Curcumin is a compound found in turmeric (also known as turmeric or saffron root), a spice commonly used in Indian and other Asian cuisines. It is a natural yellow dye that is safe to eat and can be used as a food coloring.
Curcumin has attracted a lot of attention in recent years due to its supposed health benefits, including:
- Anti-inflammatory properties: Curcumin has been shown to reduce inflammation in the body, an important cause of chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer and Alzheimer’s.
- Anti-cancer properties: Curcumin has been shown to have anti-cancer properties and has successfully inhibited the growth of cancer cells in laboratory studies.
- Antioxidant properties: Curcumin is a powerful antioxidant, which means it helps protect the body from free radical damage that can lead to cell damage and disease.
- Neuroprotective properties: In animal studies, curcumin has been shown to improve memory and brain function and may even help to slow down or even prevent the progression of Alzheimer’s disease.
- Antibacterial and antiviral properties: Curcumin has antibacterial and antiviral properties, making it a potential treatment for infections.
Structure of curcumin
Curcumin occurs in two forms: as a ketone and as an enol. The ketone form dominates at neutral and acidic pH values, while the enol form is more stable at basic pH values. This is because the enol form forms intramolecular hydrogen bonds, which help to stabilize the curcumin.
There are thousands of scientific studies on cucurmin, with about 50 new publications per week. Due to the large number of publications, it is difficult to keep up to date with the latest research. Recently, a review article pointed out that curcumin can influence the intestinal microbiome, i.e. the entirety of the microorganisms that live in our gut. This is important because the microbiome has been linked to a number of chronic diseases, including obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Although more research is needed to fully understand the full benefits of curcumin, it is clear that this compound is a promising anti-aging factor. Its anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer and antioxidant properties make it a promising candidate for a variety of treatments and preventative measures. The fact that it is a natural compound that is safe to consume makes it an attractive option for those looking for alternative treatments or supplements and who are cultivating the longevity lifestyle.