Winning the Battle Against Inflammation Pain

Revelations on the Danger of NSAIDs Drives the Search for Other Solutions

Turmeric has been used for centuries as a flavoring for food and a traditional remedy for various ailments. Curcumin, the primary active ingredient in turmeric, was first isolated in 1815. But turmeric only contains about 5% curcumin, which in its natural form is only absorbed in extremely small amounts. It wasn’t until modern science used nanotechnology to make curcumin water soluble and highly absorbable by the body that its real power was unlocked. This patented preparation technique of manufacturing curcumin is called Theracurmin^(R), and is the form used in Cardiotabs Curcumin.

The Effects of Inflammation

Inflammation is a primary cause of the pain that torments many of us on a daily basis. Joint pain can be more than a nuisance, limiting our movement and making many tasks unmanageable. But it isn’t only the discomfort that is a problem. Extensive research over more than 150 years has shown that inflammation plays a major role in a wide variety of chronic diseases including osteoarthritis, psoriasis, diabetes, atherosclerosis and Alzheimer’s disease. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and naproxen work to reduce inflammation which has already developed in the body. While this approach can reduce existing pain, by the time the pain is manifested, the tissue destruction which occurs in chronic disease has already begun. As the cycle of inflammation, pain and treatment continues, so does the development of the disease. The use of NSAIDs has also been linked to an increased risk of heart attack, stroke and kidney disease.

The Role of Cytokines in Inflammation

Cytokines are small secreted proteins released by cells which aid in cell-to-cell communication and can trigger inflammation. These molecules act as agents that regulate the immune response. Pro-inflammatory cytokines are involved in causing pathological pain. One of these cytokines, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), is the master regulator of inflammation. Its importance is demonstrated by the FDA approval of drugs to block TNF-α for the treatment of arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, psoriasis and multiple sclerosis. Unfortunately, these drugs are not only expensive ($15-20k per year) but also have enough adverse effects that they have been given a black label warning by the FDA.

Curcumin in the Body

Curcumin is a type of polyphenol with anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidant effects.* It interacts directly with the pro-inflammatory cytokines, reducing their volume in the bloodstream. In so doing, Curcumin can impact inflammation before it occurs, helping to prevent tissue damage and preserve the normal functioning and structure of joints, blood vessels and the brain.* By interacting directly with the inflammation-causing agents in the body, curcumin works in ways that are very different from NSAIDs. As a result, curcumin has not been shown to increase the risk of heart attack in people with cardiovascular disease. In fact, researchers are constantly discovering new ways curcumin’s anti-inflammatory properties can be used to support heart and brain health.*

Widespread Potential Health Benefits

Because inflammation can negatively impact almost every organ in the human body, the potential benefits of a potent and safe, natural, anti-inflammatory compound are almost limitless. Many impressive research studies with convincing evidence supporting the benefits of curcumin for the reduction of joint pain and improvement in muscle fatigue recovery, heart failure and arterial stiffness have already been published. Clinical trials investigating the benefits of supplementation with Theracurmin®, the form of curcumin in Cardiotabs Curcumin, on mood, memory, reduction in NSAID dependence and overall pain levels.

Challenges Presented by Curcumin

The biggest challenge to unlocking the full potential of curcumin has been bioavailability. While curcumin extract has been available for decades, in its generic form most of what is ingested is passed quickly out of the body and very little is absorbed into the bloodstream. It is no wonder that some research studies using this generic form showed minimal or insignificant results. However, with the development of formulations which increase absorption and bioavailability, research results are now revealing curcumin as a game-changer in the fight against inflammation.

Making the Most of Curcumin’s Power

At Cardiotabs, we focus on using the absolute best available ingredients in our products. This is why Cardiotabs Curcumin contains Theracurmin®, a nanoparticulate formulation with over 27 times greater bioavailability than unformulated curcumin.

Theracurmin® forms a stabilized dispersion in water and the sub-micron particles facilitate absorption into the bloodstream through the membranes lining the small intestine. As a result, Theracurmin® reaches peak concentration in the bloodstream six times faster than unformulated curcumin. While the amount of curcumin available to the body is significant within one hour, it is important to remember that because curcumin works to prevent inflammation, it takes time for existing
inflammation to recede. Most people see positive benefits from Cardiotabs Curcumin within two to four weeks.

In Good Health,

James O'Keefe, MD

References:

Gupta SC, Patchva S, Aggarwal BB. Therapeutic Roles of Curcumin: Lessons Learned from Clinical Trials. The AAPS Journal. 2013;15(1):195-218. doi:10.1208/s12248-012-9432-8.

Bally M, Dendukuri N, Rich B, et al. Risk of acute myocardial infarction with NSAIDs in real world use: bayesian meta-analysis of individual patient data. The BMJ. 2017;357:j1909. doi:10.1136/bmj.j1909.

Zhang J-M, An J. Cytokines, Inflammation and Pain. International anesthesiology clinics. 2007;45(2):27-37. doi:10.1097/AIA.0b013e318034194e.

Anft M. Understanding Inflammation. Johns Hopkins Health Review. 2016;3(1).