Curcumin (diferuloylmethane), is one of the most active chemical constituents found in Turmeric or Curcuma longa. Traditionally used in herbal preparations and as a dye and flavoring agent, Curcumin is a polyphenol compound from the group of curcuminoids that is known for its characteristic yellow color, the color we can seen in curry powder, extracted from Turmeric root and used in many traditional culinary Indian recipes, but does it contain the key to cure cancer? Image: Vietnam Plants under Creative Commons license (CC BY 2.0).

CURCUMA LONGA

Family: Zingiberaceae
Genus: Curcuma
Common name: Turmeric, Curcuma longa, Curcuma domestica Valeton.

What is Resveratrol?

Resveratrol (3,5,4'-trihydroxy-trans-stilbene), is a non-flavonoid polyphenol [6] naturally occurring in several foods and plants as red grapes (Vitis vinifera), where it is primarily found in the skin but also in its seeds, and also in the roots of hellebore (Veratrum album), from where it was originally isolated by Takaoka back in 1940 [7], and in more than other 70 plant species, among which we can mention berries and peanuts [1].

In spite nowadays it is widely known that resveratrol may exert many health benefits, as for example stop breast cancer cell growth, increase longevity, be cardioprotective, neuroprotective [2], to treat pain, inflammation, tissue injury and even beneficial against coronary heart disease [1], something that was only found back in 1992, it hasn't been until recently that resveratrol properties to reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases as Alzheimer's disease got such evidence of effectiveness.

RESVERATROL

Formula: 3,5,4'-trihydroxy-trans-stilbene
Occurrence: Red grapes, berries, peanuts, hellebore

Curcumin (diferuloyl methane), the phytochemical extracted from Curcuma longa root and the turmeric isoflavone exerting antioxidant, anti-proliferative and apoptotic effects used since centuries ago in Ayurvedic medicinal treatments and as a spice in many traditional Indian and also European dishes, has shown promising results on the treatment of tumor growth castration-resistant on androgen deprivation prostate cancer patients, as a study from Jefferson's Kimmel Cancer Center shows [1].

CURCUMA LONGA

Family: Zingiberaceae
Genus: Curcuma
Common name: Turmeric

A rough estimation of the World Health Organization (WHO) calculated the total amount of people affected by Alzheimer's disease would be about 25 million worldwide by 2025 [6], actual figures estimate that today, 2012, that amount has reached the incredible figure of 33.9 million! people affected by Alzheimer's disease [7], and foreseen to triple in the coming 40 years. In spite Alzheimer's disease can occur at any age, it is very seldom that cases are reported between the age of 40 to 50 years, and chances to get affected by Alzheimer's disease are increasing between 60 and 65 years old.

Many lines of investigation to prevent and even treat Alzheimer's disease are open, some of them involving natural molecules and phytochemicals found in herbs and plants. But, what are the past, present and future lines of investigation on the field Alzheimer's disease involving the use of these natural molecules and phytochemicals found in herbs and plants? This article covers the principle lines of investigation involving the latests findings on active constituents found in herbs and plants.