Curcumin: Antioxidant, prevention of Alzheimer’s disease, anti-inflammatory

What Is Curcumin

Curcumin is a compound extracted from the rhizomes of ginger plants such as turmeric, zedoary, mustard, curry, and turmeric. The main chain is unsaturated aliphatic and aromatic groups. It is a diketone compound. It is a commonly used seasoning and food coloring. It is non-toxic and has a chemical formula of C21H20O6.

In recent years, many research has revealed the incredible potential of curcumin in promoting health. 

Curcumin Physical And Chemical Properties

Curcumin solubility: Insoluble in water and ether, soluble in ethanol and propylene glycol, easily soluble in glacial acetic acid and alkali solutions, reddish brown when alkaline, yellow when neutral or acidic.

Curcumin Benefits

1. Anti-Inflammatory

Curcumin has anti-inflammatory effects and can inhibit the production of inflammatory factors, thereby reducing the inflammatory response. It can be used clinically to relieve pain symptoms caused by frozen shoulder, rheumatoid arthritis, gastritis and other diseases.

2. Powerful Antioxidant

It has antioxidant effects, can scavenge free radicals in the body, help reduce wrinkles, and can also delay aging.

3. Improve Cognitive Function

Emerging research suggests that curcumin powder may have a positive impact on brain health and cognitive function. Studies have shown that curcumin can cross the blood-brain barrier and accumulate in the brain, where it may help to reduce oxidative damage and inflammation. This may result in improved memory, attention, and overall cognitive performance.

4. Protect Cardiovascular

Curcumin can dilate coronary arteries and increase coronary blood flow, which can protect cardiovascular systems to a certain extent.

5. Anti-platelet Aggregation

Curcumin also has anti-platelet aggregation effects, which can inhibit platelet aggregation and thereby prevent the formation of blood clots

6. Lower Blood Lipids

Curcumin also has the effect of lowering blood lipids, can promote blood circulation, and can achieve the effect of lowering blood lipids to a certain extent.

7. Curcumin for Skin

Curcumin is a natural compound. It is extracted from plant rhizomes. It has antioxidant and free radical scavenging effects, can improve the body's antioxidant capacity, and can also help delay the aging of the skin.

What Are Side Effects Of Curcumin And Who Should Not Take It

Curcumin is the main component of turmeric and has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and other effects. However, it is not suitable for some people, such as pregnant women and people with gastrointestinal discomfort.

Curcumin has a certain irritation to the gastrointestinal tract, and some patients may experience gastrointestinal discomfort symptoms such as abdominal pain and diarrhea. Therefore, patients with gastrointestinal diseases should not consume it to avoid aggravating symptoms.

Since curcumin has certain liver and kidney toxicity, patients with liver and kidney diseases should not consume it to avoid increasing the burden on the liver and kidneys and further damaging their health.