Curcumin for COPD Soothes Respiratory Inflammation & Improves Airflow to Lungs

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a collection of conditions affecting your lungs that makes it hard to breath. The symptoms of the disease get worse over time leaving an individual vulnerable to other debilitating conditions.

Inflammation and excessive mucous secretions are the two main irritants in COPD that diminish airflow to lungs. Curcumin for COPD can turn out to be a natural remedy to bring down inflammation and also to reduce mucous secretions.
Curcumin is the bright yellow chemical in turmeric, the spice of every Indian kitchen that has proven benefits in reducing symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

The most effective COPD ayurvedic treatment includes the use of curcumin which acts as a natural anti-inflammatory. Its expectorant activity clears inflammation of the airways which is the main cause of lung problems related to COPD.

emphysema, refractory or irreversible asthma and bronchiectasis. Most of these conditions develop over a period of time termed as chronic and are caused by damage to lungs due to variety of reasons – smoking being the major culprit behind damage to lung tissues.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease gets worse over a period of time as it is not possible to reverse the damage to lung tissue. The characteristic symptom of COPD is increasing breathlessness.

Apart from this, patients have to also deal with the side effects of COPD medications. Short-acting and long-acting bronchodilators are commonly prescribed to COPD patients.

These medications can cause side effects, including blurry vision, rapid or irregular heart rate, shaking or tremors, and nervousness. Fortunately, turmeric for COPD does not cause any of such side-effects.

Besides allopathic medication, COPD ayurvedic treatment offers pure, natural, and herbal remedies for the condition. According to Ayurveda, COPD develops due to an imbalance of three energies (Kapha, Vata, and Pitta).

Kapha imbalance is the prominent factor responsible for COPD and turmeric is well known to fix this imbalance. As ayurvedic treatment for COPD patients is free from chemicals, additives, and preservatives, hence, it is safe to use and is free from severe side effects.

Recently, the National Institute of Health (NIH) reported that curcumin for COPD has a wide variety of benefits. Curcumin Supplements for COPD can help prevent and modulate inflammation in the airways and manage stress that is induced by a lack of oxygen in the body.

Cough, bronchitis and breathing difficulties – these are the typical manifestations of COPD. Exact figures are not available, but estimates assume that 10-12% of adults over the age of 40 years suffer from the disease.

In today’s climate change and urbanization, outdoor air pollution (such as ambient air pollution or traffic-related air pollution) and indoor air pollution (such as smoking, second-hand smoking and biomass fuel combustion exposure) are associated with the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Several studies showed that curcumin in turmeric suppress the different inflammatory pathways – specially, the TNF-alpha and the NF kappa-b which are down regulated by Curcumin. Meaning Curcumin for COPD acts as chemical that acts upon cell-signaling protein pathways and reduces their activity on development of inflammation and pain in the airway and lung tissues.

Living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease can be challenging, but there are ways to manage the disease to improve quality of life and ease symptoms of the condition and this article will guide in that process.

What to Expect in COPD?

In COPD, less air than normal flows in and out of the airways because of one or more of the following reasons:

• The airways (passage that carries air from nose to lungs) and air sacs inside lungs lose their elasticity which reduces the air holding capacity.
• Walls between many of the air sacs are destroyed due to which lung expansion hampers.
• The walls of the airways become thick and inflamed.
• Airways secrete more mucus than usual, which clogs the airways that leads to obstruction.

There will be symptoms such as:

• Increased breathlessness (a characteristic symptom of COPD)
• Wheezing, especially in cold weather.
• Tightness in the chest
• Frequent coughing (with and without sputum

Researchers are also studying things that may trigger the lung disease or its symptoms:

• Certain genes that raise your chances of lung damage that can lead to COPD
• Bacteria or toxins in your body that play a role in the disease
• Anxiety — what causes it and what’s the best way to treat it

Causes of COPD

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease occurs due to long term lung damage that results from breathing in harmful substances such as cigarette smoke, toxic fumes, and air pollution. The causes of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease may include:

• Smoking – History of smoking increases risk of COPD by many folds. About 90% individuals suffering from COPD have smoked.
• Environmental Factors – Being in contact with pollutants (which are lung irritants) for a long period of time can cause COPD. These irritants usually include fumes, chemicals or dust.
• Genetic Factors – Some people have genetic predisposition towards getting COPD. Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency (AATD) is the most commonly known genetic risk factor for emphysema. COPD related to this factor is caused by a deficiency of the Alpha-1 Antitrypsin protein in the bloodstream. In the absence of Alpha-1 Antitrypsin protein, white blood cells begin to harm the lungs and lung deterioration occurs eventually.

Risk Factors Related to Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Certain factors increase the risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and include the following:

• History of smoking
• Breathing secondhand smoke
• Exposure to air pollution
• Exposure to chemicals, dust, and fumes
• A genetic condition called Alpha-1 deficiency

Complications Occurring from COPD

COPD can lead to a variety of complications including:

• Cor Pulmonale— It is a condition affecting right side of the heart.
• Collapsed lungs — due to damaged lung structure, lungs can collapse.
• Pneumonia — COPD can lead to increased risk of lung infections such as pneumonia.
• Weight Problems and Thinning of Bones — Steroid medications used to treat COPD can lead to issues with weight and bone thinning.

How Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Is Diagnosed

• Physical Exam — Exam with an expert doctor would differentiate between asthma or COPD and other conditions which produce similar symptoms such as respiratory infections. The patient would be checked for the history of smoking and exposure to pollutants.
• Spirometry — A simple test called spirometry is done where the patient blows hard into machine in order to measure lung capacity and forced expiratory volume.
• Peak Flowmetry – A peak flow meter measures how hard one can breathe out. Lower values than normal limit indicate inadequate functioning of lungs.
• Pulmonary Function Test (PFT) – PFTs are done before and after bronchodilator which opens up the airways to check on lung functioning.
• Imaging – Chest x-ray and CT scan of lungs helps identify abnormalities or presence of infections which can aggravate respiratory problems.
• Blood Tests — Blood test to check for Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency (AATD) might be ordered because it is a known factor for COPD.

Prevent COPD Before It Starts:

• Smokers should quit smoking.
• Avoid lung irritants that can contribute to COPD such as secondhand smoke, air pollution, chemical fumes, and dust.

Turmeric Prevents the Progression of COPD into Lung Cancer

According to research, curcumin inhibits COPD like airway inflammation and lung cancer in mice. The findings of this research encourage the therapeutic use of turmeric for COPD patients.

A less known fact is that apart from cigarette smoke, bacterial infection by Haemophilus influenzae may also contribute to airway inflammation in COPD.

Turmeric extract curcumin is proven to inhibit the growth of organisms that cause respiratory infections like Haemophilus influenzae, streptococcus pneumonia, and staphylococcus aureus, etc. Additionally, curcumin also reduced the diffusion of lung cancer cells.

The findings of this research suggest that curcumin can reduce the risk of developing lung cancer in high-risk COPD patients and is also effective in preventing infections.

Turmeric Can Reverse Steroid Resistance in COPD PatientsCorticosteroids are often recommended to patients for COPD treatment. However, individuals develop resistance to them in long term treatment. An enzyme known as histone deacetylase plays an important role in controlling inflammation.

Use of corticosteroids affects this enzyme in order to control inflammation but due to oxidative stress in COPD, the activity of these enzymes is altered and this renders steroids ineffective.

According to a study, curcumin increases the activity of enzyme histone deacetylase – 2 and improves steroid sensitivity in patients with COPD and asthma.

Ayurvedic Treatment for COPD Patients

In Ayurveda, COPD is recognized as a disorder of PranavahaSrotas. The best ayurvedic treatment of COPD requires patients to do Nidanaparivarjana that includes modification of diet and lifestyle. Another stage of treatment includes Shamana, a pacification treatment, and Shodhana which is a bio-purification technique.

The bio-purification (Shodhana) if performed daily can help to capture and biologically degrade pollutants. This therapy can help in drying up excess mucus secreted in the respiratory system and cause obstruction. Nyasa, another ayurvedic therapy, can help COPD patients by preventing the membrane lining of the nasal cavity from coming in contact with pollutants or irritants.

Additionally, Ayurveda recommends waking up early, and consuming a glass of warm water in an empty stomach can help prevent complications of COPD.

Turmeric: The Best Ayurvedic Medicine for COPD

Ayurvedic COPD medications include a number of herbs that offer respiratory and immune benefits. Some of the natural herbs such as turmeric, Indian gooseberry, Vasaka, holy basil, etc., are used as ayurvedic medicines for COPD and other respiratory symptoms. Among all these herbs, turmeric offers significant benefits for COPD patients.

Let us now try to understand the health benefits of turmeric in detail and know why it may be the best Ayurvedic medicine for COPD.

• The primary compound curcumin in turmeric is a natural anti-inflammatory. In several medical studies, curcumin has been shown to reduce toxins that cause inflammation by inhibiting the activity of inflammatory enzymes in the body.
• Another benefit of turmeric is that it is a potent antioxidant. Oxidants are also called free-radicals and they are known to cause damage to the body’s cells. Curcumin found in turmeric is a potent antioxidant that can help your body neutralize free radicals such as superoxide, hydroxyl, and hydrogen peroxide. Neutralizing these free radicals may help reduce the inflammation of the lungs.
• In COPD patients, excess production of mucus is the most common symptom. The excess mucus build-up in the airways makes it difficult to breathe. Turmeric for COPD patients acts as an expectorant as it breaks down mucus, and makes it easier for the body to remove the mucus from the airways. The breakdown and removal of mucus can help patients relieve coughing and improve their breathing ability.

Curcumin for COPD: Makes Breathing Easier

Traditionally, turmeric has been used in India as a culinary spice, derived from the rhizomes (underground stems) of the plant Curcuma longa, a member of the ginger family, and is known for its diverse therapeutic effects.

Curcumin for COPD exerts various therapeutic effects including anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, anti-oxidant and immunomodulation properties following oral or topical administration.
Curcumin for COPD have the ability to reduce airway constriction and opening them up. It thus reduces congestion of the bronchial tubes which enables elimination of phlegm in order to bring about significant relief of symptoms.

How to Take Turmeric For COPD

Turmeric is used in various forms such as golden paste, powder mixed in milk, honey, or water for local application as well for ingestion. You can also make turmeric tea and vegetable soup with a teaspoon of turmeric as an ingredient and take it to relieve the symptoms of COPD. But common curcumin fails to exert 100% of its therapeutic effect due to:

• Poor bioavailability
• Less permeability and extensive systemic metabolism
• Need to be combined with additional compounds to improve absorption
• Turmeric root contains only about 1-3% of Curcumin
• Non-standardized powdered turmeric root entails intake of large dose in order to derive any benefit

A novel formulation, SNEC 30 (Self-Nano Emulsifying Curcumin 30 mg) has been co-developed by Arbro Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd, DRDO (Defense Research & Development Organization), and Jamia Hamdard University in collaboration with DST (Department of Science & Technology, GOI).

SNEC 30 uses Self Nano-Emulsifying Drug Delivery System (SNEDDS) for curcumin making it the most effective agent to reduce congestion and improve breathing pattern. It is US patented for the technology used. Curcumin in SNEC 30 has highest bioavailability as it reaches maximum concentration in blood and requires a small dose to exert its action.

Nano Curcumin for COPD is presented to you in a scientifically advanced formula through SNEC 30 that will ease your symptoms faster and improve breathing making your everyday life more productive.

Why SNEC 30?

• SNEC 30 Offers Better Absorption of Curcumin, Highest Bioavailability & Faster Action

The US patented formulation of SNEC 30 is based on Self Nano Emulsifying Drug Delivery System (SNEDDS) that helps it to achieve Cmax (peak serum concentration of any drug) of active curcuminoids several times more than its’ closest rival. SNEC 30 forms a stable nano emulsion in stomach and bypasses the pre-systemic metabolism followed by absorption through the lipid absorption channel and the payers’ patches in the intestines. It also escapes Liver First Pass and directly reaches into systemic blood through lymphatic system providing the basis for high Cmax at a very low dose.

• SNEC 30 Has “NO Side Effects” – It Works in Harmony with Other Body Systems

SNEC 30 works in a synchronized fashion working on cellular membranes to organize them more orderly. This not only improves the resistance of cells against infection and malignancy as well as works on various receptors to control inflammation and pain without causing any adverse effects.

• SNEC 30 Is a Superior Antioxidant

SNEC 30, due to its unique US patented formulation, neutralizes free radicals which makes it the best anti-oxidant. Its immunomodulatory action strengthens body’s immunity to fight against most microbial infections. SNEC 30 also exerts antimicrobial and disinfectant properties for a wide range of topical bacterial and fungal infections.
Effects of SNEC 30 on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

• SNEC 30 Brings Down Inflammation – Curcumin present in SNEC 30 acts on reducing inflammation related to COPD by inhibiting the activity of Notch-GATA signaling pathway which controls the entire process of inflammation. Also it suppresses the activity of nuclear factor kappa B- which is the master protein that regulates inflammation. Also SNEC 30 alleviates airway inflammation by creating a balance of immune cells called T helper cells. These actions prevent hypersensitivity reaction in the airways. It also controls other biochemical agents so as to control the inflammation and also prevents narrowing of the airways. SNEC 30 efficiently reduces bronchial inflammation and thus symptoms of COPD.
• SNEC 30 Reverses Steroid Resistance – The usual treatment of COPD is use of corticosteroids; however, long use of corticosteroids lead to resistance and thus deliver no relief of symptoms when used for long periods. SNEC 30 treatment enhances the activity of enzyme histone deacetylase-2 which improves steroid sensitivity and thus results in better treatment response. Curcumin present in SNEC 30 has been proved to be excellent add-on therapy in asthma and COPD in variety of studies.
• SNEC 30 Relieves Oxidative Stress – COPD is characterized by oxidative stress which is an imbalance between pro-oxidants and natural anti-oxidants found in our body. The gaseous phase of cigarette smoke also contains radicals like superoxide radicals, hydroxyl radicals and hydrogen peroxide which cause oxidative damage to lung tissues and give rise to inflammation. This inflammation of the airways leads to increased production of nitric oxide. SNEC 30 helps in scavenging nitric oxide that attributes to inflammation and causes oxidation related issues in COPD.
• SNEC 30 Clears Airway and Improves Air Flow to Lungs – Curcumin has proven mild expectorant effect useful in treating chronic airway obstructive conditions. It also alleviates nasal congestion. Turmeric oil is useful in removing mucosal secretions, relieving cough and reducing breathing distress.
• SNEC 30 Works as Anti-Allergen – Since SNEC 30 prevents accumulation of inflammatory cells it helps in prevention of airways constriction. Also it helps decrease mucus production and its anti-allergic properties help reduce the incidences of allergy induced infections.
• SNEC 30 Acts as an Antimicrobial Agent – Curcumin present in SNEC 30 is known to have antimicrobial and anti-septic effect. It has natural ability to fight against bacterial and viral infections. It is as effective as antibiotics and helps eradicate respiratory infections which can worsen functioning of the lungs.
• SNEC 30 Helps Modulate Immunity – SNEC 30 has known immune system modulation properties and it alters immune response so as to avoid hypersensitivity reaction. Most of lung problems actually result from hypersensitive reaction of immune system and SNEC 30 helps balance these reactions.

Dosage and Safety – SNEC 30 is completely safe even at very high doses but ideal dose should be customized according to individual body requirement. Trials generally report very few, if any, adverse effects of SNEC 30 even at very high dose. There have been no reports of toxicity following even large amount of turmeric ingestion.
Disclaimer
All the information on this site is for the purpose of general education and in no way can substitute the consultation with an Ayurvedic doctor. It is highly recommended that you consult with your Ayurvedic doctor or health care provider to determine the individual requirements. Pregnant women, nursing mothers and children should not take any supplements without consulting their doctor.