How Whole Turmeric Heals the Damaged Brain

Brain regeneration: long considered a feat impossible to accomplish, compelling research now reveals how a simple spice might contribute to stimulating the stem-cell mediated repair of the damaged brain

Turmeric is hands down one of the, if not the, most versatile healing spice in the world with over 800 experimentally confirmed health benefits, and an ancient history filled with deep reverence for its seemingly compassionate power to alleviate human suffering. It may also represent the pharmaceutical industry’s single most existential threat, given that the preliminary science signals turmeric is at least as effective as 14 drugs, and orders of magnitude safer as far as toxicological risk.

That said, most of the focus of turmeric research over the past decade has been centered on only one of its many hundreds of phytocompounds: namely, the primary polyphenol in turmeric known as curcumin which gives the spice its richly golden hue. This curcumin-centric focus has led to the development of some very good products, such as phospholipid bound curcumin concentrate (e.g. Meriva, BCM-95) which greatly helps to increase the absorption and bio-activity of curcumin. But, curcumin isolates are only capable of conferring a part of turmeric’s therapeutic power – and therein lies the limitation and hubris of the dominant model where the focus is on isolating the presumably primary “magic bullet ingredient.”

Indeed, it has become typical within the so-called nutraceutical industry to emulate the pharmaceutical model, which focuses on identifying a particular “monochemical” tree within the forest of complexity represented by each botanical agent, striving to standardize the delivery of each purported ‘active ingredient’ with each serving, as if it were a pharmaceutical drug. These extraction and isolation processes also generates proprietary formulas which are what manufacturers want to differentiate their product from all others and henceforth capture a larger part of the market share; a value proposition that serves the manufacturer and not the consumer/patient.

Truth be told, there is no singular ‘magic bullet’ in foods and herbs responsible for reproducing the whole plant’s healing power. There are, in fact, in most healing plants or foods hundreds of compounds orchestrated by the intelligent ‘invisible hand’ of God or ‘Nature,’ or whatever you wish to call it, and which can never be reduced to the activity of a singularly quantifiable phytocompound or chemical.

Beyond The Curcumin ‘Magic Bullet’ Meme

Not long ago, a highly compelling study published in the journal Stem Cell Research & Therapy provided additional support for the concept that curcumin alone is not enough to explain the healing power of turmeric as a whole plant. The study found that a little known, fat-soluble component within turmeric – Ar-tumerone – may make “a promising candidate to support regeneration in neurologic disease.”

Titled, “Aromatic-turmerone induces neural stem cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo,” German researchers evaluated the effects of this turmeric-derived compound on neural stem cells (NSCs) – the subgroup of brain cells capable of continuous self-renewal required for brain repair.

The study found that when brain cells were exposed to ar-tumerone, neural stem cells increased in number through enhanced proliferation. Moreover, these newly formed neural stem cells also increased the number of fully differentiated neuronal cells, indicating a healing effect was taking place. This effect was also observed in a live animal model, showing that rats injected with ar-tumerone into their brains experienced increases in neural stem cell proliferation and the creation of newly formed healthy brain cells.

How To Get The Most Out of Your Turmeric

One of the most frequent questions we field is ‘what is the best type of turmeric or curcumin to use’? Obviously, given the aforementioned research, the whole plant is going to carry a wider range of therapeutic compounds than curcumin alone. And yet, most have been heavily enculturated to focus entirely on the ‘how much’ question, opting to identify the molecular weight (i.e. how many milligrams in a serving) of a particular compound as more important than the qualitative dimensions (e.g. is it organic? It is delivered within its natural context as food or a whole plant?) which reflect the type of nutrigenomic information the substance contains, and therefore the ‘intelligence’ it embodies.

And really, there is no generic answer to a generic question about the best way to take turmeric/curcumin. The question always comes from an individual with a particular need, and so, recommendations must be bio-individualized.

For instance, if you have colonic inflammation or polyps, and you are trying to use turmeric to reduce inflammation there or regress precancerous growths, then using the whole plant is best versus a highly bioavailable form of curcumin in capsule form (e.g. Meriva), for instance, which will likely be absorbed by the small intestine and mostly pass through the liver never getting adequate quantities to the large intestine. So, in this person’s case taking a teaspoon of relatively difficult to absorb turmeric may result in painting the diseased surfaces of that person’s intestinal or colonic lumen with exactly the form needed to reverse disease.

But what if you have someone who wants to experience a systemic effect, say, for arthritis or for brain cancer? In these instances, getting turmeric compounds such as curcumin through the glucuronidation barrier in the liver with a phospholipid-bound or black pepper (piperine) combination could be ideal. There is certainly a place for the ‘nutraceutical’ model when properly applied, especially when provided as an adjuvant to the pharmaceutical model within an integrative medical setting.

Ultimately, the goal is not to wait to have such a serious health problem that you have to force yourself to take a ‘heroic dose’ of any herb or food extract. Better is to use small amounts in culinary doses in combination with ingredients that synergize on a physiochemical/informational and sensual basis (producing the all important vitamin P [pleasure] as well!). Recently we actually featured a study that showed culinary doses of rosemary helped improve memory whereas higher ‘heroic’ doses impaired it!

This is why exploring the use of turmeric in curries, or by adding a pinch in a smoothie, may be an ideal daily supplementation approach, versus capsules, whose questionably ‘natural’ capsules and excipients all can add up to cause some stress on the liver you are trying to protect with these natural interventions. Just remember quality is everything and less can be more!

Here’s why you should combine organic turmeric with black pepper

Turmeric, also called Indian saffron and the “golden spice,” is one of the most popular and widely used spices in modern cuisine. Known for its golden color and outstanding health benefits, this powerful herb from the ginger family (Zingiberaceae) also boasts a long history of use in traditional remedies.

Turmeric is the name given to the underground plant stem, or rhizome, of the flowering plant, Curcuma longa. It bears a striking resemblance to ginger but differs in the color of its flesh. When peeled, ginger has a tan or pale-yellow color while turmeric has a bright yellow to golden orange hue.

Turmeric’s color comes from natural pigments called curcuminoids. These curcuminoids, namely, curcumin, demethoxycurcumin (DMC) and bisdemethoxycurcumin (BDMC), are also the main active components of turmeric root. The many health benefits associated with turmeric are often attributed to these phenolic compounds, particularly curcumin. [1][2]  

According to research, curcumin possesses a wide range of health-supporting properties that could be used for clinical applications. However, curcumin’s potential is inhibited by the fact that it has low water solubility and poor oral bioavailability, meaning it isn’t efficiently absorbed by the body. [3]

Fortunately, researchers have found a simple yet effective way of improving curcumin absorption, and it involves simply combining turmeric with a spice commonly used as seasoning: black pepper. 

Turmeric, the golden spice 

Turmeric, and by default curcumin, has been used to support optimal health and wellness for almost 4,000 years. More than just a culinary spice, turmeric is in fact one of the principal herbs prescribed in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ayurvedic Medicine and Unani Medicine. [4]

Several compounds in turmeric contribute to its beneficial effects. These include a wide variety of essential nutrients, which make turmeric a great superfood to add to a well-balanced diet. According to data provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), one tablespoon (7 grams) of ground turmeric can give you the following: [5]

• Dietary fiber, 6% of the Daily Value (DV)
• Omega-3 fatty acids, 32.5 milligrams (mg)
• Omega-6 fatty acids, 114 mg
• Vitamin B1 (thiamin), 1% of the DV
• Vitamin B2 (riboflavin), 1% of the DV
• Vitamin B3 (niacin), 2% of the DV
• Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), 6% of the DV
• Vitamin B9 (folate), 1% of the DV
• Vitamin C, 3% of the DV
• Vitamin E, 1% of the DV
• Vitamin K, 1% of the DV
• Calcium, 1% of the DV
• Copper, 2% of the DV
• Iron, 16% of the DV
• Magnesium, 3% of the DV
• Manganese, 26% of the DV
• Phosphorus, 2% of the DV
• Potassium, 5% of the DV
• Zinc, 2% of the DV

Turmeric is also packed with phytonutrients whose biological activities are well-documented in studies. To date, researchers have identified over 230 chemical constituents of turmeric, the majority of which are phenolic compounds and terpenoids. [6]

The most important phenolic compounds in turmeric are the curcuminoids, which are known for their antioxidant and immune-supporting activities. [7]Curcumin, in particular, has been shown to protect healthy cells – including immune cells – from oxidative damage by scavenging free radicals. [8] Free radicals are unstable molecules naturally produced inside the body either during metabolic processes or as part of normal immune cell activity. [9]

Curcumin has also been found to protect against lipid oxidation, an event triggered by free radicals that results in the deterioration of fatty acids. Because lipid oxidation negatively affects both human health and food quality, curcumin’s ability to deter this process has made it valuable to the food and healthcare industries. [10]  

Aside from curcuminoids, turmeric also contains a variety of sesquiterpenes, which are odor compounds with beneficial properties. [11] Aromatic turmerone (ar-turmerone), one of the major sesquiterpenes in turmeric, has been found to support healthy serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain. [12] A study published in the Journal of Asia-Pacific Entomology also reported that ar-turmerone has potent insecticidal properties. [13]

Other bioactive compounds present in turmeric include plant sterols (phytosterols) like stigmasterol and B-sitosterol. Thanks to their structural similarity to human cholesterol, these phytosterols can help you maintain healthy blood cholesterol levels that are already within the normal range. [14][15] 

Combining the golden spice with the king of spices 

Although turmeric is brimming with powerful compounds like curcumin, simply incorporating it into your meals is not enough to let you enjoy all of its benefits. This is because curcumin has poor bioavailability, meaning only a small amount is absorbed in your intestine and enters your blood stream.

In fact, numerous studies have reported detecting very low concentrations of curcumin in the blood and extraintestinal tissue after turmeric consumption. Researchers believe that curcumin’s chemical instability, poor absorption, rapid metabolism in the liver and quick elimination from the body are behind its poor bioavailability. [16]

But in a breakthrough study published in Planta Medica, researchers from India reported an effective method of enhancing the extent of absorption and bioavailability of curcumin. They found that combining curcumin with piperine, an alkaloid found in black pepper, increased the former’s bioavailability by 2000%. [17]

The researchers explained that piperine is a natural inhibitor of glucuronidation, a conjugation reaction that occurs in the liver. Glucuronidation is an important detoxification process that helps protect the liver by facilitating the removal of potentially harmful substances, such as drugs and toxins. Unfortunately, this process does not spare beneficial phytochemicals like curcumin. [18][19]

But if you consume turmeric with black pepper, piperine can protect curcumin from glucuronidation, allowing the latter to stay in the gastrointestinal tract long enough to be absorbed into the bloodstream. This, then, allows the body to benefit fully from the health-supporting properties of curcumin.

Aside from improving the bioavailability of curcumin, black pepper (Piper nigrum) and its active component, piperine, also offer health benefits. Nutrition-wise, one tablespoon (6 g) of black pepper can provide the following: [20]

• Protein, 1% of the DV
• Dietary fiber, 7% of the DV
• Omega-3 fatty acids, 10 mg
• Omega-6 fatty acids, 60.6 mg
• Vitamin B2 (riboflavin), 1% of the DV
• Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), 1% of the DV
• Vitamin C, 2% of the DV
• Vitamin K, 13% of the DV
• Calcium, 3% of the DV
• Copper, 4% of the DV
• Iron, 10% of the DV
• Magnesium, 3% of the DV
• Manganese, 18% of the DV
• Phosphorus, 1% of the DV
• Potassium, 2% of the DV
• Zinc, 1% of the DV

Like turmeric, black pepper has potent antioxidant properties, thanks to the high amounts of piperine, phenols and flavonoids it contains, especially in its outer skin. [21] Piperine’s antioxidant activity is similar to that of curcumin in that it helps protect against oxidative damage and the harmful effects of lipid oxidation. [22]

Piperine also offers digestive benefits. According to a study published in the journal Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, piperine from black pepper can support healthy digestion by stimulating the activity of your digestive enzymes. This action is said to speed up the movement of food through your digestive tract. [23]

And just like it does with curcumin, piperine can help increase your body’s absorption of other beneficial phytonutrients and essential nutrients. Research suggests that piperine achieves this feat not only by protecting these compounds from glucuronidation, but also by supporting healthy blood flow to the gastrointestinal tract, which enables active nutrient transport. [24] 

Here are the remarkable benefits you can enjoy when you take organic turmeric together with piperine-rich black pepper:*

• They support healthy cardiovascular function – Separately, dietary phytosterols and curcumin have been shown to support healthy blood cholesterol levels that are already within the normal range. But as reported by a study published in the journal Metabolism: Clinical and Experimental, these compounds exert a more potent effect when combined. [25]Turmeric contains phytosterols and curcumin; with piperine from black pepper enhancing the bioavailability of curcumin, these beneficial compounds can help you maintain optimal cardiovascular function.
• They support healthy digestive function – As mentioned earlier, piperine can support healthy digestion through its positive influence on digestive enzymes. Meanwhile, curcumin can help you maintain a healthy gut microbiota. As reported by a study published in the journal Nutrients, curcumin can support gut microbial balance by allowing beneficial bacteria to thrive. [26] These friendly microbes not only produce compounds that positively impact your overall health, but they also help keep bad bacterial populations under control. Combined, these beneficial effects of piperine and curcumin can help you maintain a healthy digestive system.
• They support healthy immune function – According to studies, supplementing with turmeric benefits your immune system because of the biological activities of curcumin. Curcumin can also support optimal immune health. [27] Meanwhile, piperine has shown similar immune-supporting activities to curcumin. [28]
• They support healthy bones and joints – The beneficial properties of curcumin, particularly its antioxidant activities, are very useful when it comes to supporting healthy bones and joints. This is why you need piperine’s unique ability to boost your body’s absorption of curcumin, so you can enjoy this particular benefit. A study published in the journal Phytotherapy Research confirms that the potent combination of curcumin and piperine can help you maintain optimal bone and joint health and mobility. Their positive effects were further enhanced by the addition of ginger, whose active components (gingerols) also bestow plenty of health benefits. [29]
• They support healthy, glowing skin – Antioxidants are some of the best compounds to rely on when it comes to keeping your skin healthy. This is because your skin cells continuously produce free radicals as they go about their functions. [30] If left unchecked, free radicals can accumulate and cause oxidative stress, which plays a major role in skin aging. [31]Luckily, turmeric and black pepper contains powerful antioxidants like curcumin and piperine that can protect your skin from free radicals. This potent combination can help keep your skin healthy.
• They support sensible weight management plans – According to a study published in the European Review for Medical and Pharmacological Sciences, supplementing with a bioavailable form of curcumin along with a well-balanced diet and exercising regularly is an excellent way to support sensible weight management goals. [32]