Showing papers on "Curcumin published in 2015"
TL;DR: The present study confirms the broad-spectrum antibacterial nature of curcumin I, and its membrane damaging property, and could provide impetus for further research on cur cumin I regarding its antibiotic potential against rapidly emerging bacterial pathogens.
Abstract: Curcumin, an important constituent of turmeric, is known for various biological activities, primarily due to its antioxidant mechanism. The present study focused on the antibacterial activity of curcumin I, a significant component of commercial curcumin, against four genera of bacteria, including those that are Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecalis) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa). These represent prominent human pathogens, particularly in hospital settings. Our study shows the strong antibacterial potential of curcumin I against all the tested bacteria from Gram-positive as well as Gram-negative groups. The integrity of the bacterial membrane was checked using two differential permeabilization indicating fluorescent probes, namely, propidium iodide and calcein. Both the membrane permeabilization assays confirmed membrane leakage in Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria on exposure to curcumin I. In addition, scanning electron microscopy and fluorescence microscopy were employed to confirm the membrane damages in bacterial cells on exposure to curcumin I. The present study confirms the broad-spectrum antibacterial nature of curcumin I, and its membrane damaging property. Findings from this study could provide impetus for further research on curcumin I regarding its antibiotic potential against rapidly emerging bacterial pathogens.
445 citations
TL;DR: In the present study, an attempt has been made to overcome the instability during processing and bioavailability problems of curcumin by nanoencapsulation technology and the effect was evaluated by simulated digestion study.
395 citations
TL;DR: Research to date suggests that chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and most chronic diseases are closely linked, and the antioxidant properties of curcumin can play a key role in the prevention and treatment of chronic inflammation diseases.
Abstract: It is extensively verified that continued oxidative stress and oxidative damage may lead to chronic inflammation, which in turn can mediate most chronic diseases including cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular, neurological, inflammatory bowel disease and pulmonary diseases. Curcumin, a yellow coloring agent extracted from turmeric, shows strong anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory activities when used as a remedy for the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases. How oxidative stress activates inflammatory pathways leading to the progression of chronic diseases is the focus of this review. Thus, research to date suggests that chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and most chronic diseases are closely linked, and the antioxidant properties of curcumin can play a key role in the prevention and treatment of chronic inflammation diseases.
388 citations
TL;DR: An updated overview of the metabolism and mechanism of action ofCurcumin in various organ pathophysiologies is provided and the potential for multifunctional therapeutic application of curcumin is discussed and its recent progress in clinical biology is discussed.
388 citations
TL;DR: The current review focuses on the diverse molecular targets modulated by curcumin that contribute to its efficacy against various human cancers.
Abstract: Despite significant advances in treatment modalities over the last decade, neither the incidence of the disease nor the mortality due to cancer has altered in the last thirty years. Available anti-cancer drugs exhibit limited efficacy, associated with severe side effects, and are also expensive. Thus identification of pharmacological agents that do not have these disadvantages is required. Curcumin, a polyphenolic compound derived from turmeric (Curcumin longa), is one such agent that has been extensively studied over the last three to four decades for its potential anti-inflammatory and/or anti-cancer effects. Curcumin has been found to suppress initiation, progression, and metastasis of a variety of tumors. These anti-cancer effects are predominantly mediated through its negative regulation of various transcription factors, growth factors, inflammatory cytokines, protein kinases, and other oncogenic molecules. It also abrogates proliferation of cancer cells by arresting them at different phases of the cell cycle and/or by inducing their apoptosis. The current review focuses on the diverse molecular targets modulated by curcumin that contribute to its efficacy against various human cancers.
374 citations
TL;DR: It is suggested that the previously unrecognized diversity of its degradation products could be an important factor in explaining the polypharmacology of curcumin.
Abstract: Curcumin is the main bioactive ingredient in turmeric extract and widely consumed as part of the spice mix curry or as a dietary supplement. Turmeric has a long history of therapeutic application in traditional Asian medicine. Biomedical studies conducted in the past two decades have identified a large number of cellular targets and effects of curcumin. In vitro curcumin rapidly degrades in an autoxidative transformation to diverse chemical species, the formation of which has only recently been appreciated. This paper discusses how the degradation and metabolism of curcumin, through products and their mechanism of formation, provide a basis for the interpretation of preclinical data and clinical studies. It is suggested that the previously unrecognized diversity of its degradation products could be an important factor in explaining the polypharmacology of curcumin.
287 citations
Journal Article•
TL;DR: The ability of curcumin to induce apoptosis in tumor cells and its anti-angiogenic potential will be discussed in this review.
Abstract: Curcumin, a yellow substance belonging to the polyphenols superfamily, is the active component of turmeric, a common Indian spice, which is derived from the dried rhizome of the Curcuma longa plant. Numerous studies have demonstrated that curcumin possesses anti-oxidant, anti- inflammatory and anticancerous properties. The purpose of this review is to focus on the anti-tumor effects of curcumin. Curcumin inhibits the STAT3 and NF-ĸB signaling pathways, which play key-roles in cancer development and progression. Also, inhibition of Sp-1 and its housekeeping gene expressions may serve as an important hypothesis to prevent cancer formation, migration, and invasion. Recent data have suggested that curcumin may act by suppressing the Sp-1 activation and its downstream genes, including ADEM10, calmodulin, EPHB2, HDAC4, and SEPP1 in a concentration- dependent manner in colorectal cancer cell lines; these results are consistent with other studies, which have reported that curcumin could suppress the Sp-1 activity in bladder cancer and could decrease DNA binding activity of Sp-1 in non-small cell lung carcinoma cells. Recent data advocate that ER stress and autophagy may as well play a role in the apoptosis process, which is induced by the curcumin analogue B19 in an epithelial ovarian tumor cell line and that autophagy inhibition could increase curcumin analogue-induced apoptosis by inducing severe ER stress. The ability of curcumin to induce apoptosis in tumor cells and its anti-angiogenic potential will be discussed in this review. Curcumin, a yellow substance belonging to the polyphenols superfamily, is the active component of turmeric, a common Indian spice, which is derived from the dried rhizome of the Curcuma longa plant (1-2). Turmeric contains three principal components, curcumin, demethoxycurcumin and bisdemetho- xycurcumin, of which curcumin is the most abundant and potent (3-6). Curcumin comprises approximately 2%-5% of turmeric (7). Numerous studies have demonstrated that curcumin possesses anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties (8-18). Its ability to induce apoptosis in tumor cells and anti-angiogenic potential will be discussed in this review. Curcumin's Mechanisms of Action: The Role of STAT3 and NF-ĸB
271 citations
TL;DR: The clinical evidence, current status, and future opportunities of curcumin nanoformulation(s) in the field of medicine are discussed, and a concise summary of the actions required to develop curcuming nanoformulations as pharmaceutical or nutraceutical candidates are presented.
Abstract: Curcumin (diferuloylmethane) is a bioactive and major phenolic component of turmeric derived from the rhizomes of curcuma longa linn For centuries, curcumin has exhibited excellent therapeutic benefits in various diseases Owing to its anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, curcumin plays a significant beneficial and pleiotropic regulatory role in various pathological conditions including cancer, cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer’s disease, inflammatory disorders, neurological disorders, and so on Despite such phenomenal advances in medicinal applications, the clinical implication of native curcumin is hindered due to low solubility, physico-chemical instability, poor bioavailability, rapid metabolism, and poor pharmacokinetics However, these issues can be overcome by utilizing an efficient delivery system Active scientific research was initiated in 2005 to improve curcumin’s pharmacokinetics, systemic bioavailability, and biological activity by encapsulating or by loading curcumin into nanoform(s) (nanoformulations) A significant number of nanoformulations exist that can be translated toward medicinal use upon successful completion of pre-clinical and human clinical trials Considering this perspective, current review provides an overview of an efficient curcumin nanoformulation for a targeted therapeutic option for various human diseases In this review article, we discuss the clinical evidence, current status, and future opportunities of curcumin nanoformulation(s) in the field of medicine In addition, this review presents a concise summary of the actions required to develop curcumin nanoformulations as pharmaceutical or nutraceutical candidates
258 citations
TL;DR: In vitro simulated digestion experiments indicated that the nanocomplexation significantly improved the in vitro protein digestibility of both unheated and heated SPI; the bioaccessibility was greatly impaired by hydrolysis-induced protein aggregation.
Abstract: The complexation of nanoparticles in unheated and heated (at 75–95°) soy protein isolate (SPI) with curcumin and the effects on curcumin stability/bioaccessibility and in vitro protein digestibility were investigated. The nanoparticles did not display noticeable changes in size and morphology upon nanocomplexation with curcumin, except their surface hydrophobicity. The encapsulation efficiency of curcumin progressively decreased with increasing initial curcumin concentration in the dispersion, while the load amount linearly increased. The solubility of curcumin in water was enhanced by the complexation above 98000-fold (vs free curcumin in water). The formation of the nanocomplexes considerably improved the storage stability of curcumin. In vitro simulated digestion experiments indicated that the complexation also improved the bioaccessibility of curcumin; the bioaccessibility was greatly impaired by hydrolysis-induced protein aggregation. Addtionally, the nanocomplexation significantly improved the in vi...
247 citations
TL;DR: Encapsulation of catechin and curcumin within an emulsion increased their stability significantly in simulated gastrointestinal fluid, which resulted in a four-fold augmentation in their bioaccessibility compared to that of freely suspendedCurcumin and cate chin solutions.
233 citations
TL;DR: Compared with freeCurcumin, curcumin nanoliposomes presented an equal cellular antioxidant activity, which is mainly attributed to its lower cellular uptake as detected by fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry.
Abstract: Curcumin is a multifunctional and natural agent considered to be pharmacologically safe. However, its application in the food and medical industry is greatly limited by its poor water solubility, physicochemical instability and inadequate bioavailability. Nanoliposome encapsulation could significantly enhance the solubility and stability of curcumin. Curcumin nanoliposomes exhibited good physicochemical properties (entrapment efficiency = 57.1, particle size = 68.1 nm, polydispersity index = 0.246, and zeta potential = -3.16 mV). Compared with free curcumin, curcumin nanoliposomes exhibited good stability against alkaline pH and metal ions as well as good storage stability at 4 °C. Curcumin nanoliposomes also showed good sustained release properties. Compared with free curcumin, curcumin nanoliposomes presented an equal cellular antioxidant activity, which is mainly attributed to its lower cellular uptake as detected by fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry. This study provide theoretical and practical guides for the further application of curcumin nanoliposomes.
TL;DR: All the studies reviewed herein suggest that curcumin is able to exert anti-inflammatory, antiplatelet, antioxidative, hepatoprotective and antitumor activities, particularly against cancers of the liver, skin, pancreas, prostate, ovary, lung and head neck, as well as having a positive effect in the treatment of arthritis.
Abstract: Curcumin (diferuloylmethane) is a polyphenol derived from the Curcuma longa plant. Curcumin has been used extensively in Ayurvedic medicine, as it is nontoxic and exhibits a variety of therapeutic properties, including antioxidant, analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic activities. Recently, certain studies have indicated that curcumin may exert anticancer effects in a variety of biological pathways involved in mutagenesis, apoptosis, tumorigenesis, cell cycle regulation and metastasis. The present study reviewed previous studies in the literature, which support the therapeutic activity of curcumin in cancer. In addition, the present study elucidated a number of the challenges concerning the use of curcumin as an adjuvant chemotherapeutic agent. All the studies reviewed herein suggest that curcumin is able to exert anti-inflammatory, antiplatelet, antioxidative, hepatoprotective and antitumor activities, particularly against cancers of the liver, skin, pancreas, prostate, ovary, lung and head neck, as well as having a positive effect in the treatment of arthritis.
TL;DR: It is demonstrated that blocking NF-κB can specifically target CSC populations and suggested that HCCs with poor prognosis and progenitor features are most likely to benefit from NF-σκB inhibition.
TL;DR: A review of the current status of the chemistry of metal curcumin complexes and present results from their recent studies are presented in this paper, where the authors have designed and synthesized photo-active Curcumin metal complexes for cellular imaging by fluorescence microscopy and damaging the cancer cells on photoactivation in visible light while being minimally toxic in darkness.
Abstract: CONSPECTUS: Curcumin is a polyphenolic species. As an active ingredient of turmeric, it is well-known for its traditional medicinal properties. The therapeutic values include antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and anticancer activity with the last being primarily due to inhibition of the transcription factor NF-kappa B besides affecting several biological pathways to arrest tumor growth and its progression. Curcumin with all these positive qualities has only remained a potential candidate for cancer treatment over the years without seeing any proper usage because of its hydrolytic instability involving the diketo moiety in a cellular medium and its poor bioavailability. The situation has changed considerably in recent years with the observation that curcumin in monoanionic form could be stabilized on binding to a metal ion. The reports from our group and other groups have shown that curcumin in the metal-bound form retains its therapeutic potential. This has opened up new avenues to develop curcumin-based metal complexes as anticancer agents. Zinc(II) complexes of curcumin are shown to be stable in a cellular medium. They display moderate cytotoxicity against prostate cancer and neuroblastoma cell lines. A similar stabilization and cytotoxic effect is reported for (arene)ruthenium(II) complexes of curcumin against a variety of cell lines. The half-sandwich 1,3,5-triaza-7-phosphatricyclo-3.3.1.1]decane (RAPTA)-type ruthenium(II) complexes of curcumin are shown to be promising cytotoxic agents with low micromolar concentrations for a series of cancer cell lines. In a different approach, cobalt(III) complexes of curcumin are used for its cellular delivery in hypoxic tumor cells using intracellular agents that reduce the metal and release curcumin as a cytotoxin. Utilizing the photophysical and photochemical properties of the curcumin dye, we have designed and synthesized photoactive curcumin metal complexes that are used for cellular imaging by fluorescence microscopy and damaging the cancer cells on photoactivation in visible light while being minimally toxic in darkness. In this Account, we have made an attempt to review the current status of the chemistry of metal curcumin complexes and present results from our recent studies on curcumin complexes showing remarkable in vitro photocytotoxicity. The undesirable dark toxicity of the complexes can be reduced with suitable choice of the metal and the ancillary ligands in a ternary structure. The complexes can be directed to specific subcellular organelles. Selectivity by targeting cancer cells over normal cells can be achieved with suitable ligand design. We expect that this methodology is likely to provide an impetus toward developing curcumin-based photochemotherapeutics for anticancer treatment and cure.
TL;DR: The aim of this review is to summarize the pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic characteristics of curcumin and to compare the different pharmaceutical strategies employed to increase its bioavailability.
TL;DR: Novel mechanistic evidence is provided for curcumin-mediated sensitization to 5FU-related chemoresistance through suppression of EMT in 5FUR cells via upregulation of E MT-suppressive miRNAs, highlighting the potential therapeutic usefulness ofCurcumin as an adjunct in patients with chemoresistant advanced CRC.
Abstract: Resistance to cytotoxic chemotherapy is a major cause of mortality in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients Chemoresistance has been linked primarily to a subset of cancer cells undergoing epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) Curcumin, a botanical with antitumorigenic properties, has been shown to enhance sensitivity of cancer cells to chemotherapeutic drugs, but the molecular mechanisms underlying this phenomenon remain unclear Effects of curcumin and 5-fluorouracil (5FU) individually, and in combination, were examined in parental and 5FU resistant (5FUR) cell lines We performed a series of growth proliferation and apoptosis assays in 2D and 3D cell cultures Furthermore, we identified and analyzed the expression pattern of a subset of putative EMT-suppressive microRNAs (miRNAs) and their downstream target genes regulated by curcumin Chemosensitizing effects of curcumin were validated in a xenograft mouse model Combined treatment with curcumin and 5FU enhanced cellular apoptosis and inhibited proliferation in both parental and 5FUR cells, whereas 5FU alone was ineffective in 5FUR cells A group of EMT-suppressive miRNAs were upregulated by curcumin treatment in 5FUR cells Curcumin suppressed EMT in 5FUR cells by downregulating BMI1, SUZ12 and EZH2 transcripts, key mediators of cancer stemness-related polycomb repressive complex subunits Using a xenograft and mathematical models, we further demonstrated that curcumin sensitized 5FU to suppress tumor growth We provide novel mechanistic evidence for curcumin-mediated sensitization to 5FU-related chemoresistance through suppression of EMT in 5FUR cells via upregulation of EMT-suppressive miRNAs This study highlights the potential therapeutic usefulness of curcumin as an adjunct in patients with chemoresistant advanced CRC
TL;DR: The highlighted studies in the review provide evidence of the ability of curcumin to show the significant vitro antioxidant, diabetic complication, antimicrobial, neuroprotective, anti-cancer activities and detection of hypochlorous acid, wound healing, treatment of major depression, healing of paracentesis, and treatment of carcinoma.
TL;DR: The thermal stability test and X-ray diffraction indicate that high temperature could change the structure of liposome and chitosan could protect the curcumin from damage and leak and the in vitro release study showed that the cumulative release rate got faster with temperature increased and chitsan could decrease the release rate.
TL;DR: It is highlighted that the proapoptotic effects of curcumin depend on miR- 192-5p/215 induction and the p53-miR-192-5 p/215-XIAP pathway is an important therapeutic target for non-small cell lung cancer.
TL;DR: Results showed that curcumin attenuated glutamate neurotoxicity by inhibiting ER stress-associated TXNIP/NLRP3 inflammasome activation via the regulation of AMPK, and thereby protected the hippocampus from ischemic insult.
TL;DR: A methodical review of the evidence was performed to evaluate the effects of curcumin in support of a health claim, as established through the regulatory framework of Health Canada, for a relationship between the consumption ofCurcumin and the prevention and treatment of cancer.
Abstract: Curcumin is a highly pleiotropic molecule found in the rhizomes of Curcuma longa (turmeric). It is responsible for the yellow color of turmeric and has been shown to inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells and to be of use in preventing or treating a number of diseases. Curcumin has been shown to modulate multiple cell-signaling pathways simultaneously, thereby mitigating or preventing many different types of cancers, including multiple myeloma and colorectal, pancreatic, breast, prostate, lung, head, and neck cancers, in both animal models and humans. Current therapeutic approaches using a single cancer drug for a single target can be expensive, have serious side effects, or both. Consequently, new approaches to the treatment and prevention of cancer, including the integration of curcumin as a viable treatment strategy where dysregulation of many pathways is involved, are warranted. A methodical review of the evidence was performed to evaluate the effects of curcumin in support of a health claim, as established through the regulatory framework of Health Canada, for a relationship between the consumption of curcumin and the prevention and treatment of cancer.
Journal Article•
TL;DR: It is suggested that curcumin and EGCG function as antitumor agents for suppressing breast CSCs, and STAT3 and NFκB signaling pathways could serve as targets for reducing C SCs leading to novel targeted-therapy for treating breast cancer.
Abstract: Background/Aim: The cancer stem cell (CSC) model postulates the existence of a small proportion of cancer cells capable of sustaining tumor formation, self-renewal and differentiation. Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling is known to be selectively activated in breast CSC populations. However, it is yet to be determined which molecular mechanisms regulate STAT3 signaling in CSCs and what chemopreventive agents are effective for suppressing CSC growth. The aim of this study was to examine the potential efficacy of curcumin and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) against CSC and to uncover the molecular mechanisms of their anticancer effects. Materials and Methods: To suppress the CSC phenotype, two breast cancer cell lines (MDA-MB-231 cells and MCF7 cells transfected with HER2) were treated with curcumin (10 μM) with or without EGCG (10 μM) for 48 h. We used tumor-sphere formation and wound-healing assays to determine CSC phenotype. To quantify CSC populations, Fluorescence-activated cell sorting profiling was monitored. STAT3 phosphorylation and interaction with Nuclear Factor-kB (NFkB) were analyzed by performing western blot and immunoprecipitation assays. Results: Combined curcumin and EGCG treatment reduced the cancer stem-like Cluster of differentiation 44 (CD44)-positive cell population. Western blot and immunoprecipitation analyses revealed that curcumin and EGCG specifically inhibited STAT3 phosphorylation and STAT3-NFkB interaction was retained. Conclusion: This study suggests that curcumin and EGCG function as antitumor agents for suppressing breast CSCs. STAT3 and NFκB signaling pathways could serve as targets for reducing CSCs leading to novel targeted-therapy for treating breast cancer.
TL;DR: The potential for PPS microspheres as a generalizable vehicle for ROS-demanded drug release is demonstrated and the utility of this platform for improving local curcumin bioavailability for treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases is established.
TL;DR: The TMC-SLCNs exhibited prolonged stability in room and refrigerated conditions, controlled drug release in simulated intestinal fluid, significantly higher oral bioavailability, and brain distribution ofCurcumin than free curcumin, chitosan and non-coated SLCNs.
Abstract: Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) have been proposed as a colloidal carrier system that could enhance the oral bioavailability of curcumin. However, a burst release of the loaded drug, which occurs in acidic environments, has been a main obstacle to the oral delivery of curcumin by using SLNs as a carrier system. We hypothesized that a quarternized chitosan derivative could be used for acid-resistant coating to stabilize the SLNs and circumvent the burst release. N-trimethyl chitosan (TMC) was synthesized and determined by 1H-NMR and FT-IR. To investigate the details of chitosan and TMC surface modification on SLCNs composed of palmitic acid, cholesterol, TPGS and curcumin, a number of factors such as optimized SLNs composition, solid state characterization, stability, cell viability, in vitro release in GI conditions, curcumin oral bioavailability and brain distribution studies, were evaluated. The TMC-SLCNs exhibited prolonged stability in room and refrigerated conditions, controlled drug release in simulated intestinal fluid, significantly higher oral bioavailability, and brain distribution of curcumin than free curcumin, chitosan and non-coated SLCNs. These finding suggests that the TMC-SLCNs is a promising nanocarrier system for oral delivery and brain distribution of curcumin.
TL;DR: It is demonstrated that autophagy impairs the efficacy of temozolomide/curcumin, and inhibiting this phenomenon could provide novel opportunities to improve brain tumor treatment.
TL;DR: It is suggested that chronic curcumin ameliorates AD-related cognitive deficits and that upregulated BDNF-ERK signaling in the hippocampus may underlie the cognitive improvement produced byCurcumin.
Abstract: Curcumin, the most active component of turmeric, has various beneficial properties, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antitumor effects. Previous studies have suggested that curcumin reduces the levels of amyloid and oxidized proteins and prevents memory deficits and thus is beneficial to patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, the molecular mechanisms underlying curcumin’s effect on cognitive functions are not well-understood. In the present study, we examined the working memory and spatial reference memory in rats that received a ventricular injection of amyloid-β1-42 (Aβ1-42), representing a rodent model of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The rats treated with Aβ1-42 exhibited obvious cognitive deficits in behavioral tasks. Chronic (seven consecutive days, once per day) but not acute (once a day) curcumin treatments (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg) improved the cognitive functions in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, the beneficial effect of curcumin is accompanied by increased BDNF levels and elevated levels of phosphorylated ERK in the hippocampus. Furthermore, the cognition enhancement effect of curcumin could be mimicked by the overexpression of BDNF in the hippocampus and blocked by either bilateral hippocampal injections with lentiviruses that express BDNF shRNA or a microinjection of ERK inhibitor. These findings suggest that chronic curcumin ameliorates AD-related cognitive deficits and that upregulated BDNF-ERK signaling in the hippocampus may underlie the cognitive improvement produced by curcumin.
TL;DR: Curcumin is safe and tolerable in combination with FOLFOX chemotherapy, and is perceived by patients as an acceptable daily adjunct to chemotherapy.
TL;DR: Results show that curcumin induces macrophage M2 polarization by secretion of IL-4 and/or IL-13 and ameliorates EAM by reducing infiltration inflammatory macrophages and by polarizing M0 and M1 macrophaging to M2 phenotype.
TL;DR: This review addresses the rationale for its use in neurodegenerative disease, particularly Alzheimer’s disease, and examines curcumin's role in wound repair, cancer and inflammatory disorders.
Abstract: Curcumin, a polyphenolic antioxidant derived from the turmeric root has undergone extensive preclinical development, showing remarkable efficacy in wound repair, cancer and inflammatory disorders. This review addresses the rationale for its use in neurodegenerative disease, particularly Alzheimer's disease. Curcumin is a pleiotropic molecule, which not only directly binds to and limits aggregation of the β-sheet conformations of amyloid characteristic of many neurodegenerative diseases but also restores homeostasis of the inflammatory system, boosts the heat shock system to enhance clearance of toxic aggregates, scavenges free radicals, chelates iron and induces anti-oxidant response elements. Although curcumin corrects dysregulation of multiple pathways, it may exert many effects via a few molecular targets. Pharmaceutical development of natural compounds like curcumin and synthetic derivatives have strong scientific rationale, but will require overcoming various hurdles including; high cost of trials, concern about profitability and misconceptions about drug specificity, stability, and bioavailability.
TL;DR: Overall, scientific literature shows that curcumin possesses anti-diabetic effects and mitigates diabetes complications.
Abstract: Curcumin is the yellow-colored bioactive constituent of the perennial plant, Curcuma longa L., which possesses a wide range of physiological and pharmacological properties such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, neuroprotective and anti-diabetic activities. Anti-diabetic activity of curcumin may be due to its potent ability to suppress oxidative stress and inflammation. Moreover, it shows a beneficial role on the diabetesinduced endothelial dysfunction and induces a down-regulation of nuclear factor-kappa B. Curcumin possesses a protective role against advanced glycation as well as collagen crosslinking and through this way, mitigates advanced glycation end products-induced complications of diabetes. Curcumin also reduces blood glucose, and the levels of glycosylated hemoglobin in diabetic rat through the regulation of polyol pathway. It also suppresses increased bone resorption through the inhibition of osteoclastogenesis and expression of the AP-1 transcription factors, c-fos and c-jun, in diabetic animals. Overall, scientific literature shows that curcumin possesses anti-diabetic effects and mitigates diabetes complications. Here we report a systematical discussion on the beneficial role of curcumin on diabetes and its complications with emphasis on its molecular mechanisms of actions.