Lovers of turmeric powder have sworn by the spice's anti-inflammatory properties for years, but its active ingredient has long puzzled scientists. However, in a new study, they hope to confirm these claims with clinical results. Medical researchers were concerned that it was problematic for the body,Curcumin easy to absorb. They were looking for scientific evidence that the active ingredient could successfully treat cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer's and many other chronic diseases.
Turmeric powder effect
Researchers have now shown that the ingredient can be effectively delivered into human cells via tiny nanoparticles. They have shown in animal studies that nanoparticles containing curcumin not only prevent cognitive decline but also reverse the damage. This finding paves the way for clinical development studies of Alzheimer's disease.
“Curcumin is a compound that suppresses oxidative stress and inflammation, both important pathological factors in Alzheimer's disease. It also helps remove amyloid plaques. These are small protein fragments that clump together in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients.” This is what the co-author of the study, Professor Zhou, said.
The researchers found that curcumin undergoes mild oxidation reactions in test tubes. They suggest that inadequate bioactivation may explain the mixed results in activity studies. The same method of administration is currently 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 turmeric powder that is better absorbed. That’s why it has to be encapsulated in nanoparticles,” says Professor Garg.
“Curcumin can stop the virus, helps reduce inflammation and makes it less susceptible to HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases,” he adds.
Women are biologically more susceptible to genital herpes because bacterial and viral infections in the female genital tract (FGT) affect the mucous membrane. However, curcumin can minimize genital inflammation and control against HSV-2 infections, which can help prevent oneHIV infectionwould contribute to the FGT. The results of theStudywere published in Drug Delivery and Translational Research as Part I and Part II.
