AbstractPlasma cell dyscrasias, most commonly associated with paraproteinemia, are a diverse group of diseases. Monoclonal gammopathy of undefined significance (MGUS) can precede multiple myeloma, a progressive neoplastic disease. MGUS occurs in association with a variety of other diseases and currently no treatment is recommended but rather watchful waiting. Given that the size of the M-protein is a risk factor for disease progression, early intervention with the aim of reducing the paraprotein load would provide an innovative therapeutic tool. Preliminary results from our pilot study show a drop of between 5% and 30% serum paraprotein in patients taking curcumin compared with patients on placebo. Curcumin is a diferuloylmethane present in extracts of the rhizome of the Curcuma longa plant. As a natural product, this has exciting potential in the treatment of plasma cell dyscrasias.Keywords: plasma cell dyscrasias, MGUS, myeloma, curcumin, paraproteinemiaA paraprotein is a monoclonal immunoglobulin or immunoglobulin light chain (Bence Jones protein) present in blood or urine and arising from clonal proliferation of mature B cells, most commonly plasma cells or B-lymphocytes. Alternative terms include monoclonal protein or M-band.Plasma cell dyscrasias, most commonly associated with paraproteinemia, are a diverse group of diseases which includes multiple myeloma, Waldenstroms macro-globulinemia, heavy chain disease, monoclonal gammopathy of undefined significance (MGUS), and immunocytic amyloidosis. The incidence of plasma cell dyscrasias is age-related, with 1% of persons over age 25 and 4% of those over age 70. Paraproteinemia is also associated with the non-Hodgkin lymphoma disorders CLL (chronic lymphocytic leukemia) and LPL (lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma).MGUS or monoclonal gammopathy of undefined significance, can precede multiple myeloma and is typified by a serum M-protein value of 25% decrease in urinary N-telopeptide of type I collagen.CONCLUSION: Due to the possible progression of MGUS to multiple myeloma, the potential role of curcumin as a therapeutic intervention for MGUS patients warrants further investigation.

See comment in PubMed Commons belowCell Mol Life Sci. 2008 Jun;65(11):1631-52. doi: 10.1007/s00018-008-7452-4.Curcumin: from ancient medicine to current clinical trials.Hatcher H1, Planalp R, Cho J, Torti FM, Torti SV.Author information 1Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA.AbstractCurcumin is the active ingredient in the traditional herbal remedy and dietary spice turmeric (Curcuma longa). Curcumin has a surprisingly wide range of beneficial properties, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic activity. The pleiotropic activities of curcumin derive from its complex chemistry as well as its ability to influence multiple signaling pathways, including survival pathways such as those regulated by NF-kappaB, Akt, and growth factors; cytoprotective pathways dependent on Nrf2; and metastatic and angiogenic pathways. Curcumin is a free radical scavenger and hydrogen donor, and exhibits both pro- and antioxidant activity. It also binds metals, particularly iron and copper, and can function as an iron chelator. Curcumin is remarkably non-toxic and exhibits limited bioavailability. Curcumin exhibits great promise as a therapeutic agent, and is currently in human clinical trials for a variety of conditions, including multiple myeloma, pancreatic cancer, myelodysplastic syndromes, colon cancer, psoriasis and Alzheimer's disease.Dig Dis Sci. 2005 Nov;50(11):2191-3.Curcumin therapy in inflammatory bowel disease: a pilot study.Holt PR1, Katz S, Kirshoff R.Author information 1St. Luke's Roosevelt Hospital Center, Columbia University and Strang Cancer Center Research Laboratory, New York, New York, USA. pholt@chpnet.orgAbstractCurcumin, a natural compound used as a food additive, has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties in cell culture and animal studies. A pure curcumin preparation was administered in an open label study to five patients with ulcerative proctitis and five with Crohn's disease. All proctitis patients improved, with reductions in concomitant medications in four, and four of five Crohn's disease patients had lowered CDAI scores and sedimentation rates. This encouraging pilot study suggests the need for double-blind placebo-controlled follow-up studiesDig Dis Sci. 2009 Oct;54(10):2188-91. doi: 10.1007/s10620-008-0597-z. Epub 2008 Dec 3.Treatment of HIV-associated diarrhea with curcumin.Conteas CN1, Panossian AM, Tran TT, Singh HM.Author information 1Department of Gastroenterology, Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles Medical Centre, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA. chris.n.conteas@kp.orgAbstractCurcumin is the organic extract of turmeric and possesses known anti-inflammatory properties. Our aim was to explore the utility of curcumin in patients with HIV-associated diarrhea. Eight patients with HIV-associated diarrhea were given a mean daily dose of 1,862 mg of curcumin and followed for a mean of 41 weeks. All had resolution of diarrhea and normalization of stool quality in a mean time of 13 +/- 9.3 days. Mean number of bowel movements per day dropped from 7 +/- 3.6 to 1.7 +/- 0.5. Seven of eight patients had considerable weight gain on curcumin (10.8 +/- 8.9 lbs). Five of six patients had resolution of bloating and abdominal pain. Patients on anti-retroviral therapy experienced no discernible drug interactions, changes in CD(4) count, or changes in HIV viral load while taking curcumin. Curcumin therapy was associated with rapid and complete resolution of diarrhea, substantial weight gain, improvement in the reduction of bloating and abdominal pain.Pharmacology of Curcuma longa.Ammon HP1, Wahl MA.Author information 1Department of Pharmacology, Eberhard-Karls-Universitt Tbingen, Federal Republic of Germany.AbstractThe data reviewed indicate that extracts of Curcuma longa exhibit anti-inflammatory activity after parenteral application in standard animal models used for testing anti-inflammatory activity. It turned out that curcumin and the volatile oil are at least in part responsible for this action. It appears that when given orally, curcumin is far less active than after i.p. administration. This may be due to poor absorption, as discussed. Data on histamine-induced ulcers are controversial, and studies on the secretory activity (HCl, pepsinogen) are still lacking. In vitro, curcumin exhibited antispasmodic activity. Since there was a protective effect of extracts of Curcuma longa on the liver and a stimulation of bile secretion in animals, Curcuma longa has been advocated for use in liver disorders. Evidence for an effect on liver disease in humans is not yet available. From the facts that after oral application only traces of curcumin were found in the blood and that, on the other hand, most of the curcumin is excreted via the faeces it may be concluded that curcumin is absorbed poorly by the gastrointestinal tract and/or underlies presystemic transformation. Systemic effects therefore seem to be questionable after oral application except that they occur at very low concentrations of curcumin. This does not exclude a local action in the gastrointestinal tract.Immunomodulatory effects of curcumin: in-vivo.Varalakshmi Ch1, Ali AM, Pardhasaradhi BV, Srivastava RM, Singh S, Khar A.Author information 1Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Uppal Road, Hyderabad 500007, India.AbstractCurcumin specifically exhibits cytostatic and cytotoxic effects against tumors of multiple origin. Previously we have demonstrated apoptotic activity of curcumin against tumor cells with no effect on normal cells in-vitro. Many anti-cancer drugs exhibit deleterious effects on immune cells, which restrict their wide use in-vivo. In the present study, we have evaluated the effect of curcumin on the major functions of T cells, natural killer cells, macrophages and on total splenocytes in-vivo, which insight the role of curcumin on their broad effector functions. This study demonstrates that prolonged curcumin-injections (i.p.) do not impair the cytotoxic function of natural killer cells, the generation of reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide from macrophages and the levels of Th1 regulatory cytokines remained unaltered. Interestingly, curcumin-injections enhanced the mitogen and antigen induced proliferation potential of T cells. We have also evaluated immunomodulatory effects of curcumin in ascites-bearing animals. This study strengthens our belief that curcumin is a safe and useful immunomodulator for the immune system.Recommended Dosage of Turmeric Supplementsby Kelli Cooper, Demand Media About Kelli Cooper

Kelli Cooper has been a writer since 2009, specializing in health and fitness. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science from Rutgers University and is a certified personal trainer with the American Council on Exercise. X

Related Articles Medical Benefits of Turmeric The Safety of Magnesium Supplements Vitamins to Improve the Skin's Complexion A Safe Dosage of Niacin Benefits of Black Currant Oil Supplements Psyllium Husk Capsule DosageA popular cooking spice, turmeric also has a long history of use as a medicine. It contains a substance called curcumin, which appears to account for its therapeutic effects. The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that research has shown it might help treat a variety of conditions, ranging from cancer to digestive distress, but not all studies have found positive results. The optimal dose of turmeric will depend on your reason for using it. A doctor well-versed in alternative medicine can offer guidance on an appropriate dose and other aspects of safe use.General Dosing GuidelinesSupplemental turmeric comes in many forms. The Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center notes turmeric supplements standardized to contain a certain amount of curcumin typically 90 to 95 percent -- are the most common for medicinal purposes. It notes a standard dose usually falls between 400 mg to 600 mg three times a day, though some conditions might require larger doses.The University of Maryland Medical Center notes the following typically recommended daily doses for other forms of turmeric: cut root: 1.5 to 3 g; dried, powdered root: 1 g to 3 g; fluid extract: 30 to 90 drops; tincture: 15 to 30 drops four times a day.Doses for Specific ConditionsThe following daily doses of standardized turmeric supplements were used in scientific studies, according to MedlinePlus and the University of Michigan Health System: dyspepsia: 500 mg four times a day; rheumatoid arthritis: 400 mg three times a day; Crohns disease: 360 mg three times a day; low back pain: 400 mg to 600 mg three times a day; HIV/AIDS: 1 g three times a day; ulcerative colitis: 550 mg three times a day.Contraindicated UsesMedlinePlus advises you against using turmeric supplements if you suffer from gallbladder disease or obstruction of the bile ducts. Its potential to stimulate menstrual bleeding and uterine contractions could prove dangerous during pregnancy. Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center reports long-term use of turmeric might harm the liver and advises you to avoid this supplement if you have liver disease or take medications that increase the risk of liver damage.Other Considerations for UseIf you have diabetes, monitor your blood sugar carefully while using turmeric supplements. It might lower blood sugar levels. To avoid hypoglycemia, you might require dosage reductions in insulin or other medications to compensate for the effects. If you have impaired kidney function, it is particularly important to consult with your doctor about using natural supplements and the appropriate doses. Turmeric has demonstrated anticoagulant properties. It could increase the risk of bleeding if you take warfarin or other blood-thinning drugs. Do not combine turmeric with these medications without medical supervision. Stop taking this supplement at least 14 days before a planned surgical procedure.Using turmeric along with medications that reduce stomach acid might reduce their effectiveness