Source (link below) – British Journal of Pharmacology:
“TNFs are major mediators of inflammation and inflammation-related diseases, hence, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the use of blockers of the cytokine, TNF-α, for the treatment of osteoarthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, psoriasis and ankylosis. These drugs include the chimeric TNF antibody (infliximab), humanized TNF-α antibody (Humira) and soluble TNF receptor-II (Enbrel) and are associated with a total cumulative market value of more than $20 billion a year. As well as being expensive ($15 000–20 000 per person per year), these drugs have to be injected and have enough adverse effects to be given a black label warning by the FDA. In the current report, we describe an alternative, curcumin (diferuloylmethane), a component of turmeric (Curcuma longa) that is very inexpensive, orally bioavailable and highly safe in humans, yet can block TNF-α action and production in in vitro models, in animal models and in humans. In addition, we provide evidence for curcumin’s activities against all of the diseases for which TNF blockers are currently being used. Mechanisms by which curcumin inhibits the production and the cell signalling pathways activated by this cytokine are also discussed. With health-care costs and safety being major issues today, this golden spice may help provide the solution…
…Overall, all these studies suggest that curcumin can suppress pro-inflammatory pathways linked with most chronic diseases. It can block both the production and the action of TNF. Curcumin also binds to TNF directly. Evidence for curcumin as a TNF blocker has been obtained in both in vitro and in vivo studies. However, only a few studies have demonstrated that curcumin is effective at inhibiting TNF production in humans. Unlike most other TNF blockers, curcumin can be given orally. In addition, it is quite safe and affordable. However, more studies are needed in humans to prove that curcumin has the ability to be an effective treatment of various pro-inflammatory conditions.”
The Colitist 