New scientific findings have found that curcumin, the main ingredient in turmeric, can effectively improve the memory and attention of the elderly.
Previous studies have suggested that curcumin can inhibit wound memory in mice and contribute to wound recovery. In a recent study, Australian researchers found that curcumin can also help maintain the memory of older people.
"Curcumin has a variety of physiological functions," said Andrew Scholey, a principal investigator of the study at Swinburne University of Technology. "It reduces inflammation, promotes blood circulation, and can have a positive impact on brain function." .
In the initial study, the Scholey team recruited 60 volunteers (aged 60-85 years old) and then divided them into two groups. One group was given curcumin capsules and the other group was given a placebo.
Later, these volunteers were asked to complete a series of computer-based mental tests: such as recalling words or pictures, simple subtraction, and reaction time testing. The test was started several hours after taking the drug, once a day for 4 weeks.
In general, volunteers taking curcumin capsules performed better in the mental test than in the control group, and the feeling of fatigue was also significantly reduced, while calmness, self-confidence, and ability to withstand stress were better.
"This is the first study on the effects of curcumin on human cognition and mental state." The results were published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology.
At present, researchers have received funding for the study of curcumin efficacy, they will better understand the function of curcumin by means of neuroimaging and genetic markers.
Maybe one day, curcumin will become a class of star drugs like aspirin isolated from willow bark or morphine isolated from poppies.
