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Re: Interesting thought...

Posted by undopaminergic on December 6, 2020, at 9:17:52

In reply to Interesting thought..., posted by linkadge on December 6, 2020, at 7:48:48

> So, I've been reading quite a bit about how depression is associated with altered gut bacteria (with a shift towards more pro-inflammatory strains).
>
> With this in mind, here is a thought. Apparently supplements like turmeric don't readily cross the blood brain barrier and are apparently not absorbed well into systemic circulation. My question is this. Does that really matter? Is it possible that turmeric (or other medicinal herbs) don't actually need to enter the blood stream or brain to have an effect?
>
> Could turmeric (simply by passing through the digestive system) reduce inflammation in the digestive system (and/or alter the composition of gut bacteria) in a way that improves mood?
>

I don't know about turmeric specifically, but the answer to the general question is yes, it could. For an example of a substance that is useful as a drug even though poorly absorbed, see the anti-allergic agent cromoglicate, which has a bioavailability of only 1%:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cromoglicic_acid

Good old cocaine also has local/topical effects in the absence of systemic absorption. Atropine and scopolamine dilate the pupil when applied topically, but need not (for this effect) be absorbed beyond the iris.

I can add that trimipramine is also locally active; it numbs the mucous membrances of the mouth, including the taste-buds.

-undopaminergic


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URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20201025/msgs/1112813.html