To keep a car running smoothly we regularly change the oil, replace worn parts like spark plugs and brake pads, and perform other basic maintenance tasks.

Our cells work much the same way.

As we age our cells accumulate damaged proteins and other toxic debris. This leads to accelerated degenerative processes, and risk for chronic disorders.

A natural housekeeping process called autophagy functions as a built-in cleansing service whereby damaged cellular components are identified and eliminated.^1-3

The vital autophagy process declines with age.^1,3,4

Curcumin, a compound found in the spice turmeric, has been shown to boost autophagy.^5-11 Preclinical and clinical studies have shown that it can help combat several key factors involved with degenerative aging.

Importance of Autophagy

The body has a natural way to detect, clean and recycle the cellular damage that accumulates over time.^1-4 This process, called autophagy, enables cells to clean up their metabolic waste.

Autophagy literally translates to “self-eating.” In this process, cells devour and break down old, worn-out internal components to make room for fresh, new replacements.

This helps enable cells to continue functioning optimally.

Aging and poor diet lower the rate of autophagy. As it slows down, metabolic waste accumulates inside cells and compromises optimal functions.

Cell and animal studies show that when autophagy is deficient, organisms suffer premature aging, chronic disease, and shortened lifespan.^1,4 In several animal studies, when autophagy is enhanced, longevity is increased.^12-15

For example, in one study, activating autophagy in mice extended the average lifespan by 17.2%.¹⁵

Ways to Stimulate Autophagy

Research has indicated that physical exercise¹⁶ and intermittent fasting or calorie restriction¹⁷ stimulate autophagy.

Metabolic abnormalities contribute to chronic diseases. The enzymes mTOR and AMPK play a key role in modulating cellular autophagy.^1,4

When calorie intake is high, mTOR is activated and shuts off autophagy, whereas inhibiting excess mTOR activity can increase autophagy.¹⁸

AMPK activates autophagy. Increased cellular AMPK activity has been shown to improve metabolic health and longevity.¹

When AMPK is increased and mTOR is decreased, autophagy is most active.^1,4

As we age, the autophagy process can become impaired or diminished, leading to catastrophic results. Most age-related chronic diseases, from cardio-vascular to neurodegenerative disorders and cancer, have been linked to diminished autophagy.^1,4

A decline in autophagy leads to metabolic conditions, which further impair autophagy, creating a vicious cycle that advances aging.¹

Curcumin Promotes Autophagy

Curcumin is a polyphenol compound found in turmeric root.

In clinical studies, curcumin has long been known as a potent anti-inflammatory. By reducing oxidative stress and chronic inflammation, it may support metabolic, cardiovascular, and gastrointestinal health.^19-21 Maintaining metabolic health slows the progression of damage related to aging and chronic conditions.²²

Preclinical research over the last decade has also identified curcumin as a promoter of autophagy.^5-7,23-25

It works by suppressing mTOR activity and boosting AMPK activity.^5,6,23,24 It also binds to and activates a key protein in cells called transcription factor EB, or TFEB, which triggers cellular machinery important for autophagy.²⁵

In cell and animal models, curcumin has been shown to augment autophagy,^5-7,26 improve health,^5-7,23-27 and extend life.^28,29

Giving fruit flies curcumin led to as much as a 26% extension of their average lifespan.²⁸

Reduced Risk for Chronic Disorders

By promoting autophagy and combating oxidative stress and inflammation, curcumin may lower risk for a wide range of age-related and chronic diseases.

Adequate levels of autophagy help reduce risk for most chronic diseases of aging, which suggests that curcumin’s potential benefits extend to other illnesses.^8,30

Mild cognitive impairment, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and other neurodegenerative diseases are associated with the accumulation of abnormal proteins in the nervous system. Autophagy may help clear these proteins.

In animal models of Alzheimer’s, curcumin intake induces autophagy and reduces build-up of amyloid plaques.^5,31 In models of Parkinson’s, it has been shown to reduce accumulation of an abnormal protein called alpha-synuclein and improve disease symptoms.^6,32

Being obese and overweight increases the risks of developing chronic conditions like heart disease, stroke, cancer, and diabetes. Inflammation associated with obesity also accelerates the aging process.³³

A meta-analysis of 876 subjects randomized to receive curcumin supplementation showed a reduction in body weight and body mass index (BMI).³⁴

In preclinical studies curcumin has demonstrated benefits in cardiovascular disease in diabetic²³ and non-diabetic models.³⁵ Activating autophagy helps protect blood vessel health and shield the heart from damage.^23,36

In a study of diabetic mice on a high-fat diet, curcumin supplementation resulted in increased AMPK activity and autophagy in heart muscles, resulting in improvement of overall cardiac muscle function.²³

In a human study of young, obese men, 12-weeks of a specially formulated curcumin-galactomannan supplement led to a 34% increase in protective HDL (“good”) cholesterol and a 29% reduction in homo-cysteine (an amino acid linked to development of atherosclerosis) compared to placebo.³⁷

A large review of 54 meta-analyses of human trials revealed curcumin intake was associated with reduction of inflammatory markers like C-reactive protein. There were also reductions in markers of metabolic health—fasting blood glucose levels, A1c (a long-term marker of blood sugar management), insulin resistance, and cholesterol levels.³⁸

The review suggests the potential of curcumin in prevention and management of chronic metabolic inflammatory diseases.

In cell cultures and animal studies curcumin has shown promising results in reducing growth and inducing apoptosis of various types of cancer cells.

Autophagy plays a role in combating cancer. By boosting autophagy, curcumin has been shown in lab studies to fight cancer cell growth in a wide range of cancer types, including aggressive cancers like melanoma and brain gliomas.^26,39-42

A systematic review and meta-analysis of 21 clinical trials in patients with different types of cancers was conducted. Five trials were associated with relieving side effects of aggressive cancer treatment when curcumin was given as an adjuvant to standard treatment, while 16 of the 21 clinical trials were associated with the effectiveness of curcumin on various types of cancers.

The results from these clinical trials highlight curcumin’s potential for cancer risk reduction and adjuvant intervention.⁴³

Summary

The process of autophagy identifies faulty and deteriorating cellular components and removes them, so they can be replaced with new parts.

This rejuvenation effect helps keep our bodies running smoothly and may slow aging and onset of age-related disorders.

Unfortunately, beneficial autophagy tends to decrease with age, which has been tied to many chronic conditions. Cell and animal models show that boosting autophagy can improve health and extend lifespan.

The compound curcumin, along with healthy dietary and physical activity practices, helps to increase autophagy.

If you have any questions on the scientific content of this article, please call a Life Extension Wellness Specialist at 1-866-864-3027.

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