www.perpetualcommotion.com
"Give with a free hand, but give only your own."
-- J.R.R. Tolkien The
Children of Hurin
- Curcumin -
Lots of
good info about curcumin here:
********************************************************************************************
Curcumin (Turmeric extract,
diferuloylmethane)
- is a major active component of the food
flavoring turmeric (Curcuma longa)
See also Curcumin, Copper, Vitamin
D
[Need more info-- Read in
Reader's Digest-- villages in India where there is a low incidence
of AD. Could be a genetic thing, like the villages in Italy
where heart disease is rare.]
Some observations on the spectrum of
dementia
Neurology India, Year: 2004 Volume: 52 Issue: 2 Page:
213-214
Sanjeev Jha, R Patel
Department of Neurology, SGPGIMS, Lucknow, India
A study was
designed to generate epidemiological and clinical data on
dementia, in a teaching hospital in India. It was conducted on 124
(94 male and 30 female) elderly patients (aged more than 60 years)
presenting with clinical syndrome of dementia (DSM-3). Their age
range was 64-78 (mean 65.7 4.1) years. Detailed clinical,
biochemical, radiological and electrophysiological evaluation was
done to establish etiology. Patients with psychiatric ailments,
cranial trauma and tumors were excluded. The study period was 4.2
years. Multi-infarct dementia (MID) was observed to be commonest
cause of dementia and was present in 59 (47.6%) cases. There were
10 (8%) patients each of tuberculosis (TB) and neurocysticercosis
(NCC). Alcohol-related dementia was present in 13 (10.5%), while
malnutrition (Vitamin B12 deficiency) was present in 9 (7.2%).
Alzheimer's Disease (AD) was present (NINCDS-ADRDA criteria) in 6
patients (4.8%). There were 3 (2.4%) cases 1 each of Huntington's
disease, Parkinson's and Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus and 2 each
of diabetes, hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism and Creutzfeldt'
Jakob Disease. We conclude that AD, which is irreversible and
common in the west, is relatively uncommon in India as compared to
MID, infections and malnutrition, which are potentially treatable.
http://www.neurologyindia.com/article.asp?issn=0028-3886;year=2004;volume=52;issue=2;spage=213;epage=214;aulast=Jha
A report in the Journal of
Biological Chemistry, February 18, 2005 uses the phrase
"disaggregated" amyloid-β fibrils. Does this mean it
disolved amyloid-β?
From Wikipedia: Little
curcumin is absorbed. Co-supplementation with 20mg piperine
(extract of black pepper, a.k.a. Bioperine) increased absorption
by 2000%. However, peperine can interfere with the
metabolism of other drugs, and should be taken with caution, if at
all. I'm leaning toward not using peperine.
Curcumin is also a potent iron
and copper chelator.
In a study using mice, low-dose
curcumin was found to enhance adult
hippocampal neurogenesis.
See, Curcumin stimulates
proliferation of embryonic neural progenitor cells and
neurogenesis in the adult hippocampus. High dose
levels were found to be "cytotoxic": "Curcumin exerted biphasic
effects on cultured NPC - low concentrations stimulated cell
proliferation, whereas high concentrations were cytotoxic."
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18362141?dopt=Abstract
There are anectdotal reports
that 500mg of curcumin twice per day will "normalize" high blood
pressure. Those who are on blood pressure medications for
high blood pressure should be aware of the possibility of
overmedication should this effect of curcumin develop.
Effect on TNF-Alpha:
I know that curcumin is used as
an anti-inflammatory agent, so I searched Google on curcumin and
TNF. I found research papers saying that curcumin inhibited TNF,
and some that said that it "sensitized" cancer cells to TNF (which
I guess is a good thing). Here's an example:
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6T4P-3YVDRW0-6P&_user=10&_rdoc=1&_fmt=&_orig=search&_sort=d&view=c&_acct=C000050221&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=10&md5=7a734d2000776a9f4ca641b1bd4aae02
********************************************************************************************
Feline
Lymphoma
Back in May of this year (2010), our little 16 year old Siamese
kitty started having trouble breathing. It was quite
apparent that whatever her problem was, it was in her nose.
After a couple of expensive trips to the vet and a specialist, a
biopsy of a mass in her sinus cavity above the soft palate was
positive for T-cell lymphoma. We immediately started giving
her the steroid prednisolone. I also remembered reading that
curcumin was being investigated for combating human cancers.
A quick check of the Internet revealed that it is also being
investigated for treating feline cancers. We started giving
our kitty 500mg of Jarrow brand curcumin (turmeric extract)
divided into three doses. At the point we started all of
this, she wasn't eating. All we could do is get her to drink
a few teaspoons of Wiskas' kitty milk. It took a while, but
her appetite has returned. She's gained back all the weight
she lost, and then some. We don't know how long it will
last, but as of this date, August 22, 2010, she's doing
fine. Since we didn't even expect her to make it to July 4,
this has indeed been a pleasant surprise. We also don't know if
her apparent remission is due to the curcumin, the steroid, or a
combination of both. I think it is the latter.
Here is some more info on feline lymphoma...
Lymphoma in Cats
http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&A=1446
Curcumin for Cats
http://margaret.healthblogs.org/2007/10/11/curcumin-for-cats/
Intestinal Cancer and Curcumin for Dogs
http://www.dogcancerblog.com/intestinal-cancer-and-curcumin-for-dogs/
Spice derivative could prove useful in feline cancer therapy
http://veterinarynews.dvm360.com/dvm/Feline+Center/Spice-derivative-could-prove-useful-in-feline-canc/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/622362
Status update:
October 9, 2010 The cat is still doing fine. She seems to be
healthier than she has for the past couple of years. She has
gained weight. She used to have coughing spells.
That's pretty much stopped. Also, she had been throwing up
quite often for the past several years. She hasn't been
doing this since the lymphoma symptoms subsided.
Status update: December
10, 2010 The cat is still doing fine. We took her off of the
steroid prednisolone for a while. She started
having "coughing" fits again, and threw up a couple of
times. Since we put her back on it, this cleared up.
We're still giving her 500mg of curcumin in her food, divided in
three parts throughout the day.
Status update:
February 26, 2011 The cat is still doing fine on the
prednisolone & curcumin regimen. She still has a fast
heartbeat and probably poor kidney function, but the lymphoma
still has not returned. If she makes it to May, it will
have been 1 year since diagnosis. If I remember correctly,
treating feline lymphoma with steroids (like prednisolone) alone,
expected survival time is only several weeks. If she makes
it to July, she will be 17. That's a ripe old age for a
Saimese.
Status update: March
26, 2011 We took the cat to the vet today because she hasn't been
eating as much as she should. The vet thinks that her kidney
function has gotten worse. Don't know what to do about
that. However, there isn't any obvious sign of a return of
the lymphoma. We'll get results of blood work next week.
Status update: April
9, 2011 The test results from the vet are that her kidney function
is not worse than it was a year ago, but not good. No
obvious sign of lymphoma returning, so we are treating her for
renal falure. Standard therapy is injections of 100ml of
saline solution once a week. This seems to really perk her
up and she starts eating again. So, as far as the curcumin
goes, I think it is a success. Now I need to find out what
to do to help with the kidney function.
Status update:
August 1, 2011 Still going. Kidney problems are getting
worse, but still managable. We have to give her fluid
injections (~150ml under the skin) every week. We've cut
back on both the prednisolone curcumin. Prednisolone every
other day, and about 250mg of curcumin in her food per day. From
what I've read, we should only have expected 6 to 8 months with
using prednisolone alone. Combination chemotherapies
are expected to give maybe 20 months. So, even if this works
as well as those much more expensive options, we will be doing
good.
Last Update: The
kitty passed away May 19, 2012 of age-related kidney
failure. She was 17 years, 10 months old. Pure-bred
siamese cats typically live to 14. The vet told us,"Some kitties
just try to outlive their kidneys". The curcumin and
prednisolone kept her with us for two years past the diagnosis of
lymphoma. There was no sign of a relapse. We stopped the curcumin
and prednisolone in the fall of 2011.
********************************************************************************************
Multiple Myeloma
http://margaret.healthblogs.org/life-with-myeloma/discovery-of-curcumin/my-curcumin-protocol/
********************************************************************************************
HSV-1 (Herpes Simplex
Virus, Cold Sore Virus)
Curcumin
inhibits
herpes simplex virus immediate-early gene expression by a
mechanism independent of p300/CBP histone acetyltransferase
activity.
Virology.
2008 Apr 10;373(2):239-47. Epub 2008 Jan 14.
Kutluay
SB, Doroghazi J, Roemer ME, Triezenberg SJ.
Graduate
Program in Cell and Molecular Biology, Michigan State
University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA.
Abstract
Curcumin,
a phenolic compound from the curry spice turmeric, exhibits a
wide range of activities in eukaryotic cells, including
antiviral effects that are at present incompletely
characterized. Curcumin is known to inhibit the histone
acetyltransferase activity of the transcriptional coactivator
proteins p300 and CBP, which are recruited to the immediate
early (IE) gene promoters of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1)
by the viral transactivator protein VP16. We tested the
hypothesis that curcumin, by inhibiting these coactivators,
would block viral infection and gene expression. In cell culture
assays, curcumin significantly decreased HSV-1 infectivity and
IE gene expression. Entry of viral DNA to the host cell nucleus
and binding of VP16 to IE gene promoters was not affected by
curcumin, but recruitment of RNA polymerase II to those
promoters was significantly diminished. However, these effects
were observed using lower curcumin concentrations than those
required to substantially inhibit global H3 acetylation. No
changes were observed in histone H3 occupancy or acetylation at
viral IE gene promoters. Furthermore, p300 and CBP recruitment
to IE gene promoters was not affected by the presence of
curcumin. Finally, disruption of p300 expression using a short
hairpin RNA did not affect viral IE gene expression. These
results suggest that curcumin affects VP16-mediated recruitment
of RNA polymerase II to IE gene promoters by a mechanism
independent of p300/CBP histone acetyltransferase activity.
PMID:
18191976 [PubMed]
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18191976
Free
full Text: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2668156/?tool=pubmed
********************************************************************************************
Brain
Injury/Stroke
Compound
Derived from Curry Spice Is Neuroprotective Against Stroke and
Traumatic Brain Injury
ScienceDaily
(Dec.
15, 2010) — A synthetic derivative of the curry spice turmeric,
made by scientists at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies,
dramatically improves the behavioral and molecular deficits seen
in animal models of ischemic stroke and traumatic brain injury
(TBI)... One compound, called CNB-001, which was derived from
curcumin, the active ingredient in the spice turmeric, proved
highly neuroprotective in all of the assays; it also enhanced
memory in normal animals...
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/12/101215092254.htm
New Hybrid Drug, Derived from
Common Spice, May Protect, Rebuild Brain Cells After Stroke
Released: 2/8/2011 8:00 AM EST
Source: Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
....The scientists created a new molecule from curcumin, a
chemical component of the golden-colored spice turmeric, and
found in laboratory experiments that it affects mechanisms that
protect and help regenerate brain cells after stroke. Research
scientist Paul A. Lapchak, Ph.D., director of Translational
Research in the Department of Neurology at Cedars-Sinai Medical
Center, [presented] these findings at the American Heart
Association International Stroke Conference in Los Angeles on
Wednesday, Feb. 9... The new curcumin-hybrid
compound—CNB-001—does not attack clots but instead repairs
stroke damage at the molecular level that feed and support the
all-important brain cells, neurons...
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/573199/
********************************************************************************************
References:
Turmeric-Based Drug Effective On
Alzheimer Flies
ScienceDaily (Feb. 14, 2012) — Curcumin, a substance extracted
from turmeric, prolongs life and enhances activity of fruit
flies with a nervous disorder similar to Alzheimers, according
to new research. The study conducted at Linköping University,
indicates that it is the initial stages of fibril formation and
fragments of the amyloid fibrils that are most toxic to
neurons...
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120214100554.htm
Curcumin Promotes A-beta
Fibrillation and Reduces Neurotoxicity in Transgenic
Drosophila.
Ina Caesar, Maria Jonson, K. Peter R. Nilsson, Stefan Thor, Per
Hammarström
PLoS ONE, 2012; 7 (2): e31424 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0031424
http://www.plosone.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0031424
Scientists ID possible biomarker
to gauge Alzheimer's prognosis, effect of therapies
University of California - Los Angeles
17-Mar-2011
...They incubated the immune cells overnight with amyloid beta
to test the cells' ability to "turn on" MGAT3. They also added a
synthetic form of curcumin to some of the cells to gauge the
effect it had on MGAT3 expression and the absorption of amyloid
beta.
Based on the results, the researchers identified three groups of
Alzheimer's patients.
Type 0 patients: This group had very low expression of MGAT3 and
very low absorption rates of amyloid beta.
Type I patients: This group also had low expression of MGAT3 and
low amyloid beta absorption rates, but the strength of the MGAT3
message and the absorption of amyloid beta increased when
researchers stimulated the macrophages with synthetic curcumin.
Type II patients: This group initially had high amyloid beta
absorption rates, but when scientists added synthetic curcumin,
MGAT3 expression lessened and absorption was reduced.
In addition, researchers found that for Type I and Type II
patients, the clearing of amyloid beta was dependent on vitamin
D3, a type of vitamin D that occurs naturally in these cells.
When they blocked vitamin D3 use by the macrophages in the
laboratory, they found that absorption of amyloid beta suffered.
"These findings demonstrate three very different levels of
immunity and possible reactions to natural therapies of vitamin
D3 and curcumin," Fiala said. "These differences could point to
a new way to track the progression of Alzheimer's disease and
the effectiveness of these natural therapies based on an
individual patient's immunity."
Fourteen of the 20 Alzheimer's disease patients have been
followed for two years, and researchers noted that those who
were Type 0 had a worse two-year prognosis regarding the loss of
their ability to live independently than the other two types of
patients... During the study, researchers also noted that one
Type II patient who underwent hip surgery experienced temporary
cognitive dysfunction related to the general surgery anesthesia,
which is a phenomenon that can occur. Researchers checked the
patient's MGAT3 immunity and found that the patient's ability to
clear amyloid beta had declined after surgery but improved in
later months, along with cognitive function, possibly due to the
vitamin D3 supplementation the patient had undertaken...
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2011-03/uoc--sip031711.php
Common Yellow Lab Dye Profoundly
Extends Lifespan in Healthy Nematodes, and Slows Alzheimer's
Disease-Like Pathology in Worms
ScienceDaily (Mar. 30, 2011) — Basic Yellow 1, a dye used in
neuroscience laboratories around the world to detect damaged
protein in Alzheimer's disease, is a wonder drug for nematode
worms. In a study appearing in Nature, the dye, also known as
Thioflavin T (ThT)... Alavez said curcumin, the active ingredient in the popular
Indian spice turmeric, also had a significant positive impact on
both healthy worms and those bred to express a gene associated
with Alzheimer's. "People have been making claims about the
health benefits of curcumin for many years. Maybe slowing aging
is part of its mechanism of action,"...
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110330131258.htm
Reference:
Silvestre Alavez, Maithili C. Vantipalli, David J. S. Zucker,
Ida M. Klang, Gordon J. Lithgow. Amyloid-binding compounds maintain protein
homeostasis during ageing and extend lifespan. Nature,
2011
Evaluation of local
drug-delivery system containing 2% whole turmeric gel used
as an adjunct to scaling and root planing in chronic
periodontitis: A clinical and microbiological study.
J Indian Soc Periodontol. 2011 Jan;15(1):35-8.
Behal R, Mali AM, Gilda SS, Paradkar AR.
SourceDepartment of Periodontology, Bharati Vidyapeeth Dental
College and Hospital, Pune, Maharashtra, India.
Abstract
AIM: To compare the effect of experimental local-drug delivery
system containing 2% whole turmeric (gel form) as an adjunct
to scaling and root planing (SRP) with the effect achieved
using SRP alone by assessing their respective effects on
plaque, gingival inflammation, bleeding on probing pocket
depth, relative attachment levels and trypsin-like enzyme
activity of "red complex" microorganisms, namely, Bacteroides
forsythus, Porphvromonas gingivalis and Treponema denticola.
MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty subjects with chronic localized
or generalized periodontitis with pocket depth of 5 to 7 mm
were selected in a split-mouth study design. Control sites
received SRP alone, while experimental sites received SRP plus
experimental material (2% whole turmeric gel). Plaque index
(PI), gingival index (GI), sulcus bleeding index (SBI),
probing pocket depth (PPD), relative attachment loss (RAL),
microbiological study of collected plaque sample for
trypsin-like activity of "red complex" by BAPNA assay were the
parameters recorded on day 0, 30 days and 45 days.
RESULTS: Both groups demonstrated statistically significant
reduction in PI, GI, SBI, PPD; and gain in RAL. Significant
reduction in the trypsin-like enzyme activity of "red complex"
(BAPNA values) was observed for both the groups when compared
to the baseline activity. Greater reduction was seen in all
the parameters in the experimental group in comparison to the
control group.
CONCLUSION: The experimental local drug-delivery system
containing 2% whole turmeric gel can be effectively used as an
adjunct to scaling and root planing and is more effective than
scaling and root planing alone in the treatment of periodontal
pockets.
PMID:21772719[PubMed - in process] PMCID: PMC3134044
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21772719
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3134044/?tool=pubmed
Curcumin Info (Curcumin (diferuloylmethane) is a major active
component of the food flavoring turmeric (Curcuma longa))
Cancer Adjuvant Therapy
- Also mentions curcumin inhibiting TNF-alpha
http://www.lef.org/protocols/prtcl-027c.shtml
Curcumin induces a p53-dependent
apoptosis in human basal cell carcinoma cells.
PMID: 9764849 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9764849
http://www.nature.com/jid/journal/v111/n4/full/5600153a.html
Curcumin for skin cancer...
http://robertrister.com/supplements-curcumin/curcumin-for-skin-cancer/
[ Embrel inhibits TNF-alpha. Some who have the Tobonick
“Perispinal Embrel Injection” procedure respond favorably to it.
Does curcumin do the same thing as Embrel to some degree???]
Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha): Researchers at the University
of Kentucky showed that TNF-alpha acts as a catalyst in
cytokine production, stimulating interleukin-6 (IL-6) and -8
(IL-8) and activating NF-kB (Blanchard et al. 2001).
Curcumin inhibits TNF-alpha, thus blocking TNF-alpha, NF-kB
pathways, and the emergence of pro-inflammatory cytokines (Xu et
al. 1997-1998; Li et al. 2001; Literat et al. 2001). To read
more about proinflammatory cytokines, turn to the protocol
Cancer: Gene Therapies, Stem Cells, Telomeres and Cytokines.
http://www.lef.org/protocols/prtcl-027c.shtml
Curcumin inhibits IL1 alpha
and TNF-alpha induction of AP-1 and NF-kB DNA-binding activity
in bone marrow stromal cells.
Xu YX, Pindolia KR, Janakiraman N, Chapman RA, Gautam SC.
Hematopathol Mol Hematol. 1997-1998;11(1):49-62.
Source: Division of Hematology/Oncology, Henry Ford Hospital,
Detroit, MI 48202, USA.
Abstract
We have previously demonstrated that anti-inflammatory and
antioxidant compound curcumin (diferuloyl-methane) inhibits the
expression of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1/JE) in
bone marrow stromal cells by suppressing the transcriptional
activity of the MCP-1/JE gene. Since both AP-1 (TRE) and NF-kB
(kB) binding motifs are present in the promoter of MCP-1/JE
gene, we examined the effect of curcumin on IL1 alpha- and
TNF-alpha-induced activation of ubiquitous transcription factors
AP-1 and NF-kB by electrophoretic mobility shift assay and
Western blotting. IL1 alpha and TNF-alpha
rapidly induced both AP-1 and NF-kB DNA binding activities in
+/+(-)1.LDA11 stromal cells. However, treatment of these cells
with curcumin blocked the activation of AP-1 and NF-kB by both
cytokines. These data suggest that inhibition of MCP-1/JE
transcription by curcumin involves blocking of AP-1 and NF-kB
activation by IL1 alpha or TNF-alpha.
PMID: 9439980 [PubMed]
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9439980
Curcumin reduces α-synuclein
induced cytotoxicity in Parkinson's disease cell model
Min S Wang1,2, Shanta Boddapati1, Sharareh Emadi1 and Michael R
Sierks1*
* Corresponding author: Michael R Sierks sierks@asu.edu
Author Affiliations
1 Department of Chemical Engineering, Arizona State University,
Tempe, AZ 85287-6006 USA
2 Department of Chemistry, University of Colorado Denver, Denver,
CO 80217-3364 USA
BMC Neuroscience 2010, 11:57 doi:10.1186/1471-2202-11-57
http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2202/11/57
Curcumin reduces alpha-synuclein
induced cytotoxicity in Parkinson's disease cell model.
Wang MS, Boddapati S, Emadi S, Sierks MR.
BMC Neurosci. 2010 Apr 30;11:57.
Source: Department of Chemical Engineering, Arizona State
University, Tempe, AZ 85287-6006, USA.
Abstract
BACKGROUND:
Overexpression and abnormal accumulation of aggregated
alpha-synuclein (alphaS) have been linked to Parkinson's disease
(PD) and other synucleinopathies. alphaS can misfold and adopt a
variety of morphologies but recent studies implicate oligomeric
forms as the most cytotoxic species. Both genetic mutations and
chronic exposure to neurotoxins increase alphaS aggregation and
intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), leading to
mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative damage in PD cell models.
RESULTS:
Here we show that curcumin can alleviate alphaS-induced toxicity,
reduce ROS levels and protect cells against apoptosis. We also
show that both intracellular overexpression of alphaS and
extracellular addition of oligomeric alphaS increase ROS which
induces apoptosis, suggesting that aggregated alphaS may induce
similar toxic effects whether it is generated intra- or
extracellulary.
CONCLUSIONS:
Since curcumin is a natural food pigment that can cross the blood
brain barrier and has widespread medicinal uses, it has potential
therapeutic value for treating PD and other neurodegenerative
disorders.
PMID: 20433710 [PubMed] PMCID: PMC2879277
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20433710
Full text:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2879277/?tool=pubmed
http://www.biomedcentral.com/content/pdf/1471-2202-11-57.pdf
Curcumin
Definitions: Free
Dictionary
Wikipedia
"Curcumin is the principal curcuminoid of the Indian curry spice
turmeric. The curcuminoids are polyphenols and are responsible for
the yellow color of turmeric. Curcumin can exist in at least two
tautomeric forms, keto and enol. The enol form is more
energetically stable in the solid phase and in solution"
"Curcumin is known for its antitumor, antioxidant, anti-amyloid
and anti-inflammatory properties. Anti-inflammatory properties may
be due to inhibition of eicosanoid biosynthesis."
Curcumin Inhibits Formation of
Amyloid {beta} Oligomers and Fibrils, Binds Plaques, and Reduces
Amyloid in Vivo
J. Biol. Chem., Vol. 280, Issue 7, 5892-5901, February 18, 2005
"Alzheimer's disease (AD) involves amyloid {beta} (A{beta})
accumulation, oxidative damage, and inflammation, and risk is
reduced with increased antioxidant and anti-inflammatory
consumption. The phenolic yellow curry pigment curcumin has potent
anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities and can suppress
oxidative damage, inflammation, cognitive deficits, and amyloid
accumulation. Since the molecular structure of curcumin suggested
potential A{beta} binding, we investigated whether its efficacy in
AD models could be explained by effects on A{beta} aggregation...
When fed to aged Tg2576 mice with advanced amyloid accumulation,
curcumin labeled plaques and reduced amyloid levels and plaque
burden. Hence, curcumin directly binds small {beta}-amyloid
species to block aggregation and fibril formation in vitro and in
vivo. These data suggest that low dose curcumin effectively
disaggregates A{beta} as well as prevents fibril and oligomer
formation, supporting the rationale for curcumin use in clinical
trials preventing or treating AD."
http://www.jbc.org/cgi/content/full/280/7/5892
A
Potential Role of the Curry Spice Curcumin in Alzheimer’s
Disease
UCLA Dept. of Neurology, Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center
"There is substantial in-vitro data indicating that curcumin has
antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-amyloid activity. In
addition, studies in animal models of Alzheimer’s disease (AD)
indicate a direct effect of curcumin in decreasing the amyloid
pathology of AD. As the widespread use of curcumin as a food
additive and relatively small short-term studies in humans suggest
safety, curcumin is a promising agent in the treatment and/or
prevention of AD. Nonetheless, important information regarding
curcumin bioavailability, safety and tolerability, particularly in
an elderly population is lacking. We are therefore performing a
study of curcumin in patients with AD to gather this information
in addition to data on the effect of curcumin on biomarkers of AD
pathology."
http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?artid=1702408
also http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/ben/car/2005/00000002/00000002/art00006?token=004b19a063c1a9a3d332b25757d5c4f6d4e227a677e442f20675d3b7646255c23796d7a3144
An Indian Spice for Alzheimer's?
"Researchers here in the United States have been pursuing clues to
the effects of curcumin, a compound found in the spice turmeric
that is responsible for the yellow color of Indian curry and
American mustard. Studies show that elderly villagers in India
appear to have the lowest rate of Alzheimer's disease in the
world. Researchers speculate that curcumin, which has powerful
antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties might play a role,
because Indians eat turmeric with almost every meal."
http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/id/QAA72328
Curcumin, the Curry Spice
Part 2
"The levels of beta-amyloid in AD mice that were given low doses
of curcumin were decreased by around 40% in comparison to those AD
mice that were not treated with curcumin. In addition, low doses
of curcumin also caused a 43% decrease in the so-called "plaque
burden" that these beta-amyloids have on the brains of AD mice.
Surprisingly, those AD mice that received high doses of curcumin
did not show any decreases in beta-amyloid levels or plaque burden
in comparison with untreated mice. While the exact reason for this
finding is not yet clear, the results of it are intriguing: low doses of curcumin were actually
more effective than high doses in combating the
neurodegenerative process of AD."
http://www.stanford.edu/group/hopes/treatmts/curcumin/ai2.html
Curcumin has potent
anti-amyloidogenic effects for Alzheimer's beta-amyloid fibrils
in vitro.
"Inhibition of the accumulation of amyloid beta-peptide (Abeta)
and the formation of beta-amyloid fibrils (fAbeta) from Abeta, as
well as the destabilization of preformed fAbeta in the central
nervous system, would be attractive therapeutic targets for the
treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD). We reported previously that
nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA) and wine-related polyphenols
inhibit fAbeta formation from Abeta(1-40) and Abeta(1-42) and
destabilize preformed fAbeta(1-40) and fAbeta(1-42)
dose-dependently in vitro..."
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=14994335
Spice Protects Brain Cells,
Could Prevent Alzheimer's Disease
"In their study, researchers exposed rat brain cells to various
concentrations of curcumin, then analyzed the cells 24 hours
later. Indeed, they found HO-1 as well as two other protective
enzymes. However, higher concentrations of curcumin caused
substantial cell damage -- with no increase in the protective HO-1
protein, she reports."
http://www.webmd.com/alzheimers/news/20040419/hot-tip-curry-may-protect-aging-brain
The Curry Spice Curcumin Reduces
Oxidative Damage and Amyloid Pathology in an Alzheimer
Transgenic Mouse The
Journal of Neuroscience, November 1, 2001, 21(21):8370-8377
"To evaluate whether it could affect Alzheimer-like pathology in
the APPSw mice, we tested a low (160 ppm) and a high dose of
dietary curcumin (5000 ppm) on inflammation, oxidative damage, and
plaque pathology. Low and high doses of curcumin significantly
lowered oxidized proteins and interleukin-1beta , a
proinflammatory cytokine elevated in the brains of these mice.
With low-dose but not high-dose curcumin treatment, the astrocytic
marker GFAP was reduced, and insoluble beta -amyloid (Abeta ),
soluble Abeta , and plaque burden were significantly decreased by
43-50%. However, levels of amyloid precursor (APP) in the membrane
fraction were not reduced. Microgliosis was also suppressed in
neuronal layers but not adjacent to plaques. In view of its
efficacy and apparent low toxicity, this Indian spice component
shows promise for the prevention of Alzheimer's disease."
http://www.jneurosci.org/cgi/content/abstract/21/21/8370
Curcumin helps clear Alzheimer's
plaques
Oct. 4 (UPI)
"Curcumin improved ingestion of amyloid beta by immune cells in 50
percent of patients with Alzheimer's disease," said Fiala.
http://www.upi.com/ConsumerHealthDaily/view.php?StoryID=20061004-125430-3088r
UCLA/VA Study Finds Chemical
Found in Curry May Help Immune System Clear Amyloid Plaques
Found in Alzheimer’s Disease
Date: October 3, 2006
"UCLA/VA researchers found that curcumin — a chemical found in
curry and turmeric — may help the immune system clear the brain of
amyloid beta, which form the plaques found in Alzheimer's disease.
Published in the Oct. 9 issue of the Journal of Alzheimer's
Disease, the early laboratory findings may lead to a new approach
in treating Alzheimer's disease by enhancing the natural function
of the immune system using curcumin, known for its
anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties."
http://newsroom.ucla.edu/page.asp?RelNum=7366
also, http://www.hbri.org/NewsandEvents_PR_10-3-06.htm
Molecular Orbital Basis for
Yellow Curry Spice Curcumin's Prevention of Alzheimer's Disease
"It is demonstrated by using high-level ab initio computations
that the yellow curcumin pigment,
bis(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-1,6-diene-3,5-dione, in the east
Indian root plant turmeric (Curcuma longa) exhibits unique charge
and bonding characteristics that facilitate penetration into the
blood-brain barrier and binding to amyloid-β (Aβ). Alzheimer's
disease is caused by Aβ accumulation in the brain cells combined
with oxidative stress and inflammation. Consistent with the recent
experimental work by Cole and co-workers (Yang, F., et al. J.
Biol. Chem. 2004, 280, 5892-5901) that demonstrates curcumin
pigment's binding ability to Aβ both in vivo and in vitro, it is
shown here that curcumin possesses suitable charge and bonding
features to facilitate the binding to Aβ."
http://pubs.acs.org/cgi-bin/abstract.cgi/jafcau/2006/54/i10/abs/jf0603533.html
Spice
Up
Your Brain
Preserve brain function with
spicy foods.
By PsychologyToday.com
"About a tablespoon of curry a day, or 200 mg of curcumin, does
the trick, says Dr. Sally Frautschy, associate professor of
medicine at UCLA. “I eat curry at least 4 times a week,” she
reports."
"Other spices are thought to possibly contain medicinal
properties. Ginger and cinnamon are getting a close look. A
powerful antioxidant in ginger called zingerone appears so far to
have brain-protective properties like curcumin. Cinnamon may also
have effects in the brain."
http://health.msn.com/centers/alzheimers/articlepage.aspx?cp-documentid=100126581&wa=wsignin1.0
Curcuminoids as potential new
iron-chelating agents: spectroscopic, polarographic and
potentiometric study on their Fe(III) complexing ability
Authors: Borsari M.; Ferrari E.; Grandi R.; Saladini M.1
Source: Inorganica Chimica Acta, Volume 328, Number 1, 30 January
2002 , pp. 61-68(8)
Marco Borsari, Erika Ferrari, Romano Grandi and Monica Saladini
Department of Chemistry, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia,
Via Campi 183, 41100 Modena, Italy
Abstract
"The pKa values of curcumin and diacetylcurcumin are, here
doubtless, determined by means of spectroscopic and potentiometric
measurements, and the enolic proton is the more acidic one. The
interaction of Fe3+ with curcumin and diacetylcurcumin, in
water/methanol 1:1 solution, leads to the formation of the complex
species [FeH2CU(OH)2] and [FeDCU(OH)2] (H2CU and DCU=curcumin or
diacetylcurcumin monoanion, respectively) which prevails near pH
7. At more basic condition the prevailing species are
[FeH2CU(OH)3]− and [FeDCU(OH)3]−, which prevent metal hydroxide
precipitation. 1H NMR data state that the dissociated β-diketo
moiety of the ligands is involved in metal chelation. The pKa
value of the deprotonation reaction is strongly anticipated by the
metal ion, as shown by UV spectral data. The stability constants,
evaluated from potentiometric data, are near to that of
desferrioxamine, which is, by now, the only iron-chelating agent
for clinical use...Curcumin and diacetylcurcumin coordinate
Fe(III) through β-diketone moiety, form stable complexes. The
prevailing species at physiological pH is [FeH2CU(OH)2] whose
stability constant is near to those of iron-sequestering agents
for clinical use."
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6TG5-44W31SJ-8&_user=10&_rdoc=1&_fmt=&_orig=search&_sort=d&view=c&_acct=C000050221&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=10&md5=ec04b29401cf941169efb08fb8bb3f70
Curcumin interaction with copper
and iron suggests one possible mechanism of action in
Alzheimer's disease animal models.
J Alzheimers Dis. 2004 Aug;6(4):367-77; discussion 443-9.
Baum L, Ng A.
Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Chinese University of
Hong Kong, Shatin. lwbaum@cuhk.edu.hk
"Curcumin is a polyphenolic diketone from turmeric. Because of its
anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, it was tested in
animal models of Alzheimer's disease, reducing levels of amyloid
and oxidized proteins and preventing cognitive deficits. An
alternative mechanism of these effects is metal chelation, which
may reduce amyloid aggregation or oxidative neurotoxicity. Metals
can induce Abeta aggregation and toxicity, and are concentrated in
AD brain. Chelators desferrioxamine and clioquinol have exhibited
anti-AD effects. Using spectrophotometry, we quantified curcumin
affinity for copper, zinc, and iron ions. Zn2+ showed little
binding, but each Cu2+ or Fe2+ ion appeared to bind at least two
curcumin molecules. The interaction of curcumin with copper
reached half-maximum at approximately 3-12 microM copper and
exhibited positive cooperativity, with Kd1 approximately 10-60
microM and Kd2 approximately 1.3 microM (for binding of the first
and second curcumin molecules, respectively). Curcumin-iron
interaction reached half-maximum at approximately 2.5-5 microM
iron and exhibited negative cooperativity, with Kd1 approximately
0.5-1.6 microM and Kd2 approximately 50-100 microM. Curcumin and
its metabolites can attain these levels in vivo, suggesting
physiological relevance. Since curcumin more readily binds the
redox-active metals iron and copper than redox-inactive zinc,
curcumin might exert a net protective effect against Abeta
toxicity or might suppress inflammatory damage by preventing metal
induction of NF-kappaB."
PMID: 15345806 [PubMed]
http://iospress.metapress.com/content/yy1rf8ctbf08lulu/
Curcumin stimulates
proliferation of embryonic neural progenitor cells and
neurogenesis in the adult hippocampus.
Kim SJ, Son TG, Park HR, Park M, Kim MS, Kim HS, Chung HY, Mattson
MP, Lee J.
Pharmacy, Pusan National University, Busan 609-735.
"Curcumin is a natural phenolic component of yellow curry spice,
which is used in some cultures for the treatment of diseases
associated with oxidative stress and inflammation. Curcumin has
been reported capable of preventing the death of neurons in animal
models of neurodegenerative disorders, but its possible effects on
developmental and adult neuroplasticity are unknown. In the
present study, we investigated the effects of curcumin on mouse
multi-potent neural progenitor cells (NPC) and adult hippocampal
neurogenesis. Curcumin exerted biphasic effects on cultured NPC -
low concentrations stimulated cell proliferation, whereas high
concentrations were cytotoxic. Curcumin activated extracellular
signal regulated kinases (ERKs) and p38 kinases, cellular signal
transduction pathways known to be involved in the regulation of
neuronal plasticity and stress responses. Inhibitors of ERKs and
p38 kinases effectively blocked the mitogenic effect of curcumin
in NPC. Administration of curcumin to adult mice resulted in a
significant increase in the number of newly-generated cells in the
dentate gyrus of hippocampus, indicating that curcumin enhances
adult hippocampal neurogenesis. Our findings suggest that curcumin
can stimulate developmental and adult hippocampal neurogenesis, a
biological activity that may enhance neural plasticity and
repair."
PMID: 18362141 [PubMed
- as supplied by publisher]
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18362141?dopt=Abstract
Vitamin D, Curcumin May Help
Clear Amyloid Plaques Found In Alzheimer's Disease
ScienceDaily (July 15, 2009)
"UCLA scientists and colleagues from UC Riverside and the Human
BioMolecular Research Institute have found that a form of vitamin
D, together with a chemical found in turmeric spice called
curcumin, may help stimulate the immune system to clear the brain
of amyloid beta, which forms the plaques considered the hallmark
of Alzheimer's disease. The early research findings, which appear
in the July issue of the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, may lead
to new approaches in preventing and treating Alzheimer's by
utilizing the property of vitamin D3 — a form of vitamin D — both
alone and together with natural or synthetic curcumin to boost the
immune system in protecting the brain against amyloid beta..."
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090715131558.htm
Curry spice helps pre-diabetes
31st July 2012
Researchers in Thailand say that patients with type 2 diabetes
could benefit from taking supplements containing a compound found
in curry spice.
Curcumin, a compound in the spice turmeric, may help prevent
diabetes in people who have pre-diabetes, according to the
research, which was published in the journal Diabetes Care.
http://www.healthcare-today.co.uk/news/curry-spice-helps-pre-diabetes/22447/
[ NEED link to Diabetes Care journal article ]
An Overview of Curcumin in Neurological Disorders
S. K. Kulkarni* and A. Dhir1
Indian J Pharm Sci. 2010 Mar-Apr; 72(2): 149–154.
doi: 10.4103/0250-474X.65012
PMCID: PMC2929771
Abstract
Curcumin, the principal curcuminoid found in spice turmeric, has
recently been studied for its active role in the treatment of
various central nervous system disorders. Curcumin demonstrates
neuroprotective action in Alzheimer's disease, tardive dyskinesia,
major depression, epilepsy, and other related neurodegenerative
and neuropsychiatric disorders. The mechanism of its
neuroprotective action is not completely understood. However, it
has been hypothesized to act majorly through its anti-inflammatory
and antioxidant properties. Also, it is a potent inhibitor of
reactive astrocyte expression and thus prevents cell death.
Curcumin also modulates various neurotransmitter levels in the
brain. The present review attempts to discuss some of the
potential protective role of curcumin in animal models of major
depression, tardive dyskinesia and diabetic neuropathy. These
studies call for well planned clinical studies on curcumin for its
potential use in neurological disorders.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2929771/
Multiple antidepressant potential modes of action of curcumin:
A review of its antiinflammatory, antioxidant, mmune-modulating
and neuroprotective effects
Adrian L Lopresti1, Sean D Hood [2], Peter D Drummond [1]
1 School of Psychology, Murdoch University, Perth, Western
Australia, 6150, Australia
2 School of Psychiatry & Clinical Neurosciences, University of
Western Australia,
Perth, Western Australia, 6009, Australia
http://researchrepository.murdoch.edu.au/12507/1/Curcumin_as_a_potential_treatment_for_major_depression.pdf
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Home Preface
Brain Failure Notes References
pg. 1 References pg. 2
Nutritional Alternatives
Patricia's Protocol Tauopathy
Discussion Forum
Correspondence Newsletters Poems Memory Enhancement
Curcumin The Grand Index
Click to
join tauopathies
********************************************************************************************
Questions or comments, contact
"perpetualcommotion.com" at gmail.com
Updated:
December 21, 2010
Inception: August 17, 2010