility, capsaicin, betel nut chewing, autoimmunity, hormones, and lack of nutrition, such as Vitamin B12 and iron.

A systematic review (including 6 randomized clinical trials, a total of 298 patients with oral submucosal fibrosis) pointed out that oral curcumin can effectively relieve related symptoms and signs, especially the most obvious pain or burning sensation.

*Conclusion: Curcumin may be positively helpful for improving the symptoms of oral submucosal fibrosis, but limited by the small sample size and heterogeneity between studies, more design, and accurate studies are still needed to further verify.

5. Good osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis (mainly affecting the joints of the knee, hands, and hips). It is a disabling, late-onset, and degenerative disease characterized by loss of articular cartilage and inflammation of the synovium, leading to joint stiffness, swelling, pain, and loss of mobility.

Specifically, the incidence of knee osteoarthritis is mainly related to overweight, obesity, female gender, and previous knee injury. About half of the population over the age of 65 is affected, with women having a higher percentage of menopause than men (18% vs. 9.6%).

A systematic literature review and meta-analysis (including 7 randomized controlled trials with a total of 797 participants with primary knee osteoarthritis) pointed out that curcumin-based compounds (day dose ranging from 180 mg to 2 g, intervention time is 4 to 16 weeks) can significantly reduce knee pain and improve the quality of life of patients.

In addition, compared with the anti-inflammatory drug ibuprofen, curcumin has lower effects on pain relief, knee stiffness, and body function, but it can significantly reduce the frequency of rescue drugs.

*Conclusion: For primary knee osteoarthritis, oral curcumin may be helpful for pain and quality of life improvement, but limited by the small sample size and heterogeneity, more research is still needed to corroborate.

6. Good for diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is a serious and common chronic disease caused by complex genetic-environmental interactions and other risk factors such as obesity and a sedentary lifestyle.

In addition, the lack of first-phase insulin release, abnormal pulsatile basal insulin secretion, and increased glucagon secretion will also accelerate the development of type 2 diabetes.

A systematic literature review and meta-analysis (including 12 randomized controlled trials, a total of 1154 pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes participants) pointed out:

For prediabetes, curcumin can significantly reduce glycated hemoglobin.

In addition, for type 2 diabetes mellitus, curcumin can significantly reduce glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and fasting plasma glucose.

*Conclusion: Curcumin can bring positive help to blood sugar control, especially glycated hemoglobin, but it is limited by the high heterogeneity of the included studies, and more design and accurate studies are still needed to corroborate.

7. Improve brain-derived neurotrophic factor

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a member of the neurotrophic factor family. Others include nerve growth factor, neurotrophic factor 3, and neurotrophic factor 4.

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor is one of the neurotrophic factors that support the differentiation, maturation, morphological plasticity, and survival of neurons in the nervous system. It has neuroprotective effects under adverse conditions such as glutamate stimulation, cerebral ischemia, hypoglycemia, and neurotoxicity.

Many neurodegenerative and mental diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, Huntington’s disease, major depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and anxiety disorders, are associated with low BDNF levels.

A systematic literature review and meta-analysis (including 4 randomized controlled trials with a total of 139 participants) indicated that curcumin supplementation (daily doses ranging from 200 mg to 1820 mg, trial duration from 8 to 12 weeks) Can significantly increase serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels.

In addition, a subgroup analysis showed that the effect of increasing serum BDNF levels was particularly significant in the following subjects, such as women, participants over 40 years old, high-dose curcumin (≥500 mg/d), and longer trials Time (>8 weeks).

*Conclusion: Curcumin supplementation can help to increase brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which may be positively helpful for neurological diseases related to low BDNF levels.

8. Beneficial irritability of large intestine (referred to as intestinal irritability)

Irritable bowel syndrome is a chronic functional gastrointestinal disease that affects 9% to 23% of the world’s population. It is typically characterized by repeated abdominal pain and changes in bowel habits (diarrhea, constipation, or both), But no detectable structural and biochemical abnormalities (eg, gastrointestinal bleeding, weight loss, fever, anemia, or abdominal mass).

Due to the variable clinical symptoms of colorectal irritability, common comorbidities include gastroesophageal reflux, genitourinary symptoms, fibromyalgia, headache, back pain, and psychological symptoms, so they are often misdiagnosed initially.

A systematic literature review and meta-analysis (including 3 randomized controlled trials, a total of 326 patients with irritable bowel syndrome) pointed out that although curcumin improved the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, although it was helpful, the effect was not statistically significant (Compared to placebo).

*Conclusion: The efficacy of oral curcumin in improving colorectal irritability is unknown, and is limited by the small sample size and high heterogeneity of the included studies. More design and long-term large-scale studies are still needed to confirm its clinical benefits.

9. Relieve ulcerative colitis

Ulcerative Colitis belongs to a subgroup of intestinal inflammatory diseases. It is a chronic disease affecting the mucosa of the rectum and colon, affecting more than 600,000 Americans. , Immunity disorders, and intestinal bacteria imbalance.

Common symptoms include bloody diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, high fever, weight loss, and diffuse tenderness in the abdomen. The 10-year colonoscopy resection rate is 9% to 24%, and the cumulative 25-year colonoscopy resection rate is 33% to 45%.

A systematic literature review and meta-analysis (including 3 randomized controlled trials for patients with mild to moderate ulcerative colitis) pointed out that curcumin adjuvant therapy is more effective for disease remission or clinical improvement compared to placebo The reaction has no obvious effect.

*Conclusion: Oral curcumin does not significantly help to improve ulcerative colitis, but is limited by the small sample size and high heterogeneity of the included studies. More long-term large-scale studies with the accurate design are still needed to confirm its clinical benefits.

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10. Assist weight loss

Obesity itself is a common health problem and a risk factor for chronic diseases such as coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, stroke, and cancer.

According to the latest statistics from the World Health Organization, 13% of adults worldwide are obese and 39% are overweight. In terms of overall health status and health-related costs, the harmful effects of obesity are greater than smoking and drinking.

Moderate weight loss, even if only 5% to 10%, is sufficient to obtain significant health benefits and prevent obesity-related diseases.

A systematic literature review and meta-analysis (including 11 randomized controlled trials, a total of 876 overweight and obese subjects) pointed out that the use of curcumin has a weight loss (WMD:-1.14 kg) and body mass index (WMD:- 0.48 kg/m2), but the effect of reducing Waist Circumference is not significant.

In addition, a subgroup analysis found that in daily trials ≥1000 mg, dry duration ≥8 weeks, overweight subjects, the use of curcumin can help improve waist circumference.

*Conclusion: Oral curcumin can bring positive help in assisting weight loss, but due to the heterogeneity of the included studies, more studies are needed to corroborate.

11. Beneficial allergic rhinitis

Allergic rhinitis is the most common type of allergic disease. The main symptoms are runny nose, sneezing, itching, and nasal obstruction, affecting about 400 million people worldwide.

Allergic rhinitis is mainly related to IgE-mediated inflammation caused by inhalation of allergens. Related allergens: dust mite excretion particles in the air, cockroach residues, animal dander, mold, and pollen.

A randomized, double-blind controlled study (2 months, 241 patients with allergic rhinitis) pointed out that oral curcumin (500 mg daily) can be associated with lower nasal symptoms, including sneezing, itching, runny nose, and obstruction.

The underlying mechanism and regulation of immune function, inhibition of pro-inflammatory hormones, such as interleukin-4 (IL-4), interleukin-8 (IL-8), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and increase of anti-inflammatory leukocytes Interleukin-10 (IL-10) is related to soluble intercellular adhesion molecules 1 (sCAMs).

*Conclusion: Oral curcumin may have a positive effect on allergic rhinitis, but more large-scale studies are still needed for further verification.

12. Has a natural anti-inflammatory effect

Inflammation represents the complex chemical signals, cell types, and cytokine interactions produced by the body’s tissue damage caused by pathogens, trauma, or toxic substances.

The inflammation process is closely related to various pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF-alpha), interleukin-6, leptin, resistin, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, C-reactive protein, and anti-inflammatory Inflammatory molecule adiponectin.

The imbalance of these molecules is the key to chronic inflammation, which is closely related to type 2 diabetes, atherosclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, psoriasis, and cancer.

Several highly evidence-based meta-analysis of the literature (meta-analysis) pointed out that oral curcumin-related compounds have significantly reduced the associated pro-inflammatory markers, such as C-reactive protein, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-6 effect.

*Conclusion: Curcumin can reduce some inflammation markers, such as TNF-alpha, CRP, IL-6, and has positive benefits for inflammation-related diseases

13. Prevent bone loss (Osteopenia)

The bone mass reduction generally refers to bone calcification, bone density or bone mass becoming lower, there may be pain and spinal deformity symptoms, if not improved, it will cause osteoporosis or fracture.

Many animal and in vitro experiments have found that curcumin can affect the state of bone through various molecular mechanisms, such as activation and differentiation of osteoclasts.

A preliminary controlled study (24-week, 57-member elderly with low bone density/DXA t-score between -1 and -2.5) pointed out that taking curcumin with dietary adjustment and exercise has the effect of improving bone density (Little finger, upper jaw, and heel area).

*Conclusion: Curcumin may be helpful in preventing bone loss, but more large studies are still needed to confirm

14. Improve hyperlipidemia

High blood lipids are mainly characterized by increased low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglyceride, and decreased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol.

The occurrence of cardiovascular disease, in addition to being associated with elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), every 1 mg/dL decrease in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) will also increase the risk of coronary artery disease by 2% to 3% value.

A meta-analysis of literature (including 20 randomized controlled trials, 1427 participants) pointed out that oral curcumin compounds have reduced serum triglycerides and increased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) Effect.

The underlying mechanism may be related to free radical scavenging, regulating transduction signals (AMPK, PPARg, NRF2) and promoting lipid metabolism.

*Conclusion: Oral curcumin has the effect of regulating blood lipids, but more accurate and long-term experiments (more than 2 months) are needed to confirm.

15. Beneficial pain relief

According to a survey, 25% of the population (about 75 million people) in the United States have chronic or recurrent pain problems, and 40% of them affect work and family, causing huge economic losses.

And chronic pain is related to the abuse of prescription analgesics, especially the abuse of opioid analgesics. The death toll is more than drugs (heroin and cocaine). It is listed as a national health issue by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

A systematic literature review and meta-analysis (including 8 randomized controlled studies with a total of 606 participants) pointed out that curcuminoids can help to improve the severity of pain (due to surgery, arthritis or exercise) , with safety and high tolerance, and the effect of formula with enhanced absorption rate is more significant.

*Conclusion: The use of curcumin has the effect of relieving pain, but more research is still needed to confirm its effectiveness and safety for long-term use.

16. Beneficial depression

According to the World Health Organization, depression, cancer, and AIDS are listed as the three major diseases of this century, with a lifetime prevalence rate of about 16% and a high recurrence rate of 45%. Since the suicide rate of depression patients is 8 times that of ordinary people, and suicide has become one of the top ten causes of death, it is more worthy of everyone’s attention.

Depression is not just temporary emotions, usually, the situation will be so serious that it affects daily life and rest, and begins to appear endless sorrow, insomnia, fatigue, loss of self-worth, loss of libido, and even feel that life is worthless.

A double-blind controlled study (a 6-week study of 108 men with depression) found that curcumin combined with drugs not only further reduced the depression index (as measured by the Han’s Depression Scale) compared to antidepressant drugs alone, can also reduce inflammation and stress response, and improve brain-derived neurotrophic factor (brain-derived neurotrophic factor).

A recent meta-analysis (including 6 clinical trials) also pointed out that curcumin (BCM-95 or piperine formula with enhanced absorption rate) can help reduce depression symptoms, especially for longer periods of use. Middle-aged and elderly patients with higher doses.

The underlying mechanism may be related to its antioxidant, hormonal and neurotransmitter effects, and neuroprotective functions.

*Conclusion: Curcumin combined with traditional antidepressant drugs may enhance the therapeutic effect of the drugs.

17. Cancer prevention

Most cancers result from the interaction of genetic and epigenetic alterations, which in turn leads to apoptosis resistance, uncontrolled cell proliferation, metastasis induction, angiogenesis, and immune system dysfunction.

Curcumin has been found in many studies to inhibit tumor growth through multiple pathways, including induction of apoptosis, inhibition of angiogenesis, inhibition of cell cycle progression, regulation of cell signals, and regulation of immune response.

Therefore, curcumin has the potential to fight cancer alone or in combination with other substances, such as multiple myeloma, pancreatic cancer, lung cancer, breast cancer, oral cancer, prostate cancer, rectal cancer, and squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck.

*Conclusion: Curcumin can inhibit cancer through a variety of biochemical mechanisms, but as of now, most research is limited to animal experiments, and there are still few related human studies, which need to be further verified/

18. Improve sarcopenia

Sarcoidosis is a symptom that gradually loses muscle mass and strength as it ages. In severe cases, it can cause falls and fractures, which can lead to involuntary life and must be cared for by others.

Muscle mass begins to decline at a rate of 8% after the age of 40. By the age of 80, 50% of the muscle mass will be lost.

Animal studies have found that curcumin has the effect of promoting protein regeneration and reducing muscle loss.

A controlled experiment pointed out that (for a period of 3 months, the subjects were 86 seniors with muscle loss and fatigue symptoms). Compared with the control group, curcumin combined with exercise training and diet adjustment can significantly improve the various assessments of the subjects Indicators include grip strength, weight lifting, cycling time, walking, climbing stairs, proteinuria, oxidative stress, Coriolis energy meter, left ventricular injection score.

*Conclusion: Curcumin has the potential to improve muscle endurance and physical performance, and may prevent sarcopenia

19. Improve periodontal disease

Periodontal disease is mainly defined as the structural damage caused by inflammation of periodontal tissue, and the main method for preventing this disease is calculus or plaque removal.

However, depending on the treatment technique and proficiency, the bacteria in the treatment site are very difficult to eradicate, so the auxiliary antibacterial formula becomes an important boost to increase the cure rate.

A randomized controlled study pointed out (a 30-day, 30 patients with periodontitis who underwent calculus removal) combined with regular treatment with chlorhexidine or a 1% curcumin pre-prepared solution Significant clinical symptom improvement effect.

But after comparing the two, the improvement of curcumin pre-prepared solution (periocular pocket depth, colony count) is significantly better than chlorhexidine fungicide and has no side effects.

*Conclusion: 1% curcumin pre-prepared solution may be used as an alternative to chlorhexidine fungicide, but it is still to be confirmed by large-scale experiments.

20. Improve Alzheimer’s disease

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia, accounting for about 60-70% of all cases. It mainly shows a progressive decline in memory, thinking, language, and learning ability. In the end, it even loses its autonomous ability. Take care of others.

It is estimated that about 40 million people in the world currently suffer from this disease, but due to the aging population, the number of patients will increase by three times by 2050, so how to prevent it is worthy of attention.

So far, although it has been found that curcumin can affect and inhibit the formation of Alzheimer’s disease through multiple pathways (such as anti-oxidation, anti-inflammatory, and inhibition of amyloid B), most of the relevant research is limited to animal and in vitro studies.

However, human studies have not yet produced the expected results, and are generally believed to be related to absorption difficulties, bioavailability, and duration and length of use.

However, there are currently more new patented technologies that can increase curcumin’s bioavailability, blood-brain barrier penetration, and half-life, so future human studies need to confirm its effectiveness.

21. Improve premenstrual syndrome

Premenstrual syndrome refers to the emotional and physiological symptoms of repeated attacks in the luteal phase. Epidemiological studies have found that about 50% to 80% of women have mild to moderate premenstrual symptoms.

Although premenstrual discomfort can be treated symptomatically according to the symptoms, due to potential drug side effects, patients are often discouraged.

A double-blind controlled study pointed out that (continuous 3 cycles, for 70 women with premenstrual symptoms), compared with placebo, taking curcumin before and after menstruation (dose 100 mg every 12 hours) can help improve the premenstrual syndrome The severity (measured by physical, psychological and behavioral surveys).

The underlying mechanism is related to the neurotransmitter substances curcumin (serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine) and the inhibition of prostaglandin production (both are considered to be the main factors causing premenstrual discomfort).

22. Improve functional dyspepsia

The digestive organ is the most important function for maintaining life. After eating food, all nutrients are absorbed by it, just like the root of a big tree, responsible for absorbing nutrients and making life thrive.

But in this society where everything is efficient, even the enjoyment of life, such as eating, starts to turn fast, making people gobble up and overeating. The consequence is not only that they do not enjoy the delicious food, but also often cause gastrointestinal dysfunction, Causing bloating, abdominal pain, belching, heartburn, and other symptoms.

In medicine, these symptoms are also named functional dyspepsia, which means that organic diseases such as gastrointestinal ulcers, inflammation, and tumors are excluded after careful examination. It is estimated that 7 out of every 10 patients with dyspepsia clinically are functional dyspepsia, which greatly affects the quality of life of Chinese people.

In ancient medicine in China and India, Curcumin is regarded as a digestive function promoter with antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, (stimulating bile secretion, improving fat absorption), reducing flatulence, and improving ulcers. 26.

A randomized study found that after taking Curcumin for 7 consecutive days, 87% of patients indicated that abdominal pain, flatulence, belching, and other symptoms improved (compared to 53% of the control group).

23. Curcumin has hepatoprotective effect

The liver is the most functional organ of the human body. In addition to eliminating all kinds of internal and external toxins, it is also an important metabolic center. It has the functions of generating energy and synthesizing nutrients.

Due to its excellent regeneration function, the liver can repair and regenerate itself even if it is damaged, but when the damage reaches a certain level, it will easily cause various liver diseases (such as hepatitis, fatty liver, liver cancer, cirrhosis, etc.).

Oxidative stress plays an important role in liver disease, and curcumin has a special mechanism of anti-oxidation and inhibition of NF-kB transcription factor, so the liver protection effect has been revealed in many studies and has the effect of preventing multiple toxins from damaging the liver (such as Aflatoxin, excess iron, antibiotics, alcohol, carcinogens “thioacetamide” carbon tetrachloride, etc.), but most of them belong to animal and cell experiments.

In addition, other studies have also found that curcumin has the effect of the anti-fatty liver and reversing liver fibrosis caused by carbon tetrachloride, but because it is an animal study, more human experiments are still needed to further confirm.

24. Reduce risk factors for various cardiovascular diseases

The cerebrovascular disease has long been the second leading cause of death among Chinese (after cancer). A stroke occurs more frequently in the brain, and myocardial infarction and angina pectoris occurs in the heart. Most of these diseases are not caused by organ dysfunction, But from the aging of blood vessels.

The main cause of vascular aging is endothelial dysfunction. Endothelial cells are located inside the blood vessels and have the function of protecting and activating blood vessels. Once this function is abnormal, it will cause circulatory disorders, high blood pressure, thrombosis, and even arteriosclerosis.

Several studies have found that curcumin can improve the function of vascular endothelial cells, and the effect is not even lost to atorvastatin.

In addition, curcumin can also reduce inflammation, inflammation is currently recognized as the main cause of cardiovascular disease in the medical community.

In a study, it was found that 121 patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery used placebo or 4g of curcumin before and after surgery, and statistics showed that patients using curcumin reduced the incidence of heart disease by 65%.

25. Delay aging and reduce age-related degenerative diseases

Oxidative stress or damage caused by free radicals is one of the main causes of aging and degenerative diseases. Antioxidants are our weapons, which can neutralize the harm of free radicals. As long as there are enough quantities, we can delay aging. Prevent Alzheimer’s disease, atherosclerosis, hypertension, arthritis, cancer, and other diseases.

Curcumin itself is a powerful antioxidant, so it is very helpful for delaying aging and preventing degenerative diseases.

26. Increase the body’s stock of antioxidants

Oxidative damage is considered to be one of the causes of aging and many diseases. It is due to the damage caused by free radicals attacking cell tissues. Free radicals are unstable pairs of electrons. When it attacks the cell membrane, it will oxidize the cells and cause damage. , As the name suggests, is to protect cell tissues from the oxidation of free radicals.

Due to the special chemical structure of curcumin, it has a strong antioxidant capacity, and can also promote the synthesis of the antioxidant glutathione in the body to protect cells from free radical damage.

Are there any side effects of curcumin?

Curcumin and curcumin are generally considered safe for use at the recommended dosage, but some side effects have been reported, such as gastrointestinal upset, nausea, dizziness, diarrhea, headache and skin allergies.

A Phase I clinical trial pointed out that 8 grams of curcumin per day for 3 consecutive months showed good tolerance and no toxic reactions occurred.

Observed in patients with colorectal cancer, it may cause some test values ​​to increase (but not determined whether it is related to cancer progression or curcumin consumption), such as alkaline phosphatase and lactate dehydrogenase.

Safety precautions (use contraindications) (please pay special attention to the following 11 conditions)

Do not use in pregnant women, breastfeeding women, young children, and those with liver and kidney dysfunction (because safety is still unknown).

Do not use it in combination with the anti-breast cancer drug tamoxifen, which may affect the efficacy of the drug.

It may increase the concentration of oxalic acid in the urine. For susceptible individuals, it should be taken carefully to avoid increasing the occurrence of kidney stones.

Anemia patients or those with low iron content in the blood, please use with caution, large doses may hinder iron absorption.

Do not use if you have gallbladder disease, such as gallstones or blocked bile ducts, which may cause symptoms to worsen.

Patients with peptic ulcers and gastroesophageal reflux should be careful, as they may worsen symptoms or interfere with the action of drugs that suppress gastric acid secretion.

People with diabetes or those taking sugar-control drugs should be aware that they may enhance the action of the drug and cause hypoglycemia.

Animal studies have pointed out that ultra-large doses cause a decrease in testosterone, which may affect reproductive ability (but have not been confirmed by human clinical studies).

Do not use with drugs (curcumin may affect the Cytochrome P450 enzyme system in the first stage of detoxification of the liver, causing many drugs to fail to be metabolized smoothly). There have been cases of acute liver damage.

Do not use in patients with coagulopathy or taking anticoagulant drugs, there is a risk of bruising and bleeding, related drugs such as warfarin, platelet inhibitors, and aspirin.

Avoid using it 2 weeks before or after surgery (Curcumin has an anticoagulant effect).