Longevity Effects of Curcumin
22.11.23
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The spice turmeric has been used in Indian cooking and traditional medicine for thousands of years. There is some evidence from epidemiological studies that populations that regularly consume turmeric have lower rates of Alzheimer’s as well as better-preserved cognition. A large body of scientific evidence reveals that turmeric’s benefits are mainly attributable to the compound known as curcumin. Research shows that curcumin helps prevent processes that drive aging and chronic disorders, including cell senescence and chronic inflammation. The overall effect may be to improve healthy longevity.
The Power of Curcumin
Curcumin is a yellowish pigment found in turmeric, a plant in the ginger family.
In studies, curcumin intake has been shown to extend lifespan of diverse species, from roundworms to mice. In a study of fruit flies, for example, it increased the average lifespan by 26%.9
In addition, research suggests it can help in the management of many conditions including metabolic syndrome, elevated lipids, arthritis, and more.
A number of studies have found that curcumin supplementation led to improvements in cognition and memory.
How does curcumin deliver its benefits? Science has identified several drivers of aging and chronic disease. Curcumin affects many of them in ways that improve health.
Protecting Telomeres
Every strand of DNA in our body has protective end caps, called telomeres, that help maintain the stability and function of the genetic material.
As we age, these telomeres shorten. When they are too short, the cell becomes dysfunctional or die.
Shortened telomeres limit regeneration and stem cell function.
Telomerase is an enzyme that builds up the length of existing telomeres.
Curcumin has been shown in preclinical studies to give a boost to this anti-aging enzyme. It can enhance the expression and activity of telomerase, increasing the health and life of cells.
Support Brain Function
Research has identified specific brain benefits for curcumin.
In animal studies, curcumin has been shown to:
• Form new neurons in the hippocampus,
• Improve performance on memory tests,
• Reduce neuroinflammation, and
• Protect against memory loss.
But the benefits of curcumin go beyond just neuroprotection.
Fighting Glycation
Glycation occurs when sugars attach to proteins, fats, or nucleic acids, causing deleterious structural and functional changes. It is a major contributor to accelerated aging and many diseases of older age.
This process even occurs in people with normal blood glucose. In diabetics and prediabetics, glycation is accelerated, leading to faster aging and higher risk for chronic disorders.
Preclinical studies have shown that curcumin protects cells and tissues from the damage caused by glycation.
One team of researchers has shown that, in cell culture models, curcumin can also block harmful effects when glycation has already occurred, preventing the inflammation and cellular dysfunction caused by advanced glycation end products.
Reducing Senescent Cells
As cells age, some become senescent. These cells are dysfunctional and emit protein degrading enzymes but refuse to die off to make room for healthy cells.
Senescent cells also secrete inflammatory compounds that damage surrounding tissues.
Curcumin has demonstrated senolytic activity in preclinical studies, which means it has the potential to reduce the number of senescent cells in tissues.
In other similar models, it has also been shown to help favorably modulate the secretion of inflammatory compounds from these cells.
Regulating Vital Proteins
Maladaptive activity of various essential structural and functional proteins in cells has been tied to accelerated aging, metabolic abnormalities, and chronic inflammation.
Curcumin modulates their activity in ways that reverse age-related changes and protect cells against age-related damage. It can:
• Inhibit nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kB), a protein complex associated with chronic inflammation,
• Reduce activity of mTOR, a protein linked to rapid aging and metabolic abnormalities that contribute to chronic disease,
• Boost activity of AMPK, an enzyme that supports healthy metabolism,
• Enhance function of sirtuins, proteins critical for maintaining health and longevity, and
• Support activity of Nrf2, a protein that regulates the body’s defenses against oxidative stress.
Other Anti-Aging Mechanisms
There are many more anti-aging actions of curcumin.
Among other benefits, curcumin:
• Acts as a potent free-radical scavenger, helping to prevent the oxidative stress that accompanies most age-related chronic
disease,
• Triggers production of the body’s own antioxidant enzymes,
• Reduces chronic inflammation, another driver of aging and age-related disease,
• Supports healthy mitochondrial function,
and
• Activates autophagy, cellular “housekeeping,” to rejuvenate cells and keep them functioning optimally.
These and other actions can help reduce risk for disease and prevent accelerated aging.
What You Need To Know About Curcumin Is That It Is An Anti-Aging Nutrient
Scientists have identified processes that drive aging and risk for disease, including oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, glycation, cellular senescence, telomere loss, and more.
Curcumin, a polyphenol in turmeric, has been found to influence every one of these processes in ways that improve health and may slow aging.
In animal studies, curcumin intake is associated with longevity and reduced risk for chronic age-related disease.
Human studies show that curcumin use improves cognition and memory.
Boosting Bioavailability
On its own, curcumin has low bioavailability. Much of the curcumin you consume is not absorbed into the bloodstream.
Scientists discovered that combining curcumin with galactomannans, from the spice fenugreek, boosts bioavailability by more than 45 times compared to unformulated curcumin.
Combining curcumin with other nutrients, including turmerones from turmeric and gingerols from ginger root, may further increase its bioavailability and health benefits.
Therefore, try the highly absorbable curcumin Life Extension Curcumine Elite, which contains turmeric and fenugreek extract! This curcumin has up to 45 times higher bioavailability than regular curcumin!
Source:
Life Extension Magazine Jan/Feb 2023, p. 56-60, Retail Edition
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