Curcumin (Turmeric) - A Wonder Spice for Neuropathy?

Having posted an article about Turmeric and its basic constituent, Curcumin, some time ago on the blog (see alphabetical list on the right), I decided to try it out, having first checked it against my HIV meds. As a natural-born cynic, I didn't hold out any great hopes but to my surprise, two weeks after taking two 400mg capsules a day, I noticed a distinct lessening in the tingling, numbness and pain in my feet and legs. I finished the bottle and then forgot to buy a new one - again, within two weeks, the pain and other symptoms were back with a vengeance. Coincidence? Maybe; it's difficult to know in our HIV world, where you're taking this, that and the other, for this, that and the other, what's improving or worsening what! That said, I bought another bottle of Curcumin and resumed the 2x400mg dosage per day and once again, within two weeks, I noticed a distinct improvement in my symptoms but that's just me and we all know how neuropathy works - something may help you but for someone else it does nothing! I'd like to hear about other people's experiences with the same thing. There is very little verified scientific research and evidence on the internet, so personal experience is invaluable.

Turmeric is claimed to be a wonder spice, helping with all sorts of ailments from cancer to Alzheimers but we've heard that all before and need firm evidence to support the hype. One thing is sure; it's a powerful anti-oxidant but further than that, nobody seems to know why it works well in helping with various ailments. This article from Buzzle.com (see link below)is written by an Indian lady who doesn't seem to have medical qualifications (not necessarily a problem) but writes about Turmeric (curcumin) with authority and her facts certainly check out with other sites. She ends by saying: "I rest my case here, having made and proved my point." I'm not sure that she has but she makes a persuasive case.

Turmeric for Neuropathy
By Ishani Chatterjee Shukla
Last Updated: 7/28/2011

Neuropathy, which means a damage to the nerves, can cause a lot of pain, regional hypersensitivity and overall physical discomfort in a person. Peripheral neuropathy is caused by damage to the nerves of the peripheral nervous system and such damage is either a result of an underlying disease or illness or is a consequence of physical trauma or injury. While most of the mainstream treatment measures undertaken to relieve neural discomfort work on a symptomatic basis, certain alternative treatments and therapies have proved to be more effective in alleviating the underlying neural abnormalities.

While most of us are familiar with the efficacy of various herbs and natural spices in curing and treating a lot of physical ailments, I am sure most of us would be surprised at the idea of these very herbs and spices being able to treat something as complex as an ailment or injury of the nerves. Turmeric is one such natural spice that seems to be quite effective in dealing with peripheral neuropathy - mind you, it doesn't just alleviate the pain and sensitivity but corrects the neural damage to a large extent! The reason behind the efficacy of treating neuropathic pain with turmeric can be traced to a very significant chemical compound, curcumin, that turmeric contains. The following segment provides an elaborate insight into facts about using turmeric for neuropathy.

Turmeric for Peripheral Neuropathy

The fact that turmeric works as a great pain reliever and anti-inflammatory agent is not an unknown one. Remedies like turmeric milk are used in a lot of exotic ethnic cultures to accelerate the healing of wounds and to provide relief from fever and bacterial infections. So, what is it about turmeric that gives it all these medicinal properties? Well, as mentioned in the previous segment, it's a chemical compound called Curcumin. Curcumin is a naturally occurring polyphenol. Natural polyphenols are a group of organic antioxidants that have great beneficial effects on the body when consumed. Laboratory research and experiments have proved beyond doubt that curcumin has very potent anti-inflammatory, antibiotic and anticarcinogenic properties. Indeed, the traditional medicine systems of many Oriental cultures (such as China, India, etc.) do maintain that regular use of turmeric and other spices containing curcuminoids (such as ginger) in daily cooking is a great way to keep various types of cancers and tumors away.

Now, the question is, how does curcumin cure neuropathy? How does it treat or heal damaged nerves? Well, while the anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of turmeric do contribute towards providing symptomatic relief, the antioxidant properties of curcumin are believed to slow down and reverse neurodegeneration. In a study conducted by the UCLA Center on Aging during the latter part of the 20th century, the researchers were able to successfully demonstrate the efficacy of curcumin in reducing neural degeneration, plaque deposition in the brain, damage to neural tissues due to oxidation, etc. All these findings indicated towards the fact that curcumin and its derivatives can be used as a potential treatment alternative for neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer's disease.

So, if curcumin can be a possible curative agent of a neurodegenerative condition as complex and serious as Alzheimer's disease, it definitely makes sense that turmeric may be used to effectively treat the symptoms as well as underlying neural damage that characterize peripheral neuropathy. Therefore, the possibilities of success involved in the use of turmeric for neuropathy treatment and neural pain relief cannot and should not be ruled out. So, the next time you embark upon preparing that exotic curry dish, do not miss out on sprinkling a couple of pinches of turmeric - besides the great color and exotic aroma, you'll benefit greatly from its antioxidant properties. I rest my case here, having made and proved my point.

http://www.buzzle.com/articles/turmeric-for-neuropathy.html