Curcuma Longa And Its Health Effects Volume 1

Curcumin, a yellow edible pigment in turmeric, has been widely used as a flavor and dye in India and its surrounding countries since ancient times. In particular, among curcumonoids (diarylheptanoids), curcumin I, curcumin II, and curcumin III have been elucidated by many researchers not only in the food area but also in human health effects. Curcumonoids are roughly classified into linear-diarylheptanoids and cyclic-diarylheptanoids. In addition, because there are more glycosides of these two diarylheptanoids, diarylheptanoids form an enormous derivative. Both Chapter 1 and Chapter 2 in volume 1 will be discussed according to the following classification. First, plants containing diarylheptanoids were alphabetically started from the eyes, followed by family, genus, and plant name. Chapter 1, at least 9 orders, 12 families and 27 genera are known to contain plant diarylheptanoids as follows: order Fagales contain the most versatile 3 families 8 genera including family Betulaceae 5 genera (Alnus, Betula, Carpinus, Corylus and Ostrya), family Myricaceae 2 genera (Morella and Myrica), and family Casuarinaceae 1 genus (Casuarina). This is followed by order Zingiberales: 1 family 6 genera (Alpinia, Amomum, Curcuma, Hedychium, Renealmia, and Zingiber) of family Zingiberaceae; order Sapindales: 2 families 3 genera of family Burseraceae 2 genera (Boswellia and Garuga), and family Sapindaceae 1 genus (Acer); order Juglandales: 2 families 4 genera of Juglandaceae 3 genera (Juglans, Platycarya, and Pterocarya) and Rhoipteleaceae 1 genus (Rhoiptelea); order Fabales: 1 family Leguminosae 1 genus (Centrolobium); order Dioscoreales: 1 family Dioscoreaceae 2 genera (Dioscorea and Tacca); order Ericale: 1 family Actinidiaceae 1 genus (Clematoclethra); order Gentiales: 1 family Rubiaceae 1 genus (Pyrostria); and order Santalales: 1 family Santalaceae 1 genus (Viscum), respectively. In Chapter 2, at least 2 orders, 3 families and 3 genera are known to contain seaweed diarylheptanoids as follows: order Alismatales: 2 families 2 genera of family Cymodoceaceae 1 genus (Cymodoceaceae) and family Zosteraceae 1 genus (Zostera); and order Poecilosclerida.1 family Tedaniidae 1 genus (Tedania), respectively. Chapter 3, biological activity of diarylheptanoids were typically described as follows: Leishmanicidal and antiprotozoal activities, antitumor activities, anti-inflammatory effects, and inhibitory on nitric oxide production. Chapter 4, some selective extractions of curcumin was discussed.

The plant-derived polyphenol curcumin has been used in promoting health and combating disease for thousands of years. Its therapeutic effects have been successfully utilized in Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese Medicine in order to treat inflammatory diseases. Current results from modern biomolecular research reveal the modulatory effects of curcumin on a variety of signal transduction pathways associated with inflammation and cancer. In this context, curcumin’s antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumorigenic, and even anti-metastatic activities are discussed. On the cellular level, the reduced activity of several transcription factors (such as NFkB or AP-1) and the suppression of inflammatory cytokines, matrix degrading enzymes, metastasis related genes and even microRNAs are reported. On functional levels, these molecular effects translate into reduced proliferative, invasive, and metastatic capacity, as well as induced tumor cell apoptosis. All these effects have been observed not only in vitro but also in animal models. In combination with anti-neoplastic drugs like Taxol, kinase inhibitors, and radiation therapy, curcumin potentiates the drugs’ therapeutic power and can protect against undesired side effects. Natural plant-derived compounds like curcumin have one significant advantage: They do not usually cause side effects. This feature qualifies curcumin for primary prevention in healthy persons with a predisposition to cancer, arteriosclerosis, or chronic inflammatory diseases. Nonetheless, curcumin is considered safe, although potential toxic effects stemming from high dosages, long-term intake, and pharmacological interactions with other compounds have yet to be assessed. This Special Issue examines in detail and updates current research on the molecular targets, protective effects, and modes of action of natural plant-derived compounds and their roles in the prevention and treatment of human diseases.

The medicinal uses of Curcumin (also called turmeric) have been known and described for more than 5000 years. A large body of recent research suggests that curcumin is potentially useful in the treatment of inflammatory diseases, through modulation of numerous molecular targets. This is the first monograph to focus on the potential use of curcumin in the treatment of cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, arthritis, Alzheimer’s, psoriasis and more.

Curcumin, which is contained in turmeric in India and surrounding areas, has been widely used for colorants such as curry for thousands of years. Recent studies of curcuminn have reported that curcumin is effective in preventing and treating lifestyle-related diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, dementia, liver disease, heart failure and eye strain. This volume contains the following contents: In Chapter 1, curcumin, also known as diferuloylmethane is a primary and essential constituent of turmeric (Curcuma longa) rhizomes with numerous biological activities. Curcumin was established to benefit in the treatment of inflammatory conditions, metabolic syndrome, pain as well as in controlling inflammatory and degenerative eye conditions including cancers. In addition, curcumin aided in the control of ailments associated with kidneys. These numerous therapeutic benefits of curcumin supplementation were accredited to its potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Some of these activities by curcumin were attributed through its interference with aberrant cellular signaling pathways that resulted in many diseases such as cancer, arthritis and other inflammatory diseases. In recent times curcumin is available in multiple formulations including capsules, cosmetics, energy drinks, ointments, soaps and tablets. Curcumin was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as "Generally Recognized As Safe" (GRAS) and curcumin excellent tolerability and safety were established through clinical trials, even at relative high doses. Since 4000 years, turmeric has been used to treat a variety of ailments. Turmeric is used in religious ceremonies as well as textile dyeing owing to its vibrant orange color. In Ayurveda and Chinese traditional medicine (CTM), turmeric is often expended as anti-inflammatory agent in the treatment of digestive and liver ailments, skin diseases including wounds. Turmeric has been consumed in different forms in various countries due to curcumin beneficial effects. In USA, turmeric is used in mustard sauce, cheese, butter, and chips, as a preservative and a coloring agent. In Chapter 2, Curcuma longa L. belongs to the ginger family. It is widely cultivated and distributed in South and Southeast Asia. Besides gastronomic uses, Curcuma is one of the main plants used throughout the folklore medicine such as Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, and Chinese medicine. To date, traditional medicinal treatments have been increasing worldwide to treat common diseases. Therefore, this chapter focused on the curcuma ́s essential oil beneficial properties. The antifungal and antibacterial activities of curcuma ́s essential oil are highly important due to become natural methods to prevent food deterioration and extend shelf life caused by Aspergillus, Fusarium or Colletotrichum genus. Moreover, Curcuma ́s essential oil exhibits antimicrobial activities against pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida albicans, and Aspergillus niger that cause diverse infections in humankind. According to these properties, Curcuma ́s essential oil may be an ecofriendly alternative to produce antimicrobial and anti-fungicides agents with important industrial applications. Chapter 3, flavanones are one of the most diverse and widespread group belongs to the subclass of flavanoids. They contain hydroxyl and methoxy groups and occupy a prominent position in the plant kingdom due to the wide variety of multi-directional pharmacological properties. The discovery of vital molecules by isolation and synthesis of natural products from medicinal plants has always been a challenge in the field of natural products chemistry. Syzygium samarangense is a famous plant belongs to the family Myrtaceae and widely cultivated and grown thought out India for their edible fruits. Then, here, one of the family Myrtaceae contains diarylheptanoids (curcuminoids). Then, Chapter 3 reviews the isolation and semisynthesis of typical biocomponents other than diarylheptanoids (curcuminoids) for Syzygium samarangense (water apple. wax apple), a family Myrtaceae. The fruit pulp and leaves of water apple is a rich source of phenols, flavonoids, triterpenoids, chalcones, tannins, and several antioxidant compounds and as a result, it is believed to have great potential health benefits and is used in traditional medicine to cure diabetes. Syzygium samarangense was reported to posses antidiabetic activity, antihyperglycemic activity, spasmolytic, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory activity. Basing on the excellent pharmacological properties of Syzygium samarangense, we have selected the stem bark of Syzygium samarangense, extracted with different organic solvents, subjected to acid hydrolysis and then purified by using preparative HPLC. 7-Hydroxy flavanone was isolated and then subjected to semi synthesis by using different substituted isoxazoles and cinnamic acid. The present chapter discusses the isolation of 7-hydroxy flavanone from the stem bark of Syzygium samarangense and also explored the facile synthesis of 7-hydroxyflavanone with isoxazoles and cinnamic acids.

Discover the power of turmeric! For centuries, turmeric, the spice that gives curry its yellow color and its distinctive warm and earthy flavor, has been used in eastern medicine traditions as an anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving remedy. Now, new medical studies are confirming this wisdom--and adding to it. Turmeric contains powerful antioxidants, which can help combat chronic life-threatening diseases, including heart disease, certain types of cancer, arthritis, Parkinson's disease, and Alzheimer's disease. It's also an all-natural remedy for common ailments and an effective health and beauty aid. Turmeric for Health provides 100 all-natural solutions that help: Soothe digestive upset Relieve daily aches and pains and reduce inflammation Improve metabolic function and weight loss Promote healthy skin, hair, and nails With Turmeric for Health, you'll discover all the benefits that this simple spice can bring--without dangerous chemicals or costly procedures.

Turmeric belongs to the family Zingiberaceae and is a yellow spice of high economic importance due to its medicinal value. Cultivated in tropical and sub-tropical regions around the world, it is used extensively as a colouring, flavouring and preserving agent. In recent years, several drugs derived from natural products have been developed and current drug research is actively investigating the possible therapeutic roles of many Ayurvedic medicines, most notable among those being examined is turmeric. The wide range of pharmacological activities attributed to turmeric come mainly from curcuminoids and two related compounds, demethoxycurcumin and bisdemethoxycurcumin. This comprehensive book brings together the research carried out on constituents obtained from turmeric and highlights their chemical and biological activities. Comprising 17 chapters, each written by experts in their respective field and curated by authorities, it will be invaluable to all those who are involved in the production, processing, marketing, and the use of turmeric. Appealing to researchers and professionals in natural products, nutraceuticals and food chemists, this book is exposing some of the myths and showing areas for possible future use.

Approx.446 pages Approx.446 pages

This book summarizes recent advances in the chemistry, bioactivity, nutrition, and functional aspects of dietary phytochemicals, as well as the health and functional aspects of foods rich in phytochemicals. Consisting of forty-four chapters, it discusses the different chemical types of phytochemicals in our diets and food and presents data collected from animal or human experiments that are directly related to human health. Each chapter covers the chemistry, epidemiological study, bioavailability, bioactivity (animal experiments) function in humans and safety, as well as products on the market. Moreover, the more than 200 figures make it easy to grasp the main findings in each area.