Researchers at UCLA have found that curcumin in curries improves memory and mood in patients with mild amnesia caused by aging.
Curcumin has long been used in traditional Indian herbs. However, scientists have not been able to confirm its medical role. In 2017, a review of the study (including 120 studies) found that no clinical trials confirmed the efficacy of curcumin. The authors believe that curcumin is unstable, highly active, does not have bioavailability, is unlikely to be used in medicine. Indeed, the instability of curcumin has disappointed scientists. The U.S. government has spent 150 million U.S. dollars on curcumin research, but it still has no result. To make matters worse, last year there were two serious adverse reactions - including a death case (caused by injection of natural therapy).
Therefore, this study is quite exciting, scientists for the first time confirmed the medical role of curcumin.
This is a double-blind study, which included an experimental group and a placebo-controlled group for 18 months. The study population was 40 adults aged 50-90 years. All patients had mild memory problems, but not dementia. They were divided equally into two groups, one of them taking curcumin twice daily, 90 mg each, and the other taking placebo only.
Before the study started, all patients received a standard cognitive assessment; they were evaluated every six months during the study. At the same time, researchers monitored their curcumin blood levels at the same intervals. In addition, 30 patients underwent PET scans. Using a PET scan, the researchers analyzed the concentrations of amyloid and tau in their brains - these two proteins are closely linked to Alzheimer's disease.
At the end of the study, there was a significant improvement in memory and attention in the curcumin group, but not in the placebo group. In the memory test, the curcumin group score increased by 28%. PET scans also showed a significant reduction of both proteins in the curcumin group of amygdala and hippocampus. In addition, curcumin group mood also improved.
In the curcumin group, 4 individuals reported adverse side effects such as nausea. But it is interesting to note that 2 of the comforting groups also reported this phenomenon. In summary, moderate doses of curcumin should be safe. In the long run, it can improve cognitive ability.
This is an observational study. The researchers did not explore the mechanism of action of curcumin. But they speculate that curcumin may provide some anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects on the brain. Curcumin may be able to reduce brain inflammation, and brain inflammation and Alzheimer's disease, major depression are linked.
Next, the researchers intend to increase the sample size to see if the results remain the same. In addition, curcumin hopes to explore the potential of curcumin as an anti-depressant drug, as it improves mood.