A molecule extracted from turmeric counteracts endothelial dysfunction, a risky and widespread condition among the elderly
Endothelial Dysfunction: Molecule Extracted from Turmeric Counters This Dangerous Condition Common Among the Elderly
The 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 diseases. To achieve this effect, 2 grams per day of curcumin for 12 weeks are sufficient.
Its action appears to be due to its ability to enhance the response to nitric oxide, a substance that acts as a vasodilator and anti-inflammatory agent.
This was reported in a paper published in the journal The Gerontology by researchers at the University of Colorado (USA).
Turmeric and Its Properties
Curcuma longa (Curcuma Longa L.) is a perennial plant native to Asia, especially widespread in India and Pakistan. Its root, yellow or orange in color and strongly aromatic, is the most important part from a dietary, commercial, and phytotherapeutic point of view. Sales of turmeric-based dietary supplements have grown significantly in recent years, and it is currently one of the most used plant products in America.
Among the health characteristics that made it so famous, there is mainly the high anti-inflammatory capacity, for which its use is recommended to counteract inflammatory and chronic-degenerative diseases. Recent research has also shown a strong antitumor action. Scientific studies highlight the potential this spice may have at the cerebral, cardiovascular, joint, and muscular levels.
Among the various substances present in turmeric, curcumin is certainly the most interesting and studied for its beneficial properties. This molecule is a powerful antioxidant able to both prevent the formation of free radicals and neutralize those already existing. In addition, it also seems to possess anticoagulant, antithrombotic, antihypertensive, anti-inflammatory, and antidiabetogenic properties.
Curcumin Improves Endothelial Function
Considering recent scientific evidence on the anti-inflammatory action and protective effects on blood vessels during aging, both in animals and humans, American scientists tested curcumin’s action in improving endothelial function. The vascular endothelium is a layer of cells lining the interior of blood vessels and can be considered a true organ that plays a fundamental role in maintaining blood vessel activities through the release of a wide variety of substances.
Alterations of the endothelium, generally called endothelial dysfunction, commonly develop with advancing age and represent an important risk factor for the onset of cardiovascular diseases and other aging-related disorders. During the study, researchers selected 29 people aged between 45 and 74 years, who were randomly assigned either supplements containing 2 grams of curcumin or a placebo substance, daily for a period of 12 weeks.
After treatment, researchers evaluated endothelial function by estimating FMDba, a measure of blood flow and vascular health, which was found to have increased by 34% in the group taking the supplement compared to the placebo group. Similarly, another test, FBFach (acetylcholine infusion in the brachial artery), gave positive results: an increase of 44% compared to the placebo group. Both results indicate that curcumin supplements promote endothelial dilation.
According to researchers, this effect could be due to curcumin’s ability to increase the bioavailability of nitric oxide – more commonly known as nitric oxide – a molecule produced by the endothelium itself. Nitric oxide acts as a powerful vasodilator and inflammation inhibitor and also has anti-platelet aggregation effects, making it a key molecule for normal endothelial function. Endothelial dysfunction associated with aging is largely due to nitric oxide deficiency. Reduced production of this molecule has been linked to vascular diseases such as atherosclerosis, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia.
A Study to Be Completed
According to the authors of this research, preliminary results highlight the ability of curcumin-containing supplements to enhance the efficacy of nitric oxide on the endothelium, causing vasodilation and protecting against arterial dysfunction associated with age. 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.
