Spice being used to repair brain cells after stroke

Scientists have created a new molecule from curcumin, the key chemical component of the spice turmeric. In laboratory experiments, the molecule was shown to affect the mechanisms that protect and regenerate brain cells after a stroke.

The new curcumin compound, called CNB-001, actually repairs stroke damage at the molecular level that feed and support the all-important brain cells, neurons.

The spice turmeric is known to have many health benefits, yet this is the first significant research to show that it could be beneficial to stroke patients by encouraging new cells to grow and preventing cell death after a stroke

What is Turmeric?

Turmeric is a spice made from grinding the roots of the Curcuma longa plant, also called curcumin. It is a prime ingredient in curry powder and figures heavily in Asian cuisines. Because it imparts a vivid yellow color to the food it is cooked with, it is often used to color as well as flavor condiments, rice dishes and sauces.

Turmeric’s active ingredient is curcumin. It is thought to be an anti-inflammatory, as well as an antioxidant. Antioxidants are substances that are thought to help prevent aging by inhibiting the breakdown of cells by oxidation.

10 Comments on this article

  • Gini May 6, 2011

    I love tumeric with Quinoa !! It cooks like rice but is not a starch which is phenomenal for diabetic and low-glycemic diets. And now to learn it and many other spices are natural helpful nutrients needed for inner healing is wonderful to to hear! That means that I can have a little more knowing it’s good for me! Thanks for letting us know!!

    Reply

  • Fuetsch1 June 4, 2011

    Is this compound CNB-100 marketed as a product, in anything? How would one use this?

    Reply

    • valeriegreene June 7, 2011

      Currently, I’m unaware of any product being marketed just for CNB-100. CNB-100 is a key component in turmeric spice. So, I take turmeric supplements every morning.

      Reply

    • Anonymous June 8, 2011

      Currently, we have not seen any products being marketed, however I take turmeric supplements every morning.

      Reply

      • Gini June 23, 2011

        Val,
        Take a look at http://www.Vitacost.com Item # NSI 3004423 is NSI Tumeric Extract Curcumin C3 Complex with Bioperine (black pepper). I’ve been researching for a number of things that I’ve found mostly at Vitacost at a very good price.

        Reply

  • Beani9 Cecile June 10, 2011

    Were you aware that the good value of Tumeric only crosses the blood-brain barrier when 2 things occur; 1) the Tumeric is heated and 2) it is preceeded or accompanied by Peperine (in black pepper) in the bloodstream which helps “lower the bridge” in the blood-brain barrier? We can cook this in our foods. I shall be trying the combo with scrambled eggs tomorrow. I added it to Navy Bean soup tonight.

    Reply

    • Anonymous June 14, 2011

      Interesting. I have not heard that. I know it to be one of nature’s most powerful healers. See 20 benefits of Turmeric
      I like that you add it in your eggs and soup. :)

      Reply

  • Gini June 23, 2011

    Val,

    Came across some very interesting reading for stroke recovery.

    Have your Magnesium level tested. This level plummets during and is low after a stroke.
    Check DearPharmacist.com regarding correct form of Magnesium to take.
    Some Magnesiums in supplements are worthless. Best form is IV or shot under a Drs care.
    It goes directly into the bloodstream and bypasses the gut. Plus you are being monitored.
    At home, Magnesium gluconate or glycinate with B complex. 500 mg. Don’t overdose.
    If muscles are sore soak in a tub of hot water and Epson Salts, that’s pure magnesium.

    Have your Cholesterol level tested. Keep that in normal range.
    (1 egg equals almost the total daily requirement, by the way. The yolk is the culprit).

    Check and keep log of Blood Pressure Readings 4 times a day. Keep in normal range.

    Keep a log of everything (including what type of water) goes in your mouth, even gum.

    Drink 64 oz of water a day – just water without any additives – 20 oz in a.m., noon, pm, 4 oz nite
    Flush out your system daily.

    Find a Dr who will check the level of blood flow in your brain via easiest method without radiation
    for a beginning baseline. Have it checked. I’m going to an Osteopath tomorrow for this and more PT, sacro-cranial work, massage, and acupuncture.

    Reply

    • Beani Cecile June 26, 2011

      For brain blood flow testing, opt for a place that has a TCD or Trans-cranial Doppler. If your area hospital does not have one take a medical vacation to a place that does. Headaches are a frequently watched with this type of testing, especially weird ones like cluster and one side of the head types.

      Reply

  • Kate Watts July 29, 2011

    I am Kate and 35 years old…a little over a year ago I got Bilateral pneumonia and going into respiratory failure, so the Doctors had to place me my into a medical coma. While in that coma, I sufferred a left ischemic stroke!!! I had a 15% chance of living with irreversible brain damage that would condem me to a vegetative state. I happy to report that did not happen, umm thankfully the Doctors were not all knowing:) My best friend made me watch “Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead” which has totally changed my outlook toward pharmaceutical drugs…so this is the first leg of my journey. I figured that I would use vegetables as medicine instead of being one:-)

    Reply

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