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.
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Curcumin effectively inhibits NF-kB only in combination with IL-10.
This is a key publication because it:
* Demonstrates one likely reason you can’t overdose on curcumin or any other natural NF-kB inhibitor;
* Suggests ‘cooperation’ between these natural NF-kB inhibitors and the immune system – a ‘vitamin like’ action; and,
* Provides one example of the importance of natural NF-kB inhibitors in shutting down inflammation.
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Most cancer treatments increase NF-kB activation, which might limit or reduce their efficacy.
The study briefly summarized below was undertaken to study the potential benefit of combining curcumin with paclitaxel in the treatment of breast cancer.
Paclitaxel, like most chemotherapeutic agents, increases the activation of NF-kB.Curcumin was found to reduce that NF-kB activation. In a mouse model of breast cancer, curcumin plus paclitaxel was found to be more effective than either agent used alone.
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Curcumin cannot, it seems, inhibit NF-kB in the muscle of patients (or at least mice) with muscular dystrophy.
While unfortunate, it suggests (along with other research) that curcumin is only effective when acting in concert with other agents. Those ‘other agents’ may be lacking in the muscle of patients with muscular dystrophy.
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Curcumin might be useful in the prevention or treatment of neurodegenerative disease, including Parkinson’s.
Curcumin (the primary active agent in turmeric) protected dopamine producing cells, at least in part by inhibiting NF-kB.
The destruction of dopamine producing cells in Parkinson’s disease, and the consequent shortage of dopamine in the brain, is what results results in most of the symptoms commonly associated with Parkinson’s.
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Multiple effects of curcumin (turmeric) protect against oxidative damage in Parkinson’s disease.
Curcumin (a major active ingredient in turmeric) has been reported to possess radical scavenger, iron chelating, and anti-inflammatory properties in different tissues.
In this study, curcumin was shown to protect against chemical neurotoxicity through multiple mechanisms. Curcumin is noteworthy as an antioxidant and inhibitor of NF-kB.
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Inflammation in white blood cells contributes to the cause of chronic fatigue syndrome
Summary of key findings:
* Chronic fatigue syndrome is an inflammation related disease.
* NF-kB recogniged as the Master switch controlling inflammation in chronic fatigue
* Those with chronic fatigue show higher levels of activated NF-kB
* More activated NF-kB results in (correlates with) more severe disease symptoms
* Inflammation in the white blood cells plays an important role in chronic fatigue syndrome
* Chronic fatigue syndrome should be treated with agents that reduce NF-kB activation, such as anti-oxidants like turmeric (curcumin)
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Curcumin, or turmeric, is believed to have many beneficial effects relative to inflammation and disease. It is an inhibitor of NF-kB, but also affects other pathways and mediators of inflammation.
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Efficacy of curcumin demonstrated in rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory eye diseases, inflammatory bowel disease, chronic pancreatitis, psoriasis, hyperlipidemia, and cancers. Patients taking up to 8 grams of pure curcumin daily for 4 months reported no significant side effects.
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In rheumatoid arthritis the synovium becomes thickened and develops finger-like projections extending out into the joint space. This thickening process is called “hyperplasia,”and typically leads to pannus formation. Pannus means “flap” – and the pannus in rhuematoid arthritis contributes to the joint destruction characteristic of that disease.
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Bone undergoes continuous remodeling through bone formation and resorption, and maintaining the balance for skeletal rigidity. Bone resorption and loss are generally attributed to osteoclasts. Osteoclast activity is inhibited by turmeric and dandelion, probably by means of NF-kB.
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This study suggests that a combination of turmeric (curcumin) and ginger extract might provide a novel approach to improving structure and function in skin and, concomitantly, reducing formation of non-healing wounds.
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