Curcumin -The New Craze in Modern Medicine
- My Friendly Pharmacist
- Sep 27, 2020
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 10, 2024
Curcumin is derived from turmeric, a herbal medicine that has been used traditionally in ayurvedic medicine in India for many years. Its anti-inflammatory
properties are now recognised in modern medicine. It may reduce joint pain, inflammation and stiffness associated with osteoarthritis.
History
Turmeric is a naturally occurring flowering plant (botanical name Curcuma longa) with leaves and a rhizome root system which is of interest.
Turmeric powder is derived from this rhizome which is tuberous with a rough and segmented skin. When the rhizome is mature, it is dried, treated and ground into yellow powder which we know as turmeric, commonly known as 'haldi' in hindi language which has been derived from the sanskrit word haridara. In many other cultures its name is based on the latin word 'curcuma'.
Turmeric is the "golden spice" of India but is now used in many parts of the world as a flavouring and colouring in a variety of food. Because of it's brilliant yellow colour it is sometimes referred to as "Indian saffron". In South East Asia turmeric is also used in many traditional ceremonies such as weddings where the bride and groom are massaged with turmeric paste made with olive oil to make the skin radiant for the big day!
In traditional medicine it has long been used to treat a lot of minor ailments including sprains, strains, reducing digestive symptoms such as bloating, colds, sore throats and skin conditions.
What do we know
The compounds in turmeric are called curcuminoids of which curcumin is the main active ingredient which is thought to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease which causes the body's defence (immune) system to attack itself causing stiffness, warm, swollen and painful joints. Osteoarthritis on the other hand is the most common form of arthritis where protective cartilage that acts as a cushion between bones breaks down or wears down over time causing painful, swollen joints. Some recent research shows that curcurmin may help in mild rheumatoid arthritis and mild osteoarthritis (OA) by:
reducing inflammation (blocks enzymes and cytokines that lead to inflammation)
providing relief of joint pain
reducing joint stiffness associated with it
supporting joint mobility and healthy joint function
being an antioxidant
Curcumin is poorly absorbed in the blood stream, so some supplements include black pepper which enhances its absorption. Curcumin is fat soluble, so it is a good idea to take supplements after a fatty meal or take brands that use phospholipids to enhance absorption. It is available in tablet or capsule form in a few different brands as a single ingredient, or sometimes with other herbal remedies. Arthritis foundation recommends a dosage of 500mg to be taken twice daily to see benefits. Some people may have mild side effects such as upset stomach, nausea or diarrhoea which would be minimised when taken after food and overtime.
Word of caution
It is important to note that while curcumin has some benefits, it is a p450 enzyme inhibitor therefore there is a potential for interactions with some conventional medications which are metabolised by these enzymes in the body. Curcumin has been found to inhibit platelet aggregation (blood clotting) suggesting a potential interaction with warfarin, which is an anticoagulant, as well as other blood thinners such as clopidogrel as it may increase the risk of bleeding. Always check with your health professional if you are taking other medications.
In addition, please avoid curcumin if you have liver disease as it may cause hepatotoxicity. Seek medical attention if you experience any of the following side effects if you are taking curcumin:
yellowing of the skin which may lead to jaundice
dark urine
black stools
pain or tenderness in the upper right side of the abdomen
Summary
Curcumin is the latest addition to the herbal remedies in arthritis. It has been used safely in Ayurvedic medications for centuries. Due to its anti inflammatory and antioxidant properties it helps reduce pain and stiffness in swollen joints. It seems to be quite safe to take with exceptions due to interactions with other medications. There are different formulations available to increase the bioavailability of curcumin in the body as it is poorly absorbed in the blood stream. Although curcumin may reduce joint pain, inflammation and stiffness associated with arthritis, more scientific research and evidence is needed to be used in mainstream medicine.
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