Eventhough safe and effective in all most all cases, ancient treatments are not given the deserved importance, because neither their active component nor their molecular targets are well defined and explained . The therapeutic anti-inflammatory power of turmeric has been known for centuries, but more expanded studies in the last two decades have explained that this potential of turmeric is due to curcumin (diferuloylmethane).
The active ingredient, the curcumin, shows potency to regulate numerous transcription factors, cytokines, protein kinases, adhesion molecules, redox status and enzymes that have been linked to inflammation.
Curcumin acts through multiple pathways and on different targets to limit the inflammatory response , and to prevent the extension of inflammations. As the medical world now prefers multi targeted therapies and a holistic approach in the cure of a disease, curcumin comes in the most superior place.
Curcumin Capsules
Biotex, after prolonged and scientific experiments, presents the capsules of curcumin, with help of nano technology.This will help to increase the immunity and maintain the healthy life, fighting against diseases and illness.
The Main Targets Blocked by Curcumin, to alleviate Inflammation.
As curcumin has anti inflammatory and antioxidant properties, it can be used in several inflammatory and age related diseases. And in inflammatory diseases it really glitters by directly suppressing the molecular activities, which promotes inflammation.
The main targets are described and explained below.
Tumor Necrosis Factor(TNF)
This is a group of cytokines, a type of signaling molecules, which activates signaling pathways for cell survival, apoptosis, inflammatory responses, and cellular differentiation. They can cause destruction in joint cartilage and other tissues leading to inflammations.
Recent researches on curcumin potency has shown that it inhibits LipoPolySaccharides(LPS)-induced activation of nuclear factor kappa B and reduces the biological activity of TNF. This will lead to a remarkable reduction in inflammation the affected tissue.
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors(VGF)
This is a signal protein produced by cells to stimulate the blood vessels formation to the sites where blood supply is less. Eventhough it makes an important role in regeneration of tissues, it can affect reversely also in the tissues. The increased blood vessel formation in case of inflammatory diseases will make skin more swollen and in carcinomatous diseases, it will lead to metastasis.
Curcumin can suppress and reduce the expression of VGF and results in reduction of new capillary formation.
Epidermal Growth Factors(EGF)
This is a type of protein which stimulates cell growth, proliferation and differentiation. The balanced production of EGF is much needed for cell regeneration and healing, but the increased production may be destructive, leading to inflammation and carcinogenic response.
Curcumin can suppress the activity of EGF receptor, and helps in preventing advance of inflammation.
Estrogen receptors
They are a group of proteins activated by estrogen hormone . Their presence seems to be high in cancer of the breast. As curcumin can suppress the Estrogen receptors and prevent the chemicals mimicking estrogen from invading into the body, it can reverse the cancerous attack and make the body more healthy.
Nuclear Factor kappa-B(NF-kappaB)
This is a protein complex, which controls the transcription of DNA. It responses to almost all the stimuli like cytokines, free radicals, UV rays, bacterial or viral antigens etc. Eventhough it regulates the immune responses well to the stimuli, the incorrect regulation will lead to inflammatory and auto immune diseases.
Curcumin inhibits constitutive NF-kB activation and controls the inflammation.
Curcumin On C-Reactive Protein (CRP)
C- Reactive Protein is a more sensitive protein, produced by the liver and released into the bloodstream when there is an ongoing inflammatory process in the body. Its measurement that is capable of detecting systemic inflammation. High CRP levels means high inflammation and it presents a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease, as inflammation can initiate atherosclerosis.
Studies demonstrate that curcumin is superior to a standard anti-inflammatory drug for use in rheumatoid arthritis. It can reduce CRP upto 52%.
Curcumin down regulates the production of C-RP and thus plays an important role in controlling both acute and chronic joint inflammations. As Curcumin acts by inhibiting inflammatory mediators, such as NF-kappaB, inflammatory cytokines, and COX-2 and 5-LOX enzymes, it can reduce CRP and the inflammation to a lowest level.
So almost all types of inflammation can be controlled and declined by the potential action of curcumin. As turmeric has anti cancerous actions, it can be used for treatments of carcinomatous diseases.
Thus Turmeric deserves a prominent place in health routine as a daily supplemental and a healthy culinary spice. In short the Benefits from usage of curcumin can be listed as below.
General health and Well Being.
Due to its anti oxidant and anti inflammatory properties, daily supplement curcumin will help us to clear away the illness and bring back and maintain the healthy well being.
Alzheimer's Disease
Inflammation inside of the brain has been suspected to be one of the contributing factors in the development of Alzheimer's disease. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity of turmeric will . help in preventing the onset of Alzheimer's.
Atherosclerosi
The anti-oxidants in turmeric will fight against it by de-activating platelet activating Factor(PAF)
Arthritis and Pain
Due to its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties, it is not surprising that Turmeric is now being used as an effective natural remedy for Arthritis and other body pain.
Asthma
Since turmeric is an anti-inflammatory, it can help reduce the inflammation associated with asthma.
Cancer
Several recent studies have found that Turmeric can induce apoptosis, a process that triggers the self-destruction and elimination of damaged (cancerous) cells. Curcumin may stop the action of a liver enzyme that activates environmental toxins into carcinogenic forms, and may be especially useful in deactivating the carcinogens in cigarette smoke and chewing tobacco.
Colds and Flu
Turmeric's anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-fungal agents can help our body fight against colds, cough and flu.
Diabetes
Recent studies have shown that the antioxidant agents in Turmeric help reduce insulin resistance, which may prevent the onset of Type-2 Diabetes.
Inflammation
Turmeric's key ingredient Curcumin is known for its anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, Turmeric powder can help in healing cuts, wounds, and other skin infections including boils.
Weight Loss
Curcumin in Turmeric powder has been found to help increase the flow of bile, an important component in the breakdown of dietary fat.
Skin Regeneration
Curcumin protects skin by quenching free radicals and reducing inflammation It is also used for headaches, bronchitis, colds, lung infections, fibromyalgia, leprosy, fever, menstrual problems, and cancer.
Other uses include depression, , water retention, worms, gall stones, bleeding disorders and kidney problems. Its anti bacterial activity helps to fight against gingivitis and bad odor from mouth.
Conclusion
Curcumin has been shown to exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, and anticancer activities and thus has a potential against various malignant diseases, diabetes, allergies, arthritis, Alzheimer's disease, and other chronic illnesses. These effects are mediated through the regulation of various transcription factors, growth factors, inflammatory cytokines, protein kinases, and other enzymes.
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