Thursday 12 November 2009

Turmeric and Resveratrol Form Powerful Synergy to Fight Cancer, Inflammation and Hair Loss

By Franklin Spivey

Resveratrol has recently garnered much public attention for its purported ability to delay aging at the cellular level. While most research to date has focused on in-vitro testing, resveratrol does appear to offer much promise in enhancing health for many. At the same time, many natural components are being studied for similar health enhancing benefits. Turmeric, a common culinary spice associated with middle eastern and asian cuisine, is one of many herbs being investigated. The active ingredient of turmeric is curcumin which has long been known to be a potent anti-inflammatory and possibly and anti-cancer agent. There also appears to be some synergy between resveratrol and turmeric. While both have similar actions the combination of the two appears more beneficial than the individual compounds.

Turmeric (Curcumin) has traditionally been thought of as an anti-inflammatory. Recent clinical studies indicate that a combination of resveratrol and turmeric are effective in treating stomach cancer. Not only did this combination inhibit the growth of cancer cells, it also caused live cancer cell to die and fostered processes in the human body to deter the onset of inflammation and cancer. Reference Pubmed study'838927.

Recently, an Italian company filed a patent for a hair loss supplement that contained, among other things, a combination of curcumin and resveratrol. Much discussion can be found on hair loss forums about this combination. The method of action in restoring hair is purportedly a combination of the potent anti-inflammatory properties of this combination and stimulation of nerve cells in the root of the hair follicles. This nerve cell stimulation promotes a release of neuropeptides such as P substance, Neurokinin A and the Calcitonin Gene Related Peptide (CGRP) which have been linked to hair regrowth.

Another study (Pubmed.gov study'549505) have linked a combination of resveratrol and curcumin with the inhibition of NF-kappaB signaling which is linked to inflammation and cancer formation. Several other studies have demonstrated the anti-inflammatory properties of either resveratrol or curcumin.

We are just scratching the surface of the benefits of resveratrol and turmeric. Medline and Pubmed are excellent academic and clinical resources for learning more about the potential of this combination. A simple search at either of these sites will return a number of study abstracts and give you a sense of the activity surrounding these important natural components.

While generally considered safe, it's also important to mention that both resveratrol and curcumin can have side effects so talk to your doctor before beginning treatment.

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