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What is Curcumin?

Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

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. Medical researchers are fascinated by curcumin because it has been shown to have several properties that may fight specific forms of cancer.

An antioxidant, curcumin may also have anti-inflammatory benefits. Clinical studies in rats or mice exposed to carcinogens show that these animals, when given curcumin in their diets, had a much lower incidence of colon cancer, and that the substance actually caused colon cancer cells to die (apoptosis). Additionally, while curcumin created apoptosis in colon cancer cells, it did not cause cell death in the healthy noncancerous cells. One of the problems with most cancer medications used in chemotherapy today is that they not only kill cancer cells but also healthy cells as well.

Curcumin is responsible for the yellow coloring found in turmeric powder.
Curcumin is responsible for the yellow coloring found in turmeric powder.

The substance has also been studied for its possible benefits in delaying or slowing the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. A study commissioned by the University of California-Los Angeles evaluated ingested curcumin’s effect on the brains of patients with Alzheimer’s disease. It clearly broke up the plaque formations in the brain that are caused by Alzheimer’s, and may affect degree of symptoms.

Some scientists are also studying whether curcumin might have brain-boosting effects, promoting greater memory. These studies still require greater proof but preliminary results of surveys suggest that it may be good brain food.

Curcumin is often taken in capsule form to treat or prevent a variety of conditions.
Curcumin is often taken in capsule form to treat or prevent a variety of conditions.

Unfortunately, not all the evidence on curcumin suggests positive results. While it may fight colon cancer, it may also be a carcinogen, according to a 2005 medical study. This particular study suggests that the way in which curcumin acts means one can reasonably infer that it could also be responsible for cell damage elsewhere in the body. There is still little evidence about what degree of risk it might pose as a carcinogen.

Clinical studies with rats exposed to carcinogens show that when given curcumin in their diets, they had a much lower incidence of colon cancer.
Clinical studies with rats exposed to carcinogens show that when given curcumin in their diets, they had a much lower incidence of colon cancer.

It is known that the human body does not absorb very much curcumin when it is consumed. However, the body may not need to absorb it in order to derive benefits from it. When taken with black pepper, as it very well might be in Indian food, the substance is better absorbed and shows higher levels in people’s blood serum.

One can purchase curcumin in capsule and liquid form, but it might be best taken in food, particularly if one adds pepper. It is certainly less expensive when used as a spice.

Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

Tricia has a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and has been a frequent WiseGEEK contributor for many years. She is especially passionate about reading and writing, although her other interests include medicine, art, film, history, politics, ethics, and religion. Tricia lives in Northern California and is currently working on her first novel.

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Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

Tricia has a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and has been a frequent WiseGEEK contributor for many years. She is especially passionate about reading and writing, although her other interests include medicine, art, film, history, politics, ethics, and religion. Tricia lives in Northern California and is currently working on her first novel.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon5403

Hello,

could you please give me any direction as to where I could find liquid curcumin? I have heard that it is more effective than the powdered form.

Thank you so much!

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    • Curcumin is responsible for the yellow coloring found in turmeric powder.
      By: Photographee.eu
      Curcumin is responsible for the yellow coloring found in turmeric powder.
    • Curcumin is often taken in capsule form to treat or prevent a variety of conditions.
      By: Sophie James
      Curcumin is often taken in capsule form to treat or prevent a variety of conditions.
    • Clinical studies with rats exposed to carcinogens show that when given curcumin in their diets, they had a much lower incidence of colon cancer.
      By: lculig
      Clinical studies with rats exposed to carcinogens show that when given curcumin in their diets, they had a much lower incidence of colon cancer.
    • There is some evidence that curcumin can help treat colon cancer.
      By: rob3000
      There is some evidence that curcumin can help treat colon cancer.
    • Curcuma may be used to soothe arthritis pain.
      By: marilyn barbone
      Curcuma may be used to soothe arthritis pain.
    • Curcumin may help fight specific forms of cancer.
      By: Photographee.eu
      Curcumin may help fight specific forms of cancer.