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Natural Antioxidant Curcumin Can Enhance Autophagy and Improve the Inflammatory Mechanism in Atherosclerosis

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Natural Antioxidant Curcumin Can Enhance Autophagy and Improve the Inflammatory Mechanism in Atherosclerosis

2024-11-22

Curcumin, a compound in the spice turmeric, has been shown to promote autophagy. Preclinical and clinical studies suggest it helps combat several key factors associated with degenerative aging.

 

The importance of autophagy

The body has a natural way to detect, clear and recycle cellular damage that accumulates over time. This process is called autophagy, and it enables cells to clear their metabolic waste products.

Autophagy literally means "self-eating." In this process, cells engulf and break down old, worn-out internal components to make room for new replacements. This helps keep the cells functioning optimally.

Aging and poor diet can reduce the rate of autophagy. As the rate of autophagy decreases, metabolic waste products accumulate within the cell, affecting optimal function.

Cell and animal studies have shown that when autophagy is deficient, organisms suffer from premature aging, chronic diseases, and shortened lifespan. In several animal studies, lifespan was extended when autophagy was enhanced. For example, one study showed that activating autophagy in mice extended average lifespan by 17.2%.

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Ways to stimulate autophagy

Studies have shown that resistance exercise and intermittent fasting or calorie restriction can stimulate autophagy. Metabolic abnormalities can lead to chronic diseases. mTOR and AMPK enzymes play a key role in regulating cellular autophagy.

When calorie intake is high, mTOR is activated and shuts down autophagy, while inhibiting excess mTOR activity can increase autophagy. AMPK activates autophagy. Studies have shown that increasing cellular AMPK activity improves metabolic health and lifespan.

Autophagy is most active when AMPK is increased and mTOR is decreased.

As we age, the autophagic process can become impaired or weakened, with devastating consequences. Most age-related chronic diseases, from cardiovascular disease to neurodegenerative diseases and cancer, are associated with diminished autophagy. 

Decreased autophagy function can lead to metabolic diseases, which further impairs autophagy, forming a vicious cycle of accelerated aging.

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Reduced risk of chronic diseases

By promoting autophagy and combating oxidative stress and inflammation, curcumin may reduce the risk of multiple age-related and chronic diseases. Adequate levels of autophagy help reduce the risk of most chronic diseases of aging, suggesting that curcumin's potential benefits extend to other diseases as well.

 

Mild cognitive impairment, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and other neurodegenerative diseases are associated with the accumulation of abnormal proteins in the nervous system. Autophagy may help clear these proteins. 

In animal models of Alzheimer's disease, curcumin intake induced autophagy and reduced the accumulation of amyloid plaques. In models of Parkinson's disease, it has been shown to reduce the accumulation of an abnormal protein called alpha-synuclein and improve disease symptoms.

Obesity and being overweight increase your risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, cancer, and diabetes. Inflammation caused by obesity can also speed up the aging process. A meta-analysis of 876 subjects randomized to receive curcumin supplements showed a reduction in weight and body mass index (BMI).

 

In preclinical studies, curcumin has been shown to have beneficial effects on cardiovascular disease in both diabetic and non-diabetic models. Activating autophagy helps preserve vascular health and protect the heart from damage. In a study of diabetic mice fed a high-fat diet, curcumin supplementation increased AMPK activity and autophagy in the myocardium, improving overall myocardial function.

 

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Curcumin promotes autophagy and benefits health

During the process of autophagy, old and defective cellular components are removed to make room for new ones. This helps rejuvenate each cell and keep it running smoothly.

 

Autophagy typically declines with age, causing damaged and dysfunctional parts to accumulate. Reduced autophagy contributes to most age-related chronic diseases, including neurodegeneration, cardiovascular disease, and cancer.

 

In cell and animal models, enhancing autophagy contributes to healthy aging and increases lifespan.

 

Curcumin, a compound in turmeric root, has been shown to activate autophagy, rejuvenate cells, and fight age-related diseases in cell and animal models.

 

Curcumin can extend lifespan in animals and has shown the ability to improve memory, cardiovascular health, and more in human studies.

 

Unfortunately, beneficial autophagy decreases with age, which is associated with many chronic diseases. Cell and animal models show that enhancing autophagy can improve health and extend lifespan. Curcumin compounds help enhance autophagy when combined with healthy diet and physical activity habits.