Dr. James Cross, D.C.
311 W Depot St, Ste. L
Antioch IL 60002
224-788-9949
CURCUMIN – WHAT IT IS AND WHY IT WORKS – PART 1
INTRODUCTION
BASICS: Curcumin is an extract from the spice tumeric. It is a polyphenol that has very significant anti-inflammatory qualities. Chronic inflammation causes disruption in normal functioning of cellular metabolism, i.e., it prevents cells from performing their normal interaction on an individual cells, tissues, organs and systems basis. Over time this results in disease states as function, interaction and communication breaks down.
Curcumin is such an extremely important nutrient and covers such a tremendous array of health conditions that I felt it necessary to divide this information into multiple presentations. I hope this approach will allow you to more easily understand why I have continued to stress the importance of daily use of Curcumin. I will begin with a list of definitions so you can better understand the terms I use in my upcoming newsletters. Please read and use the information as I feel this is of utmost importance in your ability to attain and maintain optimum health.
DEFINITION OF TERMS
Apoptosis – this is type one of three types of programmed cell death
ATP – adenosine triphosphate, the energy molecule produced in all cells to provide energy for the cell
Autophagy – this is type two programmed cell death by the breakdown of cellular components by the
the cell itself
IkBa – this is a protein that prevents NF-kB from being released from cells, in essence it prevents
the development of chronic inflammation, cancer and a host of other diseases such as autoimmune
diseases and immune dysfunction (To keep it simple, you want to maintain optimum levels of IkBa and
contain NF-kB)
Mutagenesis – the ability of a substance to create genetic changes in cellular structures thereby
producing a mutation
Necrosis – type three programmed cell death
Neo-angiogenesis – for our purposes, this is the development of new blood vessels that form when cancer cells, which need a rapid increase in blood supply, create a rapid blood vessel
system to support rapid, uncontrolled tumor growth.
NF-kB – this is a protein that controls the transcription of DNA information thereby affecting cell
survival. It has been linked to cancer and immune response.
Oncogene – a gene that has the ability to produce cancer cells via cell mutations
Page two
Curcumin
Polyphenol – a natural or synthetic organic compound that, for our purposes, has a positive
effect on health via various pathways. Curcumin is a natural polyphenol.
Programmed cell death – the pre-planned, genetically created death of cells by one or more of
three mechanisms. Without programmed cell death a cell can continue to multiply in an
uncontrolled manner: cancer.
Receptor site – a point on a cell that receives a chemical signal from outside the cell to create
a response in the cell.
Transcription factor – is a protein that controls the transfer of DNA information to control cell
growth, division and death.
Tumorigenesis – the process where normal cells are transformed into malignant cells
Normal cells function through communication with receptor sites, hormones and nerve impulses. All body systems are part of this interaction. The immune system responds to inflammation as though the body is injured or is being attacked by an outside agent. The endocrine system produces hormones that rely on receptor sites to communicate with tissues in different organs in order for those organs to take part in maintaining the body as a whole. The nervous system depends on neurotransmitters for communication with all parts of the body and, in general, coordinates activity. Chronic inflammation interferes with this communication.
The way Curcumin allows all these functions to occur is by preventing chronic inflammation and promoting the correct functioning of all the systems in our bodies. Curcumin allows the correct performance of transcription factors to allow proper DNA functioning so normal cellular reproduction is performed, controlling genetic integrity to prevent gene alteration, to permit proper cellular apoptosis to occur and prevent improper neo-angiogenesis from occurring. Curcumin allows for normal energy production (ATP synthesis), blood vessel integrity and nervous system communication.
Cellular receptor sites are maintained to allow hormones and signaling molecules to stimulate or suppress cellular activity as dictated by the hormone or signal received. All cells contain a protein called NF-kB (nuclear factor kappa beta) which when released promotes inflammation. The cells also contain a controlling protein called IkBa (inhibitor nuclear factor kappa beta). Curcumin protects the IkBa which in turn prevents the inappropriate release of NF-kB. NF-kB is strongly associated with malignant changes in cells including melanoma, head and neck, breast, colon, pancreatic, prostate and ovarian cancers. Curcumin also acts at various temporal stages of carcinogenesis—-from the initial insults leading to DNA mutations through the process of tumorigenesis, growth and metastasis.
Enough for now. I know this is not juicy, exciting news, but that will follow and I guarantee you will learn a
great deal of very valuable information that will help prevent the diseases and conditions that are so prevalent.
Please stay tuned, I will try to bring the next newsletter to you as soon as possible.
The next letter will discuss the role of Curcumin in breast cancer with the citations supporting its action.
Until then, I extend best wishes and my commitment to you in creating good health through comprehensive chiropractic care. James Cross, D.C.