Several uses have been proposed for Curcumin. Many of these are supported by scientific research. Others are supported by centuries of use and tradition.

• Curcumin and Cholesterol

  Several studies have reported that Curcumin is beneficial in lowering LDL and raising HDL or good cholesterol while reducing the lipid peroxidation. Ten human volunteers were given 500 mg of curcumin for seven days during a controlled trial at Amala Cancer Research Centre in India. After seven days, they noted a 29% increase in good cholesterol (HDL) and a reduction of 11.6% total cholesterol. Lipid peroxidation was also reduced by 33%.[32] Another study published in Atherosclerosis in Dec. 1999 by the Faculty of Pharmacy at the University of Granada reported that curcumin was effective in inhibiting LDL oxidation and lowering LDL cholesterol as well as triglycerides.[33] According to the latest research, curcumin reduces cholesterol by interfering with intestinal cholesterol uptake, increasing the conversion of cholesterol into bile acids, and increasing the excretion of bile acids (International Journal of Vitamin Nutritional Research, 1991, 61:364-69). Another 2000 study shows that "a daily oral administration of the curcumin extract significantly decreases LDL and apo B (a leading heart disease risk factors) and increases the HDL and apo A of healthy subjects."[34]

• Kidney disease may be helped by Curcumin

  Researchers in India found treatment with Curcumin prevented the kidney injury and restored kidney function in rats with artificially induced kidney disease. Treatment with Curcumin significantly protected against the rats from proteinuria, albuminuria, hypoalbuminaemia and hyperlipidaemia. The study also demonstrated that Curcumin protected against kidney injury by suppressing free radicals and increasing kidney glutathione content and glutathione peroxidase activity (endogenous antioxidants). Curcumin also eliminated kidney microsomal and mitochondrial lipid peroxidation. The doctors in the study suggest that Curcumin is a promising approach in the treatment of kidney disease.[16]

• A possible treatment for Alzheimer's disease?

  Aging baby boomers are becoming increasingly aware of the risk of Alzheimer's disease, first in their parents and eventually in their own generation. Curcumin may offer some hope as a treatment for this devastating disease. [17] Research is still ongoing, but there is evidence that Curcumin could offer significant protection against neurotoxic and genotoxic agents.[18] One research team concluded that "In view of its efficacy and apparent low toxicity, this Indian spice component shows promise for the prevention of Alzheimer's disease."[19]

• Curcumin and HIV

  Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV, the AIDS virus) appears to respond somewhat to Curcumin treatment. Curcumin interferes with the replication cycle of HIV.[20], [21] Researchers warn that these are preliminary findings and many more studies remain to be done. However, research does appear to offer some hope for a Curcumin-based treatment for HIV. [22]

• Other Benefits of Curcumin

  In scientific studies, Curcumin has shown promise for:

  • Treatment for Indigestion and upper abdominal pain due to functional disorders of the biliary system.[23]
  • Treatment for cataracts.[24]
  • As a contraceptive.[25]
  • Possible treatment for Multiple Sclerosis.[26]
  • Arthritis treatment.[27]