Turmeric contains curcumin, a substance with powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Most studies used turmeric extracts that are standardized to include large amounts of curcumin. Curcumin has beneficial effects on several factors known to play a role in heart disease. It improves the function of the endothelium and is a potent anti-inflammatory agent and antioxidant.Curcumin leads to several changes on the molecular level that may help prevent and perhaps even treat cancer. Curcumin can cross the blood-brain barrier and has been shown to lead to various improvements in the pathological process of Alzheimerâ??s disease. Arthritis is a common disorder characterized by joint inflammation. Many studies show that curcumin can help treat symptoms of arthritis and is in some cases more effective than anti-inflammatory drugs. A study in 60 people with depression showed that curcumin was as effective as Prozac in alleviating symptoms of the condition. Due to its many positive health effects, such as the potential to prevent heart disease, Alzheimerâ??s and cancer, curcumin may aid longevity.