Curcumin reduces adipose tissue formation in mice

The May, 2009 issue of the Journal of Nutrition reported the discovery of researchers at Tufts University in Boston of a reduction in the formation of adipose (fat) tissue and the blood vessels that feed it in mice given high fat diets supplemented with curcumin, the major polyphenol in the spice turmeric.

In their introduction to the article, Mohsen Meydani and colleagues at Tufts' Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging explain that "the growth and expansion of adipose tissues, similar to the growth of cancerous tumors, requires recruitment of new blood vessels or angiogenesis. In adipose tissue, this is mediated by adipose tissue secretion of adipokines, including leptin, adiponectin, resistin, visfatin, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-6, interleukin-1, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Therefore, in addition to reducing energy intake, the inhibition of angiogenesis in adipose tissue can be a strategy to prevent adipose tissue growth and obesity." Continue Reading

Curcuma longa Linn.(Khamin Chan)

Medicinal Plants in Thailand.

Curcuma longa Linn.
ZINGIBERACEAE
Turmeric
Thai name : Khamin Chan

Erect, terrestrial, perennial herb, 30-90 cm high; rhizome tuberous, orange-yellow, aromatic. Leaf sim­ple, alternate distichous, lanceolate, 12-15 cm wide, 30-40 cm long. Inflorescence in terminal, cylindrical spike on apex of rhizome; peduncle surrounded by sheaths of leaves; flowers pale yellow with light green or whitish bracteoles. Fruit capsule, globose, 3-lobed.
Fresh and dried rhizome: treatment of peptic ulcer, dyspepsia, indigestion, flatulence; contains vola­tile oil, curcumin, etc. Volatile oil dispels stagnant gas from stomach and intestine. Curcumin and p-tolylcarbinol Increases the peptic and bile juice for digestion. Curcumin inhibits gas produced by bacteria, stimulate mucous secretion to coat the stomach and promotes the healing of peptic ulcer. Curcumin also inhibits bacterial growth, clinical trials proved effectiveness equal to antibiotics. Dose: two 250 mg capsules 4 times a day after meals and at bedtime. Caution: high dose of curcumin (two times of therapeutic dose) may cause ulcer in the stomach. Externally used for itching and infected wounds. Prepa­ration: mix dried powder with water or grind fresh rhizome with water and apply to the wound.

Traditional use :
Fresh and dried rhizome : carminative, treatment of peptic ulcer and dyspepsia ; external use for itching and infected wound.

By: Medicinal Plants in Thailand
Volume 1