Curcumin Background

Curcumin, the primary bioactive component of turmeric, has a rich history dating back thousands of years in traditional medicine[1].

Its scientific discovery began in 1815 when Vogel and Pelletier isolated a "yellow colouring-matter" from turmeric rhizomes[1].

The chemical structure of curcumin was identified in 1910 by Milobedzka and Lampe as diferuloylmethane[1][5].

Since its discovery, curcumin has been the subject of extensive research, revealing its potential in treating approximately 80 diseases[1].

Curcumin Systemic Applications

Curcumin demonstrates remarkable versatility in systemic applications, ranging from cancer prevention to cardiovascular health[2].

It has shown efficacy in ameliorating cancer insurgences, diabetes mellitus, cardiac complications, and oxidative stress-mediated malfunctions[2].

Curcumin's anti-inflammatory properties make it useful in treating various inflammatory processes, including chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD)[2].

Its ability to regulate immunity, inhibit inflammation, and scavenge free radicals contributes to its wide-ranging therapeutic potential[2].

Curcumin for Brain and Cognition

Curcumin has shown promising effects on cognitive function, particularly as a natural neuroprotective agent[3].

Studies suggest that curcumin contributes to cognitive longevity and may be beneficial in treating several neuronal diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and depression[3].

A UCLA study found that people taking curcumin improved by 28 percent in memory tests over 18 months, with mild improvements in mood and significant reductions in amyloid and tau signals in brain regions controlling memory and emotional functions[3].

Curcumin for Eye and Vision

Curcumin has demonstrated significant benefits for eye health, particularly in preventing and managing dry eye disease (DED) and age-related macular degeneration (AMD)[4].

It helps restore the balance of the ocular surface by diminishing reactive oxygen species, suppressing inflammatory mediators, and enhancing neurotrophic factors[4].

Curcumin's anti-angiogenic activity has been shown to reduce the proliferation of endothelial cells, their migration, and the formation of new capillaries in vitro, which is particularly relevant for wet AMD[4].

Relevant quotes:

"These results suggest that taking this relatively safe form of curcumin could provide meaningful cognitive benefits over the years." - Dr. Gary Small, UCLA Longevity Center[11]

"Curcumin is a kind of natural carotenoid that could achieve antioxidant, anti-cancer, lipid-lowering and immune-improving effects." - Frontiers in Veterinary Science[4]

Relevant NCBI article quotes:

"Curcumin has been found to be efficient in ameliorating cancer insurgences, diabetes mellitus, cardiac complications, oxidative stress-mediated malfunctions." - From "Lycopene as a Natural Antioxidant Used to Prevent Human Health Disorders" (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7464847/)[2]

"The historic background of the Curcuma species begins in Far Eastern medicine and dates back 5,000 (Ayurveda) and 2,000 (Atharveda) years ago, respectively." - From "Turmeric and Its Major Compound Curcumin on Health: Bioactive Effects and Safety Profiles for Food, Pharmaceutical, Biotechnological and Medicinal Applications" (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7522354/)[5]

Functions supported or stimulated:

1. Antioxidant activity[2]

2. Anti-inflammatory effects[2]

3. Immune system modulation[2]

4. Neuroprotection[3]

5. Anti-angiogenic activity[4]

Related benefits:

1. Improved cognitive function and memory[3]

2. Potential treatment for neurodegenerative diseases[3]

3. Enhanced eye health, particularly for dry eye disease and AMD[4]

4. Cancer prevention and treatment[2]

5. Cardiovascular health improvement[2]

Suggested daily human dosage ranges:

90 milligrams of curcumin twice daily[11]

Source Information:

Botanical name: Curcuma longa[1]

Typical content range: Not provided in the search results

Common names:

1. Turmeric[11]

2. Golden spice[1]

3. Curcuma longa[2]

Citations:

[1] https://biomer.com/template/images/biomer/pdfs/good-the-golden-spice.pdf

[2] https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/immunology/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2022.896476/full

[3] https://newsroom.ucla.edu/releases/curcumin-improves-memory-and-mood-new-ucla-study-says

[4] https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/ophthalmology/articles/10.3389/fopht.2023.1236525/full

[5] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7522354/

[6] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23116310/

[7] https://www.xiahepublishing.com/2472-0712/ERHM-2018-00024

[8] https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2017.00066/full

[9] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Curcumin

[10] https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8247/17/12/1674

[11] https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320732

[12] https://www.enhancedvision.com/low-vision-info/curcumins-anti-oxidant-anti-inflammatory-and-anti-vegf-benefits.html