CURCUMIN HELPS SMOKERS, DRINKERS.

Administration of curcumin appears to inhibit the damaging effects of cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption. Researchers administered the spice curcumin to rats subjected to whole body cigarette smoke and ethanol exposure. There were three comparison groups, including exposed rats not given curcumin and non-exposed rats given curcumin. After assessing their blood, livers and lungs for injury from the smoke and ethanol exposure, the scientists found altered lipid, lipoprotein profile and bile acid excretion in the exposed rats not given curcumin, which also displayed pre-malignant pathology in tissues. However, the rats treated with curcumin showed near normal lipid and bile acid levels, as well as near normal histology. The researchers concluded that curcumin might help reduce the risk of hyperlipidemic disorders which develop due to smoking and drinking. (Natural Products Insider, 06/09/06)