Potent Synergy of Resveratrol and Turmeric. Potential Cancer, Inflammation and Hair Loss Treatment

By Franklin Spivey

You may be familiar with recent reports that link red wine consumption with an array of health benefits that may explain the "french paradox" or why French people are able to eat high fat diets but seem less inclined to succomb to heart disease. You are probably less familiar with the long standing medicinal benefits of Turmeric. Turmeric is a common culinary spice used in eastern cuisine. Turmeric has a long history of medicinal use. Curcumin, the active ingredient of turmeric, is considered a potent anti-inflammatory. Recent studies indicate that the combination of resveratrol and curcumin is a potent combination with the potential to battle cancer, reduce inflammation possibly even grow hair.

A recent study confirmed the synergy between resveratrol and turmeric. This natural combination's effectiveness was tested as a treatment for stomach cancer. Results of the study found that the combination of the two compounds was more effective than the individual components. New cancer cell growth was inhibited while existing cancer cells entered a state of apoptosis where the cells essentially destroy themselves. Resveratrol and turmeric also regulate the bodies signaling processes and prevent the formation of cancer. Pubmed.gov study 19838927

Forget about expensive scalp treatments and prescription pills for treating hair loss. An effective treatment may be as close as your wine rack and spice cabinet. An Italian company recently filed a patent for hair re-growth treatment with resveratrol and turmeric as the primary active ingredients. If you take a look at some of the online discussions regarding the treatment, some have found their homegrown equivalent treatments quite successful. With their potent anti-inflammatory effects and the purported ability to stimulate nerve cells in the hair follicle, this treatment shows promise. For more information, a simple search returns many hair loss forums that are discussing the effectiveness of this natural technique.

Inflammation has been linked to a variety of conditions such as cancer and heart disease. A recent study observed the effects of resveratrol and turmeric on the body's regulation of inflammation by regulating NF-kappaB. NF-kappaB is a protein complex found in human cells that regulates inflammation. When this process is not functioning normally, chemicals are released that promote inflammation and lay the ground work for more serious ailments. The study (Pubmed #18549505) concluded that resveratrol and curcumin regulate NF-kappaB function and thereby inhibit its ability to promote inflammation and potentially function as a chemopreventative.

While much of the resveratrol and curcumin research to date has been in-vitro (test tube), more in-vivo research on humans is forthcoming. This incredible combination holds promise for fighting cancer, reducing inflammation and even shrinking that pesky bald spot. There are may sites with information on these and other herbs. I prefer academic sites like pubmed.gov or medline which publish abstracts of most studies.

Before rushing out to your local vitamin shop to purchase these natural components, please remember that both turmeric and resveratrol can have side effects. Talk to your doctor before starting your supplement regimine.