charles shepherd
Senior Member
- Messages
- 2,239
Turmeric/Curcumin for ME/CFS?
One of our members on MEA Facebook has asked about the use of turmeric/curcumin for ME/CFS
More info below
If anyone on PR is using turmeric/curcumin, or has been using it, feedback would be welcome
Dr Charles Shepherd
Hon Medical Adviser, MEA
Jan 29th 2017
MEA Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/ME-Association-171411469583186/
Info on Turmeric/Curcumin:
Turmeric is a spice that is often used in Asian cooking. The root of the plant it comes from contains a chemical called curcumin, which can be used to make a medicine.
This is then sold in capsule form and is widely available from health shops and some pharmacies
We receive occasional feedback from people with ME/CFS on the therapeutic use of turmeric/curcumin
As with almost all anecdotal reports there is a mixed response - some people have reported that turmeric/curcumin can help with some of their ME/CFS symptoms whereas others find no benefit. A few people report side-effects
As there have not been any clinical trials to assess the safety and efficacy of turmeric/curcumin in ME/CFS we really don't know if it could be of genuine benefit here
There is, however, some interesting research that has examined the therapeutic properties of curcumin and it appears to have genuine anti-inflammatory effects
So turmeric/curcumin may be of benefit in anti-inflammatory conditions like arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease and possibly even ME/CFS - possibly by its effect on pro-inflammatory cytokines (immune system chemicals that cause and maintain inflammation)
Comprehensive research evidence review:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3535097/
Turmeric/curcumin is also capable of enhancing serotonin levels in the brain ( a 'feel good' chemical transmitter) and affecting the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis (which is involved in ME/CFS) where it increases the level of the hormone cortisol
Research paper abstract relating to action on the HPA and raising levels of the hormone cortisol:
http://www.bmijournal.org/index.php/bmi/article/view/79
As with any substance that has therapeutic actions, turmeric/curcumin can have side effects, and there are situations where it is best avoided. These need to be considered before using it
Reliable information on side-effects and cautions:
http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-662-turmeric.aspx?activeingredientid=662
It would be interesting to hear from anyone with ME/CFS who is using, or has used, turmeric/curcumin...
One of our members on MEA Facebook has asked about the use of turmeric/curcumin for ME/CFS
More info below
If anyone on PR is using turmeric/curcumin, or has been using it, feedback would be welcome
Dr Charles Shepherd
Hon Medical Adviser, MEA
Jan 29th 2017
MEA Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/ME-Association-171411469583186/
Info on Turmeric/Curcumin:
Turmeric is a spice that is often used in Asian cooking. The root of the plant it comes from contains a chemical called curcumin, which can be used to make a medicine.
This is then sold in capsule form and is widely available from health shops and some pharmacies
We receive occasional feedback from people with ME/CFS on the therapeutic use of turmeric/curcumin
As with almost all anecdotal reports there is a mixed response - some people have reported that turmeric/curcumin can help with some of their ME/CFS symptoms whereas others find no benefit. A few people report side-effects
As there have not been any clinical trials to assess the safety and efficacy of turmeric/curcumin in ME/CFS we really don't know if it could be of genuine benefit here
There is, however, some interesting research that has examined the therapeutic properties of curcumin and it appears to have genuine anti-inflammatory effects
So turmeric/curcumin may be of benefit in anti-inflammatory conditions like arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease and possibly even ME/CFS - possibly by its effect on pro-inflammatory cytokines (immune system chemicals that cause and maintain inflammation)
Comprehensive research evidence review:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3535097/
Turmeric/curcumin is also capable of enhancing serotonin levels in the brain ( a 'feel good' chemical transmitter) and affecting the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis (which is involved in ME/CFS) where it increases the level of the hormone cortisol
Research paper abstract relating to action on the HPA and raising levels of the hormone cortisol:
http://www.bmijournal.org/index.php/bmi/article/view/79
As with any substance that has therapeutic actions, turmeric/curcumin can have side effects, and there are situations where it is best avoided. These need to be considered before using it
Reliable information on side-effects and cautions:
http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-662-turmeric.aspx?activeingredientid=662
It would be interesting to hear from anyone with ME/CFS who is using, or has used, turmeric/curcumin...