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Spices - Disease Prevention In Your Kitchen Cupboard
Spotlight On Curcumin - The Healing Power of Turmeric
Healthy Morning Proprietor, Debbie Edson, Is A Contributor to Prescription For Nutritional Healing
Chicken With North African Spices
Spices - Disease Prevention In Your Kitchen Cupboard
For thousands of years spices flavored human history. By land and by sea, merchants and explorers took tremendous risks and endured great hardships as they traveled to distant lands of India and Southeast Asia where coveted spices grew. During Biblical times through the Middle Ages, Arab peoples dominated the spice trade. From the 15th though the 18th centuries, European nations vied for influence over Spice Trade Routes and even went to war for control of spice producing lands. The European quest for spices, gold and silver led to the Age of Exploration and discovery of the Americas.
Ancient peoples used spices for food preservation, religious ceremonies, aphrodisiacs, embalming and, of coarse, to flavor food and wine. For the people of old, culinary and medicinal uses for spices overlapped. Today, science is unveiling the mystery behind the health promoting power of spices. Medial researchers are discovering that several spices support health and may provide disease resistance by influencing a biochemical mediator called nuclear transcription factor kB (NF-kB).1
Nuclear Transcription Factor kappaB
Nuclear transcription factor kappaB (NF-kB) is a chemical mediator found in the cytoplasm of all cells. NF-kB modulates the cell's reaction to stress, regulates growth, and maintains cell survival. NF-kB is activated by free radicals, viruses, bacteria, inflammation, toxins (including heavy metals), UV light, X rays, low body pH, low oxygen levels, cancer drugs, and radiation. When NF-kB is activated it travels to the nucleus of the cell, where it orchestrates the expression of over 200 genes.
When over-stimulated NF-kB becomes a very bad actor. Genes expressed by NF-kB promote cell proliferation, induce inflammatory proteins, initiate mutation causing free radicals and interrupt the natural death of older cells. It is important that older cells die off because aged cells are more likely to carry DNA mutations, predisposing them to cancer. NF-kB is identified as a mediator in many diseases -cancer, diabetes, psoriasis, Crohn's disease, arthritis, allergies, Alzheimer's, multiple sclerosis, arteriosclerosis, and heart attack. All of the these maladies have dysregulated inflammation as an underlying cause.
Spices Quench The Fire
Preclinical studies show that several spice derived phytochemicals block NF-kB. Among the spices with anti-NF-kB activity are: turmeric, red chili, fennel, anise, cloves, ginger, basil, garlic, and pomegranate.1
Spices That Block NF-kB1
| Spice |
Active Ingredient |
| Turmeric |
Curcumin |
| Red Chili |
Capsaicin |
| Garlic |
Diallyl Sulfide; S-ally Cysteine, Allicin, Ajoene |
| Ginger |
6-Gingerol |
| Basil |
Ursolic Acid |
| Rosemary |
Ursolic Acid |
| Fennel |
Anethol |
| Anise |
Anethol |
| Coriander |
Anethol |
| Cloves |
Eugenol & Isoeugenol |
| Pomegranate |
Ellagic Acid |
In addition to blocking NF-kB, many spices are anti-oxidants in their own right. Cloves, cinnamon, pepper, ginger, garlic, peppermint, and onion protect against oxidation of lipids, suggesting a role in cardiovascular disease prevention.2 Their antioxidant activity was retained after boiling for 30 minutes, so cooking should not degrade this benefit.
Future research on medicinal spices is needed to define optimum intakes and further define their role as natural disease preventatives. Medical scientists involved in drug development, who have always looked to the natural world for inspiration, are studying spice derived phytochemicals in their quest for synthetic analogs that block NF-kB. This mediator is a prime target for anticancer therapies. Meanwhile, we don't have to endure long, arduous journeys, shipwrecks and pirate raids to benefit from these herbal wonders - all we need is a short trip to our kitchen cupboard. Learning to incorporate them into our culinary routines is well worth the time and effort.
References:
1) Aggarwal, B, Shishodia, S, Supression of Nuclear Factor-kB Activation Pathway by Spice-Derived Phytochemicals - Reasoning for Seasoning. Ann. N.Y. Acad. Sci 1030:434-441 (2004).
2) Shobana, S, Naidu, KA Antioxidant activity of selected Indian spices, Prostaglandins, LeukotEssen Fatty Acids. 2000 Feb 62;(2) 107-10.
Spotlight on Curcumin - The Healing Power of Turmeric
Turmeric, which is a yellow herb used in curry dishes and mustard preparations, has been used for thousands of years in Ayruvedic Medicine as an anti-inflammatory and pain relieving agent. Curcumin, which is the component of turmeric responsible for its yellow color, makes up 2% to 5% of the spice. Curcumin is one of three yellow pigments which are collectively called curcuminoids. Turmeric, which is native to Southeast Asia, is a member of the ginger family. Like ginger, the herb is extracted from the rhizome or root of the plant.
Today, after thousands of years of traditional use, curcumin is the subject of extensive medical research. Scientists are discovering the activity of curcumin on a cellular level, with some amazing results. Potential applications for curcumin are in fighting cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, inflammatory bowel disease, and cystic fibrosis.
Curcumin as a Cancer Preventative
Scientists recognize three stages in cancer development - initiation (cell is attacked and genetic material damaged), promotion (damaged cell becomes precancerous) and progression (cell becomes cancerous and spreads). All three stages of cancer are fueled by inflammation. In laboratory studies and in a few small human studies, curcumin has been shown to be of benefit in all three stages.1
Curcumin Blocks Tumor Initiation
Curcumin blocks tumor initiation in several ways - by acting as a potent antioxidant and free radical scavenger, by inhibiting an enzyme called iNOS, by blocking chemical mediator, NF-kappaB and by enhancing liver detoxification of carcinogenic chemicals.1
Anti-oxidant Properties
Curcumin is an anti-oxidant 10 times more potent than Vitamin E.2 Curcumin quenches free radicals that may attack and damage cell DNA.
Curcumin Blocks iNOS
Inducible nitric oxide synthetase (iNOS) is an enzyme responsible for producing a potent cell assailant - nitric oxide. Immune system cells normally produce nitric oxide to attack invaders, however, in autoimmune diseases, chronic inflammatory illnesses and cancer, iNOS activity is excessive. Curcumin tones down iNOS activity.
Curcumin blocks NF-kB
Curcumin also inhibits NF-kB and blocks NF-kB induced genes which stimulate production of cell damaging cytokines and nitric oxide radicals by white blood cells.2
Curcumin stimulates detoxification
Our bodies are continually exposed to drugs, chemicals, and pesticides that must be broken down by the liver before they are eliminated by the kidneys or through the GI tract. Curcumin has also been shown to induce liver enzymes that change carcinogens into substances that are more readily eliminated by the body.3
Curcumin's Effect on Tumor Proliferation and Progression
Curcumin combats tumor proliferation and progression by blocking NF-kB signaling, and inhibiting genes responsible for the spread of cancer cells. Curcumin inhibits blood vessel formation into the tumor and stops adhesion of tumor cells to distant tissues (metastasis).2
Preclinically, curcumin's anti-cancer activity has been studied with regard to colon, prostate, breast, skin cancers, (including melanoma), and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.4
Curcumin and Colon Cancer
Results from a small human study on colon cancer produced encouraging results. Curcumin reduced the size and number of pre-cancerous polyps in patients with a family tendency for colon cancer.5
Curcumin and Rheumatoid Arthritis
A laboratory study showed that curcumin stopped joint inflammation and destruction by inhibiting NF-kB and subsequent expression of NF-kB genes.6 Among the mediators blocked was COX2, the enzyme target of anti-inflammatory drugs.
Curcumin and Bone Health and Strength
Bone is constantly remodeling under the influence of two types of cells, osteoclasts and osteopblasts. Osteoblast stimulate bone deposition; osteoclast influence bone demineralization. In a preclinical laboratory study curcumin stopped bone degradation by inhibiting osteoclast formation.7
Curcumin and Heart Health
Curcumin may be of benefit in preventing heart disease. Curcumin prevents the oxidation of bad low density (LDL) cholesterol, inhibits blood clotting, and stops excessive growth of smooth muscle inside blood vessels.8
Curcumin and Brain Health
In an animal study, curcumin protected brain cells from oxidative damage and death.9 In another laboratory study, it inhibited formation of amyloid plaques and fibrils - the hallmarks of Alzheimer's Disease (AD). Curcumin also stimulated untangling of plaque fibrils - an indication that it may actually be useful in treating existing AD.10
Curcumin and Diabetes
In animal studies, curcumin lowered blood glucose and protected the kidney.4
Curcumin and Cystic Fibrosis
In an animal study curcumin corrected the gene defect responsible for cystic fibrosis, a heriditary disease in which thick mucus clogs the lungs and pancreas.11
Curcumin and Inflammatory Bowel Disease
In a small human study a curcumin preparation was administered to five patients with ulcerative proctitis and five with Crohn's disease. All proctitis patients improved, with reductions in medication use in four. Four of five Crohn's disease patients improved. 12
In the US turmeric has GRAS status (generally recognized as safe) in amounts contained in foods. Curcumin extracts have been given in doses of up to 8 grams per day in human studies without adverse effects.13 Extracts of curcumin mildly inhibit plateltet aggregation, therefore caution is advisable for people who are on anti-coagulant drugs.
1) Thangapazham, R, et al. Multiple molecular targets in cancer chemoprevention by curcumin. The AAPS Journal 2006;8(3) Article 52.
2) Khopde, S. M. et al. Free radical scavenging ablility and antioxidant efficiency of curcumin and its substituted analoge. Biophys. Chem. 1999 80:85-90
3) Iqbal M, Sharma SD, et. al. Dietary supplementation of curcumin enhances antioxidant and phase II metabolizing enzymes in ddY male mice: possible role in protection against chemical carcinogenesis and toxicity. Pharmacol Toxicol. 2003; 92:33-38
4) Shishodia, S, Sethi,G, Aggarwal, B et. al. Curcumin: Getting Back to the Roots. Ann. N.Y. Acad. Sci. 1056:206-217 (2005)
5) Cruz-Correa M et. al. Combination treatment with curcumin and quercetin of adenomas in Familial Adenomatous polyposis. Clinical Gastroenterology And Hepatology 2006; 4:1035-1038.
6) Funck, JL, et. al. Efficacy and mechanism of action of turmeric supplements in the treatment of experimental arthritis. Arthritis Rheum. 2006;Nov;54(11):3453 - 3464.
7) Bharti, A et. al. Curcumin inhibits receptor activator of NF-kB ligand-induced NF-kB Activation in osteoclast precursors and suppresses osteoclastogenesis. The Jour. of Immunology. 2004, 172:5940-5947.
8) Shishodia, S, Sethi,G, Aggarwal, B et. al. Curcumin: Getting Back to the Roots. Ann. N.Y. Acad. Sci. 1056:206-217 (2005)
9) Yuan-gui AHE, et. al. Curcumin protects mitochondria from oxidative damage and attenuated apoptosis in cortical neurons. Acta Pharmacol Sinica. 2004, Dec; 25(12):1606-1612.
10) Yang, F, Giselle, P et. al. Curcumin inhibits formation of amyloin Beta oligomers and fibrils, binds plaue and reduces amyloid in vivo. Jorn. of Biol. Chem. Vol 280, No. 7 Feb. 18, 2005, 5892 - 5901.
11) Egan, ME et. al. Curcumin, a major constituent of turmeric, corrects cystic fibrosis defects.Science 2004 Apr 23;304(5670):600-2
12) Holt, PR, Katz, S, Kirshoff, R. Curcumin therapy in inflammatory bowel disease: a pilot study. Dig. Dis. Sci. 2005 Nov;50(11):2191-3.
13) Cheng, AL, Hsu CH et. al. Phase I clinical trial of curcumin, a chemopreventive agent, in patients with high-risk or pre-malignant lesions. Anticancer Res. 2001;21:2895-2900.
Debbie Edson, RPh, Is A Contributor To Prescription For Nutrtional Healing.
The 4th edition of the best selling book, Prescription For Nutritional Healing, by Phyllis A Balch, CNC, was recently released. Over 7 million copies of this best selling guide to natural health have been sold since it was first released over 20 years ago. Healthy Morning proprietor, Debbie Edson contributed to the recent edition.
Chicken With North African Spices
Ingredients:
1 1/2 boneless skinless chicken breast halves or 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
3 Tbl flour, divided
2 Tbl olive oil
1 onion, sliced
1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1/2 tsp ground turmeric
1/2 tsp salt
1 can chicken broth (14 oz)
1 Tbl lemon juice
1/2 cup raisins
Mix 1/2 the flour, salt and spices in a shallow dish. Coat chicken with mixture.
Heat the oil in a large skillet. Add chicken and onion. Over medium heat, brown chicken on both sides, about 5 minutes per side.
In a small bowl, make a paste with the remaining flour and a little of the broth. Slowly add the rest of the broth and lemon juice. Add to the skillet with chicken and spices. Cover and simmer on medium heat for about 7 minutes then add raisins. Simmer a few minutes longer to heat raisins and cook chicken through. Serve with couscous or rice.
Note: you can adapt this recipe to your slow cooker, if desired. Make the dish in a skillet as described above. Then add it to a slow cooker. The chicken gets very tender with this method.
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+These have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. This newsletter is for information purposes only, and is not medical advise or prescription. Consult your physician if you are having a health problem. If you are pregnant or nursing or on prescription drugs, consult your physician before taking dietary supplements.
