Turmeric, an ancient herbal remedy derived from the rhizome of Curcuma longa (a member of the ginger family), is commonly found in health supplements for knee pain. It boasts remarkable health-promoting benefits, thanks to its powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, along with a range of other physiological advantages. Increasing evidence supports that the healing properties of turmeric are primarily due to its active compounds – curcuminoids – which are now widely utilised in various health supplements.
Curcuminoids are known to suppress inflammation by inhibiting NF-kB, a transcription factor that triggers a cascade of undesirable inflammatory responses in the body. NF-kB is implicated in a range of chronic diseases, including cardiovascular diseases and cancer. As potent antioxidants, curcuminoids counteract free radicals in two key ways: by preventing their formation and by quenching preformed radicals.
Arthritis management
Turmeric offers safe and effective therapeutic benefits in alleviating inflammation and pain associated with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Unlike NSAIDs, this natural COX-2 inhibitor does not cause undesirable gastrointestinal side effects, making it an ideal ingredient for joint care supplements targeting knee pain.
Cardiovascular support
Turmeric extract shows promising results in lowering serum levels of LDL-cholesterol and triglycerides, thus reducing the risk factors for coronary heart diseases.
Blood sugar management
Many studies suggest that turmeric aids in managing blood sugar levels by increasing insulin production and protecting pancreatic cells from oxidative damage.
Brain function
Curcumin has been shown to prevent the formation and break down amyloid-beta plaques associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
Gastrointestinal health
Turmeric extract helps improve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) such as gas, diarrhea, constipation, etc.
Anti-allergic
Curcuminoids help alleviate allergy symptoms by inhibiting the release of histamine from mast cells.
Cancer prevention
Curcuminoids act by interfering with signalling mechanisms (critical for tumour growth), regulation of apoptosis (cell death), and tumour angiogenesis (new blood vessel formation which feeds tumours).
Chemo-preventive effects
Curcumin has gained attention for its potential to protect normal tissues from chemotherapy-induced toxicity. It may also enhance the therapeutic efficacy of various anti-cancer drugs while reducing their side effects through pharmacological and pharmacokinetic interactions.
Sources:
- Daily JW, Yang M, Park S. Efficacy of Turmeric Extracts and Curcumin for Alleviating the Symptoms of Joint Arthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials. J Med Food. 2016; 19(8):717-729.
- Mirzabeigi P, Mohammadpour AH, Salarifar M, Gholami K, Mojtahedzadeh M, Javadi MR. The Effect of Curcumin on some of Traditional and Non-traditional Cardiovascular Risk Factors: A Pilot Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Trial. Iranian Journal of Pharmaceutical Research. 2015;14(2):479-486.
- Panahi Y, Hosseini MS, Khalili N, Naimi E, Simental-Mendía LE, Majeed M, Sahebkar A. Effects of curcumin on serum cytokine concentrations in subjects with metabolic syndrome: A post-hoc analysis of a randomized controlled trial. Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy. 2016;82:578-582.
- Mishra S, Palanivelu K. The effect of curcumin (turmeric) on Alzheimer’s disease: An overview. Annals of Indian Academy of Neurology. 2008;1(11):13-19.
- Tomeh MA, Hadianamrei R, Zhao X. A Review of Curcumin and Its Derivatives as Anticancer Agents. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2019;20:1033.
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- Moloughney S. (2019) Curcumin: Traditional Roots Intertwined with Modern Science. Retrieved from https://www.nutraceuticalsworld.com/