Curcumin is a patented extract of Curcuma longa root, commonly known as "Turmeric". Turmeric has long been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries, and is a common household remedy in India. The active constituent is known as curcumin. Aproximately 100 grams of turmeric contains three to five grams curcumin. Curcumin gives a yellow color to turmeric, also present in curry powder. Chemically, curcumin is called diferuloylmethane.

Over the centuries, curcumin has been used as an anti-inflammatory agent to relieve pain and inflammation in the skin and muscles. In modern times, research has focused on Curcumin's antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticarcinogenic, and antimicrobial properties, and on its use in cardiovascular disease, gastrointestinal disorders, and as a treatment for the liver.

Turmeric has been described in Ayurveda (an ancient Indian system of medicine that means "long life") as an agent that can suppress inflammation. An extensive research during last 50 years has revealed that the anti-inflammatory activity of turmeric is due to curcumin. Curcumin can inhibit both the activity and the synthesis of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2) and 5-lipooxygenase (5-LOX), as well as other enzymes that have been implicated in inflammation. Curcumin has also been shown to work through numerous other mechanisms. More than 700 genes have been shown to be modulated by curcumin.

It should be OK with most vitamins.  There is no evidence of negative interactions with any primary ingredients in multivitamins.

Arthritis is also a proinflammatory disease. All current drugs approved for arthritis have anti-inflammatory activity. Anti-TNF (tumor necrosis factor) therapy has been approved for this disease. Curcumin has been shown to both suppress the TNF production and block the action of TNF. 

Crohn's disease is also a pro-inflammatory disease. All current drugs approved for this disease have anti-inflammatory activity. Anti-TNF therapy has been approved for this disease. Curcumin has been shown to both suppress the TNF production and the TNF action. Curcumin taken orally has been shown to have activity against both colitis and  Crohn's disease.

There is numerous experimental data that suggest that curcumin can accelerate wound healing. 

Psoriasis is another proinflammatory disease. Considerable evidence, both in animals and humans, indicates that curcumin is quite effective against psoriasis when applied topically to the skin.

Because Alzheimer's disease is caused in part by amyloid-induced inflammation, curcumin has been shown to be effective against Alzheimer's. Clinical trials are in progress at UCLA with curcumin for Alzheimer's.

Curcumin is one of the most widely researched natural products. Many clinical trials were performed with curcumin in patients with different diseases. More trials are in progress in the United States and other countries. More than 10 trials are now in progress at the National Cancer Institute in the United States.

Researched side effects are uncommon and are generally limited to mild stomach distress. There is some evidence to suggest that turmeric extracts can be toxic to the liver when taken in high doses or for a prolonged period of time. For this reason, turmeric products should probably be avoided by individuals with liver disease, heavy drinkers, and those who take prescription medications that are hard on the liver.

Curcumin is a natural blood thinner, it is recommended in various published studies, to stop taking curcumin at least 4-7 days before any surgical procedure as a precuation. The patient may continue taking curcumin after surgery, however we advise that you consult a healthcare professional.

Curcumin was found to be pharmacologically safe in human clinical trials with doses up to 10 g/day. A phase 1 human trial with 25 subjects using up to 8000 mg of Curcumin per day for 3 months found no toxicity from Curcumin. Five other human trials using 1125-2500 mg of Curcumin per day have also found it to be safe. Do not use this supplement if you have gallstones or during pregnancy. There is a possibility of allergic contact dermatitis from turmeric.

According to one of the phase I studies, curcumin was found to be safe in human subjects even when consumed at up to eight grams per day for three months. In spite of this finding, it is recommended that one take a lower dose of 500 mg/day, increasing to a higher dose gradually, if needed. Look for signs of both potential toxicity and improvement by talking to your body and to your doctor.

Although there are numerous companies that supply curcumin, people need to be careful that they are buying the genuine product. The Sabinsa Corporation is a wholesale supplier of high quality raw material used exclusively by Ageless Cures.  This same material and formulation is used by MD Anderson, UCLA and other premiere institutes in research trials. The trials used pure curcumin with no turmeric.  Read labels carefully.  There is a lot of lower quality product out there.  Pure curcumin is at least 20 times as potent as turmeric, so if turmeric is an ingredient on a supplement, it is essentially watered down curcumin.  Similarly you want to avoid additives.  The only additive we would recommend is Bioperine, which serves as a bio-availability enhancer.  

Dosage varies with each individual, severity of condition and body weight. In general, it is suggested by many researchers to gradually ramp up if taking more than three a day. Increase dosage from 1g/day in the first week to 4g/day(third week) to 8g/day in the fourth week. Continue for eight weeks. For maintenance 1-2 gms per day is sufficient. We strongly recommend to consult a healthcare professional especially for higher dosages.

Yes, in fact there is some evidence that curcumin is an antioxidant even at low doses. 

Do subjects experience dyspepsia, ulcers, dermatitis and other side effects when taking curcumin in the pure form or as a component of curry or turmeric?

Yes! Many potential interactions are described in Turmeric and Curcumin: A review by Natural Standard. (M.D.Anderson). To avoid potential interactions, be sure to let your health care provider know if you use this or any other type of complementary therapy.

While most animal and in vitro evidence suggests that curcumin potentiates chemotherapy, there is one animal report that indicates that it may inhibit the effects of chemotherapy. Please discuss this with your physician.

Please refer to Selected References.