Curcumin and Colitis
Curcumin and colitis in recent years, physicians in the intestinal diseases of the deeper research, colitis, often disturbing people's health, its abdominal pain, diarrhea and other symptoms frequently, for patients suffering. Curcumin, the source of the ginger plant, ancient food seasoning, now because of its medical ability, in the treatment of colitis, has attracted much attention.
test of pharmacology, curcumin has anti-inflammatory effect. Intestinal inflammation is the key to the initiation and persistence of colitis. When inflammation, such as tumor necrosis factor-α and other inflammatory factors such as rampant, causing intestinal mucosal damage. Curcumin can enter cells, modulate inflammatory signaling pathways, such as inhibiting the activation of nuclear factor-kappa B, so that inflammatory factors are released less, the mucosa can be protected, and the inflammation gradually slows down.
And curcumin can resist oxidation. Oxidative stress in the intestine is strong, free radicals are generated, and cell membranes, proteins and nucleic acids are damaged. Curcumin is rich in phenolic hydroxyl groups, which can trap free radicals and enhance the activity of antioxidant enzymes in the body, such as superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, etc., to level the oxidation-antioxidant state, slow down cell injury, and help the intestinal mucosa recover.
Furthermore, curcumin has the effect of regulating the intestinal flora. During colitis, the flora is unbalanced, with few beneficial bacteria and harmful bacteria. Curcumin can create an appropriate environment, promote the growth of prebiotic bacteria such as Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus, inhibit the colonization of harmful bacteria such as Escherichia coli, and normalize the intestinal microecology. It solidifies the intestinal barrier and reduces the incidence of inflammation.
Clinical experience, in patients with colitis treated with curcumin, the symptoms of abdominal pain and diarrhea were mild. On colonoscopy, the intestinal mucosa was red and swollen, and the appearance of erosion was also slow. However, although it is effective in treating colitis, the amount and duration of medication still need to be studied in detail. Different patients have different constitutions and symptoms, and whether the amount is appropriate is related to efficacy and safety.
In summary, curcumin has great potential for the treatment of colitis. Future research should delve into the rationale of its effect and explore the method of precision medicine, with the hope of creating a new and effective treatment path for colitis patients, solving their suffering and restoring their health.
