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Curcumin - Extract From Turmeric Is A Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (Nsaid) Phytonutrient

By Samantha Rangen

In a recent review article about the anti-inflammatory activity of curcumin, it was found that curcumin has been demonstrated to be safe in six human trials and has demonstrated anti-inflammatory activity. As a non-steroid al anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), curcumin offers excellent anti-inflammatory (including anti-arthritic) action with no known toxicity. This medical use has been studied in clinical trials, animal models, and laboratory studies.

Research has shown several mechanisms that could be the source of curcumin's anti-inflammatory activity. This makes sense, since natural products have historically played a significant role in human health including the treatment and prevention of inflammatory conditions. When we eat a varied diet, a certain amount of anti-inflammatory products are ingested which all react along different pathways. This allows the body to use the natural ingredients in a balanced manner against over response of inflammation.

Why anti-inflammatory products are important
Inflammation is a natural response of the body to damage. That damage may be a cut, a bruise, or a long term illness. There are a number of balanced chemical cycles and reactions which characterize the inflammation response in the body. Sometimes the balance is lost, and a state of chronic inflammation develops.

Rheumatoid arthritis, amyotropic lateral sclerosis, and diabetes, are examples of long term inflammation. There may even be a link between inflammation and such diseases as cancer and arteriosclerosis. Treating Alzheimer's Disease patients with NSAID's has been shown to improve their cognitive state.

One of the easiest uses of turmeric's anti-inflammatory properties is on skin problems. If you have a skin wound or ulcer, or a patch of psoriasis, simply apply a paste made of turmeric and water and put a Band-Aid on it overnight. Many times this simple treatment can clear up a simple skin lesion.

Curcumin as a leading NSAID
Many other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs cause alarming side effects such as stomach upset, heartburn, and nausea, increase your risk of heart attack, stroke, skin reactions, and serious stomach and intestinal bleeding. Aspirin is an exception to the heart attack and stroke risk, as it has been shown to lower those risks.

Curcumin has been shown to be highly tolerable and non-toxic in clinical trials and safety trials. Turmeric and its extracts have been used in folk remedies by many cultures for years, and there may be evidence that populations eating high levels of turmeric derive health benefits from their dietary intake.

Like some other phytonutrients, curcumin has a strong basis in scientific research for the claims being made about its anti-inflammatory effect. This bolsters ones confidence in using it as a relatively safe NSAID.

Sources:
J Altern Complement Med. 2003 Feb;9(1):161-8. Safety and anti-inflammatory activity of curcumin: a component of turmeric (Curcuma longa). Chainani-Wu N.

http://web.mit.edu/newsoffice/2006/dna-damage.html , "DNA damage study probes inflammation, disease link".

http://www.webmd.com/hw/health_guide_atoz/sid7998.asp, " Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID's)"

Samantha Rangen writes about home health issues. She has a BA in chemistry and has worked as a research technician for over 20 years in biochemistry, genetics, biochemistry, and cancer research.Samantha markets discount home medical equipment, including barrier ointments at http://www.getinspec.com.Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Samantha_Rangen