Lee Swanson Research Update

Curcumin May Cut Heart Failure Risk, According to a Canadian Study

March 2008

Curcumin, the natural pigment that gives the spice turmeric its yellow color, may protect against heart failure—in mice at least—a new study from Canada suggests.

When the pigment was given to mice with enlarged hearts (hypertrophy), heart function was restored and scar formation reduced, researchers reported in the February edition of the Journal of Clinical Investigation.

Lead researcher Peter Liu, scientific director at the Canadian Institutes of Health Research-Institute of Circulatory and Respiratory Health said that curcumin might be a safe and effective means of preventing heart failure in the future, given that it is naturally occurring and readily available at a low cost.

Curcumin has come under the scientific spotlight in recent years, with studies investigating its potential benefits for reducing cholesterol levels, improving cardiovascular health, and fighting cancer.

Some experts recommend, however, that consumers wishing to make use of curcumin's properties consume it in supplement form rather than eating more curries, which tend to be rather high in fat in their Western form.

The Canadian researchers found that curcumin appeared to work by preventing abnormal unraveling of the chromosome under stress, in addition to preventing excessive abnormal protein production.

"Curcumin's ability to shut off one of the major switches right at the chromosome source where the enlargement and scarring genes are being turned on is impressive," said Liu. However, he cautioned that moderation is important, "the beneficial effects of curcumin are not strengthened by eating more of it."

The study was funded by the Heart and Stroke Foundation and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research.

Journal of Clinical Investigation Published online ahead of print.

New to Natural Health?
Tools
Customer Service