Curcumin for Aging Adults - An Overview

Introduction:

Curcumin, the yellow polyphenolic (naturally occurring substances that may be found in considerable quantities in fruits, vegetables, cereals, and drinks) compound extracted from the Curcuma longa species, is widely used in traditional ayurvedic medicine to prevent and contrast many diseases. The study of curcumin has recently concentrated on how it may be utilized to treat disorders linked to old age and aging. Cellular function declines due to internal or external stimuli throughout the physiological process of aging. One of the main factors contributing to aging and age-related disorders is oxidative (oxygen is added to the body's tissues through a chemical process) stress. In addition, low-grade chronic systemic inflammation is the root cause of several age-related diseases like cancer, neuroinflammation (the brain's aggressive reaction), and infections. By interacting with several proteins, curcumin can prevent oxidative stress and inflammation.

What Is Curcumin?

The Indian spice turmeric (Curcumin longa), a variety of ginger, contains the compound curcumin. Curcumin is one of turmeric's three curcumins, along with desmethoxycurcumin (a curcuminoid found in turmeric) and bis-desmethoxycurcumin (a curcuminoid found in turmeric but lacking in Java turmeric). Turmeric gets its yellow hue from these curcuminoids (generated from natural turmeric polyphenols), and curcumin is used as a food ingredient and colorant. The dried root of the evergreen herb turmeric, which is widely farmed throughout south and southeast Asia, is used to make curcumin. Turmeric is made by processing the stem or root and contains two to five percent curcumin.

What Is the Role of Curcumin for Aging Adults?

From a biological perspective, aging is one of the most subtle and complicated processes. Aging is defined as a physiological reduction in several biological processes in the organ and a steady decrease in the ability of cells to respond to external and internal injuries. A few roles of curcumin for aging adults are described below:

• Diet has a crucial role in the aging process.

• Dietary phenolics reduce oxidative stress and modify age-related signaling pathways to promote healthy aging and lifespan.

• The antioxidant (substances that mitigate or shield against the free radical effects) properties of curcumin allow it to operate as a biochemical antioxidant and enhance cellular antioxidant defenses.

• Curcumin was shown to have antioxidant activity that was roughly ten times more than vitamin E.

• Curcumin is one of the powerful antioxidants which can significantly lessen cellular damage from reactive oxygen species that develop with age.

• The molecular structure of curcumin contains phenolic groups, which give it a strong antioxidant action that donates hydrogen.

• Curcumin inhibits lipid peroxidation (the series of events that lead to the oxidative breakdown of lipids) and boosts the actions of antioxidants.

What Are the Benefits of Curcumin for Aging Adults?

Curcumin can assist in the treatment of metabolic syndrome, arthritis, anxiety, and hyperlipidemia, as well as oxidative and inflammatory diseases. Additionally, it could aid in the control of inflammation and muscle soreness brought on by exercise, improving recovery and subsequent performance in physically active individuals. A few benefits of curcumin for aging adults are described in detail below:

1. Antioxidant Properties: The primary polyphenol in turmeric is curcumin. The pigment gives turmeric its distinctive yellow color. Oxidants like reactive nitrogen and oxygen species, which might damage the cells, may be destroyed by curcumin.

2. Anti-inflammatory Capabilities: The compounds in turmeric have anti-inflammatory properties. They lessen the oxidative stress they cause by breaking the body's free radical generation cycle. Curcumin can aid in reducing inflammation by minimizing the stress it causes. As a result, it helps treat inflammatory and degenerative eye disorders. This is regarded as one of the most well-known applications of turmeric.

3. Effects on the Cardiovascular System and Diabetes: The minerals in turmeric include antioxidant properties that are advantageous for the heart. Additionally, lowering blood glucose levels and decreasing the amount of fat absorbed in the stomach may aid in managing or avoiding diabetes.

4. Antimicrobial Activity: Turmeric also can stop the development of dangerous germs and fungi. Curcumin has a simultaneous antimicrobial effect (that may kill microorganisms and impede the development of bacteria and prevent the creation of microbial colonies) when taken with antibiotics and antifungals (drugs that either prevent or slow the development of fungus); it enhances their effectiveness, which may not be possible with solo action. As a result, root canal infections, urinary tract infections, and skin and wound infections can all be treated with turmeric. One of the traditional medical applications of turmeric has been to apply its paste to open wounds.

5. Relieves Arthritis: Osteoarthritis (the most widespread kind of joint pain) is characterized by pain and joint dysfunction, and painkillers such as Aspirin and Ibuprofen are the most often used treatments. However, several studies show that curcumin works just as well as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines to lower joint inflammation and pain while avoiding adverse gastrointestinal effects.

6. Improves Brain Health: Curcumin could also provide additional advantages for the brain. In addition to preventing or alleviating the symptoms of various neurological disorders such as epilepsy (a condition of the central nervous system where abnormal brain activity results in seizures), learning disabilities and antioxidant and anti-inflammatory characteristics may also do so.

What Are the Side Effects of Curcumin for Aging Adults?

Supplements containing curcumin are regarded as secure, and modest dosages have not been associated with any negative side effects. However, a tiny percentage of persons could develop moderate adverse effects at larger dosages. These may include :

• At daily dosages over 1,000 mg, people may have moderate digestive problems such as bloating, acid reflux, and diarrhea.

• A limited minority may experience headaches and nausea with 450 mg or more doses.

• Taking 8,000 mg or more of curcumin has been linked to skin rashes in some people; however, this is quite uncommon.

Conclusion:

Curcumin should be consumed with food for better absorption. Moreover, splitting it into two doses administered eight to twelve hours apart is smart. In the body, levels will remain constant, and absorption will be increased. By splitting the dose, any negative effects may be lessened as well. Curcumin can aid in treating arthritis, anxiety, and oxidative and inflammatory disorders. It could also aid in treating inflammation and muscle soreness brought on by exercise, improving recovery and subsequent performance in physically active persons.