Asian Spice Turmeric May Prevent Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoporosis

[Guest guest]

This is a pretty broad claim. Has anyone tried taking tumeric, and

if so, did it help?

Asian Spice Turmeric May Prevent Rheumatoid Arthritis and

Osteoporosis

U. of Arizona researchers say it may fight other inflammatory

disorders

October 30, 2006 - An ancient spice, long used in traditional Asian

medicine, may hold promise for the prevention of both rheumatoid

arthritis and osteoporosis, according to a recently completed study

at The University of Arizona College of Medicine. It is encouraging

news for millions of senior citizens concerned about both

conditions. Turmeric, the spice that flavors and gives its yellow

color to many curries and other foods, has been used for centuries

by practitioners of Ayurvedic medicine to treat inflammatory

disorders.

Turmeric extract containing the ingredient curcumin is marketed

widely in the Western world as a dietary supplement for the

treatment and prevention of a variety of disorders, including

arthritis.

At the UA College of Medicine, Janet L. Funk, MD, working with

Barbara N. Timmermann, PhD, then-director of the National Institutes

of Health (NIH)-funded Arizona Center for Phytomedicine Research at

the UA, set out to determine whether (and how) turmeric works as an

anti-arthritic.

They began by preparing their own extracts from the rhizome, or

root, of the plant, providing themselves with well-characterized

materials to test and to compare with commercially available

products. (Dr. Timmermann since has joined the faculty of the

University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kan.)

Dr. Funk and her colleagues then tested in animal models a whole

extract of turmeric root, only the essential oils, and an oil-

depleted extract containing the three major curcuminoids found in

the rhizome. Of the three extracts, the one containing the major

curcuminoids was most similar in chemical composition to

commercially available turmeric dietary supplements. It also was the

most effective, completely inhibiting the onset of rheumatoid

arthritis.

Funk, an endocrinologist in the UA Department of Medicine, says this

study provides several noteworthy " firsts. "

¡ñ Completed with the researchers' own prepared, well-defined

extracts, the study represents the first documentation of the

chemical composition of a curcumin-containing extract tested in a

living organism, in vivo, for anti-arthritic efficacy.

¡ñ It also provides the first evidence of anti-arthritic efficacy

of a complex turmeric extract that is analogous in composition to

turmeric dietary supplements.

The significance, she explains, is that translating the results of

trials such as these to clinical use depends on accurate information

about the chemical content and biological activity of the botanical

supplements available for use.

This work paves the way for the preclinical and clinical trials

needed before turmeric supplements can be recommended for medicinal

use in preventing or suppressing rheumatoid arthritis.

¡ñ This study also provides the first in vivo documentation of a

mechanism of action ¨C how curcumin-containing extracts protect

against arthritis.

The researchers found that the curcuminoid extract inhibits a

transcription factor called NF-KB from being activated in the joint.

A transcription factor is a protein that controls when genes are

switched on or off. Once the transcription factor NF-KB is

activated, or turned on, it binds to genes and enhances production

of inflammatory proteins, destructive to the joint. The finding that

curcuminoid extract inhibits activation of NF-KB suggests that

turmeric dietary supplements share the same mechanism of action as

anti-arthritic pharmaceuticals under development that target NF-KB.

It also suggests that turmeric may have a use in other inflammatory

disorders, such as asthma, multiple sclerosis and inflammatory bowel

disease.

In addition to preventing joint inflammation, Dr. Funk's study shows

that the curcuminoid extract blocked the pathway that affects bone

resorption. Noting that bone loss associated with osteoporosis in

women typically begins before the onset of menopause, she has begun

work on another NIH-funded study to determine whether turmeric taken

as a dietary supplement during perimenopause can prevent bone loss

and osteoporosis.

Both of the studies are supported by the National Center for

Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) and the Office of

Dietary Supplements (ODS), both of the NIH.

An initial publication of the rheumatoid arthritis study results in

the Journal of Natural Products, which was among the most-accessed

articles from April-June 2006 in this prestigious American Chemical

Society journal, is being followed by more detailed study results,

which will appear in the November 2006 issue of the American College

of Rheumatology flagship journal, Arthritis and Rheumatism.

The article, " Efficacy and Mechanism of Action of Turmeric

Supplements in the Treatment of Experimental Arthritis, " is

scheduled to appear in the online issue of Arthritis and Rheumatism

Monday, Oct. 30, 2006.

[Guest guest]

I'd heard Tumeric would ease pain but I really don't know. I haven't tried

it myself.

Joyce

[ ] Asian Spice Turmeric May Prevent Rheumatoid Arthritis

and Osteoporosis

This is a pretty broad claim. Has anyone tried taking tumeric, and

if so, did it help?

Asian Spice Turmeric May Prevent Rheumatoid Arthritis and

Osteoporosis

U. of Arizona researchers say it may fight other inflammatory

disorders

October 30, 2006 - An ancient spice, long used in traditional Asian

medicine, may hold promise for the prevention of both rheumatoid

arthritis and osteoporosis, according to a recently completed study

at The University of Arizona College of Medicine. It is encouraging

news for millions of senior citizens concerned about both

conditions. Turmeric, the spice that flavors and gives its yellow

color to many curries and other foods, has been used for centuries

by practitioners of Ayurvedic medicine to treat inflammatory

disorders.

Turmeric extract containing the ingredient curcumin is marketed

widely in the Western world as a dietary supplement for the

treatment and prevention of a variety of disorders, including

arthritis.

At the UA College of Medicine, Janet L. Funk, MD, working with

Barbara N. Timmermann, PhD, then-director of the National Institutes

of Health (NIH)-funded Arizona Center for Phytomedicine Research at

the UA, set out to determine whether (and how) turmeric works as an

anti-arthritic.

They began by preparing their own extracts from the rhizome, or

root, of the plant, providing themselves with well-characterized

materials to test and to compare with commercially available

products. (Dr. Timmermann since has joined the faculty of the

University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kan.)

Dr. Funk and her colleagues then tested in animal models a whole

extract of turmeric root, only the essential oils, and an oil-

depleted extract containing the three major curcuminoids found in

the rhizome. Of the three extracts, the one containing the major

curcuminoids was most similar in chemical composition to

commercially available turmeric dietary supplements. It also was the

most effective, completely inhibiting the onset of rheumatoid

arthritis.

Funk, an endocrinologist in the UA Department of Medicine, says this

study provides several noteworthy " firsts. "

¡ñ Completed with the researchers' own prepared, well-defined

extracts, the study represents the first documentation of the

chemical composition of a curcumin-containing extract tested in a

living organism, in vivo, for anti-arthritic efficacy.

¡ñ It also provides the first evidence of anti-arthritic efficacy

of a complex turmeric extract that is analogous in composition to

turmeric dietary supplements.

The significance, she explains, is that translating the results of

trials such as these to clinical use depends on accurate information

about the chemical content and biological activity of the botanical

supplements available for use.

This work paves the way for the preclinical and clinical trials

needed before turmeric supplements can be recommended for medicinal

use in preventing or suppressing rheumatoid arthritis.

¡ñ This study also provides the first in vivo documentation of a

mechanism of action ¨C how curcumin-containing extracts protect

against arthritis.

The researchers found that the curcuminoid extract inhibits a

transcription factor called NF-KB from being activated in the joint.

A transcription factor is a protein that controls when genes are

switched on or off. Once the transcription factor NF-KB is

activated, or turned on, it binds to genes and enhances production

of inflammatory proteins, destructive to the joint. The finding that

curcuminoid extract inhibits activation of NF-KB suggests that

turmeric dietary supplements share the same mechanism of action as

anti-arthritic pharmaceuticals under development that target NF-KB.

It also suggests that turmeric may have a use in other inflammatory

disorders, such as asthma, multiple sclerosis and inflammatory bowel

disease.

In addition to preventing joint inflammation, Dr. Funk's study shows

that the curcuminoid extract blocked the pathway that affects bone

resorption. Noting that bone loss associated with osteoporosis in

women typically begins before the onset of menopause, she has begun

work on another NIH-funded study to determine whether turmeric taken

as a dietary supplement during perimenopause can prevent bone loss

and osteoporosis.

Both of the studies are supported by the National Center for

Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) and the Office of

Dietary Supplements (ODS), both of the NIH.

An initial publication of the rheumatoid arthritis study results in

the Journal of Natural Products, which was among the most-accessed

articles from April-June 2006 in this prestigious American Chemical

Society journal, is being followed by more detailed study results,

which will appear in the November 2006 issue of the American College

of Rheumatology flagship journal, Arthritis and Rheumatism.

The article, " Efficacy and Mechanism of Action of Turmeric

Supplements in the Treatment of Experimental Arthritis, " is

scheduled to appear in the online issue of Arthritis and Rheumatism

Monday, Oct. 30, 2006.

[Guest guest]

I tried it for a while, but one problem I have is that subtle changes are

hard to identify. I usually wait for a reasonable time and if there's no

significant change, I mark it off as a non-working idea. I even go round

with my GP about meds that are that way. He switched me from Xanax to

Lorazepam and I tried them for a few months, and called him today to switch

me back. He only gave me a 10 day supply. They know how to get back at you.

LOL

Dennis in Eastexas

" It's not Rocket Surgery "

[ ] Asian Spice Turmeric May Prevent Rheumatoid Arthritis

and Osteoporosis

This is a pretty broad claim. Has anyone tried taking tumeric, and

if so, did it help?

Asian Spice Turmeric May Prevent Rheumatoid Arthritis and

Osteoporosis

U. of Arizona researchers say it may fight other inflammatory

disorders

October 30, 2006 - An ancient spice, long used in traditional Asian

medicine, may hold promise for the prevention of both rheumatoid

arthritis and osteoporosis, according to a recently completed study

at The University of Arizona College of Medicine. It is encouraging

news for millions of senior citizens concerned about both

conditions. Turmeric, the spice that flavors and gives its yellow

color to many curries and other foods, has been used for centuries

by practitioners of Ayurvedic medicine to treat inflammatory

disorders.

Turmeric extract containing the ingredient curcumin is marketed

widely in the Western world as a dietary supplement for the

treatment and prevention of a variety of disorders, including

arthritis.

At the UA College of Medicine, Janet L. Funk, MD, working with

Barbara N. Timmermann, PhD, then-director of the National Institutes

of Health (NIH)-funded Arizona Center for Phytomedicine Research at

the UA, set out to determine whether (and how) turmeric works as an

anti-arthritic.

They began by preparing their own extracts from the rhizome, or

root, of the plant, providing themselves with well-characterized

materials to test and to compare with commercially available

products. (Dr. Timmermann since has joined the faculty of the

University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kan.)

Dr. Funk and her colleagues then tested in animal models a whole

extract of turmeric root, only the essential oils, and an oil-

depleted extract containing the three major curcuminoids found in

the rhizome. Of the three extracts, the one containing the major

curcuminoids was most similar in chemical composition to

commercially available turmeric dietary supplements. It also was the

most effective, completely inhibiting the onset of rheumatoid

arthritis.

Funk, an endocrinologist in the UA Department of Medicine, says this

study provides several noteworthy " firsts. "

¡ñ Completed with the researchers' own prepared, well-defined

extracts, the study represents the first documentation of the

chemical composition of a curcumin-containing extract tested in a

living organism, in vivo, for anti-arthritic efficacy.

¡ñ It also provides the first evidence of anti-arthritic efficacy

of a complex turmeric extract that is analogous in composition to

turmeric dietary supplements.

The significance, she explains, is that translating the results of

trials such as these to clinical use depends on accurate information

about the chemical content and biological activity of the botanical

supplements available for use.

This work paves the way for the preclinical and clinical trials

needed before turmeric supplements can be recommended for medicinal

use in preventing or suppressing rheumatoid arthritis.

¡ñ This study also provides the first in vivo documentation of a

mechanism of action ¨C how curcumin-containing extracts protect

against arthritis.

The researchers found that the curcuminoid extract inhibits a

transcription factor called NF-KB from being activated in the joint.

A transcription factor is a protein that controls when genes are

switched on or off. Once the transcription factor NF-KB is

activated, or turned on, it binds to genes and enhances production

of inflammatory proteins, destructive to the joint. The finding that

curcuminoid extract inhibits activation of NF-KB suggests that

turmeric dietary supplements share the same mechanism of action as

anti-arthritic pharmaceuticals under development that target NF-KB.

It also suggests that turmeric may have a use in other inflammatory

disorders, such as asthma, multiple sclerosis and inflammatory bowel

disease.

In addition to preventing joint inflammation, Dr. Funk's study shows

that the curcuminoid extract blocked the pathway that affects bone

resorption. Noting that bone loss associated with osteoporosis in

women typically begins before the onset of menopause, she has begun

work on another NIH-funded study to determine whether turmeric taken

as a dietary supplement during perimenopause can prevent bone loss

and osteoporosis.

Both of the studies are supported by the National Center for

Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) and the Office of

Dietary Supplements (ODS), both of the NIH.

An initial publication of the rheumatoid arthritis study results in

the Journal of Natural Products, which was among the most-accessed

articles from April-June 2006 in this prestigious American Chemical

Society journal, is being followed by more detailed study results,

which will appear in the November 2006 issue of the American College

of Rheumatology flagship journal, Arthritis and Rheumatism.

The article, " Efficacy and Mechanism of Action of Turmeric

Supplements in the Treatment of Experimental Arthritis, " is

scheduled to appear in the online issue of Arthritis and Rheumatism

Monday, Oct. 30, 2006.

[Guest guest]

I take a supplement that contains tumeric (root) 95% curcumin, and it does help.

It also helps a friend of mine that has fibromyalgia.

susan100250 <res0bh3k@...> wrote: This

is a pretty broad claim. Has anyone tried taking tumeric, and

if so, did it help?

Asian Spice Turmeric May Prevent Rheumatoid Arthritis and

Osteoporosis

U. of Arizona researchers say it may fight other inflammatory

disorders

October 30, 2006 - An ancient spice, long used in traditional Asian

medicine, may hold promise for the prevention of both rheumatoid

arthritis and osteoporosis, according to a recently completed study

at The University of Arizona College of Medicine. It is encouraging

news for millions of senior citizens concerned about both

conditions. Turmeric, the spice that flavors and gives its yellow

color to many curries and other foods, has been used for centuries

by practitioners of Ayurvedic medicine to treat inflammatory

disorders.

Turmeric extract containing the ingredient curcumin is marketed

widely in the Western world as a dietary supplement for the

treatment and prevention of a variety of disorders, including

arthritis.

At the UA College of Medicine, Janet L. Funk, MD, working with

Barbara N. Timmermann, PhD, then-director of the National Institutes

of Health (NIH)-funded Arizona Center for Phytomedicine Research at

the UA, set out to determine whether (and how) turmeric works as an

anti-arthritic.

They began by preparing their own extracts from the rhizome, or

root, of the plant, providing themselves with well-characterized

materials to test and to compare with commercially available

products. (Dr. Timmermann since has joined the faculty of the

University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kan.)

Dr. Funk and her colleagues then tested in animal models a whole

extract of turmeric root, only the essential oils, and an oil-

depleted extract containing the three major curcuminoids found in

the rhizome. Of the three extracts, the one containing the major

curcuminoids was most similar in chemical composition to

commercially available turmeric dietary supplements. It also was the

most effective, completely inhibiting the onset of rheumatoid

arthritis.

Funk, an endocrinologist in the UA Department of Medicine, says this

study provides several noteworthy " firsts. "

¡ñ Completed with the researchers' own prepared, well-defined

extracts, the study represents the first documentation of the

chemical composition of a curcumin-containing extract tested in a

living organism, in vivo, for anti-arthritic efficacy.

¡ñ It also provides the first evidence of anti-arthritic efficacy

of a complex turmeric extract that is analogous in composition to

turmeric dietary supplements.

The significance, she explains, is that translating the results of

trials such as these to clinical use depends on accurate information

about the chemical content and biological activity of the botanical

supplements available for use.

This work paves the way for the preclinical and clinical trials

needed before turmeric supplements can be recommended for medicinal

use in preventing or suppressing rheumatoid arthritis.

¡ñ This study also provides the first in vivo documentation of a

mechanism of action ¨C how curcumin-containing extracts protect

against arthritis.

The researchers found that the curcuminoid extract inhibits a

transcription factor called NF-KB from being activated in the joint.

A transcription factor is a protein that controls when genes are

switched on or off. Once the transcription factor NF-KB is

activated, or turned on, it binds to genes and enhances production

of inflammatory proteins, destructive to the joint. The finding that

curcuminoid extract inhibits activation of NF-KB suggests that

turmeric dietary supplements share the same mechanism of action as

anti-arthritic pharmaceuticals under development that target NF-KB.

It also suggests that turmeric may have a use in other inflammatory

disorders, such as asthma, multiple sclerosis and inflammatory bowel

disease.

In addition to preventing joint inflammation, Dr. Funk's study shows

that the curcuminoid extract blocked the pathway that affects bone

resorption. Noting that bone loss associated with osteoporosis in

women typically begins before the onset of menopause, she has begun

work on another NIH-funded study to determine whether turmeric taken

as a dietary supplement during perimenopause can prevent bone loss

and osteoporosis.

Both of the studies are supported by the National Center for

Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) and the Office of

Dietary Supplements (ODS), both of the NIH.

An initial publication of the rheumatoid arthritis study results in

the Journal of Natural Products, which was among the most-accessed

articles from April-June 2006 in this prestigious American Chemical

Society journal, is being followed by more detailed study results,

which will appear in the November 2006 issue of the American College

of Rheumatology flagship journal, Arthritis and Rheumatism.

The article, " Efficacy and Mechanism of Action of Turmeric

Supplements in the Treatment of Experimental Arthritis, " is

scheduled to appear in the online issue of Arthritis and Rheumatism

Monday, Oct. 30, 2006.

---------------------------------

Get your email and see which of your friends are online - Right on the new

.com

---------------------------------

Everyone is raving about the all-new .

[Guest guest]

Hi

Can it interact with drugs that we are already taking? Where do you buy it?

Joy

<bizzyisme@...> wrote:

I take a supplement that contains tumeric (root) 95% curcumin, and it

does help. It also helps a friend of mine that has fibromyalgia.

susan100250 <res0bh3k@...> wrote: This is a pretty broad claim. Has

anyone tried taking tumeric, and

if so, did it help?

Asian Spice Turmeric May Prevent Rheumatoid Arthritis and

Osteoporosis

U. of Arizona researchers say it may fight other inflammatory

disorders

October 30, 2006 - An ancient spice, long used in traditional Asian

medicine, may hold promise for the prevention of both rheumatoid

arthritis and osteoporosis, according to a recently completed study

at The University of Arizona College of Medicine. It is encouraging

news for millions of senior citizens concerned about both

conditions. Turmeric, the spice that flavors and gives its yellow

color to many curries and other foods, has been used for centuries

by practitioners of Ayurvedic medicine to treat inflammatory

disorders.

Turmeric extract containing the ingredient curcumin is marketed

widely in the Western world as a dietary supplement for the

treatment and prevention of a variety of disorders, including

arthritis.

At the UA College of Medicine, Janet L. Funk, MD, working with

Barbara N. Timmermann, PhD, then-director of the National Institutes

of Health (NIH)-funded Arizona Center for Phytomedicine Research at

the UA, set out to determine whether (and how) turmeric works as an

anti-arthritic.

They began by preparing their own extracts from the rhizome, or

root, of the plant, providing themselves with well-characterized

materials to test and to compare with commercially available

products. (Dr. Timmermann since has joined the faculty of the

University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kan.)

Dr. Funk and her colleagues then tested in animal models a whole

extract of turmeric root, only the essential oils, and an oil-

depleted extract containing the three major curcuminoids found in

the rhizome. Of the three extracts, the one containing the major

curcuminoids was most similar in chemical composition to

commercially available turmeric dietary supplements. It also was the

most effective, completely inhibiting the onset of rheumatoid

arthritis.

Funk, an endocrinologist in the UA Department of Medicine, says this

study provides several noteworthy " firsts. "

¡ñ Completed with the researchers' own prepared, well-defined

extracts, the study represents the first documentation of the

chemical composition of a curcumin-containing extract tested in a

living organism, in vivo, for anti-arthritic efficacy.

¡ñ It also provides the first evidence of anti-arthritic efficacy

of a complex turmeric extract that is analogous in composition to

turmeric dietary supplements.

The significance, she explains, is that translating the results of

trials such as these to clinical use depends on accurate information

about the chemical content and biological activity of the botanical

supplements available for use.

This work paves the way for the preclinical and clinical trials

needed before turmeric supplements can be recommended for medicinal

use in preventing or suppressing rheumatoid arthritis.

¡ñ This study also provides the first in vivo documentation of a

mechanism of action ¨C how curcumin-containing extracts protect

against arthritis.

The researchers found that the curcuminoid extract inhibits a

transcription factor called NF-KB from being activated in the joint.

A transcription factor is a protein that controls when genes are

switched on or off. Once the transcription factor NF-KB is

activated, or turned on, it binds to genes and enhances production

of inflammatory proteins, destructive to the joint. The finding that

curcuminoid extract inhibits activation of NF-KB suggests that

turmeric dietary supplements share the same mechanism of action as

anti-arthritic pharmaceuticals under development that target NF-KB.

It also suggests that turmeric may have a use in other inflammatory

disorders, such as asthma, multiple sclerosis and inflammatory bowel

disease.

In addition to preventing joint inflammation, Dr. Funk's study shows

that the curcuminoid extract blocked the pathway that affects bone

resorption. Noting that bone loss associated with osteoporosis in

women typically begins before the onset of menopause, she has begun

work on another NIH-funded study to determine whether turmeric taken

as a dietary supplement during perimenopause can prevent bone loss

and osteoporosis.

Both of the studies are supported by the National Center for

Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) and the Office of

Dietary Supplements (ODS), both of the NIH.

An initial publication of the rheumatoid arthritis study results in

the Journal of Natural Products, which was among the most-accessed

articles from April-June 2006 in this prestigious American Chemical

Society journal, is being followed by more detailed study results,

which will appear in the November 2006 issue of the American College

of Rheumatology flagship journal, Arthritis and Rheumatism.

The article, " Efficacy and Mechanism of Action of Turmeric

Supplements in the Treatment of Experimental Arthritis, " is

scheduled to appear in the online issue of Arthritis and Rheumatism

Monday, Oct. 30, 2006.

---------------------------------

Get your email and see which of your friends are online - Right on the new

.com

---------------------------------

Everyone is raving about the all-new .

[Guest guest]

Hi Joy,

I would certainly check with your doctor before taking anything. This

supplement also contains Vitamin C, glucosamine, boswellia, ginger (root),

willow (bark), bromelain, and quercetin. It is from a company called Arbonne.

Joy <jhoorm01@...> wrote: Hi

Can it interact with drugs that we are already taking? Where do you buy it?

Joy

<bizzyisme@...> wrote:

I take a supplement that contains tumeric (root) 95% curcumin, and it does

help. It also helps a friend of mine that has fibromyalgia.

susan100250 <res0bh3k@...> wrote: This is a pretty broad claim. Has

anyone tried taking tumeric, and

if so, did it help?

Asian Spice Turmeric May Prevent Rheumatoid Arthritis and

Osteoporosis

U. of Arizona researchers say it may fight other inflammatory

disorders

October 30, 2006 - An ancient spice, long used in traditional Asian

medicine, may hold promise for the prevention of both rheumatoid

arthritis and osteoporosis, according to a recently completed study

at The University of Arizona College of Medicine. It is encouraging

news for millions of senior citizens concerned about both

conditions. Turmeric, the spice that flavors and gives its yellow

color to many curries and other foods, has been used for centuries

by practitioners of Ayurvedic medicine to treat inflammatory

disorders.

Turmeric extract containing the ingredient curcumin is marketed

widely in the Western world as a dietary supplement for the

treatment and prevention of a variety of disorders, including

arthritis.

At the UA College of Medicine, Janet L. Funk, MD, working with

Barbara N. Timmermann, PhD, then-director of the National Institutes

of Health (NIH)-funded Arizona Center for Phytomedicine Research at

the UA, set out to determine whether (and how) turmeric works as an

anti-arthritic.

They began by preparing their own extracts from the rhizome, or

root, of the plant, providing themselves with well-characterized

materials to test and to compare with commercially available

products. (Dr. Timmermann since has joined the faculty of the

University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kan.)

Dr. Funk and her colleagues then tested in animal models a whole

extract of turmeric root, only the essential oils, and an oil-

depleted extract containing the three major curcuminoids found in

the rhizome. Of the three extracts, the one containing the major

curcuminoids was most similar in chemical composition to

commercially available turmeric dietary supplements. It also was the

most effective, completely inhibiting the onset of rheumatoid

arthritis.

Funk, an endocrinologist in the UA Department of Medicine, says this

study provides several noteworthy " firsts. "

¡ñ Completed with the researchers' own prepared, well-defined

extracts, the study represents the first documentation of the

chemical composition of a curcumin-containing extract tested in a

living organism, in vivo, for anti-arthritic efficacy.

¡ñ It also provides the first evidence of anti-arthritic efficacy

of a complex turmeric extract that is analogous in composition to

turmeric dietary supplements.

The significance, she explains, is that translating the results of

trials such as these to clinical use depends on accurate information

about the chemical content and biological activity of the botanical

supplements available for use.

This work paves the way for the preclinical and clinical trials

needed before turmeric supplements can be recommended for medicinal

use in preventing or suppressing rheumatoid arthritis.

¡ñ This study also provides the first in vivo documentation of a

mechanism of action ¨C how curcumin-containing extracts protect

against arthritis.

The researchers found that the curcuminoid extract inhibits a

transcription factor called NF-KB from being activated in the joint.

A transcription factor is a protein that controls when genes are

switched on or off. Once the transcription factor NF-KB is

activated, or turned on, it binds to genes and enhances production

of inflammatory proteins, destructive to the joint. The finding that

curcuminoid extract inhibits activation of NF-KB suggests that

turmeric dietary supplements share the same mechanism of action as

anti-arthritic pharmaceuticals under development that target NF-KB.

It also suggests that turmeric may have a use in other inflammatory

disorders, such as asthma, multiple sclerosis and inflammatory bowel

disease.

In addition to preventing joint inflammation, Dr. Funk's study shows

that the curcuminoid extract blocked the pathway that affects bone

resorption. Noting that bone loss associated with osteoporosis in

women typically begins before the onset of menopause, she has begun

work on another NIH-funded study to determine whether turmeric taken

as a dietary supplement during perimenopause can prevent bone loss

and osteoporosis.

Both of the studies are supported by the National Center for

Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) and the Office of

Dietary Supplements (ODS), both of the NIH.

An initial publication of the rheumatoid arthritis study results in

the Journal of Natural Products, which was among the most-accessed

articles from April-June 2006 in this prestigious American Chemical

Society journal, is being followed by more detailed study results,

which will appear in the November 2006 issue of the American College

of Rheumatology flagship journal, Arthritis and Rheumatism.

The article, " Efficacy and Mechanism of Action of Turmeric

Supplements in the Treatment of Experimental Arthritis, " is

scheduled to appear in the online issue of Arthritis and Rheumatism

Monday, Oct. 30, 2006.

---------------------------------

Get your email and see which of your friends are online - Right on the new

.com

---------------------------------

Everyone is raving about the all-new .

[Guest guest]

-Dear ,

What brand of Tumeric (root) do you take? Also what store name can it

be purchased at? If that one helped you I also want to take the same

brand ad some brands are not what they say they are.

Thank you for your valuable article on Tumeric.

Sincerely,

Bunny