Curcumin (Theracurmin) Improves Mild Cognitive Impairment and Memory - A Randomized Clinical Trial

[MateoBeach]

 This is a remarkable study of the effects of a highly bioavailable form of Curcumin, "Theracurmin", on memory in non-demented aging adults, including those diagnosed with MCI, Mild Cognitive Impairment.

What we call "Chemo-Brain" is a form of MCI resulting from cancer treatments including chemotherapy and also ADT in some of us with APC. This includes myself so I am very interested in this result. This is a small randomized, placebo-controlled blinded clinical trial lasting 18 months, the highest tier of medical evidence. Forty subjects aged 51-84 were randomized to this highly bioavailable form of Curcumin, 90 mg twice daily. 21 received active treatment and 19 received placebo. Extensive testing of cognitive function was done at beginning and end. This included tests of verbal memory, visual memory and attention. The treatment group showed improvements in these domains that were statistically significant. They also had significant improvement in depression inventory scores. The placebo group showed no such significant changes. 

And that was not all. They also performed a very specialized scan of their brains at the beginning and end. Called the FDDNP-PET scan, it can measure the two abnormal proteins that are highly associated with Alzheimer's Disease called Amyloid and Tau (called plaques and tangles respectively) in the hypothalamus and amygdala areas of the brain. The subjects on Theracurmin showed no significant increase in Amyloid and Tao in these two brain areas. While those on placebo showed increased (accumulating) levels. These two brain areas are involved in memory as well as with emotional regulation (depression and anxiety). 

As a result of reading this study, I changed my "regular" Curcumin supplement to one using the Japanese micro-particle product, Theracurmin, and hoping my own chemo-brain MCI will improve. There are several brands out there using it. I found one with the best prices at Vitacost (combined with Resveratrol). 

Here is a link to the paper and an excerpt. It is worthwhile to read the discussion.  

Memory and Brain Amyloid and Tau Effects of a Bioavailable Form of Curcumin in Non-Demented Adults: A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled 18-Month Trial 

Abstract:        pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/292...

And Full Article:       naturalhealthresearch.org/w... 

Highlights

• This is the first long-term (18 months) double-blind, placebo controlled trial of a bioavailable form of curcumin (Theracurmin® containing 90 mg of curcumin twice daily) in non-demented adults.

• We found that daily oral Theracurmin led to significant memory and attention benefits.

• FDDNP-PET scans performed pre- and post-treatment suggested that behavioral and cognitive benefits are associated with decreases in plaque and tangle accumulation in brain regions modulating mood and memory.

• Curcumin’s cognitive benefits may stem from its anti-inflammatory and/or antiamyloid brain effects. 

For those wanting more prostate cancer specific information on curcumin:

Curcumin against Prostate Cancer: Current Evidencencbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articl... 

[Ramp7]

I have read a long time ago about the benefits of curcumin. My first go at it was not a pleasant experience. A lot of intestinal stuff. I have since settled on to a Nano Curcumin that is supposed to be more more bioavailable. And it doesn't upset my GI tract. Good post.

[Ramp7]

Check out Long Pepper as well.

[WillowHawk]

I’m glad you’re getting this help because I hate to break it to you, sweet brother, but you are NOT 74 years old! I’m 74! But I’ll start taking this too just in case I can’t subtract 10/1948 🥰🤣🤪😘, your big sister 💁🏼‍♀️👩🏼‍❤️‍👨🏼

[MateoBeach in reply to WillowHawk]

Yes, my Big Sister, never been able to catch up to you. Always a year behind. The HU website calculates from my stated age when I enrolled. But am in my 74th year and happy to continue the chase. Be safe, we’ll and happy.

[cujoe]

Earlier this week, I ordered the Vitacost house-brand Theracurmin product as an alternative to various formulations I've used nearly continuous over the last 15 years. It looks to be identical to the formulation used in MB's linked trial. When I first started using curcumin, it was the most studied of all plant compounds for health-related conditions.

As you all already know, the issue for curcumin supplementation has always been its poor absorbability. There have been quite a number of formulations over the years to try to enhance that. Theracurmin seems to be one of, if not the best in that regard, since it overcomes the fat-soluble characteristic of unaltered curcumin, which causes it to bypass absorption in the stomach.

BTW, if you buy direct from Swanson (Swanson.com), you can currently get their product at 40% off. However, the Swanson product provides 100 mg per cap with 27% curcumin. By comparison, the Vitacost product provides 60 caps (vs 30 for Swanson) and 300 mg of Theracurmin delivering 90 mg of curcumin. Based on the label info, I would hands-down choose the Vitacost product.

vitacost.com/vitacost-syner...

[marnieg46]

Many thanks Paul. Most interesting.

The product you mention that combines Resveratrol is of particular interest to me. I'll check it out.

I note cujoe mentions Swanson's and I've used that company as Patrick had told me about it a while ago as a possible source for Ron's 20 mg of melatonin. I've also 'shopped' there for the probiotic you previously suggested after extensive treatment with antibiotics and also Resveratol. Recently I've found iherb far more reasonably priced than Swanson's Aust. and quicker delivery so I'll check it out too . Maybe they'll have Curcumin plus Resveratrol or maybe the Vitacost brand cujoe mentions..but I suppose the vitacost one doesn't include the Resveratrol.

Once again you're a source of invaluable information. Trust all continues to go well and you've had a pleasant weekend..

Marnie.

[cujoe in reply to marnieg46]

Ms. M - I also use iHerb, Swanson (direct), and AllStarHealth. I have occasionally used LuckyVitamin, but haven't bought there in years. BTW, for those located in the US, Vitacost is owned by Kroger (since circa 2014), so they have a wide range of food offerings at below bricks-and-mortar pricing. Their service and delivery time is first-class. (At least partly due to an mid-state distribution location in my home state.) BTW, $25 of their branded products will get you free standard shipping. They also have continuous special deals with individualized offerings for their registered customers. AllStar is located on the West Coast so their standard shipping (when via groun can take full business week to arrive.)

If fact, I notice today Vitacost has a BOGO FREE offer (ending tomorrow at 7AM) for some of their branded products. Nice time to stock up on standard supplements you may use. (They are already sold out of some items and the clock is ticking down to the deadline.)

vitacost.com/bogo-free-7

(Personal Disclosure: I am not in anyway affiliated with any of the above mentioned companies, just reflecting my own experience.)

[Hidden]

Mateo, thank you for your research. Jim takes curcumin soft gels once a day and every night a tbs of pure cold pressed Black seed cumin oil. From reading these studies, the theracumin is a bit different. I see that Smarty switches between the theracurmin and the curcumin.

[pjoshea13]

I have been using Longvida since reading this 2015 study:

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/252...

I figured if Longvida could get past the blood-brain barrier it must have good bioavailability.

It is sold as Curcubrain by NOW Foods.  Don't know why other brands haven't picked it up.

Theracurmin has been around longer.  Wasn't aware of it brain-wise, or as an available product.

I wonder how they compare.

-Patrick

[marnieg46 in reply to pjoshea13]

Patrick, if you do find a comparison or some other information about the differences between the two products I’d be interested.

Marnie

[MateoBeach in reply to marnieg46]

I carefully read the full article version of the Longvida Curcumin study Patrick linked. Indeed the testing was extensive (cognitively) and convincing that it is effectively absorbed and distributed. Likely some gets across into the brain (or a metabolite). Looks like either Theracurmin or Longvida are both good choices. 💕Paul

[marnieg46 in reply to MateoBeach]

Many thanks Paul for taking the time to do that. Most appreciated. That's exactly the information I was hoping to find out. Hope your week is going well x

[KocoPr]

Thanks Paul, I will endeavor to take my curcumin regularly. I take nano curcumin powder mixed with DMSO

[Hidden]

thank you Mateo, I just ordered a bottle. I have read past articles and studies in the last year regarding theracurmin. I forget now exactly the content, but remember it was all positive for cancer.

[Bacana]

Can curcumin be taken while on zytiga?