Written by Jessica Patella, ND. Curcumin restored the elasticity of the arteries of aged mice to those of younger mice.
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States (1,2). One of the main risk factors for cardiovascular disease is aging (1,2). Recent research in mice has found supplementing curcumin improved signs associated with aging in the cardiovascular system (1).
Curcumin is a commonly used spice in Indian cuisine and traditional Ayurvedic medicine (3). It is considered to be a safe herbal remedy and spice for humans and has been shown to lower oxidative stress in the body (1,3). Because oxidative stress is considered to be a major factor in aging, curcumin was used in this study to determine if it would lower oxidative stress and signs of aging in mice related to the cardiovascular system (1).
The research included young mice (4-6 months) which correlated to about a 25-year old human, and old mice (26-28 months) which correlated to about a 75-year old human (1). The mice were divided into four groups:
- Young mice. control (n=5),
- Young mice, curcumin (n=7)
- Old mice, control (n=10)
- Old mice, curcumin (n=10)
The curcumin groups received curcumin-supplemented food at a dose equivalent to 19-14g in a 60kg or about 132 pound person, while the control groups received the same diet without curcumin added. The study lasted 4 weeks (1).
At baseline, the signs of aging in the cardiovascular system were worse in the old mice, as to be expected. Stiffness of arteries (measured by wave velocity aortic pulse) was greater in the old mice (448 +/-15 vs. 349 +/- 15 cm/s). After 4 weeks, the old mice that received food supplemented with curcumin had the same results as young mice (386 +/- 15 cm/s; p<0.05) indicating curcumin improved the elasticity of the arteries, an important factor in cardiovascular health (1).
Another sign of aging is endothelial dysfunction. Endothelium is a layer found in the vessels of the arteries. When it is not functioning properly, the arteries do not dilate properly, which can result in high blood pressure (1). Curcumin restored endothelial function to the old mice to levels found in the young mice after 4 weeks of supplementation with curcumin (artery acetylcholine-induced endothelial-dependent dilation: 92 +/-2%; p<0.05).
Results did not change for any of the young mice supplemented with curcumin from baseline to week-4. This indicates that the curcumin only worked in the older mice, most likely by reducing oxidative stress (1).
In conclusion, curcumin supplementation improved important signs of aging in the cardiovascular system, including stiffening of the arteries and endothelial dysfunction in mice. This is the first study to show supplementing curcumin can reduce and even ameliorate age-related stiffening of the arteries and endothelial dysfunction (1). This is study provides a possible cost effective intervention to reducing cardiovascular disease risk in aging adults (1). Future research in humans needs to be conducted to confirm the results will correlate in humans.
Source: Fleenor, Bradley S., et al. “Curcumin ameliorates arterial dysfunction and oxidative stress with aging.” Experimental gerontology 48.2 (2013): 269-276.
© 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved
Posted June 10, 2013.
Jessica Patella, ND, is a naturopathic physician specializing in nutrition and homeopathic medicine and offers a holistic approach to health. She earned her ND from Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in Tempe, AZ, and is a member of the North Carolina Association of Naturopathic Physicians. Visit her website at www.awarenesswellness.com.
References:
- Fleenor B, et al. Curcumin ameliorates arterial dysfunction and oxidative stress with aging. 2013 Experimental Gerontology 48: 269-276.
- Roger, V.L., et al. Heart disease and stroke statistics 2012 update: a report from the American Heart Association. 2012 Circulation 125, e2–e220.
- Miriyala, S., et al. Cardioprotective effects of curcumin. 2007 Adv. Exp. Med. Biol. 595, 359–377.
