What is IV Curcumin Treatment?
Curcumin is a bioactive substance found in turmeric and is best known for its amazing anti-inflammatory effects on the body. Also known as diferuloylmethane, curcumin is a yellow-pigmented polyphenol that gives turmeric (Curcuma longa), a spice commonly used in India, its yellow color.
IV Curcumin Mechanisms of Action
The biological and physiological properties of curcumin have been extensively examined and reviewed in the context of neurodegenerative and inflammatory diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
Curcumin exhibits notable antioxidant activities through iron chelation, inhibition of lipid peroxidation, and scavenging of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Curcumin has also been found to inhibit NF-kB, which is the body’s main inflammatory signaling pathway. The over-activation of this pathway can lead to chronic inflammation, which can lead to disease and dysfunction.
Intravenous Curcumin Therapy has been shown to be extremely beneficial for assisting with the treatment of cancer, and autoimmune conditions, and fighting viruses and infections, such as Epstein-Barr Virus and Lyme Disease.
Curcumin is also beneficial for gut health, improving brain function, and protecting against stress and depression.
Intravenous Curcumin vs. Oral Supplementation
The curcumin content of oral supplementation with turmeric is only around 3% and, as a result, is poorly absorbed into the bloodstream.
Taking turmeric as a spice or in a tea is not an effective way to reap the health benefits of curcumin. When taken intravenously, 100% curcumin will be 100% absorbed into your blood and body, where the biochemical mechanisms of action can be fully activated.
Molecular Structure of Curcumin (C21H20O6)
Curcumin was isolated as the major yellow pigment in turmeric, chemically diferuloylmethane, and has a polyphenolic molecular structure similar to other plant pigments (eg. extracted from grapes in wine (resveratrol), green tea (catechins), or certain fruit juices (blueberries, strawberries, pomegranates, etc.) These polyphenols share common anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties with associated health benefits
Curcumin IV Therapy Medical Disclaimer
A medical physician must clear all patients for medical clearance before administration of intravenous curcumin. All patients are required to schedule a consultation before the administration of intravenous curcumin.
While most studies suggest that curcumin IV therapy use is generally safe, it is not recommended for those allergic to turmeric or curcumin, and it may interact with existing medication.
Side effects of IV curcumin therapy include burning at the IV site, nausea and vomiting, numbness and tingling in the mouth, itching in the hands and feet, and a skin rash.
While there are no known contraindications to IV curcumin, caution is warranted in patients on anticoagulants, patients with gallbladder disease, decreased kidney and liver function, and any patients with past sensitivity to curcumin.