Turmeric (pictured) contains the active compound curcumin, which can now be more easily absorbed by the body thanks to nanotechnology.
CREDIT
University of South Australia
Treatment for Alzheimer’s and genital herpes
For years, curry lovers have sworn by the anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric, but its active compound, curcumin, has long frustrated scientists hoping to validate these claims with clinical studies.
The failure of the body to easily absorb curcumin has been a thorn in the side of medical researchers seeking scientific proof that curcumin can successfully treat cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer’s and many other chronic health conditions.
Now, researchers from the University of South Australia (UniSA), McMaster University in Canada and Texas A&M University have shown that curcumin can be delivered effectively into human cells via tiny nanoparticles.
Sanjay Garg, a professor of pharmaceutical science at UniSA, and his colleague Dr Ankit Parikh are part of an international team that has developed a nano formulation which changes curcumin’s behaviour to increase its oral bioavailability by 117 per cent.
The researchers have shown in animal experiments that nanoparticles containing curcumin not only prevents cognitive deterioration but also reverses the damage. This finding paves the way for clinical development trials for Alzheimer’s.
Co-author Professor Xin-Fu Zhou, a UniSA neuroscientist, says the new formulation offers a potential solution for Alzheimer’s disease.
“Curcumin is a compound that suppresses oxidative stress and inflammation, both key pathological factors for Alzheimer’s, and it also helps remove amyloid plaques, small fragments of protein that clump together in the brains of Alzheimer disease patients,” Prof Zhou says.
The same delivery method is now being tested to show that curcumin can also prevent the spread of genital herpes.
“To treat genital herpes (HSV-2) you need a form of curcumin that is better absorbed, which is why it needs to be encapsulated in a nano formulation,” Prof Garg says.
“Curcumin can stop the genital herpes virus, it helps in reducing the inflammation and makes it less susceptible to HIV and other STIs,” Prof Garg says.
Women are biologically more vulnerable to genital herpes as bacterial and viral infections in the female genital tract (FGT) impair the mucosal barrier. Curcumin, however, can minimize genital inflammation and control against HSV-2 infection, which would assist in the prevention of HIV infection in the FGT.
The Latest Updates from Bing News & Google News
Go deeper with Bing News on:
Curcumin
- Professional Faqs: What Are The Health Benefits Of Turmeric Intake?
Expert opinion from Ledyan Ledyan Master's degree Medicinal plants and functional food/Bachelor's degree Nutrition · 4 years of experience · Indonesia Turmeric contains Curcumin, which is the main ...
- The 5 Best Herbs & Spices For Blood Pressure, Immunity And Heart Health: Oregano, More
On the path to optimal wellness, you may turn to nutrient-packed foods, a solid workout routine, and a diet low in processed products. However, one great place to look for the best ingredients for a ...
- Here's How You Can Boost Your Kidney Health: Expert Shares Benefits Of Turmeric Tea On Empty Stomach
Adding turmeric tea to your daily routine along with a balanced diet and regular exercise can be a proactive step toward nurturing your kidneys ...
- The 8 Best Turmeric Supplements According to a Dietitian
The herb contains a class of compounds called curcuminoids, the most prevalent of which is curcumin. Curcumin may reduce pain from arthritis, help regulate blood sugar levels, and improve ...
- Looking for a way to ditch that afternoon coffee? Here are the health benefits of chai tea
Chai is made of black tea, spices, milk and a sweetener. The taste of this South Asian drink is the main draw, but it also has many health benefits.
Go deeper with Google Headlines on:
Curcumin
[google_news title=”” keyword=”curcumin” num_posts=”5″ blurb_length=”0″ show_thumb=”left”]
Go deeper with Bing News on:
Anti-inflammatory
- Can Pineapple Help Reduce Inflammation? A Review By Nutrition Professionals
Expert opinion from Kelsey Masso Master of Science in Health and Wellness Management /Bachelor of Science in Food and Nutrition · 2 years of experience · USA Pineapple contains an enzyme called ...
- Avalo signals change in fortunes by snapping up AlmataBio for ex-Lilly inflammatory drug
The anti-IL-1β mAb, dubbed AVTX-009 ... and also alluded to plans to evaluate the antibody in another chronic inflammatory indication. To get its hands on the drug, Avalo is paying out $15 million in ...
- Do Radish Sprouts Have The Same Anti-inflammatory Properties As Radishes? A Review By Nutrition Professionals
Expert opinion from Georgios Christos Bakolas Master Science in Sport Nutrition · 3 years of experience · UK Even if radishes are a powerful tool against inflammatory-fighting ingredients because of ...
- Wellness Wednesday: Anti-inflammatory Properties of Turmeric and Step Aerobics
Yvette Quantz, Registered Dietitian and Creator of Nourishing an Elevated Life, and Toni Heinen, Owner of GoodWolf Power Yoga, stopped by News15 at Noon to share the details on turmeric ...
- A Novel Anti-Aging Treatment Revitalized Mice Immune Systems — Will It Work In Humans?
Scientists created a novel antibody treatment that revitalized aged mouse immune systems by rebalancing hematopoietic stem cells.
Go deeper with Google Headlines on:
Anti-inflammatory
[google_news title=”” keyword=”anti-inflammatory” num_posts=”5″ blurb_length=”0″ show_thumb=”left”]