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At Healthfully, we strive to deliver objective content that is accurate and up-to-date. Our team periodically reviews articles in order to ensure content quality. The sources cited below consist of evidence from peer-reviewed journals, prominent medical organizations, academic associations, and government data.
- "International Immunopharmacology"; Amelioration of Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis by Curcumin Treatment Through Inhibition of IL-17 Production; L Xie et al.; May 2009
- "International Immunopharmacology"; Amelioration of Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis by Curcumin Treatment Through Inhibition of IL-17 Production; L Xie et al.; May 2009
- “Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology”; Curcumin and Autoimmune Disease; JJ Bright; 2007
- “Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology”; Curcumin and Autoimmune Disease; JJ Bright; 2007
- “International Immunopharmacology”; Curcumin Has Bright Prospects for the Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis; L. Xie et al.; March 2011
- “International Immunopharmacology”; Curcumin Has Bright Prospects for the Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis; L. Xie et al.; March 2011
The information contained on this site is for informational purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for the advice of a professional health care provider. Please check with the appropriate physician regarding health questions and concerns. Although we strive to deliver accurate and up-to-date information, no guarantee to that effect is made.
Curcumin (Turmeric) and Multiple Sclerosis
According to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, as many as 400,000 Americans suffer from multiple sclerosis with as many as 200 more people being diagnosed every week 1. It is considered an autoimmune disease, as well as a neurological condition, with a variety of symptoms. It is for these symptoms that many Americans are turning to herbal and natural remedies, and patients are not the only ones. Researchers are also looking into the connection between herbs like curcumin, or turmeric, and their ability to help treat a variety of diseases, including multiple sclerosis.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
Curcumin
Curcumin, or turmeric, is a natural spice most often used in curry dishes. It has also been used for many years to treat heartburn, stomach pain, bloating, jaundice, headaches, fibromyalgia, fever and even cancer. According to the National Institutes of Medicine, the chemicals found in turmeric reduce swelling and inflammation and offer neuroprotective properties. In 2002, Dr. Chandramohan Natarjan from Vandervilt University, looked at curcumin to treat multiple sclerosis and shared his findings at the annual Experimental Biology 2002 conference. Testing mice with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, or EAE, which is similar to multiple sclerosis in humans, Natarjan administered curcumin in 50 and 100-microgram doses three times a week 4. They were monitored over the next 30 days and the mice that were given 50 micrograms showed only minor neurological symptoms. The mice that were given the 100-microgram doses showed almost no neurological symptoms at all.
- Curcumin, or turmeric, is a natural spice most often used in curry dishes.
- Testing mice with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, or EAE, which is similar to multiple sclerosis in humans, Natarjan administered curcumin in 50 and 100-microgram doses three times a week 4.
Multiple Sclerosis
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Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease that primarily affects the central nervous system -- the brain and the spinal cord. The immune system is designed to protect you from bacteria and viruses. In cases of multiple sclerosis, the nervous system short circuits and attacks the myelin sheath that protects the ends of nerve cells. When the myelin is damaged, the signals that are normally sent through the nerves are slowed down or stopped completely. The cause of multiple sclerosis, or MS, is unknown but according to the National Institutes of Health, there is a higher incidence of MS in northern latitudes, implying a possible environmental component 1.
- Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease that primarily affects the central nervous system -- the brain and the spinal cord.
- In cases of multiple sclerosis, the nervous system short circuits and attacks the myelin sheath that protects the ends of nerve cells.
Medical Research
A 2007 study published in “Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology” found that curcumin helped to treat symptoms of multiple sclerosis by regulating inflammatory cytokines 4. While benefits are traditionally found through regular dietary consumption, researchers believe that, before using purified active compounds of curcumin, more studies need to be conducted in order to determine the appropriate dosage. Another study published in March of 2011 in “International Immunopharmacology” reports that curcumin shows progress in the treatment and pathophysiological progress of multiple sclerosis 5. Its anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects showed potential as protection from multiple sclerosis. A 2009 study published in "International Immunopharacology" showed results similar to the 2002 study by Dr. Chandramohan Natarjan. Using mice with EAE, their research revealed that treatment with curcumin dramatically reduced neurological symptoms.
- A 2007 study published in “Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology” found that curcumin helped to treat symptoms of multiple sclerosis by regulating inflammatory cytokines 4.
Considerations
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As with any herb or vitamin supplement, the use of curcumin outside of normal cooking should be discussed with your physician. Curcumin is a natural blood thinner and should be used with caution if you are taking anticoagulants, or blood thinning medication, such as Coumadin. Taking these together can put you at risk for bleeding and bruising. There is currently no recommended dose for curcumin in the treatment of multiple sclerosis 5.
- As with any herb or vitamin supplement, the use of curcumin outside of normal cooking should be discussed with your physician.
- Curcumin is a natural blood thinner and should be used with caution if you are taking anticoagulants, or blood thinning medication, such as Coumadin.
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References
- National Multiple Sclerosis Society: FAQs About MS
- "International Immunopharmacology"; Amelioration of Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis by Curcumin Treatment Through Inhibition of IL-17 Production; L Xie et al.; May 2009
- I-Base; Turmeric May Slow Multiple Sclerosis Progression; June 2002
- “Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology”; Curcumin and Autoimmune Disease; JJ Bright; 2007
- “International Immunopharmacology”; Curcumin Has Bright Prospects for the Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis; L. Xie et al.; March 2011
- Gupta SC, Sung B, Kim JH, Prasad S, Li S, Aggarwal BB. Multitargeting by turmeric, the golden spice: From kitchen to clinic. Mol Nutr Food Res. 2013 Sep;57(9):1510-28. doi:10.1002/mnfr.201100741
- Metzler M, Pfeiffer E, Schulz SI, Dempe JS. Curcumin uptake and metabolism. Biofactors. 2013;39(1):14-20. doi:10.1002/biof.1042
- Kim YS, Young MR, Bobe G, Colburn NH, Milner JA. Bioactive food components, inflammatory targets, and cancer prevention. Cancer Prev Res (Phila). 2009;2(3):200-208. doi:10.1158/1940-6207.CAPR-08-0141
- Vounotrypidis P, Kouklakis G, Anagnostopoulos K, et al. Interleukin-1 associations in inflammatory bowel disease and the enteropathic seronegative spondylarthritis. Auto Immun Highlights. 2013;4(3):87–94. doi:10.1007/s13317-013-0049-4
- Sandborn WJ. Strategies for targeting tumour necrosis factor in IBD. Best Pract Res Clin Gastroenterol. 2003;17(1):105-117.
- Vecchi Brumatti L, Marcuzzi A, Tricarico PM, Zanin V, Girardelli M, Bianco AM. Curcumin and inflammatory bowel disease: potential and limits of innovative treatments. Molecules. 2014;19(12):21127–21153. doi:10.3390/molecules191221127
- Schneider A, Hossain I, VanderMolen J, Nicol K. Comparison of remicade to curcumin for the treatment of Crohn's disease: A systematic review. Complement Ther Med. 2017 Aug;33:32-38. doi:10.1016/j.ctim.2017.06.002
- Hanai H, Iida T, Takeuchi K, et al. Curcumin maintenance therapy for ulcerative colitis: randomized, multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2006 Dec;4(12):1502-1506. doi:10.1016/j.cgh.2006.08.008
- Suskind DL, Wahbeh G, Burpee T, Cohen M, Christie D, Weber W. Tolerability of curcumin in pediatric inflammatory bowel disease: a forced-dose titration study. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2013 Mar;56(3):277-9. doi:10.1097/MPG.0b013e318276977d
- Anand P, Kunnumakkara AB, Newman RA, Aggarwal BB. Bioavailability of curcumin: problems and promises. Mol Pharm. 2007;4(6):807-818. doi:10.1021/mp700113r
- Shoba G, Joy D, Joseph T, Majeed M, Rajendran R, Srinivas PS. Influence of piperine on the pharmacokinetics of curcumin in animals and human volunteers. Planta Med. 1998;64(4):353-356. doi:10.1055/s-2006-957450
- News 10 San Diego. San Diego woman dead after turmeric IV infusion. 21 March 2017.
- Gupta SC, Patchva S, Aggarwal BB. Therapeutic roles of curcumin: lessons learned from clinical trials. AAPS J. 2013;15(1):195–218. doi:10.1208/s12248-012-9432-8
- Kumar S, Ahuja V, Sankar MJ, Kumar A, Moss AC. Curcumin for maintenance of remission in ulcerative colitis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2012;10:CD008424. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD008424.pub2.
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH). Turmeric. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. Updated September, 2016.
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Deborah Lundin is a professional writer with more than 20 years of experience in the medical field and as a small business owner. She studied medical science and sociology at Northern Illinois University. Her passions and interests include fitness, health, healthy eating, children and pets.