Turmeric (curcumin) and resveratrol found to act synergistically in the treatment of arthritis.
This is an essential publication because it demonstrates that by combining different natural inhibitors of NF-kB, a greater anti-inflammatory effect may be achieved than is possible with either agent alone. The study further suggests that this might be especially true when the different agents act to inhibit NF-kB through different mechanisms.
By implication, the observed synergy will not be limited to the specific combination studied (curcumin + resveratrol.)
Banjo combines a number of different natural NF-kB inhibitors, each of which may act through a slightly different mechanism in the inhibition of NF-kB. While many of the individual agents might provide some benefit, Banjo is expected to provide a substantially greater benefit than any single agent. That possibility is confirmed by the study briefly summarized below.
The publication:
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Arthritis Res Ther. 2009 Nov 4;11(6):R165.
Synergistic chondroprotective effects of curcumin and resveratrol in human articular chondrocytes: inhibition of IL-1beta-induced NF-kappaB-mediated inflammation and apoptosis.
Csaki C, Mobasheri A, Shakibaei M.
Musculoskeletal Research Group, Institute of Anatomy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Pettenkoferstrasse 11, 80336 Munich, Germany.
Summary of the abstract
Currently available treatments for osteoarthritis (OA) are restricted to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which exhibit numerous side effects and are only temporarily effective. Novel, safe and more efficacious anti-inflammatory agents are needed for OA.
Naturally occurring polyphenolic compounds, such as curcumin and resveratrol, are potent agents for modulating inflammation. Both compounds mediate their effects by inhibiting NF-kB.
In chondrocytes (cartilage) resveratrol modulates the NF-kB pathway by inhibiting the proteasome, while curcumin modulates the activation of NF-kB by inhibiting upstream kinases (Akt). However, the combinational effects of these compounds in chondrocytes has not been studied and/or compared with their individual effects.
This study investigated the potential synergistic effects of curcumin and resveratrol.
Treatment with curcumin or resveratrol was found to inhibit NF-kB. It is suggested that each works through a distinct mechanism and that combining these two agents in the treatment of arthritis might be of more value than the use of either agent separately.
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