 |
|
'Holy powder' ingredient makes membranes behave for better health
March 09, 2009ANN ARBOR, Mich.---Revered in India as "holy powder," the marigold-colored spice known as turmeric has been used for centuries to treat wounds, infections and other health problems. In recent years, research into the healing powers of turmeric's main ingredient, curcumin, has burgeoned, as its astonishing array of antioxidant, anti-cancer, antibiotic, antiviral and other properties has been revealed.
Yet little has been known about exactly how curcumin works inside the body.
Now, University of Michigan researchers led by Ayyalusamy Ramamoorthy have discovered that curcumin acts as a disciplinarian, inserting itself into cell membranes and making them more orderly, a move that improves cells' resistance to infection and malignancy.
"The membrane goes from being crazy and floppy to being more disciplined and ordered, so that information flow through it can be controlled," said Ramamoorthy, a professor of chemistry and biophysics. The findings were published online March 3 in the Journal of the American Chemical Society.
The research project melds Ramamoorthy's past with his current scientific interests. As a child in India, he was given turmeric-laced milk to drink when he had a cold, and he breathed steam infused with turmeric to relieve congestion. Now as researcher he is fascinated with proteins that are associated with biological membranes, and he uses a technique called solid-state NMR spectroscopy to reveal atom-level details of these important molecules and the membranous milieu in which they operate.
"Probing high-resolution intermolecular interactions in the messy membrane environment has been a major challenge to commonly-used biophysical techniques," Ramamoorthy said. His research group recently developed the two-dimensional solid-state NMR technique that they used to probe curcumin-membrane communication in this study.
Scientists have speculated that curcumin does its health-promoting work by interacting directly with membrane proteins, but the U-M findings challenge that notion. Instead, the researchers found that curcumin regulates the action of membrane proteins indirectly, by changing the physical properties of the membrane.
Ramamoorthy's group now is collaborating with chemistry professor Masato Koreeda and U-M Life Sciences Institute researcher Jason Gestwicki to study a variety of curcumin derivatives, some of which have enhanced potency. "We want to see how these various derivatives interact with the membrane, to see if the interactions are the same as what we have observed in the current study," Ramamoorthy said. "Such a comparative study could lead to the development of potent compounds to treat infection and other diseases."
In a related line of research, Ramamoorthy's team is using the same methods to investigate the effects of curcumin on the formation of amyloids---clumps of fibrous protein believed to be involved in type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and many other maladies. In addition, the researchers are looking to see whether other natural products, such as polyphenols (compounds found in many plant foods that are known to have antioxidant properties) and capsaicin (a pain reliever derived from hot peppers), interact with membranes in the same way as curcumin.
University of Michigan
"The membrane goes from being crazy and floppy to being more disciplined and ordered, so that information flow through it can be controlled," said Ramamoorthy, a professor of chemistry and biophysics. The findings were published online March 3 in the Journal of the American Chemical Society.
The research project melds Ramamoorthy's past with his current scientific interests. As a child in India, he was given turmeric-laced milk to drink when he had a cold, and he breathed steam infused with turmeric to relieve congestion. Now as researcher he is fascinated with proteins that are associated with biological membranes, and he uses a technique called solid-state NMR spectroscopy to reveal atom-level details of these important molecules and the membranous milieu in which they operate.
"Probing high-resolution intermolecular interactions in the messy membrane environment has been a major challenge to commonly-used biophysical techniques," Ramamoorthy said. His research group recently developed the two-dimensional solid-state NMR technique that they used to probe curcumin-membrane communication in this study.
Scientists have speculated that curcumin does its health-promoting work by interacting directly with membrane proteins, but the U-M findings challenge that notion. Instead, the researchers found that curcumin regulates the action of membrane proteins indirectly, by changing the physical properties of the membrane.
Ramamoorthy's group now is collaborating with chemistry professor Masato Koreeda and U-M Life Sciences Institute researcher Jason Gestwicki to study a variety of curcumin derivatives, some of which have enhanced potency. "We want to see how these various derivatives interact with the membrane, to see if the interactions are the same as what we have observed in the current study," Ramamoorthy said. "Such a comparative study could lead to the development of potent compounds to treat infection and other diseases."
In a related line of research, Ramamoorthy's team is using the same methods to investigate the effects of curcumin on the formation of amyloids---clumps of fibrous protein believed to be involved in type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and many other maladies. In addition, the researchers are looking to see whether other natural products, such as polyphenols (compounds found in many plant foods that are known to have antioxidant properties) and capsaicin (a pain reliever derived from hot peppers), interact with membranes in the same way as curcumin.
University of Michigan
Curcumin Current Events and Curcumin News RSSCurry-cure? Spicing up the effectiveness of a potential disease-fighter
Scientists are reporting development of a nano-size capsule that boosts the body's uptake of curcumin, an ingredient in yellow curry now being evaluated in clinical trials for treatment of several diseases.
Curcumin may inhibit nicotine-induced activation of head and neck cancers
Curcumin, the compound that gives curry powder its yellow/orange color, may inhibit the adverse effects of nicotine in patients with head and neck cancer who continue to smoke.
Dementia induced and blocked in Parkinson's fly model
Parkinson's disease is well-known for impairing movement and causing tremors, but many patients also develop other serious problems, including sleep disturbances and significant losses in cognitive function known as dementia.
Vitamin D, curcumin may help clear amyloid plaques found in Alzheimer's disease
UCLA scientists and colleagues from UC Riverside and the Human BioMolecular Research Institute have found that a form of vitamin D, together with a chemical found in turmeric spice called curcumin, may help stimulate the immune system to clear the brain of amyloid beta, which forms the plaques considered the hallmark of Alzheimer's disease.
Asian Spice Could Reduce Breast Cancer Risk in Postmenopausal Women Exposed to Hormone Replacement Therapy, MU Study Finds
Previous studies have found that postmenopausal women who have taken a combined estrogen and progestin hormone replacement therapy have increased their risk of developing progestin-accelerated breast tumors.
Turmeric extract suppresses fat tissue growth in rodent models
Curcumin, the major polyphenol found in turmeric, appears to reduce weight gain in mice and suppress the growth of fat tissue in mice and cell models.
Indian spice reduces size of hemorrhagic stroke
You might want to make curcumin part of your daily diet. This active ingredient of the Indian curry spice, turmeric, not only lowers your chances of getting cancer and Alzheimer's disease, but may reduce the size of a hemorrhagic stroke, say Medical College of Georgia researchers.
Common cooking spice shows promise in combating diabetes and obesity
Turmeric, an Asian spice found in many curries, has a long history of use in reducing inflammation, healing wounds and relieving pain, but can it prevent diabetes?
Popular alternative therapy for psoriasis performs no better than placebo
Anecdotal evidence touting the healing power of the Indian spice turmeric for psoriasis received a setback in a prospective study published this month by a leading dermatology journal stating that the low response rate of patients who ingested the active ingredient of the exotic spice was probably a result of the placebo effect.
Curry-derived molecules might be too spicy for colorectal cancers
Curcumin, the yellowish component of turmeric that gives curry its flavor, has long been noted for its potential anti-cancer properties.
More Curcumin Current Events and Curcumin News Articles
 |
Now Foods Curcumin Extract 95% 700mg, 60 Capsules by NOW "Curcumin is the major component of Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) and extensive scientific research on Curcumin has demonstrated its potent antioxidant properties. Through its antioxidant mechanisms, Curcumin supports colon health, exerts neuroprotective activity and helps maintain a healthy cardiovascular system." |
 |
Jarrow Formulations Curcumin-95, 500 mgs, 120 Capsules by Jarrow Formulations Curcumin 95 is an 18:1 extract of the antioxidants found in the spice turmeric root. Curcumin 95 contains 95% curcuminoids (including curcumin, demethoxycurcumin and bisdemethoxycurcumin), which are antioxidants. Specifically, curcumin and its derivatives protect DNA against oxidative damage induced by singlet oxygen. Turmeric in Latin is Curcuma longa. The roots of the plant are stemlike and are used as an herb in Asian cooking such as in making curries. * Picture may be of different size or flavor |
 |
Super Curcumin w/ Bioperine 800mg - 60 - Capsule by Life Extension Super Curcumin with Bioperine®800 mg, 60 capsulesItem Catalog Number: 912 Curcumin was first used by Indians over 3000 years ago in traditional Ayurvedic medicine. Modern science has found that this extract from the common spice turmeric has remarkable qualities as an antioxidant.82-84 Over time, as our cells continue to be affected by free radicals, or oxidants, organs begin to degenerate and aging accelerates. The body has built-in defense mechanisms to protect itself from free radical damage, but eventually, aging depletes the bodys ability to keep oxidants at bay. Curcumin can also help maintain normal healthy platelet function and the normal process of bile excretion.85-87 New studies have tied inflammation to overexpression of a protein molecule called nuclear factor-kappa beta... |
 |
Nature's Bounty Turmeric/Curcumin, 60 Capsules (Pack of 2) by Nature's Bounty Herbal Supplement. With Turmeric extract standardized to 95% curcuminoids. Contains antioxidants. The active ingredients in Turmeric include beneficial flavanoids called Curcuminoids, which are plant based antioxidants. Antioxidants help fight cell-damagi |
 |
Source Naturals Turmeric Extract, Tablets, 100 tablets (Pack of 2) by Source Naturals Dietary supplement. Standardized to 95% Curcumin. Curcumin considered the most bioactive and soothing portion of the herb turmeric, shows protective effects on the liver. It also inhibits the COX-II enzyme and is a powerful antioxidant. When take alone, c |
 |
Curcumin 120 vcaps by NOW Curcumin is the major component of Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) and extensive scientific research on Curcumin has demonstrated its potent antioxidant properties. Through its antioxidant mechanisms, Curcumin supports colon health, exerts neuroprotective activity and helps maintain a healthy cardiovascular system. * Picture may be of different size or flavor |
 |
Best Curcumin with BioPerine 120 caps by DOCTOR'S BEST Best Curcumin w/Bioperine contains a standardized extract of Curcuma longa root, commonly known as Turmeric. Turmeric is a yellow spice used in curried dishes. In the Far East, turmeric is valued for more than just its culinary applications. The herb has been employed in the Ayurvedic healing tradition for centuries , and is a common household remedy in India. The active ingredients in Curcuma longa are a group of plant substances called curcuminoids. Known collectively as curcumin, curcuminoids have demonstrated potent antioxidant properties in scientific studies.* Curcuminoids benefit joints and other tissues by helping to neutralize free-radicals.* Curcuminoids are responsible for turmerics distinctive yellow color. * Picture may be of different size or flavor |
 |
Super Bio Curcumin BCM 95 - 60 - Capsule by Life Extension Super Bio-Curcumin® 400 mg, 60 vegetarian capsules Curcumin was first used by Indians over 3000 years ago in traditional Ayurvedic medicine. Modern science has found that this extract from the common spice turmeric has remarkable qualities as an antioxidant.82-84 Over time, as our cells continue to be affected by free radicals, or oxidants, organs begin to degenerate and aging accelerates. The body has built-in defense mechanisms to protect itself from free radical damage, but eventually, aging depletes the bodys ability to keep oxidants at bay. Curcumin can also help maintain normal healthy platelet function and the normal process of bile excretion.85-87 New studies have tied inflammation to overexpression of a protein molecule called... |
 |
Turmeric 720 mg 100 Caps by Swanson Premium Brand Protect your digestive system and liver with the natural nutrition of turmeric! Chefs may be most familiar with turmeric as a spice used in curries, but herbalists know it as an outstanding natural tonic for the liver and gastrointestinal system. The key to turmeric's benefits appear to be its high concentration of natural compounds known as curcuminoids, which possess powerful antioxidant capabilities. |
 |
Turmeric Powder (Curcumin) 7oz by Spicy World Discover naturally fresh, premium quality spices and taste the difference in all your dishes. We are Spicy World, bringing you the best spices and ingredients from around the world. We travel throughout the world purchasing the finest quality spices available, and fully guarantee our products. Experience the difference with our naturally fresh spices that taste, smell, and look great. We are a 100 percent customer-oriented company that is family owned and operated, and are proud to be your source for quality foods from around the world. |
| © 2009 BrightSurf.com |