Beyond the miracle solution that is curcumin
Now, an exciting new study published in the journal Stem Cell Research and Therapy supports and reinforces the concept that isolated curcumin alone cannot explain the healing power of turmeric as a whole plant. The study found that a little-known, fat-soluble compound in turmeric—Ar-turmerone—may be a promising candidate for enabling regeneration in neurological diseases.
The study is titled “Aromatic turmerone leads to stem cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo.” The German researchers evaluated the effects of this turmeric-derived compound on neurological stem cells (NSCs)—the subset of brain cells capable of continuous self-renewal necessary for brain regeneration.
The study found that when neuronal cells were exposed to ar-turmerone, neuronal stem cells were stimulated to proliferate. Furthermore, these newly formed neuronal stem cells also increased the number of specialized neuronal cells, indicating that a healing process was taking place. This effect was also observed in animals, showing that in rats injected with ar-turmerone into the brain, neuronal stem cells proliferated, leading to the creation of new, healthy neurons.
This study has garnered the attention of major medical news outlets. Below are some notable reports if you’d like to explore the implications further:
- Newsweek: The Power of Curry: Turmeric Compound Boosts Brain Stem Cell Creation
- Guardian Liberty Voice: Evidence of turmeric’s healing power grows
- Monthly Prescribing Reference: Turmeric may help regenerate brain cells
- Times of Malta: Link between turmeric and brain cell repair
- Medical Daily: Turmeric Helps Your Brain Heal Itself: Spice Up Your Brain
