Curcumin (turmeric) and Multiple Sclerosis

[maxthecat43]

In the past I have worked for multiple families from India, as a nanny.  I learned a lot- how to cook Indian food, and lots of great things about their culture.  One of the things I learned about was turmeric.  It's used in traditional Indian medicine for many things.  One thing I learned about is that it is anti-inflammatory.  So when I started on my most recent flare (the one I'm still dealing with) I started to research Curcumin and MS.  There is a lot of info out there.  I even read an article about mice that were given EAE, the closest they can come to causing MS in an animal.  They gave the some of the mice curcumin, and of course the rest they didn't treat.  Within a short time they untreated mice' back legs were paralyzed, but the ones that received the treatment continued to be able to walk.  Some were noted to have temporary tail stiffness, but later returned to normal. Unfortunately, I didn't keep the website info for this article- but there are other pages to read that support the idea that turmeric may be helpful.  

There is another article put out by Livestrong. This is where to find it:  
www.livestrong.com/article/481108-curcumin-turmeric-and-multiple-sclerosis/

I read another article that suggested that piperine - the hot substance in black pepper may make curcumin more bioavailable- but it (piperine) may cause cancer- or other harmful effects in combination with other drugs we are already taking.  I am going to talk to my doctor and my pharmacist about this.  It seems that the curcumin is safe enough though.  I am taking a Jarrow formulas curcumin concentrate.  I take about 1500 mg per day, split into three times a day.  I am hoping it will ease this flare a bit, but I am still taking all the other meds my doctor prescribes.  

I'm hoping that this will get me through milder attacks, so I can avoid excessive steroid use.  Any ideas?  I love to read your input.

Tammy

[sllowe]

I was just talking to my Mom about this. I'm going to look into this myself and it's anti-inflammatory properties.

-Shell

[PastorDan]

I eat a lot of mustard, and probably more black pepper than most.  S'pose that could explain why I am still unDx?

[nikolad]

Dear max

Thank You for sharing your expirience. I googled your article, and I can just inform you that there are new things about curcumin.
Nanotechonology just improved significantly bioavailability of the curcumin, making it available about tens of times. I, myself take the Longvida curcumin, but I see that there is also BCM95, so, there, I hope You and your readers try this one product or just inform about it.

Best luck !

[maxthecat43]

Thanks for commenting.  I will post whatever I learn.  I would love to know what your daughter finds out too.

Tammy

[rendean]

Dear Tammy,
I have heard anecdotal  stories about the anti-inflammatory  properties of turmeric and now my daughter in Pharmacy school rooms with an Indian girl who use turmeric for medicinal purposes.

I would love it if you could share whatever you can find on the subject and I will  check with my daughter and her friend after this  week's finals.

thanks,
Ren

[maxthecat43]

I'm still working on investigating the drug interactions.  So far, I'm only concerned about taking piperine.  My current energy levels are low, so I'm forced to take everything slowly- including investigation.  

I haven't seen anything that indicates problems with curcumin though.  
Tammy

[Karen99]

Hi Tammy.  I take Tumeric tablets in small daily doses and eat anti-inflammatory foods.  

A flare is a scary event.  Anything that might calm the inflammation that gets past our broken blood/brain barrier (theory)  during a flare would be a good thing.  

You've investigated any drug interactions with the tumeric and meds you're presently taking?

Good luck.