Curcumin and Curcuminoids in the Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases Including Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis
Curcumin inhibits a number of enzymes that are involved in the synthesis of inflammatory chemical modulators. Curcumin has been recognized as an anti-inflammatory agent as well as a pain reliever. Research studies have demonstrated that the anti-inflammatory activity of curcumin is comparable in strength to steroidal and non-steroidal prescription medications.
TNF-alpha elevation is an important component of the inflammatory process, involved in the pathogenesis of many inflammatory disorders, including Crohn's Disease, Irritable Bowel, rheumatoid and lupus.
Curcumin, a flavonoid from the herb turmeric is a well studies known inhibitor of TNF-alpha. Studies have demonstrated that TNF-alpha increased intestinal permeability and curcumin inhibited the NFkappa Beta- induced-TNF-alpha-stimulated increase in intestinal 'leakiness.'
Curcumin inhibits several of the cytokines and genes involved in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease, and curcumin down regulates or shuts down the production of several pro-inflammatory prostaglandins and leukotrienes.
Inflammation results from a complex cascade of chemical changes that are triggered by responses to tissue damage. Chronic inflammation leads to degenerative conditions like arthritis, arteriosclerosis, etc.
The rate, route and amount of administration of curcumin will depend entirely on the gender, age and other disease states that may exist in a patient. Curcumin is very inexpensive, but it must be taken properly for it to be most effective. We keep it in the office for our patients, but it is in our catalogue, as well.
Follow this link: CURCUMIN
Please feel free to pass this note along. Inflammatory bowel diseases, auto-immune disorders and many chronic pain problems can be treated with this agent.
For more information: Pain Center of Orlando www.suffernomore.com
dsklein@earthlink.net
David S. Klein, MD, FACA, FACPM
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