What's Up With Curcumin

What's Up With Curcumin?
Phillip A. Black

Curcumin. What is that? Do you know anything about it? Have you seen the headlines lately? The following are all articles published within the past few days about curcumin.

• Curcumin is the new treatment strategy for Alzheimer's

• Scientists combat dementia with curry spice curcumin

• Curcumin cures malaria in animals

• Curcumin may block growth of castrate-resistant prostate tumors

• Curcumin May Support Body's Ability to Slow Prostate Tumor Growth

• Tumeric and Curcumin Offer Powerful Anti-Cancer Health Benefits Naturally

Wow. Intrigued? I know I was when I was first introduced to this amazing product about three years ago. I am going to do my best to quickly bring you up to speed about curcumin.
Per Wikipedia, "curcumin is the principal curcuminoid of the popular Indian spice turmeric, which is a member of the ginger family (Zingiberaceae). The other two curcuminoids are desmethoxycurcumin and bis-desmethoxycurcumin. The curcuminoids are natural phenols and are responsible for the yellow color of turmeric." Great. But what does that all mean? It means this is one heck of a spice!

For thousands of years Eastern medicine has used curcumin for a wide range of health benefits. However, western medicine was late to arrive at the party. A wealth of recent scientific data shows curcumin to contain powerful anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor and antioxidant properties.

Unlike many pharmaceuticals, curcumin has been proven safe without any adverse affects, even at doses up to 8,000 mg/day. Extensive research shows curcumin is effective in multiple ways, and this provides basis for many applications. But curcumin is extremely difficult to absorb, so it's important to get an ample supply of it into your bloodstream.

There are more than 4,300 published studies describing curcumin’s benefits in helping to fight cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, osteo and rheumatoid arthritis, liver disease, renal failure, depression, asthma, Crohn’s disease, psoriasis, infections (including pneumonia) and diabetes—and this list is not all-inclusive. What all these diseases have in common is that they encompass inflammation, oxidative stress and inactive genetic expression.

A research team at Thomas Jefferson University found that curcumin may help slow down tumor growth in castration-resistant prostate cancer patients who are on androgen deprivation therapy. To help support their findings, the researchers also investigated curcumin in mice, which were castrated to mimic ADT. Tumor growth and masses were significantly reduced in the mice with curcumin. Researchers feel the study also has implications beyond prostate cancer, offering hope for alternatives of breast cancer. The study is published in the latest edition of the journal Cancer Research.

I think it's pretty clear that curcumin is something we should all consider taking.

CURCUMIN EXTREME TM

Primary Benefits of Curcumin Extreme™*:

• Promotes normal activity of NF-KappaB
• Supports normal liver detoxification activity
• Supports overall liver health
• Promotes apoptosis in unhealthy cells
• Promotes normal cell cycle activity
• Helps maintain overall cell integrity
• Promotes normal cellular regeneration
• Helps maintain healthy glutathione levels
• Supports normal glutathione synthesis
• Promotes the normal production of detoxification enzymes
• Supports the body’s natural ability to produce detoxification enzymes
• Promotes normal levels of detoxification enzymes that scavenge harmful toxins in the body
• Helps to maintain neurological health as we age
• Helps to maintain good cognitive health as we age
• Promotes normal immune cell-brain (neuron) interactions in order to maintain cognitive health
• Promotes neurological health
• Protects neurons from the negative effects of free radicals
• Powerful antioxidant
• Protects the body from the negative effects of free radicals
• Promotes free-radical protection
• Promotes a strong immune system

Key Ingredients Found In Curcumin Extreme™:

Curcumin (BCM-95®): 400 mgScientists have long been aware of the wide array of health benefits from the Indian spice turmeric, which is a source of the active phytochemical curcumin. Until now, curcumin has been known to have poor bioavailability, requiring high doses to promote health. BCM-95® delivers significantly more pharmacologically bioactive curcumin into the blood than other curcumin sources. This new delivery system allows for a variety of health benefits.

How is this possible? Traditional 95% extract focuses strictly on one part of the Turmeric rhizome. This bioactive substance of Turmeric (Curcuma Longa) contains “Curcuminoids” and Curcumin is the most important molecule. Research has shown its tremendous health benefit. Even though Curcumin is the most important molecule, the bioavailability of the regular Turmeric 95% extracts sold on the market is not very good in terms of uptake or sustainability in the blood stream. There are other essential components present in Turmeric Rhizome which have been neglected during the traditional method of manufacturing of Turmeric 95% Extract. BCM-95® represents the natural spectrum of turmeric rhizome. It is 100 percent natural and has been proven to provide optimal bioavailability for synergistic effect. This new method of manufacture offers tremendous value in terms of bioavailability.

Antioxidants have received increased attention, and it’s important to know what nutrients are antioxidants and information about them. One such nutrient is Curcumin. Curcumin is a natural extract from the spice turmeric. Turmeric is derived from the plant Curcuma Longa, a member of the ginger family.

Curcumin is employed mostly as an antioxidant; though it was traditionally used to promote stomach and joint comfort. The immune-balancing activity of curcumin has been demonstrated through multiple mechanisms to support normal COX-2 and NF-KappaB levels in the body.

The neuroprotective properties of curcumin are among the most studied. Curcumin has been designated as a strong candidate for the promotion of neurological health and cognitive function. Curcumin can cross the blood-brain barrier and support the normal uptake of amyloid-beta in the brain. This supports the brain's memory and learning abilities as we age. Another neuroprotective property of curcumin is its ability to promote normal levels of glutathione, superoxide dismutase and catalase in the brain. This can help to maintain the health of neurological tissues.

Curcumin supports the normal production of Phase II liver detoxification enzymes including glutathione synthase, heme-oxygenase and catalase. The liver plays several roles in detoxification: it filters the blood to remove large toxins, synthesizes and secretes bile full of cholesterol and other fat-soluble toxins, and enzymatically disassembles unwanted chemicals. This enzymatic process usually occurs in two steps referred to as phase I and phase II. They promote the body’s natural enzyme antioxidant defense systems and function as a powerful indirect antioxidant. These enzymes promote the body’s normal metabolism of harmful chemicals such as heavy metals, toxins and pollutants into less reactive molecules. Curcumin has also been shown to promote normal hepatic tissue repair.Broccoli Seed Extract (6% Sulphoraphane Glucosinolates): 167 mgThe health benefits and protective properties of broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables have been well documented over the past 25 years. Broccoli Seed Extract is a powerful source of sulphoraphane glucosinolates. Sulforaphanes support the normal production of Phase II liver detoxification enzymes including glutathione synthase, heme-oxygenase and catalase. Sulforaphanes promote the body’s natural enzyme antioxidant defense systems and function as a powerful indirect antioxidant. Sulphoraphanes work to support gene transcription, which is the process by which genetic information is copied from DNA to RNA, resulting in a specific protein formation. Conclusively, sulphoraphanes work to support the body’s natural defense systems and to maintain elevated levels of glutathione.

Glutathione is the master antioxidant of the body. It is an important chemical that acts as a powerful antioxidant to preserve and protect the brain and other body tissues by protecting them from the damage of free radicals. It also acts to recycle vitamin C and E, which also reduce free radicals. Since glutathione cannot be absorbed intact orally due to gastrointestinal degradation, sulphoraphane supplementation may be the most effective way to increase endogenous glutathione concentration.Selenium (Selenomethionine): 100 mcgSelenium is a required cofactor for selenoproteins such as glutathione peroxidase. Selenomethionine is incorporated directly into proteins because selenomethionine cannot be distinguished from methionine during the translation of mRNA into protein. This serves as a storage form of selenium and is liberated upon protein catabolism. Selenium accumulates in the prostate, promoting the health of the prostate. Selenium supports immune function by promoting normal growth and development of T helper cells.

Scientific Studies Which Support Curcumin Extreme™:

• Araujo, C. and Leon, L. Biological activities of Curcuma longa L. Memorias do Instituto Oswaldo Cruz. 96(5): 723-728, 2001.
• Bhattacharyya, S., et al. Curcumin prevents tumor-induced T cell apoptosis through Stat-5a-mediated Bcl-2 induction. Journal of Biological Chemistry. 282(22): 15954-15964.
• Biswas, S., et al. Curcumin induces glutathione biosynthesis and inhibits NF-kappaB activation and interleukin-8 release in alveolar epithelial cells: mechanism of free radical scavenging activity. Antioxidants and Redox Signaling. 7(1-2): 32-41, 2005.
• Cheng, Y., et al. Effects of curcumin on peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma expression and nuclear translocation/redistribution in culture-activated rat hepatic stellate cells. Chinese Medical Journal. 120(9): 794-801, 2007.
• Churchill, M., et al. Inhibition of intestinal tumors by curcumin is associated with changes in the intestinal immune cell profile. Journal of Surgical Research. 89(2): 169-175, 2000.
• Cornblatt, B., et al. Preclinical and clinical evaluation of sulforaphane for chemoprevention in the breast. 28(7): 1485-1490, 2007.
• Dairam, A., et al. Curcuminoids, curcumin, and demethoxycurcumin reduce lead-induced memory deficits in male Wistar rats. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 55(3): 1039-1044, 2007.
• Dickinson, D., et al. Curcumin alters EpRE and AP-1 binding complexes and elevates glutamate-cysteine ligase gene expression. FASEB. 17(3): 473-475, 2003.
• Fahey, J., et al. Sulforaphane inhibits extracellular, intracellular, and antibiotic-resistant strains of Helicobacter pylori and prevents benzo[a]pyrene-induced stomach tumors. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America. 99(11): 7610-7615, 2002.
• Farombi, E., et al. Curcumin attenuates dimethylnitrosamine-induced liver injury in rats through Nrf2-mediated induction of heme oxygenase-1. Food and Chemical Toxicology. 46(4): 1279-1287, 2008.
• Funk, J., et al. Turmeric extracts containing curcuminoids prevent experimental rheumatoid arthritis. Journal of Natural Products. 69(3): 351-355, 2006.
• Gao, X. and Talalay, P. Induction of phase 2 genes by sulforaphane protects retinal pigment epithelial cells against photooxidative damage. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America. 101(28): 10446-10451, 2004.
• Garcia-Alloza, M., et al. Curcumin labels amyloid pathology in vivo, disrupts existing plaques, and partially restores distorted neurites in an Alzheimer mouse model. Journal of Neurochemistry. 102(4): 1095-1104, 2007.
• Higdon, J., et al. Cruciferous vegetables and human cancer risk: epidemiologic evidence and mechanistic basis. Pharmacological Research. 55(3): 224-236, 2007.
• Howells, L., et al. Comparison of oxaliplatin- and curcumin-mediated antiproliferative effects in colorectal cell lines. International Journal of Cancer. 121(1): 175-183, 2007.
• Jagetia, G. and Aggarwal, B. "Spicing up" of the immune system by curcumin. Journal of Clinical Immunology. 27(1): 19-35, 2007.
• Johnson, J., et al. Curcumin for chemoprevention of colon cancer. Cancer Letters. 255(2): 170-181, 2007.
• Juge, N., et al. Molecular basis for chemoprevention by sulforaphane: a comprehensive review. Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences. 64(9): 1105-1127, 2007.
• Kaur, G., et al. Inhibition of oxidative stress and cytokine activity by curcumin in amelioration of endotoxin-induced experimental hepatoxicity in rodents. Clinical and Experimental Immunology. 145(2): 313-321, 2006.
• Kim, G., et al. Curcumin inhibits immunostimulatory function of dendritic cells: MAPKs and translocation of NF-kappa B as potential targets. Journal of Immunology. 174(12): 8116-8124, 2005.
• Kurup, V., et al. Immune response modulation by curcumin in a latex allergy model. Clinical and Molecular Allergy. 5: 1, 2007.
• Lim, G., et al. The curry spice curcumin reduces oxidative damage and amyloid pathology in an Alzheimer transgenic mouse. Journal of Neuroscience. 21(21): 8370-8377, 2001.
• Lin, J. Molecular targets of curcumin. Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology. 595: 227-243, 2007.
• Magalska, A., et al. Curcumin induces cell death without oligonucleosomal DNA fragmentation in quiescent and proliferating human CD8+ cells. Acta Biochimica Polonica. 53(3): 531-538, 2006.
• Maheshwari, R., et al. Multiple biological activities of curcumin: a short review. Life Sciences. 78(18): 2081-2087, 2006.
• Mathuria, N. and Verma, R. Ameliorative effect of curcumin on aflatoxin-induced toxicity in DNA, RNA and protein in liver and kidney of mice. Acta Poloniae Pharmaceutica. 64(6): 497-502, 2007.
• Monograph. Curcuma longa (turmeric). Alternative Medicine Review. 6(suppl): S62-S66, 2001.
• Morimitsu, Y., et al. A sulforaphane analogue that potently activates the Nrf2-dependent detoxification pathway. Journal of Biological Chemistry. 277(5): 3456-3463, 2002.
• Myzak, M. and Dashwood, R. Chemoprotection by sulforaphane: keep one eye beyond Keap1. Cancer Letters. 233(2): 208-218, 2006.
• Myzak, M., et al. Sulforaphane inhibits histone deacetylase in vivo and suppresses tumorigenesis in Apc-minus mice. FASEB. 20(3): 506-508, 2006.
• Naik, R., et al. Protection of liver cells from ethanol cytotoxicity by curcumin in liver slice culture in vitro. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 95(1): 31-37, 2004.
• Nanji, A., et al. Curcumin prevents alcohol-induced liver disease in rats by inhibiting the expression of NF-kappa B-dependent genes. American Journal of Physiology. 284(2): G321-G327, 2003.
• Ng, T., et al. Curry consumption and cognitive function in the elderly. American Journal of Epidemiology. 164(9): 898-906, 2006.
• Nishinaka, T., et al. Curcumin activates human glutathione S-transferase P1 expression through antioxidant response element. Toxicology Letters. 170(3): 238-247, 2007.
• Noyan-Ashraf, M., et al. Dietary approach to decrease aging-related CNS inflammation. Nutritional Neuroscience. 8(2): 101-110, 2005.
• O’Connell, M. and Rushworth, S. Curcumin: potential for hepatic fibrosis therapy? British Journal of Pharmacology. 153(3): 403-405, 2007.
• Osawa, T. Nephroprotective and hepatoprotective effects of curcuminoids. Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology. 595: 407-423, 2007.
• Pal, S., et al. Amelioration of immune cell number depletion and potentiation of depressed detoxification system of tumor-bearing mice by curcumin. Cancer Detection and Prevention. 29(5): 470-478, 2005.
• Pari, L. and Amali, D. Protective role of tetrahydrocurcumin (THC) an active principle of turmeric on chloroquine induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. 8(1): 115-123, 2005.
• Perkins, S., et al. Chemopreventive efficacy and pharmacokinetics of curcumin in the min/+ mouse, a model of familial adenomatous polyposis. Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers, and Prevention. 11(6): 535-540, 2002.
• Rushworth, S., et al. Role of protein kinase C delta in curcumin-induced antioxidant response element-mediated gene expression in human monocytes. Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications. 341(4): 1007-1016, 2006.
• Salvioli, S., et al. Curcumin in cell death processes: A challenge for CAM of age-related pathologies. Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 4(2): 181-190, 2007.
• Scapagnini, G., et al. Curcumin activates defensive genes and protects neurons against oxidative stress. Antioxidants and Redox Signaling. 8(3-4): 395-403, 2006.
• Shen, G., et al. Modulation of nuclear factor E2-related factor 2-mediated gene expression in mice liver and small intestine by cancer chemopreventive agent curcumin. Molecular and Cancer Therapeutics. 5(1): 39-51, 2006.
• Shen, S., et al. Protective effect of curcumin against liver warm ischemia/reperfusion injury in rat model is associated with regulation of heat shock protein and antioxidant enzymes. World Journal of Gastroenterology. 13(13): 1953-1961, 2007.
• Shishodia, S., et al. Curcumin: getting back to the roots. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences. 1056: 206-217, 2005.
• Shu, J., et al. The study of therapeutic effects of curcumin on hepatic fibrosis and variation of correlated cytokine. Journal of Chinese Medicinal Materials. 30(11): 1421-1425, 2007.
• Shu, J., et al. Therapeutic effects of curcumin treatment on hepatic fibrosis. Chinese Journal of Hepatology. 15(10): 753-757, 2007.
• Shukla, P., et al. Protective effect of curcumin against lead neurotoxicity in rat. Human and Experimental Toxicology. 22(12): 653-658, 2003.
• Smith, T., et al. Allyl-isothiocyanate causes mitotic block, loss of cell adhesion and disrupted cytoskeletal structure in HT29 cells. Carcinogenesis. 25(8): 1409-1415, 2004.
• Srinivasan, M., et al. Protective effect of curcumin on gamma-radiation induced DNA damage and lipid peroxidation in cultured human lymphocytes. Mutation Research. 611(1-2): 96-103, 2006.
• Tang, L., et al. Potent activation of mitochondria-mediated apoptosis and arrest in S and M phases of cancer cells by a broccoli sprout extract. Molecular Cancer Therapeutics. 5(4): 935-944, 2006.
• Thangapazham, R., et al. Multiple molecular targets in cancer chemoprevention by curcumin. AAPS Journal. 8(3): E443-E449, 2006.
• Thejass, P. and Kuttan, G. Antimetastatic activity of Sulforaphane. Life Sciences. 78(26): 3043-3050, 2006.
• Thejass, P. and Kuttan, G. Augmentation of natural killer cell and antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity in BALB/c mice by sulforaphane, a naturally occurring isothiocyanate from broccoli through enhanced production of cytokines IL-2 and IFN-gamma. Immunopharmacology and Immunotoxicology. 28(3): 443-457, 2006.
• Thejass, P. and Kuttan, G. Immunomodulatory activity of Sulforaphane, a naturally occurring isothiocyanate from broccoli (Brassica oleracea). Phytomedicine. 14(7-8): 538-545, 2007.
• Wakabayashi, N., et al. Protection against electrophile and oxidant stress by induction of the phase 2 response: fate of cysteines of the Keap1 sensor modified by inducers. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America. 101(7): 2040-2045, 2004.
• Wei, Q., et al. Inhibition of lipid peroxidation and protein oxidation in rat liver mitochondria by curcumin and its analogues. Biochimica et Biophysica Acta. 1760(1): 70-77, 2006.
• Wu, A., et al. Dietary curcumin counteracts the outcome of traumatic brain injury on oxidative stress, synaptic plasticity, and cognition. 197(2): 309-317, 2006.
• Xu, Y., et al. Curcumin reverses the effects of chronic stress on behavior, the HPA axis, BDNF expression and phosphorylation of CREB. Brain Research. 1122(1): 56-64, 2006.
• Yadav, V., et al. Immunomodulatory effects of curcumin. Immunopharmacology and Immunotoxicology. 27(3): 485-497, 2005.
• Yang, F., et al. Curcumin inhibits formation of amyloid beta oligomers and fibrils, binds plaques, and reduces amyloid in vivo. Journal of Biological Chemistry. 280(7): 5892-5901, 2005.
• Ye, S., et al. Effect of curcumin on the induction of glutathione S-transferases and NADP(H):quinone oxidoreductase and its possible mechanism of action. Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica. 42(4): 376-380, 2007.
• Zhang, L., et al. Curcuminoids enhance amyloid-beta uptake by macrophages of Alzheimer's disease patients. Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease. 10(1): 1-7, 2006.
• Zheng, S. and Chen, A. Curcumin suppresses the expression of extracellular matrix genes in activated hepatic stellate cells by inhibiting gene expression of connective tissue growth factor. American Journal of Physiology. 290(5): G883-G893, 2006.
• Zheng, S. and Chen, A. Disruption of transforming growth factor-beta signaling by curcumin induces gene expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma in rat hepatic stellate cells. American Journal of Physiology. 292(1): G113-G123, 2007.
• Zheng, S., et al. De novo synthesis of glutathione is a prerequisite for curcumin to inhibit hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation. Free Radical Biology and Medicine. 43(3): 444-453, 2007.

What Makes Curcumin Extreme™ Unique?

There are many curcumin products on the market, but Curcumin Extreme™ with BCM-95® has superior bioavailability and absorption. BCM-95 contains the natural spectrum of the turmeric rhizome and is 100 percent natural. Curcumin Extreme promotes liver detoxification, promotes healthy glutathione levels and normal cellular regeneration. Taking Curcumin Extreme every day can help detoxify impurities in your body that build up over time.*

Curcumin Extreme also includes 167mg of broccoli seed extract, a powerful source of sulphoraphane glucosinolates. Sulforaphanes support the normal production of Phase II liver detoxification enzymes, including glutathione synthase, heme-oxygenase and catalase. Sulforaphanes also support gene transcription, the process by which genetic information is copied from DNA to RNA. They also support the body’s natural defense systems. Glutathione is the master antioxidant in the human body, which serves to preserve and protect the brain and other body tissues by protecting them from the damage of free radicals. Furthermore, glutathione recycles vitamins C and E, which are also powerful antioxidants.*

Frequently Asked Questions About Curcumin Extreme™:

What is Curcumin?

Curcumin is present in the spice turmeric, frequently used in Indian food. Its chemical makeup is responsible for the yellow coloring of turmeric and is often used specifically to give color to foods. However, it may serve a more important purpose to humans.

Are any side effects associated with Curcumin Extreme™?

Side effects are uncommon and are generally limited to mild stomach distress.

What are the potential advantages of taking curcumin?

Curcumin supports liver detoxification activity, promotes normal cellular regeneration and helps maintain healthy glutathione levels. It also supports the body’s natural ability to produce detoxification enzymes and has been shown to be a powerful antioxidant. It promotes neurological health and helps to maintain neurological health as we age. It can also promote free radical protection and a strong immune system.*

Are there any warnings associated with taking Curcumin Extreme?

If you are currently taking warfarin (Coumadin) or other anti-platelet/anti-coagulate, you should not take this product. If you are taking any other prescription drugs or have an ongoing medical condition, you should consult your physician before using this product. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not take this product.

Who should take Curcumin Extreme?

Anyone 18 or over can take Curcumin Extreme, especially those who want to support their normal liver detoxification activity, help maintain their healthy glutathione levels, promote their neurological health and those who want to promote a strong immune system.

What other Market America products work well with Curcumin Extreme?

Curcumin Extreme can be taken in conjunction with Glucosatrin® to support normal COX-2 levels and promote joint comfort. It can also be taken with Cognitin™ to promote normal immune cell-brain (neuron) interactions in order to maintain cognitive health and also to promote neurological health.

Can I take OPC-3® with Curcumin Extreme?

Yes, as long as the directions for use are followed for each product.

I am considering purchasing Curcumin Extreme because of some of the positive effects that I have read about. Should I refrain from taking my medications while taking curcumin or can I take both?If you are taking any prescription drugs or have an ongoing medical condition, you should consult your physician before using this product. Your physician can properly advise you about the best course of action regarding your prescription medications.

What is the recommended daily serving for Curcumin Extreme?

Take 1 capsule per day with or without a meal.

Are there any human clinical trials done with Curcumin?

There have been clinical trials performed with curcumin in patients with different diseases. These are mostly pilot studies that are “proof of concept” type. More than 10 trials are now in progress in the United States and other countries.

What is the purpose of the Broccoli Seed Extract contained in this product?

It promotes the liver detoxification activity, and it works to support the body’s natural defense systems and to sustain elevated levels of glutathione.

Can men and women take this product?

Yes. However, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not take this product.

Does Curcumin Extreme contain any allergens?

No, the product is free from any allergens such as soy, wheat, gluten or dairy.

When should I start to see/feel the effects of this product? What should I expect?The antioxidant benefits of Curcumin should be noticeable in about four to six weeks. Please remember that everyone’s body is different, so for some it may take longer to notice the benefits of Curcumin. You should expect to feel better and healthier overall.*

These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease