Turmeric powder 薑黃粉 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
A deficiency of DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) is linked to anxiety and DHA is necessary for brain development and neuroprotection. However, DHA must be obtained from the diet or from the breakdown of dietary chemicals. These natural processes are not very efficient. Curcumin, an extract of turmeric, improves the action of DHA in the brain, and deficiency of DHA is seen in a number of neurologic disorders.
The present study shows that curcumin improves the production of DHA from alpha-linolenic acid (ALA or omega-3 fatty acid) and increases the enzymes involved in the synthesis of DHA. Treatment of rodents with curcumin and ALA reduced behavior that resembled anxiety.
The findings of this study are important for people who are on a plant-based diet and do not eat fish, but wish to protect themselves from cognitive problems.
CONCLUSION: Curcumin from turmeric has been found to increase DHA production in the brain, which is important in the treatment of anxiety and a number of neurologic disorders.
To read the author’s abstract of the article, click on the title of the article. Unfortunately, the free full text of this article is not available and this summary is based on the author’s abstract only.
PMID: 25550171.
Summary #698.
