TURMERIC
A presentation by
Jason Thornton, CC
Integrated Studies Student in
Health Promotion, Nutrition, Psychology
@ Weber State University
MY INTEREST IN TURMERIC
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I love food!
Curry is delicious.
I am very interested in Indian culture.
Its not manufactured in a lab.
I thought it would be easier to research and explain than a
pharmaceutical drug without having a background in science…
which turned out not to be the case!
MAJOR THEMES
 Botanical Information about Turmeric
 Ayurveda and Turmeric
 Chemical Structure of Curcumin
 Western Science and Curcumin
 Safety and dosage of Curcumin
 Potential uses for Curcumin
 Efficacy and Ethics Involved in Marketing Curcumin
for therapeutic purposes
 Conclusion
 What you should know for the exam
CURCUMA LONGA
 Rhizomatous herbaceous perennial plant from the ginger
family (zingiberales)
 There are more than 120 Curcuma plants identified
 Native to tropical South Asia
 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 11
 Cultivated predominately in China, Bengal,
and Java
 Grown in moist, warm soils rich in
organic matter
 Produce flowers in spring
and re-bloom in summer through fall.
TURMERIC FLOWERS
CURRY
 Rhizomes, or tubers, of Curcuma longa are dehydrated and
ground to a fine powder
 Turmeric gives curry it’s golden color
 Is known as Indian Saf fron because of its colorant properties
 Turmeric is made of:
 ~5% essential oils
 ~3-5% curcumin
 A polyphenol that gives turmeric its color
 Often used as a pH indicator
 Yellow in acidic solutions (pH <7.4)
 Bright red in basic solutions (pH>8.6)
TRADITIONAL USES FOR TURMERIC
 In Asia, it is estimated that turmeric has been used for more
than 2000 years of food preparation, cosmetics, fabric dying
and medicine. (www.naturalstandard.com)
 Used in wedding and religious ceremonies in India.
 Introduced to Europe in the 13 th Century by Marco Polo.
AYURVEDA AND TURMERIC
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Alexiteric
Alterative
Analgesic
Anemia
Anthelmintic
Antibacterial
Anti-inflammatory
Anti-tumor
Anti-allergic
Anti-cancer agent
Antioxidant
Antiseptic
Antispasmodic
Appetizer
Arthritis
Astringent
Balance cholesterol levels
Bleeding disorders
Boost immunity
Cardiovascular
Carminative
Cholagogue
Colds
Coughs
Detoxify the liver
Diabetes
Digestive
Diuretic
Dizziness
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Enhance the complexion
Eye Problems
Fever
Fistula
Food Poisoning
Gallstones
Gastrointestinal disorders
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Flatulence
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Constipation
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Diarhea
Hypertension
IBS
Infertility
Jaundice
Joint inflammation
Laryngitis
Lymphoma
Memory loss
Mental disorders
Pain
Parasites
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Malaria
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Ringworm
Poor Circulation
Purifies the uterus and breast milk
Respiratory conditions
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Bronchitis
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Asthma
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Regulates female reproductive system
Rheumatic disorders
Staph Infections
Stimulant
Topically applied for:
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Sprains
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Strains
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Insect bites
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Scars
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Wounds
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Itching
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Eczema
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Acne
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Other skin disorders
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Vulnerary
Wasting
Wounds
Purifies and builds semen
Reduces :
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Fever
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Diarrhea
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Urinary ulcers
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Insanity
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Poisoning
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Cough
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Lactation Problems
CLINICAL STUDIES OF CURCUMIN
 Apart from an early study published in The Lancet in 1937,
curcumin/turmeric has only entered extensive preclinical
studies and scientific phase I and II/III clinical trial levels in
the last 10-15 years.
 Literature review in March of 2011 yielded 12,032 hits
 54 references were of clinical trials
 1,016 references in a form of review
 1,408 references on patent applications
(Basnet 2011)
DOSAGE AND SIDE EFFECTS
 Small doses of turmeric (curcumin) are taken daily as a spice
by the population in many Asian cultures
 Est. consumption of Indians of curcumin is 80 -200 mg per day
 Most studies conducted dosed between 500 to 1000 mg, 1 -3
times daily.(White, 2011)
 12,000 mg daily have been given in experimental settings
without significant adverse events.
 Minor gastrointestinal side effects, including nausea and diarrhea,
have been reported. (White, 2011)
 There have been few reports of allergic dermatitis ( Basnet 2011)
 People with gallbladder disease should avoid supplementing
turmeric (nccam.nih.gov)
 GRAS by US FDA and has been demonstrated as atoxic in
several studies
CHEMICAL STRUCTURE
 Curcumin is the principal curcuminoid of turmeric.
 Desmethoxycurcumin (curcumin II) and bisdesmethoxycurcumin
(curcumin III) are two other curcuminoids found in turmeric
 Curcuminoids are natural phenols, responsible for the yellow
color of turmeric.
 As a food additive it is known as E100 or Natural Yellow 3
 Also used as a food preservative
 1,7-bis(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)
MECHANISMS OF ACTION
 Curcumin is often cited as pleiotropic, meaning it has the ability
to interact with many cell targets.
 Accumulating experimental evidence suggests that curcumin interferes
with a variety of molecular targets and processes involved in cancer
 Curcumin possesses diverse pharmacologic ef fects including:
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anti-inflammatory
anti-oxidant,
anti-proliferative and
anti-angiogenic activities
 In cancer cells, curcumin exerts anti-inflammatory and growthinhibition by inhibiting expression of interleukin -1beta,
interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor -alpha.
(Taylor, 2011)
MECHANISMS OF ACTION
Bisht, S., & Maitra, A . (2009). Systemic deliver y of curcumin: 21st centur y
solutions for an ancient conundrum. Current Drug Discover y
Technologies , 6(3), 192-199.
 The clinical advancement of this promising molecule has been hindered
by:
 poor water solubility
 short biological half-life
 low bioavailability after oral administration
 A variety of approaches are being pur sued to overcome these
limitations, which include synthesis of curcumin analogues, the use of
adjuvants (e.g. glycerol or ethanol), and the development of improved
deliver y platforms for the parental compound, including liposomal,
nanopar ticulated and phospholipid complex formulations of curcumin.
 Much of the research today is focused on how to make curcumin more
bioavailable.
POLYPHENOLS: A REVIEW
 Polyphenols in the human diet are derived mainly from
vegetables, fruits and spices.
 Coffee, green and black tea, chocolate, red wine, olive oil, and nuts
are some examples of good sources of polyphenols.
 Many of these polyphenol-rich natural resources have been
traditionally used as medicines for the prevention of diseases, as
well as maintenance of youth and longevity.
 Recent line of studies has confirmed that these traditionally
used natural remedies are strong antioxidant and anti inflammatory agents.
 Many polyphenols play important roles in regulating the
immune system either acting alone or in combinations
(Basnet 2011)
POLYPHENOLS
 http://www.nutraingredients.com/Research/Veteran researcher-Polyphenols-don-t-work-as-antioxidants-in-vivo-but
INFLAMMATION AND CANCER
INFLAMMATION AND CANCER
 Inflammation process is the essential part of the body physiology since
acute inflammation is needed for the prevention from pathogens.
 Chronic inflammation is a low level inflammation that can persist over
20 to 30 years- eventually leading to cancer as well as other chronic
diseases.
 Pro-inflammatory factors might be external such as environmental
pollutants, viruses, bacteria, food, stress, etc.
 Several immune cells and their products guide and connect the
inflammation reaction to the cancer progression.
 Principal target molecules of internal pro-inflammatory factors
reponsible for mediating the inflammation are the free radicals,
interleukins, tumor necrosis factor, nuclear factor and NSAID-activated
gene-1.
 Alhough these molecules are essential for normal cell regulation processes,
uncontrolled and too high exposure to such molecules can lead to chronic
disease..
CANCER-CURE POTENTIAL
 The anti -oxidative and anti -inflammator y proper ties of curcumin might
provide a therapeutic window for the treatment of cancer .
 Curcumin down regulates various pro-inflammatory cytokine expressions such as
tumor necrosis factor (TNF -α), interleukins (IL-1, IL-2, IL-6, IL-8, IL-12) and
chemokines, most likely through inactivation of the nuclear transcription factor,
nuclear factor (NF)-κB. Likewise, curcumin is known to decrease the inflammation
associated with experimental colitis, including a substantial reduction of the rise
in myleoperoxidase (MPO) activity, an established marker for inflammatory cells
(mainly polymorphonuclear leukocytes) and TNF-α.
 In addition, curcumin is able to reduce colonic nitrite levels and down
regulate cyclooxygenase (COX) -2,inducible nitric oxide synthase ( iNOS)
expression and p38 mitogen activated protein kinase ( MAPK) activation
[6,7].
 In spite of the abundant evidence at the molecular level, and extensive
studies at the preclinical and clinical levels, its therapeutic outcome
remains a challenge owing to its low solubility and poor bioavailability.
(Basnet 2011)
RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS
Deodhar, S., Sethi, R., & Srimal, R. (1980). Preliminar y studies on
antirheumatic activity of curcumin ( diferuloyl methane). Indian J Med .
 This very small (N=18) double -blind crossover study showed a
statistically significant improvement in morning stif fness,
walking time, and joint swelling in RA patients taking
curcumin
PSORIASIS
Heng, M. C., Song,
suppression
psoriasis as
parameter s.
M. K., Harker, J. and Heng, M. K. (2000) Drug-induced
of phosphor ylase kinase activity correlates with resolution of
assessed by clinical, histological and immunohistochemical
Br J Dermatol . 143, 937-949.
 A cohort study demonstrated that curcumin applied topically in a
gel formulation to patients with psoriasis resulted in either
resolution or reduction in psoriatic plaques after 8 weeks of
treatment.
IRRITABLE BOWEL DISEASE
 Two studies have found curcumin to have a positive ef fect on
patients with IBS.
 A cohort study (N=10) of patients with ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s
disease demonstrated symptomatic improvement after consuming
curcumin for 2 and 3 months respectively. (Holt, 2005)
 A randomized, double-blind, multicenter trial (N=89) showed that 6
months of daily curcumin improved the clinical activity index and
maintained remission in patients with ulcerative colitis. ( Hanai,
2006)
 Authors of these studies conclude that larger -scale, doubleblind trials need to be conducted to establish a role for
curcumin in the treatment of ulcerative colitis (Taylor, 2011)
INFLAMMATORY EYE DISEASES
Lal, B., Kapoor, A ., Asthana, O, et al. (1999) Ef ficacy of curcumin in the
management of chronic anterior uveitis. Phytother Res. 13: 31 8-322
Lal, B., Kapoor, A ., A grawal P., et al. (2000) Role of curcumin in idiopathic
inflammator y orbital pseudotumour s . Phytother Res. 14: 443-447.
 A cohort study (N=32) found that curcumin was as ef fective as
corticosteroids for chronic anterior uveitis. ( Lal, 1999)
 Another cohort study (N=5) showed that curcumin reduced or
resolved inflammatory orbital pseudotumor. (Lal, 2000)
KIDNEY TRANSPLANTATION
 A cohort study followed 43 dialysis -dependent cadaver kidney
recipients who had taken curcumin for 1 month. Investigators
observed reduced acute rejection and neurotoxicity over the
course of 6 months (Shoskes, 2005)
OBESIT Y
 In a study of high-fat-fed rats, curcumin ef fectively reduced
the elevated serum and hepatic triglycerides. ( Manjunatha,
2006)
 In a study of high-fat-fed hamsters, curcumin was ef fective at
lowering the triglycerides and free fatty acids in their plasma.
(Jang, 2008)
 In vitro and in vivo studies in high -fat-fed mice demonstrated
that curcumin supplementation (500mg/kg diet) can increase
the basal metabolic rate, thereby contributing to increased
energy expenditure and weight loss. ( Ejaz, 2009)
 Curcumin has also been shown to be beneficial in aiding
glycemic control in diabetics, further enhancing its role in
cardiovascular disorders. ( Alappat, 2010)
WHAT SCIENCE BODIES ARE SAYING
 The National Center for Complementary and Alternative
Medicine (NCCAM) of the National Institutes of Health states
that “little reliable evidence exists to support the use of
turmeric for any health condition because few clinical trials
have been conducted.
 While preliminary findings from animal and laboratory studies
suggest that curcumin may have anti -inflammatory,
anticancer, and antioxidant properties, these findings have
not been confirmed in people.
 NCCAM continues to fund basic research studies on the
potential role of turmeric in preventing acute respiratory
distress syndrome, liver cancer, and post -menopausal
osteoporosis.
(nccam.nih.gov)
CURCUMIN SUPPLEMENTS
NOW- Powerful Antioxidant!
MSRP
$39.99
120 Caps
$.33/capsule
*Take 2-3 times daily
Ingredients
665 mg
Turmeric
Root Extract
Standardized to provide
min. 95% Curcuminoids
(Containing Curcumin,
Demethoxycurcumin, and
Bisdemethoxycurcumin)
Health Claims:
Curcumin is the major component of
Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) and extensive
scientific research on Curcumin has
demonstrated its potent antioxidant
properties. Through its antioxidant
mechanisms, Curcumin supports colon
health, exerts neuroprotective activity and
helps maintain a healthy cardiovascular
system.*
Powerful Antioxidant
From Turmeric Root Extract
Helps Maintain Cardiovascular Health
Maintains Healthy Joints*
Vegetarian Formula
CURCUMIN SUPPLEMENTS
Doctor’s Best Curcumin C3
MSRP
$79.99
120 Caps
$.67/capsule
*Take 2-3 times daily
Ingredients
1000 mg
Turmeric
Root Extract
Standardized to provide
min. 95% Curcuminoids
(Containing Curcumin (7080%), Demethoxycurcumin
(15-25%), and
Bisdemethoxycurcumin (2.56.5%)
5 mg piperine to enhance
absorption.
Health Claims:
The active ingredients in Curcuma longa are
plant substances called curcuminoids
compounds that demonstrate potent
antioxidant properties in scientific studies.
Curcuminoids may benefit the joints brain
heart and the circulatory system by helping
to neutralize free-radicals.
CURCUMIN SUPPLEMENTS
Health Claims:
Doctor’s Best Curcumin C3
Inhibits Metabolic Inflammation
MSRP
$113.98
Supports Healthy Inflammatory Response
120 Tabs
$.95/capsule
*Take 1 tablet daily
Ingredients
1000 mg
Curcumin
(from 1,052 mg turmeric rhizome extract)
10 mg piperine to enhance
absorption.
Research shows turmeric root quenches
metabolic inflammation by inhibiting the
production of COX-2 enzyme. Source
Naturals Turmeric Extract™ and Turmeric
1000™ provide support to the liver and its
detoxifying properties, and have powerful
antioxidant activity. Turmeric 1000™
provides a highly potent 1,000 mg per tablet
of curcumin, the active ingredient. Turmeric
is difficult to absorb, so BioPerine® and
bromelain are added to enhance
bioavailability.
AT THE END OF THE DAY…
Extensive in vitro and animal subject research has been
conducted and analyzed the ef fect of curcumin on:
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Inhibition of lipozygenase
Cyclooxygenase-2
Leukotrienes
Thromboxane
Prostaglandins
Tumor Necrosis Factor
However, such extensive research is lacking on human subjects
(White, 2011) Curcumin’s ef fectiveness is limited due to low
water solubility, low biological half -life, and low bio-availability
with oral administration.
WHAT TO KNOW FOR THE TEST
 The plant family that turmeric is part of.
 How much curcumin is found in turmeric.
 Which curcuminoid is of most interest in clinical
studies.
 Why curcumin isn’t acknowledged by the NIH to be
an effective pharmacological supplement.
 The many uses of turmeric other than nutritional
supplement.
 Potential benefits curcumin has on the body.
 Potential risks curcumin has on the body.