Curcumin, also known as diferuloylmethane, is a yellow pigmented polyphenol which gives turmeric (Curcuma longa), a spice commonly used in India, its yellow color. Curcumin is one of the most well-researched natural agents on the planet. It is also one of the most powerful natural inflammatory agents. Curcumin has been found to inhibit NF-kB which is the body’s main inflammatory signaling pathway. The over activation of this pathway can lead to chronic inflammation which in turn can lead to disease and dysfunction.
Due to its multiple health promoting properties curcumin may be beneficial in many conditions. For instance, since inflammation plays a role in their development and progression, curcumin may benefit individuals with neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s and multiple sclerosis. Curcumin has been found to effectively reduce pain in people with arthritis and to reduce symptoms and in some cases cause remission in people suffering from Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis. Inflammation has been implicated in the development of mood disorders such as anxiety and depression. Supplementation with curcumin has been found to benefit people suffering from these conditions. Other benefits of curcumin include protection of the brain, heart, kidneys, liver and gastrointestinal system. This list is not exhaustive, and curcumin can be used to benefit many more conditions.
IV curcumin may also benefit patients as an adjunctive cancer treatment. Read about the benefits of IV ALA in Cancer Care.
IV Curcumin may help improve the following conditions:
Side effects and contraindications:
Side effects of IV curcumin therapy include burning at the IV site, nausea and vomiting, numbness and tingling in the mouth, itching in the hands and feet and a skin rash. With any intravenous infusion there is risk of pain and inflammation at the injection site as well as risk of infiltration (IV fluid leaking outside of the vein).
While there are no known contraindications to IV curcumin caution is warranted in patients on anticoagulants, patients with gallbladder disease as well as decreased kidney and liver function and any patients with past sensitivity to curcumin.