interesting - tumeric (curcumin) and potential benefits

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The curry spice curcumin (tumeric) reduces oxidative damage and

amyloid pathology in an Alzheimer transgenic mouse.

Source: J Neurosci 2001 Nov 1;21(21):8370-7

Author(s): Lim GP, Chu T, Yang F, Beech W, Frautschy SA, Cole GM.

Institute: Departments of Medicine and Neurology, University of

California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California 90095, USA.

Published: 11/1/2001

Abstract:

Inflammation in Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients is characterized by

increased cytokines and activated microglia. Epidemiological studies

suggest reduced AD risk associates with long-term use of nonsteroidal

anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Whereas chronic ibuprofen

suppressed inflammation and plaque-related pathology in an Alzheimer

transgenic APPSw mouse model (Tg2576), excessive use of NSAIDs

targeting cyclooxygenase I can cause gastrointestinal, liver, and

renal toxicity. One alternative NSAID is curcumin, derived from the

curry spice turmeric. Curcumin has an extensive history as a food

additive and herbal medicine in India and is also a potent

polyphenolic antioxidant. To evaluate whether it could affect

Alzheimer-like pathology in the APPSw mice, we tested a low (160 ppm)

and a high dose of dietary curcumin (5000 ppm) on inflammation,

oxidative damage, and plaque pathology. Low and high doses of

curcumin significantly lowered oxidized proteins and

interleukin-1beta, a proinflammatory cytokine elevated in the brains

of these mice. With low-dose but not high-dose curcumin treatment,

the astrocytic marker GFAP was reduced, and insoluble beta-amyloid

(Abeta), soluble Abeta, and plaque burden were significantly

decreased by 43-50%. However, levels of amyloid precursor (APP) in

the membrane fraction were not reduced. Microgliosis was also

suppressed in neuronal layers but not adjacent to plaques. In view of

its efficacy and apparent low toxicity, this Indian spice component

shows promise for the prevention of Alzheimer's disease.

from Beutlich:

LE Magazine, September 2001 - Cover Story: Unlocking the power of curcumin.

http://www.lef.org/magazine/mag2001/sep2001_cover_curcumin_01.html

PubMedID: 11606625

PubMed Link:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_ui

ds=11606625&dopt=Abstract