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GNC Laboratories
Turmeric Curcumin - Powerful Ayurvedic Antioxidant
Curcumin is believed to be the most
bioactive and soothing portion of the herb turmeric. Curcumin and silymarin
show similar protective action for the liver. Curcumin is the yellow pigment
of turmeric. Curcumin's protective effects on the liver are similar to those
of Milk Thistle (silymarin) and Artichoke Leaf Extract (cynarin). It is
believed to be converted to a bile production stimulating compound,
perhaps caffeic acid. Curcumin's documented cholerectic effects support its
historical use in the treatment of liver and gallbladder disorders.
Curcumin may also block the progression of multiple sclerosis.
Like cynara extracts, curcumin has also been shown to lower cholesterol levels.
Through its antioxidant mechanisms, curcumin supports colon health, exerts
neuroprotective activity and helps maintain a healthy cardiovascular system. Turmeric holds a high place in Ayurvedic
medicine as a "cleanser of the body" and today science is finding a growing
list of diseased conditions which turmeric's active ingredient heals. And
curcumin protects the stomach against tainted foods. According to University
of Chicago scientists, curcumin inhibits a cancer-provoking bacteria (H.
pylor) associated with gastric and colon cancer.
Researchers have found in the lab that the active ingredient in turmeric,
called 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.
Turmeric may
also help suppress multiple myeloma, a blood cancer, early lab research
shows--suggesting yet another health benefit from this long-heralded
substance. Adding curcumin to human cells with the blood cancer multiple
myeloma, Dr. Bharat B. Aggarwal of the University of Texas MD Anderson
Cancer Center in Houston and his colleagues found, stopped the cells from
replicating. And the cells that were left died. Although the study did not
test the benefits of curcumin in patients, previous research has shown the
substance may fight other types of cancers.
Turmeric is beneficial in reducing
damage to heart tissue from lack of oxygen or blood flow (see study below).
Turmeric, a spice used extensively in Asia as a key ingredient of curry, may
be protecting children against leukemia. Curcumin inhibits the
multiplication of leukemia cells in laboratory studies and seems to protect
against damage caused by cigarette smoke and eating certain processed foods. |
