Curcumin (Haldi) is anti-inflammatory; inhibits MS!

(1)How much is usually taken?

Turmeric extracts standardized at 90 to 95% curcumin can be taken in the amount of 250 to 500 mg three times per day. Tincture, 0.5,1.5 ml three times per day, is sometimes recommended.


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(2)Curcumin (Diferuloylmethane) is a compound found in the Indian curry spice, tumeric.

It has been discovered that people in India have a very low incidence of neurological diseases and researchers have attempted to find out why this is. They have looked at the spice, tumeric, which was known from traditional Indian medicine as an anti-inflammatory agent effective in wound healing. Research using curcumin, the active ingredient of tumeric, in EAE, a mouse model of multiple sclerosis, has shown that it may be of benefit to people with MS.


There are a number of scientific papers which have looked at how curcumin might help with neurodegenerative diseases. Among the beneficial effects that curcumin may have are:

* Inhibiting the passage of a type of white blood cell called a macrophage into the brain from the blood. This normally happens by the macrophage sticking to the "endothelial cells" on the inside of the blood vessels.
* Blocking a body tissue reshaping protein called MMP-9 which is known to be involved in process of myelin destruction done in MS.
* Inhibiting the release of a signalling molecule called TNF-a which is also involved in the damage caused by MS.
* Reducing oxidative activity in glial cells.

It is unclear how much curcumin/tumeric one should eat to get the maximum benefit. This is early days but some people are using 1.5 grams (about a teaspoon) of tumeric per day.
http://www.mult-sclerosis.org/curcumin.html



(3)Turmeric Inhibits Multiple Sclerosis

Researchers have determined that curcumin, a compound in the spice turmeric, can stop multiple sclerosis from developing in animals. Curcumin is emerging as a promising, disease-fighting nutrient, as it also has shown promise in blocking the development of Alzheimer's disease and cancer.

Researchers at Vanderbilt University injected 50- and 100-microgram doses of curcumin, three times per week, in a group of mice. These mice were bred to develop an autoimmune condition used as a model for multiple sclerosis because it results in the same gradual erosion of the protective myelin sheath surrounding nerve fibers as seen in MS. Throughout the month-long study, the researchers then observed whether the animals developed neurological impairment.

By the time the study was half over, mice untreated with curcumin developed a severe form of the autoimmune condition, with complete paralysis of both hind limbs. On the other hand, mice treated with 50-micrograms of curcumin experienced only minor symptoms, including a temporarily stiff tail. Mice that received the higher 100-microgram dose were completely protected from the MS-like disorder. The mice received doses roughly equivalent to those found in a typical Indian diet.

The researchers hypothesized that curcumin might work by blocking the production of IL-12, a protein that helps signal immune cells to begin attacking the myelin sheath.

Other studies have supported curcumin's ability to protect the nerves. Studies in mice suggest curcumin can slow Alzheimer's. In addition, researchers found low incidences of neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's in elderly Indian populations who consume curcumin as a regular part of their diet.
Source: Annual Experimental Biology Conference, New Orleans, April 23, 2002.




Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, might inhibit the accumulation of destructive beta amyloids in the brains of Alzheimer's disease patients and also break up existing plaques. "Curcumin has been used for thousands of years as a safe anti-inflammatory in a variety of ailments as part of Indian traditional medicine," Gregory Cole, Professor of medicine and neurology at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA said.
It is also said that turmeric can strengthen the blood-brain barrier (BBB) against attacks that result from auto-immune diseases (such as Multiple sclerosis).
Consuming large doses is not recommended in cases of gallstones, obstructive jaundice, acute bilious colic and toxic liver disorders.
http://www.indianfoodsguide.com/indian-herbs-and-spices/h/haldi-turmeric.html

"Turmeric (Hindi name Haldi or Huldi), Curcuma longa L rhizome is highly valued in Ayurvedic medicine. It contains calcium, phosphorus, iron, carotene, thiamine and niacin. It is also an antioxidant. It has anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic and antiseptic properties. A pinch of turmeric, boiled with milk and drunk at night, helps to relieve chesty cough. 1/2 tsp. turmeric in hot milk, taken at night, helps to heal bone injuries, reduce joint pains and other inflammatory pains. It helps to stimulate digestion, heal injuries, improves immunity, reduce bad cholesterols and enhance the skin complexion.



curcumin has been shown in the last two decades to be a potent immunomodulatory agent that can modulate the activation of T cells, B cells, macrophages, neutrophils, natural killer cells, and dendritic cells. Curcumin can also downregulate the expression of various proinflammatory cytokines including TNF, IL-1, IL-2, IL-6, IL-8, IL-12, and chemokines, most likely through inactivation of the transcription factor NF-κB. Interestingly, however, curcumin at low doses can also enhance antibody responses. This suggests that curcumin’s reported beneficial effects in arthritis, allergy, asthma, atherosclerosis, heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, and cancer might be due in part to its ability to modulate the immune system. Together, these findings warrant further consideration of curcumin as a therapy for immune disorders.
http://www.springerlink.com/content/e373955u47283521/