Question: Can you comment on the therapeutic benefits of curcumin as it relates to cystic fibrosis?
Dr. Blaylock's Answer:
There is a lot of interest among scientists in curcumin’s ability to correct the mutation defect in the gene called CFTR in cystic fibrosis patients. Reports are conflicting, but the better studies indicate that, at least experimentally, curcumin can correct this defect and improve lung function. This has been done in animal models of the disease, but not in humans as of yet.
One of the problems with curcumin is that it is poorly soluble in water and therefore poorly absorbed. I have found that it is better absorbed if combined with warm extra-virgin olive oil. Recent studies have shown that its solubility increases dramatically if heated and, importantly, they found that the curcumin is not damaged by the heat. A newer nano-sized form has shown significantly improved absorption.
Once human studies have been completed, one may find that curcumin is indeed a very useful compound for this disorder. Other flavonoids, such as hesperidin, quercetin, and ellagic acid should also help because of their powerful antiinflammatory and antioxidant activity.
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