Nutrition Research for Doctors
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Proenzymes (PRO-ENZ)
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Shishodia, S. et al. Curcumin: getting back to the roots. Ann NY Acad Sci. 2005 Nov;1056: 206-17.
The use of turmeric, derived from the root of the plant Curcuma longa, for treatment of different inflammatory diseases has been described in Ayurveda and in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years.
The active component of turmeric responsible for this activity, curcumin, was identified almost two centuries ago.
Modern science has revealed that curcumin mediates its effects by of several important molecular targets, including:
- Transcription factors: NF-kappaB, AP-1, Egr-1, Beta-catenin, and PPAR-gamma
- Enzymes: COX2, 5-LOX, iNOS, and hemeoxygenase-1
- Cell cycle proteins: Cyclin D1
- Cytokines: TNF, IL-1, IL-6, and Chemokines
- Receptors: EGFR and HER2
- Cell surface adhesion molecules
Because it can modulate the expression of these targets, curcumin is now being used to treat:
- Cancer
- Arthritis
- Diabetes
- Crohn's disease
- Cardiovascular diseases
- Osteoporosis
- Alzheimer's disease
- Psoriasis
- Other pathologies.
Interestingly, 6-gingerol, a natural analog of curcumin derived from the root of ginger (Zingiber officinalis), exhibits a biologic activity profile similar to that of curcumin.
The efficacy, pharmacologic safety, and cost effectiveness of curcuminoids prompt us to "get back to our roots."
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