Curcumin May Potentially Reduce Activation of Fear Memories

(Newswire.net — February 2, 2018) Las Vegas, NV — Curcumin is one of the powerful phytochemicals widely used by many consumers. It is thought to be beneficial not just for physical health, but also for one’s mental well-being.

Curcumin may potentially reduce activation of fear memories. This phytochemical can be found in turmeric, which is an ancient spice. It contains a variety of unique agents, such as possible anti-inflammatory properties.

According to some researchers, inflammation could be a potential reason for the development of a wide range of conditions. Thus, it may be beneficial to regulate inflammation in the body through the use of anti-inflammatories.

Researchers from Yale University, The Graduate Center – The City University of New York, and Hunter University-The City University of New York,tried to determine the effects of curcumin on post-traumatic stress disorder using an animal model.The findings of the study were published under paper with a title “A Diet Enriched with Curcumin Impairs Newly Acquired and Reactivated Fear Memories”.

Fear is perceived to be a type of emotion. It is a defense mechanism essential for evolution. It is an automatic response such as when one gets startled when hearing a loud noise. 

Fear can happen when experiencing or witnessing traumatic events. In the study, the researchers utilized Pavlovian fear condition for the purpose of mimicking memory formation in PTSD.

Using this technique, a neutral stimulus was presented to the subject, which was also simultaneously exposed to a foot shock or an aversive stimulus. Fear was stored as memory and is experienced each time that the subject was exposed to the sound.

Curcumin is believed to have the ability to block fear memory during reactivation. This phytochemical may block the activation as well as storage of fear memories.

It may have the ability to interfere with biochemical pathways and genes, which are involved in the storage of fear memories as well as fear response. It is important to understand the significance of these findings considering that PTSD is characterized by repeated flashback of traumatic memories.

There are many pharmaceutical drugs used for psychological issues. Individuals who suffer from anxiety and fear are normally prescribed with certain medications. Unfortunately, there are certain types of medications that aren’t helpful to some sufferers. There are even those that cause side effects, which many people are trying to avoid.

Curcumin is not only popularized by the possible anti-inflammatory agents it contains but also its antibacterial, antioxidant, antiseptic, antiviral and antimicrobial properties. These ingredients are thought to be extremely beneficial to overall health.

There are many people today who incorporate curcumin in their diet. This bioactive agent may be extremely therapeutic. However, it is worth mentioning that this phytochemical has low bioavailability. Being of low bioavailability, curcumin’s absorption inside the body is limited. Thus, it may be quite helpful for consumers to choose curcumin supplements with black pepper extract.

Black pepper is considered a bioavailability-enhancing ingredient. It has the potential to increase curcumin absorption inside the body.

One of the most notable curcumin supplements comes from Incredipure. This type of supplement contains high levels of curcumin, which makes it more potentially beneficial.

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