A molecule extracted from turmeric counteracts endothelial dysfunction, a risky condition prevalent among the elderly
Endothelial dysfunction: molecule extracted from turmeric counteracts this dangerous condition prevalent among the elderly
Consumption of supplements containing curcumin, a substance found in turmeric, can increase vasodilation in adults and the elderly, improving circulation and reducing the risk of hypertension and cardiovascular disease. Only 2 grams per day of curcumin for 12 weeks is needed to achieve this effect.
Its action appears to be due to its ability to increase the response to nitric oxide, a substance that acts as a vasodilator and anti-inflammatory.
That's what researchers from the University of Colorado (USA) reported in a report published in the journal TheGerontology.
Turmeric and its properties
Curcumalonga (Curcuma Longa L.) is a perennial plant native to Asia, widespread mainly in India and Pakistan. Its root, which is yellow or orange in color and strongly aromatic, is the most interesting part from a dietary, commercial and phytotherapeutic point of view. Sales of turmeric dietary supplements have grown greatly in recent years, and it is currently one of the most widely used herbal products in America.
Among the health characteristics that have made it so popular is mainly its high anti-inflammatory capacity, so its use is recommended to combat inflammatory and chronic-degenerative diseases. Recent research has also demonstrated a strong anti-cancer action. Scientific studies highlight the potential this spice may have at the cerebral, cardiovascular, joint and muscle levels.
Among the different substances present in turmeric, curcumin certainly represents the most interesting and studied for its beneficial properties. This molecule is a powerful antioxidant capable of both preventing the formation of free radicals and neutralizing existing ones. In addition, it also seems to possess anticoagulant, antithrombotic, antihypertensive, anti-inflammatory, and antidiabetogenic properties.
Curcumin improves endothelial function
Considering the recent scientific evidence on anti-inflammatory action and protective effects on blood vessels during aging, both in animals and humans, American scientists tested the action of curcumin in improving endothelial function. The vascular endothelium is a layer of cells lining the inside of blood vessels and can be considered a true organ, which plays a key role in maintaining the activities of blood vessels through the release of a wide variety of substances.
Changes in the endothelium, generically called endothelial dysfunction, commonly develop with advancing age and are an important risk factor for the onset of cardiovascular disease and other disorders of aging. During the study, researchers selected 29 people, aged 45 to 74 years, who were randomly assigned either supplements containing 2 grams of curcumin or a placebo substance every day for a period of 12 weeks.
After treatment, the researchers assessed endothelial function by estimating FMDba, or a measure of blood flow and vascular health, which was found to be increased in the group that had taken the supplement by 34 percent compared to the group that had received placebo. Similarly, another test, the FBFach (brachial artery infusion of acetylcholine) showed positive results: a 44 percent increase over the placebo group. Both of these data indicate that curcumin supplements promote endothelium dilation.
According to researchers, this effect may be due to curcumin's ability to increase the bioavailability of nitric monoxide-or more commonly nitric oxide-a molecule produced by the endothelium itself. Nitric oxide acts as a potent vasodilator and inhibitor and of inflammation, and it also possesses antiplatelet effects, making it the key molecule in normal endothelial function. Indeed, age-associated endothelial dysfunction is largely due to nitric oxide insufficiency. Reduced production of this molecule has been associated with vascular diseases such as atherosclerosis, diabetes, or hyperlipidemia.
A study to be completed
According to the authors of this research, preliminary results highlight the ability of curcumin-containing supplements to increase the effectiveness of nitric oxide on the endothelium, causing vasodilation and protecting against age-associated arterial dysfunction. However, the study is still ongoing and further results will be published in the coming months.
Source: J.R. Santos-Parker, et al. "Biomarkers of aging and age-associated disease: Curcumin supplement improves vascular endothelial function in middle-aged and older adults "The Gerontologist Volume 55, Supplement 2, Page 195.
