What ARE Turmeric and Curcumin?
Turmeric is a spice obtained from the dried root rhizomes of Curcuma longa, a medicinal plant from the ginger family of herbs, the Zingiberaceae. The rhizomes are dried and crushed in order to produce a yellow-orange powder. The biologically active compound within this powder is curcumin, one of the most studied phytochemicals in science. Turmeric powder contains 2% to 8% curcumin, which we isolate to 95% for medical research and nutritional supplementation.
Where to purchase Curcumin?
Since 2000, TURMERIC-CURCUMIN.COM has offered Curcumin 95% extract supplements to research institutions, physicians, and university medical centers. Quality control tests, laboratory analysis certification, and rigorous cGMP manufacturing standards all ensure freshness, potency, and purity of contents. Orders are shipped FedEx or USPS Priority Air for fast and secure delivery. Contact service@turmeric-curcumin.com for bulk ordering, private labeling, contract manufacturing or any other questions. Multiple bottle orders will receive increasing quantity discounts listed below. Case purchases (12 bottles) will also receive free US shipping.


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why 200 capsules per bottle and 500 mG OF Curcumin 95% per capsule?

Our label clearly indicates the contents (curcumin extracted from turmeric root), purity (95% standardized), amount per capsule (500mg) and number of capsules per bottle (200). Each 12-bottle case contains over 2.6 lbs (1.2 kg) of curcumin 95% turmeric root extract. Since 2000, the geographical source of our curcumin extract is turmeric grown in India. Within India, we are extensively networked with selected pesticide-free farms in the Eastern Ghats highlands, known for turmeric with the highest natural curcumin content in the world, at 8.8% and the West Jaintia Hills of Meghalaya, India, where Lakadong turmeric is one of the world's finest with a curcumin content of about 7.5%. From this high quality turmeric (Curcuma longa) root, we extract curcumin to a minimum 95% concentration. Within this extraction is the full spectrum of curcuminoids - curcumin, demethoxycurcumin, and bisdemethoxycurcumin - in their natural composition ratio of 76:19:5 for maximum potency. This is the same extract used in clinical trials and medical studies, free of added chemicals, treatments, unknown "formulas", "complexes" or "proprietary blends" which do not even disclose how much of each ingredient the product contains. Our supplement contains just two active ingredients; 500mg Curcumin 95% and 5mg of Piperine. You will receive a 100% natural, additive-free product. There are no synthetics, no starch, no sugars or sweeteners, no artificial colors or flavors, no sodium, no soy, no yeast, no wheat, no corn, no rice or other grains, no gluten, no dairy, no preservatives, no gums, no dyes, and no GMO.

HAS THE SAFETY OF CURCUMIN 95% BEEN ESTABLISHED?

The safety, tolerability, and nontoxicity of curcumin at high doses has been well established by human clinical trials. The US FDA classifies Turmeric as GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe).  Preclinical and clinical studies indicate that curcumin is well tolerated and the overwhelming safety profile of curcumin is evident. Before using any herbs or dietary supplements in amounts greater than usually found in foods, consult a health care provider.

"Clinical studies have shown that curcuminoids, including curcumin, bisdemethoxycurcumin, and demethoxycurcumin, have safety characteristics at daily doses of 4000–8000 mg at 95% concentration. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has given curcumin the " generally recognized as safe" (GRAS) designation. Various studies have shown that curcumin is safe, well-tolerated, and useful in the prevention and treatment of a variety of chronic diseases, such as cancer, heart disease, diabetes, neurological disorders, skin conditions, liver complications, and infectious diseases." - Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy | 2024

"Long-term studies have shown that curcumin is safe and protective when used in the diet. In one study, high doses of curcumin (8 g/day) do not cause side effects. In another study, curcumin was administered at doses up to 12 g/day for three months with no apparent toxicity." - Review of the Protective Mechanism of Curcumin on Cardiovascular Disease | 2024

"As an antioxidant, anti-infection, anti-inflammatory, and anti-tumor compound, curcumin has been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration as a safe compound." - Molecular Neurobiology | 2024

"Curcumin has been demonstrated to be safe even when it is administered at high doses. A phase 1 human trial in which as much as 8000 mg of curcumin per day was administered for 3 months to patients with high-risk or premalignant lesions reported no toxic effects. No serious side effects were reported in RA patients receiving 500 mg of curcumin per day over a period of 8 weeks. Curcumin treatment has no obvious toxic effect on liver or kidney functions; therefore, curcumin is generally recognized as a safe compound by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration." - Frontiers in Pharmacology | 2024

"The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) established an acceptable daily intake of curcumin at 3 mg/kg body weight. For optimal pharmacological effects, an oral dose of more than 8.0 g/day is often required. Numerous clinical studies demonstrated that a daily intake of 12 g of curcumin is well tolerated and safe." - Pharmaceutics | 2024

"Curcumin has been used as a dietary supplement for centuries and is considered pharmacologically safe." - International Journal For Multidisciplinary Research | 2024

"A series of authoritative international institutions, such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the USA and the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives, have confirmed the safety of curcumin in daily use and clinical treatment." - Toxics | 2023

"According to the Joint Nations and World Health Organization Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA), curcumin is regarded as a safe chemical and is hence appropriate for everyday dietary usage and can be taken by patients of any age for a longer period of time without experiencing any negative side effects." - Biomedicine | 2023

"Curcumin is one of the most promising anticancer agents as it combines high biological safety for normal cells/tissues with potent cytotoxic activity against various human cancers." - International Journal of Molecular Sciences | 2023

"According to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) report, curcumin has been considered as “Generally Recognized as Safe” (GRAS) even at doses between 4000 and 8000 mg/day" - Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine | 2023

"The safety of curcumin and turmeric products has been confirmed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and the World Health Organisation (WHO). Curcumin has shown a very promising safety profile. According to reports by JECFA (Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives of the United Nations and the World Health Organisation) and EFSA (European Food Safety Authority), the acceptable daily intake (ADI) of curcumin is 0–3 mg/kg body weight. Several studies in healthy volunteers have confirmed the safety and efficacy of curcumin." - An Overview of the Enhanced Effects of Curcumin and Chemotherapeutic Agents in Combined Cancer Treatments | 2023

"Curcumin has also been recognized as safe by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). In most studies, very few adverse effects or no severe adverse effects occurred with turmeric extract and curcumin supplements, showing that it’s well tolerated globally. None of the patients required rescue medication for adverse effects management. Overall, the benefits of Curcuma longa extract and curcumin supplementation were significantly greater than their risks. Therefore, it can be recommended for musculoskeletal conditions." - Safety and Efficacy of Turmeric (Curcuma longa) Extract and Curcumin Supplements in Musculoskeletal Health | 2023

"Curcumin has been shown to be safe in numerous human studies, with only minor toxicity associated with this polyphenol. Therefore, curcumin is increasingly being viewed as a biomolecule capable of being administered for an extended period without causing adverse effects. The findings of the current study indicate that there were no significant adverse events associated with the short term use of PPI and curcumin." - BMJ British Medical Journal | 2023

"Curcumin is labeled as safe by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA, USA), and has achieved therapeutic pursuit in treating metabolic diseases, immune-related diseases, and cancer, owing to its vast biological target and with practically no aftereffects. Curcumin is an active natural compound that exhibits therapeutic effects on different diseases, including antiviral, antibacterial, anti-amyloid, thrombo-suppressive, antiarthritic, antioxidation, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer, with minimal aftereffects. Curcumin is safe in humans and has chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic effects. In vitro experimental evidence indicates that curcumin has excellent anticancer ability and can target cancer via diverse mechanisms by modulating several cellular signal pathways." - Curcumin a Natural Phenol and Its Therapeutic Role in Cancer | 2023

"Genotoxicity and mutagenicity assessments suggest that curcumin extract does not induce DNA damage or mutations. Furthermore, carcinogenicity studies demonstrate no evidence of increased cancer risk associated with the curcumin extract." - Department of Nutrition, Central Michigan University | 2023

"The Joint Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), World Health Organization (WHO) Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) allocated an acceptable daily intake (ADI) for curcumin of 3 mg/kg body weight." - Nutrients | 2022

"Curcumin is considered a safe compound and authorized as a GRAS compound (generally recognized as safe) by US FDA (United States Food and Drug Administration). It is well tolerated at a higher dose of 12g in humans. Cells treated with the curcumin-piperine combination at their EC90 concentration showed no toxicity to neuronal cells. Reduction in locomotive behaviors was not observed with the curcumin-piperine combination, indicating no potential CNS side effects of curcumin-piperine combination at its highest therapeutic doses. We found no effects of the combination on the spontaneous locomotor activity at their high doses. The results indicate no potential central nervous system (CNS) side effects of the curcumin and piperine combination." - CM Journal | 2022

"Curcumin is “generally recognized as safe” (GRAS) as a dietary supplement by the U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and has been catalogued with the E100 code of the European Union." - Curcumin: A Novel Way to Improve Quality of Life for Colorectal Cancer Patients? International Journal of Molecular Sciences | 2022

"According to the US Food and Drug Administration, curcumin is classed as safe for both human consumption and pharmacological purposes without any known side effects." - Life | 2022

"Studies have shown that systemic exposure to curcumin-containing products at doses of up to 8,000 mg/day was safe and tolerable and did not cause serious adverse events." - Curcumin (Curcuma, Turmeric) and Cancer, PDQ Integrative, Alternative, and Complementary Therapies Editorial Board | 2022

"According to relevant clinical trials on safety and toxicity, the acceptable dose of curcumin for maximum efficacy is 4 – 8 grams per day. It has been reported that humans can tolerate treatment with curcumin at a dose up to 12 grams per day." - Frontiers in Pharmacology | 2022

"The US Food and Drug Administration has marked curcumin as a "By and large Recognized As Safe" item. The United Nations and World Health Organization Expert Committee on Food Additives and European Food Safety Authority suggested the everyday admission of 0-3 mg/kg body weight of curcumin. Furthermore, curcumin supplementation in a few clinical preliminaries exhibited wellbeing profiles at dosages in the range of 4000 and 8000 mg/ day." - Journal of Antimicrobial Agents, Prevention of Female Reproductive Disorders with the Help of Curcumin | 2022

Archived studies on the safety of curcumin

does piperine improve absorption, enhance bioavailability, and work synergistically with Curcumin?

 
"The association with piperine, an alkaloid derived from black pepper (Pipernigrum L), is capable of increasing the bioavailability of some drugs by inhibiting intestinal and hepatic glucuronidation. In humans, administration of 20mg of piperine with 2g of curcumin increased its bioavailability by 2000% compared to administration of 2g of curcumin alone. When curcumin (20 and 40mg/kg) was co-administered with piperine (bioavailability enhancer) at a dose of 2.5mg/kg, its pharmacological effects were intensified. Piperine is capable of increasing absorption, plasma concentration, and bioavailability of curcumin in both rats and humans without significant side effects. The administration of 20mg/kg of piperine with 2g/kg of curcumin in rats increases its bioavailability by 154% compared to administration of 2g/kg of curcumin alone. Piperine is a non-specific drug metabolism inhibitor, with low discrimination between different forms of cytochrome P-450. In rats, orally administered piperine strongly inhibits the hepatic activity of aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase (AHH) and UDP-glucuronyl transferase, with a potent inhibitory effect on pharmacological metabolism." - Curcumin in Alzheimer’s Disease and Depression: Therapeutic Potential and Mechanisms of Action | 2024

“Piperine, the active compound in black pepper, can enhance curcumin absorption (from turmeric) by up to 2,000%. This synergy not only amplifies the benefits of curcumin for the brain but also helps in improving digestion and nutrient absorption, indirectly supporting cognitive health.” - NY Post | 2024

"Combining piperine with curcumin has been shown to increase curcumin bioavailability in  humans." - Food Chemistry | 2024

"Piperine, a bioactive compound from black pepper (Piper nigrum), emerges as a potentiation agent capable of inhibiting hepatic glucuronidation, thereby increasing curcumin bioavailability by up to 2000%. The combination of curcumin and piperine has shown successful outcomes in diseases where oxidative stress is a significant etiological factor, such as metabolic syndrome. Curcumin plus piperine group had significantly higher serum superoxide dismutasecompared to the placebo group. This study suggests that 12 weeks of curcumin plus piperine supplementation effectively enhances the enzymatic antioxidant defense in IBD patients. The results provide new insights into the use of a natural therapeutic strategy and underscore the effectiveness of its combination with piperine, in enhancing the antioxidant effects of curcumin." - Effect of Curcumin plus Piperine on Redox Imbalance and Inflammation in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients | 2024

"Curcumin and piperine supplementation before and after exercise positively affects the muscle damage of athletes after exercise." - Examination of the effect of curcumin supplementation on liver enzymes and some physiological parameters in volleyball players | 2024

"Curcumin plus piperine administration showed a significantly increased superoxide dismutase activity and glutathione levels while significantly decreased malondialdehyde concentrations. In addition, our study revealed that curcumin plus piperine significantly decreased tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin-6 concentrations." - The Effects of Curcumin Plus Piperine Co-administration on Inflammation and Oxidative Stress | 2024

"The bioavailability of curcumin can be enhanced by piperine (an alkaloid derived from black pepper). Using piperine combined with curcumin significantly increased serum levels of curcumin in humans and animals by 2,000 times because of the extensive absorption and bioavailability." - The Use of Curcumin in the Treatment of Colorectal, Breast, Lung, and Prostate Cancers: An In Vivo study Update | 2024

"The combination of curcumin and piperine has shown successful outcomes in diseases where oxidative stress is a significant etiological factor, such as metabolic syndrome. The results underscore the effectiveness of combination with piperine in enhancing the antioxidant effects of curcumin. Piperine, a bioactive compound from black pepper (Piper nigrum), emerges as a potentiation agent capable of inhibiting hepatic glucuronidation, thereby increasing curcumin bioavailability by up to 2000%. The curcumin plus piperine group had significantly higher serum SOD compared to the placebo group. This study suggests that 12 weeks of curcumin plus piperine supplementation effectively enhances the enzymatic antioxidant defense, particularly SOD, in inflammatory bowel disease patients." - Effect of Curcumin plus Piperine on Redox Imbalance and Inflammation in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients | 2024

"When analyzed in humans, 2 grams of isolated curcumin showed undetectable or very low serum levels. After the concomitant administration of 20 mg of piperine, an increase in concentrations was observed within the time frame of 0.25 to 1 hour after administration. In those rats in which piperine pre-administration was performed before receiving curcumin, there was a significant increase in the oral bioavailability of curcumin, especially at 6 hour after piperine administration. Piperine, when administered concomitantly with 2 grams of curcumin in healthy human volunteers, increased the curcumin bioavailability by 2000%. Curcumin and piperine supplementation for obese mice under caloric restriction may increase the loss of body fat and suppresses HFD-induced inflammation." - Antioxidants | 2024

"Both curcumin and piperine suppress proliferation of leukemia cells and their IC50 value has reported to be 30 μM and 25 μM, respectively. These anti-cancer agents have capacity of inducing apoptosis in leukemia cells via mitochondrial pathway. Besides, curcumin and piperine induce autophagy and mediate S arrest.The current section clearly demonstrated that curcumin and its combination with other therapies can suppress leukemia progression." - Journal of Herbal Medicine, The Effects of Curcumin on Neurodegenerative Diseases: a Systematic Review | 2024

"To improve the bioavailability of curcumin, one of the potential strategies is adding piperine when administering curcumin orally. Piperine also has antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory activities. Piperine can increase the in vivo bioavailability of curcumin by inhibiting its metabolism and reducing the required dose of curcumin in the clinical setting. Piperine binds to several areas of the enzyme to form a hydrogen bond complex with curcumin that can increase its bioavailability up to twenty times." - Vitamin D and Curcumin Piperine Attenuates Disease Activity and Cytokine Levels in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patients | 2024

"Studies have shown that combining curcumin with piperine, a compound found in black pepper, can increase its bioavailability by inhibiting metabolism." - PLoS One | January 2024

"Black pepper (Piper nigrum) family piperaceae, with the main active ingredient piperine, has a hypoglycemic effect (Panda & Kar, 2003). Turmeric (Curcuma longa), family Zingiberaceae, in which a vital active ingredient is curcumin, has been revealed to have hypoglycemic, antioxidant, and lipid-lowering effects in many investigational studies (Khaliq et al., 2015). Earlier studies revealed that both herbs work in synergy in lowering postprandial blood glucose levels It was hypothesized that black pepper and turmeric together have a greater effect on lowering postprandial glycemia." - A Review on the Extraction Process and Therapeutic Activity of Curcumin on Diabetes Mellitus and Cancer | 2024

"Piperine enhances bioavailability when combined with curcumin in a complex. This was connected previously with 2000% increase in curcumin bioavailability. Several organic compounds have also been utilized to boost curcumin bioavailability, the majority of which reduce the metabolism of curcumin and enhance its absorption. Most of these compounds were developed to slow down the metabolism of curcumin and improve its bioavailability. Piperine, the primary active component of black pepper, is the most widely used." - Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy | 2024

"Piperine has been found to increase the bioavailability of curcumin significantly. Curcumin (oral, 1 g/d plus piperine 10 mg/day for 12 weeks) reduced cardiovascular risk and enhanced antioxidant capacity in type 2 diabetes mellitus through decreasing serum levels of total cholesterol and non-HDL-cholesterol." - Pharmacological Research | 2023

"Piperine increased the bioavailability of curcumin by 154%. Curcumin combined with piperine exhibited higher intestinal absorption (78%). When co-administered with piperine, the half-life of curcumin was increased from 12.8h to 28.9h. Co-administration of piperine (20 mg/kg) and curcumin (2 mg/kg) increased the plasma concentration of curcumin in a short time, i.e. within 1-2h, peak time was increased, elimination half-life decreased, and clearance decreased.  In humans, even with a 2g load of curcumin, the serum level was undetectable. A higher extent of absorption and higher bioavailability of curcumin (2000%) was observed in humans using 20mg piperine." - Review of Curcumin and Its Different Formulations: Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacodynamics and Pharmacokinetic-Pharmacodynamic Interactions | 2023

"Piperine is known to enhance curcumin absorption and tissue uptake, while also reducing curcumin hepatic metabolism. Once absorbed, curcumin is metabolized within the epithelial cells and/or effluxed back into the intestinal lumen. This efflux is thought to occur due to the presence of efflux transporters within the intestinal cell membranes. Piperine from black pepper, as well as certain catechins from green tea, are able to inhibit these transporters, thus increasing the amount of curcumin that remains in the body. A preclinical study administrated an orally delivered powder of curcumin (2 g/kg/day) and piperine (20 mg/kg/day) and concluded that piperine significantly increases the serum concentration of curcumin, resulting in a 154% improvement in its relative bioavailability. Similarly, a clinical study conducted with the combined oral administration of curcumin and piperine dissolved in water (2 g of curcumin powder, 20 mg of piperine and 150 mL of water). The study found that piperine significantly increased the serum concentration of curcumin, resulting in a relative bioavailability increase of 2000%" - Effect of Curcumin Consumption on Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in Patients on Hemodialysis: A Literature Review | 2023

"The bioavailability of curcumin was significantly increased by 2000% when piperine, which is extracted from black pepper, was also taken as a supplement." - Effect of Curcumin and Coenzyme Q10 Alone and in Combination on Learning and Memory in an Animal Model of Alzheimer’s Disease | 2023

"Piperine is an adjuvant that can greatly improve bioavailability of curcumin. Piperine slows the metabolism of curcumin by inhibiting hepatic and intestinal glucuronidation. Previous studies have shown that administering curcumin with piperine can increase serum concentrations of curcumin by up to 2000%, indicating that glucuronidation inhibition may be the major mechanism of increasing curcumin bioavailability. As such, the formulation of the supplement administered in the current study, 1,400 mg of curcumin and 10 mg of piperine, may have helped to increase serum concentrations of curcumin such that it could exert its biological action." - Frontiers in Nutrition, Sport and Exercise Nutrition | 2023

"The study has found that curcumin (oral, 1 gram per day plus piperine 10 mg/day for 12 weeks) reduced cardiovascular risk and enhanced antioxidant capacity in T2DM through decreasing serum levels of TC, non-HDL-c and MDA, while also increasing serum adiponectin, SOD or HDL-C levels." - Pharmacological Research | 2023

"The combination of curcumin with piperine has better gastrointestinal absorption and reduces curcumin's systemic excretion. Piperine increases the bioavailability of curcumin by binding to the enzyme glucuronidase in the intestine, preventing glucuronidation and reducing the excretion of curcumin from the stool" - The effect of curcumin-piperine on cardiometabolic, inflammatory and oxidative stress factors and macular vascular density | 2023

"Curcumin + piperine decreased waist circumference, systolic blood pressure, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, fasting blood glucose, alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase compared with placebo. Curcumin + piperine may be considered as an adjunct therapy to improve anthropometric measures, blood pressure, lipid profile, blood glucose, and liver function in Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease patients." - Efficacy of curcumin plus piperine co-supplementation in moderate-to-high hepatic steatosis | 2023

"Curcumin-piperine supplementation for 12 weeks resulted in significant reductions in serum levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, weight, waist circumference, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure in patients. To improve pharmacokinetic features, co-administration of curcumin with piperine has been introduced as an alternative. Piperine, which is a naturally occurring alkaloid from pepper, has been shown to increase the bioavailability of curcumin and reduce its glucuronidation." - The effects of curcumin-piperine supplementation on inflammatory, oxidative stress and metabolic indices in patients with ischemic stroke in the rehabilitation phase: a randomized controlled trial | 2023

"Recent studies demonstrated that piperine potentiates curcumin’s inhibitory effect on tumor progression via enhancing its delivery and therapeutic activity. Among the numerous candidates tested so far, curcumin, piperine and certain types of cannabinoids performed promisingly well in colon carcinoma models as monotherapy agents. Piperine, a dietary polyphenol isolated from black and long peppers, distinguished with its intrinsic features, improves not only curcumin’s existing anti-cancer activity, but also its extremely poor bioavailability. As a single agent, piperine alone also displays anti-mutagenic and anti-tumor activities." - Frontiers in Pharmacology | 2023

"Several studies done by using curcumin in conjunction with various anticancer compounds, as in piperine...have shown significant suppression, reduction/inhibition of IL-6, IL-1β, IL-19, TNF-α and COX-2 (Al-Dossari et al., Citation2020; X. Q. Hu et al., Citation2016; Neyrinck et al., Citation2013; Tremmel et al., Citation2019; Yan et al., Citation2019)." - Curcumin: recent updates on gastrointestinal cancers | 2023

"Black pepper piperine is one of the most effective boosters of curcumin bioavailability. The simultaneous administration of curcumin and piperine to humans or animals boosted the serum levels by more than a thousandfold. Piperine contained in black pepper can improve the uptake of curcumin by 2,000% (20 times). The vast metabolism of turmeric in the hepatic tissues and intestinal walls increased its bioavailability, which improved through piperine. Taking these two substances with an oil rich in unsaturated fatty acids further strengthens this benefit. Zeng et al. examined the effect of piperine pre-administration on oral curcumin bioavailability. In this investigation, rats were given 20 mg/kg piperine first, followed by 200 mg/kg curcumin at intervals of 0.5–8 h after piperine treatment. The pre-treatment with piperine before curcumin administration significantly increased curcumin oral bioavailability in all tested rats. Recent research suggests that oral administration of curcumin and piperine for symptomatic COVID-19 therapy might dramatically reduce mortality and morbidity (53). The conjugation between piperine and curcumin may be a safe and natural option for preventing post-COVID symptoms." - Impacts of turmeric and its principal bioactive curcumin on human health: Pharmaceutical, medicinal, and food applications: A comprehensive review | 2023

"The combination of Curcumin with piperine was associated with a 2000% improvement in Curcumin bioavailability." - Health Science Reports | 2023

"Another promising approach is the simultaneous administration of curcumin with piperine, an alkaloid from black pepper and long pepper. Piperine significantly increases the bioavailability of curcumin—up to 2000%—by preventing its metabolism." - An Overview of the Enhanced Effects of Curcumin and Chemotherapeutic Agents in Combined Cancer Treatments | 2023

"Curcumin has received worldwide attention for its multiple health benefits, which are best achieved when curcumin is combined with agents such as piperine to increase its bioavailability significantly. Pawar et al reported that the administration of oral curcumin with piperine as symptomatic adjuvant therapy in COVID 19 treatment could substantially reduce morbidity and mortality and ease the logistical and supply related burdens on the healthcare system. Askari et al reported that 46 outpatients with COVID 19 disease were randomly allocated to receive two capsules of curcumin - piperine for 14 days. There was a significant improvement in dry cough, sputum cough, ague, sore throat, weakness, muscular pain, headache and dyspnoea in curcumin - piperine groups. Kumar et al reported that using curcumin, Piper Nigrum Piperine and catechin could cure and prevent COVID 19 outbreaks and infection. Curcumin and piperine interact and form a π–π intermolecular complex, which enhances curcumin's bioavailability." - Therapeutic potential of curcumin in ARDS and COVID 19 | 2023

"Curcumin by itself has very low bioavailability due to ineffective absorption, and fast metabolism and excretion. This issue can be solved by combining curcumin with piperine (a key active ingredient in black pepper) to create a curcumin complex that is readily absorbed and metabolized in the body. Curcumin is more active when combined with piperine to provide major health benefits. These benefits are maximized when curcumin is coupled with agents such as piperine, that significantly increase its bioavailability." - The Therapeutic Role of Curcumin in Inflammation | 2023

"Curcumin has received worldwide attention for its multiple health benefits, which appear to act primarily through its anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms. These benefits are best achieved when curcumin is combined with agents such as piperine, which increase its bioavailability significantly." - Department of Nutrition, Central Michigan University | 2023


Archived studies on curcumin and piperine

What is the suggested usage and dosage for curcumin 95%?

"For optimal pharmacological effects, an oral dose of more than 8.0 grams per day is often required. Numerous clinical studies demonstrated that a daily intake of 12 grams of curcumin is well tolerated and safe." - Pharmaceutics | 2024

"Patients taking curcumin once or twice a day reported significant symptom improvement compared to patients taking it sporadically." - Rheumatology International | 2024

"Researchers concluded that if you want to receive the maximum benefits from curcumin, 30 mg per kilogram body weght is the most effective dose." - Molecular Neurobiology | 2024

"Curcumin's protective effect is proportional to the dose, and the efficacy may be further increased at a concentration of more than 200 mg per kg. Results indicated that the efficacy of curcumin improved with higher administered doses within the concentration range of 200 mg per kg. The results from the fitted curves suggest that efficacy may further improve at concentrations exceeding 200 mg/kg." - Cardioprotective Effects of Curcumin Against Diabetic Cardiomyopathie | 2024

"A phase I trial examining the impact of curcumin on advanced colorectal cancer did not detect curcumin concentration in the plasma at lower doses. However, metabolites of curcumin were identified in plasma at higher doses." - Food Chemistry | 2024

"In a study on curcumin treatment of drug-resistant tumor cells, a low dose of curcumin showed no effect on antioxidant proteins, whereas a high dose resulted in the inhibition of antioxidant proteins. Furthermore, high-dose curcumin treatment has been reported to exacerbate the effects on damaged mitochondria. This results in mitochondrial and DNA damage and subsequent activation of the cell death pathway, providing possible approaches for cancer therapy." - Oncology Letters | 2024

"A study used two dosages (2000 mg and 4000 mg) of curcumin powder daily for 30 days in 40 participants, aiming to decrease procarcinogenic factors. Only the higher dose group showed a 40% reduction in these foci, correlating with a significant increase in plasma curcumin levels." - Curcumin in Cancer and Inflammation | 2024

"Curcumin supplementation in doses of 3000 mg/day over 8–12 weeks showed reductive effect on total cholesterol levels, however curcumin therapy with doses less of 1000 mg per day has had no significant effect." - Complementary Therapies in Medicine Volume | 2024

"The US Food and Drug Administration has permitted curcumin's safety. Because of multiple medical research on the safety and harmfulness of curcumin, a tolerable dosage of 4 – 8 grams per day is regarded to achieve the best therapeutic results" - Food and Agricultural Immunology | 2023


"The dose-dependent action of curcumin observed in our results highlights the importance of considering its concentration in cancer treatment. We found that increasing concentrations of curcumin led to a proportional decrease in cell viability, migration, and invasion in gastric cancer cells. This suggests that the efficacy of curcumin in inhibiting cancer cell progression is influenced by its dose, with higher concentrations resulting in more pronounced effects. The dose-dependent response may be attributed to curcumin's complex interactions with multiple cellular targets and signaling pathways. At lower concentrations, curcumin may predominantly target specific pathways, while higher concentrations may engage multiple pathways, leading to a more potent inhibitory effect." - Dose-Response | 2023

Why NATURAL curcumin 95% extract from turmeric root without nanoparticles or other highly processed synthetics, liposomals or emulsifiers?
"The use of curcumin in liposomal form is becoming more and more common, the concentration of this compound, in cells can reach much higher level, definitely exceeding the amounts that can enter the body when applied in natural form. The conducted experiments clearly showed that liposomal curcumin, when directly applied to cells, is toxic to them. Comparison of the toxicity of curcumin for HL-60 cells and nerve cells confirmed (as shown in model studies) that the disruption of membrane structure due to the presence of liposomal curcumin correlates with damage to native membranes, ultimately leading to cell death." - Scientific Reports | 2024

"In the last few years questions have been raised regarding the potential toxicity of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) to humans and environment. It is believed that the physico-chemical characteristics of these materials are key determinants of CNT interaction with living organisms, and hence determine their toxicity." - Determinants of carbon nanotube toxicity | 2023

"This study evaluated the toxic events of curcumin nanoparticles with alterable surface polarity in alveolar macrophages. In conclusion, the cytotoxicity of curcumin nanoparticles on alveolar macrophages is surface-charge dependent, which in turn is associated to the uptake pathway and localization of curcumin nanoparticles in cells." - Toxicity of curcumin nanoparticles towards alveolar macrophage, Food and Chemical Toxicology | 2022

"The harmfulness of nanoparticles is impacted by their condition of conglomeration and mechanical properties, which are reliant upon their creation and decontaminating strategies. Worries about the poisonousness of nanoparticle-based conveyance strategies incorporate neuroinflammation, excitotoxicity, and unfavorably susceptible responses." - Alternative & Integrative Medicine | 2022

"Curcumin nanomicelle suppressed spermatogenesis, increased immunoreactivity of 8-oxodG, stimulated the Hsp70–2a and Hsp90 expressions, and resulted in severe DNA and mRNA damages. Moreover, the curcumin nano-micelle received animals exhibited remarkable reductions in the spermatozoa count, motility and DNA integrity. In conclusion, chronic and high dose consumption of curcumin nanomicelle results in remarkable oxidative stress." - Curcumin nano-micelle induced testicular toxicity in healthy rats; evidence for oxidative stress, Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy | 2021

"A number of nanoparticles have negative impacts on male germ and somatic cells which could ultimately affect fertility or the ability to produce healthy offspring." - Toxicity mechanisms of nanoparticles in the male reproductive system | 2021

"Nanoparticles may act as reproductive toxicants depending on several factors, and induce damage to the male reproductive system by affecting the seminiferous tubules and spermatogenesis. This is mainly due to the fact that nanoparticles can easily enter the blood circulatory system and reach the testes by crossing the blood testes barrier. The bioaccumulation of nanoparticles in the testes causes seminiferous tubule histopathology and severely affects the sperm number, motility and morphology. Moreover, nanoparticles also induce disturbances to the Leydig cells, causing decline in the testosterone level with consequent testicular injury and reduced sperm production." - Perspectives of Nanoparticles in Male Infertility: Evidence for Induced Abnormalities in Sperm Production |  2021

"Curcumin nanoparticles suppressed the proliferation of testicular cell lines in vitro. In the present study, we disclosed the acute damage on mouse spermatogenesis and sperm parameters by nano-curcumin. Our results suggested that the reproductive toxicity of nanoformulated curcumin needs to be prudently evaluated before its application." - Acute Damage to the Sperm Quality and Spermatogenesis in Male Mice Exposed to Curcumin-Loaded Nanoparticles, International Journal of Nanomedicine | 2020


"Nanoparticles are able to pass certain biological barriers and exert toxic effects on crucial organs, such as the brain, liver, and kidney. Only recently, attention has been directed toward the reproductive toxicity of nanomaterials. Nanoparticles can pass through the blood–testis barrier, placental barrier, and epithelial barrier, which protect reproductive tissues, and then accumulate in reproductive organs. nanoparticles accumulation damages organs (testis, epididymis, ovary, and uterus) by destroying Sertoli cells, Leydig cells, and germ cells, causing reproductive organ dysfunction that adversely affects sperm quality, quantity, morphology, and motility or reduces the number of mature oocytes and disrupts primary and secondary follicular development. In addition, nanoparticles can disrupt the levels of secreted hormones, causing changes in sexual behavior. However, the current review primarily examines toxicological phenomena. The molecular mechanisms involved in nanoparticles toxicity to the reproductive system are not fully understood, but possible mechanisms include oxidative stress, apoptosis, inflammation, and genotoxicity. Previous studies have shown that nanoparticles can increase inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis and induce ROS, causing damage at the molecular and genetic levels which results in cytotoxicity." - Potential adverse effects of nanoparticles on the reproductive system

"Recent studies have shown that nanoparticles disturb the developing oocyte by invading the protective barrier of theca cells, granulosa cell layers and zona pellucida. Nanoparticles disrupt sex hormone levels through the hypothalamic–pituitary-gonadal axis or by direct stimulation of secretory cells, such as granule cells, follicle cells, thecal cells and the corpus luteum. Some nanoparticles can cross the placenta into the fetus by passive diffusion or endocytosis, which can trigger fetal inflammation, apoptosis, genotoxicity, cytotoxicity, low weight, reproductive deficiency, nervous damage, and immunodeficiency, among others." - Nanoparticles and female reproductive system: how do nanoparticles affect oogenesis and embryonic development

"Females are particularly more vulnerable to nanoparticle toxicity, and toxicity in this population may affect reproductivity and fetal development. Moreover, various types of nanoparticles have negative impacts on male germ cells, fetal development, and the female reproductive system." - Toxicity of Nanoparticles on the Reproductive System in Animal Models: A Review

how do other "curcumin" suppliers use deceptive marketing and misleading advertisements?

When selecting a curcumin extract product, it is important to know the difference between curcumin and turmeric. Turmeric root contains only 3% curcumin on average. Consumers may be misled by deceptive marketing to believe there is more curcumin per capsule than there actually is. Unfortunately, these deceptions are not uncommon in the supplement industry today:

HeartWise Inc., doing business as NatureWise, was hit with a class action lawsuit for falsely advertising that its dietary supplements contain “2250 mg Per Day” of curcumin, when each pill actually only contains 750 mg. Plaintiff Martha Valentine says the dietary supplement actually requires three capsules to provide the advertised 2250 mg dosage. She maintains that she was led to believe each of the 180 capsules in the container contains 2250mg of the curcumin supplement after reading and relying on the product’s label that represented “2250 mg Per Day” of curcumin and “180 vegetarian capsules.” She says that at the time of her purchase, she did not know the product required her to take three capsules to reach the full dosage of 2250 mg of curcumin, and if she had known the truth regarding NatureWise’s misrepresentations and omissions, she would not have purchased the product. She maintains that this representation led her to believe that each of the capsules contained 2250 mg of the curcumin supplement. However, upon closer inspection of the bottle, NatureWise reveals that three capsules must be consumed to provide the 2250 mg per day serving. NatureWise’s misleading representations and omissions lead consumers to pay a premium for the supplements because they falsely believe that they are receiving three times as much curcumin as they actually receive in each bottle. “NatureWise intentionally fails to adequately disclose to consumers that more than one capsule is required to obtain the labeled dosage amount. Defendant knew and intended that consumers would purchase, and pay a premium for, a supplement labeled as having a 2250 mg of curcumin per day, leading consumers to believe that by taking 1 capsule per day they would be able to get all the benefits of consuming a large dosage of curcumin." - Valentine et al v. HeartWise Inc. d/b/a NatureWise and HeartWise Wonder Inc., Case No. 20-cv-4302, N.D. Cal.

Sam’s West Inc's Member’s Mark supplements was hit with a class action lawsuit on March 23, 2023 in a Tennessee federal court for falsely advertising its turmeric curcumin complex health supplement. According to the lawsuit filed by plaintiff Matthew Casella, the product’s front label representations say it contains 500 mg of “standardized extract” of “turmeric curcumin complex” and the Supplement Facts on the back label specify that “95% Standardized Turmeric (Curcuma longa) Extract” was used. These representations give consumers the impression the product contains 95% (475mg) of curcuminoids per serving, Casella says. “However, lab testing conducted by ConsumerLab.com revealed that instead of the expected 475 mg, the product contains only 9.7 mg of curcuminoids per serving,” he alleges. The ingredients list states that “CurcuWIN Turmeric Extract” is the extract used, however a report from ConsumerLab found that “CurcuWin is only 20% curcuminoids.” If the product contains CurcuWIN, as listed in the ingredients, the extract cannot also be “95% Standardized Turmeric (Curcuma longa) Extract,” as listed in the supplement facts, Casella reasons. “As a result of the false and misleading representations, the product is sold at premium price.” - Matthew Casella, et al. v. Sam’s West Inc., Case No. 3:23-cv-00102, in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee.

"Doctor's Curcumin" on the front of the label, but the details confirm that each capsule is 100% turmeric spice.

"Turmeric Curcumin 500mg Enhanced Formula" only contains 200mg Curcumin extract, and the remainder is 300mg turmeric.

"1000mg Super Complex Curcumin (25%)" is actually just 250mg of Curcumin extract and the remaining 750mg is turmeric.

"Turmeric Curcumin Proprietary Blend 1000mg" but contains only 50mg Curcumin 95% extract per capsule, or 3,000mg per bottle (60 capsules x 50mg) and yet is priced higher than our bottle, which contains a total of 100,000mg of Curcumin 95% extract.

"Premium Turmeric Curcumin Complex Plus 1500" contains 150mg of Curcumin and 600mg of turmeric spice per serving, and the serving size is two capsules, meaning only 75mg of Curcumin 95% extract per capsule.

Actual labels from "Curcumin" bottles:

What are the health properties and pharmacological  actions of Curcumin?
 
"Over 10,000 research papers and over 1000 review articles have been published to discuss the molecular basis of curcumin’s attributed antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiapoptosis, anticancer, and antiaging activities." - Stem Cells Translational Medicine | 2024

"Regardless of health status, adding curcumin to one’s diet lowers circulating levels of pro-inflammatory bio-markers and raises levels of anti-inflammatory mediators. Extensive investigations have explored the beneficial effects of curcumin in numerous cancer types, encompassing breast cancer, lung cancer, cancers affecting the digestive system, as well as hematological cancers. In addition to its therapeutic attributes, curcumin has been proposed as a prospective agent in cancer prevention, primarily attributed to its antioxidant and immunomodulatory properties. Curcumin has also demonstrated its potential as an agent in the regulation of obesity and metabolic processes. In addition, curcumin aids in the management of metabolic syndrome and hyperlipidemia and has shown promise as a robust endocrine system modulator, boosting or controlling the release of several hormones, including insulin. Curcumin has also exhibited beneficial effects in various pulmonary disorders, highlighting its potential in the management of respiratory system-related conditions. Curcumin also exhibits the capacity to attenuate the natural response of the body to cutaneous wounds, including inflammation and oxidation. Findings from a meta-analysis study on human subjects affected by depression have also revealed that curcumin might improve depressive and anxiety symptoms in these individuals,suggesting that it can be utilized as an adjunct treatment for depressive disorders. The clinical utility of curcumin extends to the realm of neurodegenerative diseases; dementia, Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson's disease. Due to its free radical scavenging, mitochondrial protecting, anti-inflammatory, and iron-chelating properties, curcumin is regarded as a promising therapeutic and nutraceutical agent for the treatment of Parkinson's disease. Accordingly, several studies have indicated that curcumin prevents the dopaminergic neuronal loss in models of Parkinson's disease, which provides further evidence for a potential neuroprotective role for curcumin in Parkinson's disease." - Heliyon | 2024

"Curcumin is a diketone pigment composed of two o-methylated phe- nols and a β-dione functional group, which is rare in the plant kingdom" - Journal of Food Science | 2024

"Studies on curcumin have since confirmed its powerful antioxidant properties, preventing both the formation of free radicals and their neutralization, having anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, immunological, and neuroprotective properties, as well as being a regulator of the intestinal microbiota with beneficial effects on the clinical manifestations of metabolic syndrome." - Antioxidants | 2024

"Curcumin, the most abundant curcuminoid in turmeric, has been widely investigated for its various biological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer effects. Numerous in vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated the ability of curcumin to modulate multiple signaling pathways involved in carcinogenesis, leading to inhibition of cancer cell proliferation, induction of apoptosis, and suppression of metastasis. Furthermore, curcumin has shown promising potential as a radioprotective agent by mitigating radiation-induced oxidative stress and DNA damage. Additionally, turmeric extracts containing curcuminoids have been reported to exhibit potent antioxidant activity, scavenging free radicals and protecting cells from oxidative damage. The multifaceted pharmacological properties of turmeric make it a promising candidate for the development of novel therapeutic strategies for cancer prevention and treatment, as well as for the management of oxidative stress-related disorders." - Frontiers in Nutrition | 2024

"Due to its variety of biological effects and implications in different diseases, curcumin has been described as “pharmacodynamically fierce". Curcumin has been found to possess a variety of biological properties, including its immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, neuroprotective, and anti-cancer effects. In addition, curcumin has been studied in different diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease, pancreatitis, psoriasis, arthritis, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. Curcumin has been reported to possess both preventive and therapeutic effects on several types of cancer, such as breast and prostate cancer, lung cancer, pancreatic malignancies, and brain tumors, including glioblastoma.The anti-cancer properties of curcumin have been attributed to its diverse interactions with key molecular pathways implicated in different biological processes, such as proliferation, control of the cell cycle, apoptosis, metastasis, angiogenesis, and inflammation. Moreover, curcumin has been found to specifically target cancer stem cells, a population of cells largely responsible for the resistance to established chemotherapeutic treatments and recurrence of cancer patients. Furthermore, several studies have shown that curcumin may sensitize tumor cells to both chemo- and radiotherapy and, thus, improve treatment efficacy while reducing side effects when given as an adjuvant therapy. As more clinical evidence becomes available, curcumin is likely to become a fundamental part of cancer therapies in the future." - The Role of Curcumin in Cancer | 2024

"Curcumin taken orally has been found to counteract cell damage from the environment and disease." - Prevention | 2024

"Curcumin, derived from turmeric, has long captivated the pharmaceutical field globally due to its pharmacological effects and clinical development (Hasanzadeh et al., 2020). Curcumin is a lipophilic polyphenol that is antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-fibrotic. It has been extensively used as a food seasoning because of its high level of safety (Bavarsad et al., 2019) (Figure 1). Numerous human clinical trials have extensively employed curcumin for interventions in various diseases, such as multiple myeloma, pancreatic cancer, NAFLD, colon cancer, and Alzheimer’s disease, both in vitro and in animal models (Hatcher et al., 2008)." - Frontiers in Pharmacology | 2024

"In the last ten years, there has been an increase in interest in curcumin-based therapies for the prevention and treatment of various illnesses, such as cardiovascular diseases, cancers, neurodegenerative diseases (Parkinson's, Alzheimer's and multiple sclerosis), autoimmune diseases (osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis), diabetes, pulmonary diseases and some gastrointestinal disorders. Curcumin has been shown to have a positive impact on several inflammatory disorders, including diabetes and cardiovascular conditions. According to the available published literature, it can be concluded that curcumin, as a promising nutraceutical-based treatment not only has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-apoptotic effects, but it can also have beneficial effects on cardiovascular diseases by increasing the bioavailability of nitric oxide and exerting an effect on nitric oxide mediator signals." - Nitric Oxide | 2024

"Distinguished by its unique molecular structure, curcumin exhibits potent biological activities including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and potential anticancer effects. The research points towards curcumin’s growing importance as a multi-faceted natural compound in the medical and scientific community. In the realm of contemporary science, curcumin has sparked considerable interest due to its potential health benefits. Studies have delved into its effectiveness against chronic illnesses such as cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, heart diseases, and inflammatory conditions. This interest is fueled by its properties as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and role in cancer prevention. Scientists are examining how curcumin influences various cellular processes by interacting with multiple signaling molecules, including growth factors, cytokines, and the genes involved in cell life cycle and division. In summary, curcumin, with its deep-rooted history in traditional healing practices and its promising prospects in modern medical research, continues to be an area of keen scientific focus. As research progresses to elucidate the complexity of its chemistry and the breadth of its pharmacological actions, curcumin stands as a key player in the treatment of a diverse spectrum of health conditions." - International Journal of Molecular Sciences | 2024

"Curcumin is one of the most powerful natural anti-inflammatories in existence." - Curcumin in Alzheimer’s Disease and Depression | 2024

"Intensive studies carried out within the past 3 decades confirmed that the anti-inflammatory and antitumor properties of turmeric are attributable to its active component, curcumin. Curcumin is a natural compound isolated from the rhizome of the plant Curcuma longa (turmeric) that has been used to treat inflammation, cancer and neurodegenerative diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS) and Parkinson’s disease. A large number of studies including both animal model experiments and clinical trials, have verified the anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties of curcumin." - Frontiers in Pharmacology | 2024

"Almost 7000 scientific papers on turmeric and almost 20,000 on curcumin have been published in PubMed. These studies show that the golden spice has enormous health and medicinal benefits for humans." - Pharmacology & Translational Science | 2023

First shown to have anti-bacterial activity in 1949, curcumin has since been shown to have anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, pro-apoptotic, chemopreventive, chemotherapeutic, anti-proliferative, wound healing, anti-nociceptive, anti-parasitic, and anti-malarial properties as well.  Numerous clinical and preclinical studies and trials evaluating curcumin's safety and efficacy have revealed its potential against a wide range of human diseases and ailments have been completed. These pathologies include diabetes, obesity, neurologic and psychiatric disorders, and cancer, as well as chronic illnesses affecting the eyes, lungs, liver, kidneys, and gastrointestinal and cardiovascular systems. Curcumin has also been shown to regulate numerous transcription factors, cytokines, protein kinases, adhesion molecules, redox status and enzymes that have been linked to inflammation. Growing experimental evidence reveals that curcumin exhibits multitarget biological implications signifying its crucial role in health and disease, with pharmacological effects against numerous diseases like neuronal, cardiovascular, metabolic, kidney, endocrine, skin, respiratory, infectious, gastrointestinal diseases and cancer. The ability of curcumin to modulate the functions of multiple signal transductions are linked with attenuation of acute and chronic diseases. Extensive research over the past half century has shown that curcumin (diferuloylmethane), a component of the golden spice turmeric (Curcuma longa), can modulate multiple cell signaling pathways. Extensive clinical trials over the past quarter century have addressed the pharmacokinetics, safety, and efficacy of this nutraceutical against numerous diseases in humans. Some promising effects have been observed in patients with various pro-inflammatory diseases including cancer, cardiovascular disease, arthritis, uveitis, ulcerative proctitis, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel disease, tropical pancreatitis, peptic ulcer, gastric ulcer, idiopathic orbital inflammatory pseudotumor, oral lichen planus, gastric inflammation, vitiligo, psoriasis, acute coronary syndrome, atherosclerosis, diabetes, diabetic nephropathy, diabetic microangiopathy, lupus nephritis, renal conditions, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, β-thalassemia, biliary dyskinesia, Dejerine-Sottas disease, cholecystitis, and chronic bacterial prostatitis.

Curcumin has also shown protection against hepatic conditions, chronic arsenic exposure, and alcohol intoxication. Extensive preclinical studies over the past three decades have indicated curcumin’s therapeutic potential against a wide range of human diseases. In addition, curcumin has been shown to directly interact with numerous signaling molecules. These preclinical studies have formed a solid basis for evaluating curcumin’s efficacy in clinical trials. The clinical trials conducted thus far have indicated the therapeutic potential of curcumin against a wide range of human diseases. Curcumin has a potential to prevent and/or manage various diseases due to its anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and anti-apoptotic properties with an excellent safety profile. In contrast, the anti-cancer effects of curcumin are reflected due to induction of growth arrest and apoptosis in various premalignant and malignant cells. Curcumin reduces the risk of osteoporosis via amelioration of mitochondrial membrane function, PKB phosphorylation, microRNA-365 activation, osteoblasts proliferation. It reduced ulcerative colitis by inhibiting neutrophil chemotaxis. The gastroprotective effect is due to inhibition of acid release, amelioration of blood flow, angiogenesis and collagenization of gastric tissue. Curcumin shows hepatoprotective action due to inhibitory activity against NF-jB. Additionally, curcumin reduced liver marker enzymes, cholesterol levels and replication of hepatitis B and C viruses. Curcumin treatment reduces asthma and allergy symptoms mainly due to inhibition of histamine release, attenuation of IgE, inhibition of COX-2 enzyme, suppression of JNK54/56, ERK 42/44 and p38 MAPK, stimulation of Nrf-2/HO-1 pathway, upregulation of Notch1, Notch2 receptors, GATA3 etc. Curcumin blocks certain cytokines and enzymes, inhibits ROS generation, downregulate NF-kB activation, induce extracellular matrix production, upregulate collagen and fibronectin expressions thereby reduce inflammatory diseases. Curcumin treatment reduces fibronectin and collagen IV expressions, suppresses TGF-bsignaling and exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic potential thereby ameliorates kidney functions. Studies have indicated the anticancer effects of curcumin by evaluating its effect on a variety of biological pathways involved in cell cycle regulation, apoptosis, tumorigenesis, mutagenesis and metastasis.

Curcumin mediates its effects by modulation of various molecular targets including transcription factors, enzymes, cell cycle proteins, receptors, cell surface adhesion molecules, neurotransmitters etc. Curcumin exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic potential thereby reduce neurodegenerative, cardiovascular, metabolic, gastrointestinal, respiratory and inflammatory diseases. Clinical and preclinical data have conclusively proved that curcumin modulates neurotransmitter levels and reduces neurodegeneration thereby ameliorate neuronal and behavioral dysfunctions. Curcumin reduces Alzheimer’s pathology by reducing Abplaques and tau phosphorylation. The anti-depressant and anxiolytic mechanism of curcumin includes inhibition of brain MAO activity, modulation of serotonin receptor and amelioration of neurotrophic factors. Curcumin reduces drug addiction and withdrawal symptoms, possibly through modulation of HAT, DNA methyl transferases, CREB, BDNF and CaMKIIalevels. Curcumin administration reduced Huntington’s disease by reducing huntingtin aggregates. In cardiovascular disease, the anti-atherosclerotic mechanism of curcumin includes the inhibition of platelet aggregation and modulation of cholesterol homeostasis. Curcumin effectively reduce hypertension by blocking angiotensin I receptor, reducing circulating angiotensin-converting enzyme and inducing vasodilation. The antiarrhythmic mechanisms of curcumin are due to modulation of Ca 2þ homeostasis and blockade of potassium channels. The anti-fungal mechanisms of curcumin includes the leakage of intracellular component, disruption of plasma membrane, generation of oxidative stress, induction of apoptosis, inhibition hyphae development, upregulation of chitin synthase and PKC etc. Curcumin treatment downregulated genomic transcription and translation, inhibited viral oncoproteins, suppressed the Akt/SREBP-1 pathway, inhibited hemagglutination, proteases, integrase and Tat protein acetylation resulting in antiviral effects. Curcumin administration reduces cerebral infracts size and volume during stroke. During metabolic diseases, curcumin treatment ameliorates b-cell dysfunction, insulin signaling and GLP-1 secretion while reduces glucose intolerance, hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia and hyperlipidemia.
what research papers on Curcumin studies have been published in medical literature and scientific journals?

November 2024

Curcumin on Human Health: A Comprehensive Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of 103 Randomized Controlled Trials
Phytotherapy Research | November 2024
Curcumin supplementation can modify fasting blood sugar and some glycemic indices, lipid parameters, as well as inflammatory and oxidative parameters. This updated summary of the accumulated evidence may help inform clinicians and future guidelines regarding medical and scientific interest in curcumin. In total, 103 RCTs on 42 outcomes were included, incorporating a total population of 7216 participants. The credibility of the evidence was rated as high for fasting blood sugar (FBS), C-reactive protein (CRP), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and weight. The remaining outcomes presented moderate (waist circumference [WC], hip circumference [HC], body mass index [BMI], insulin, Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance [HOMA-IR], quantitative insulin-sensitivity check index [QUICKI], leptin, gamma-glutamyl transferase [GGT], glutathione [GSH], and superoxide dismutase.

Epigenetic influence of curcumin on histone signatures in breast cancer
bioRxiv | November 2024
Curcumin has been shown to suppress breast cancer through the regulation of a multitude of cellular signaling pathways such as cell proliferation, apoptosis, cell-cycle arrest, reactive oxidative stress (ROS), and microRNAs with molecular targets ranging from NF-κB, cyclinD1, P13K, Raf-1, NRF2 and p53. In addition to these mechanisms, curcumin has also been found to influence histone modifications, modulating histone acetylation and methylation in cancer cell lines. For example, in one study on triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), curcumin was shown to inhibit oncogenic EZH2 by reducing H3K27me3 at the promoter for tumor suppressive DLC1, inducing apoptosis in tumor cells. This is the first study to analyze and profile upwards of 50 histone codes in relation to curcumin in breast cancer and link novel histone PTMs with curcumin treatment. In this study we also found possible connections between curcumin’s epigenetic targets in breast cancer and neurological disorders, suggesting potential common epigenetic pathways utilized by these diseases. Overall, our study elucidated possible new therapeutic targets for curcumin as an epigenetic modulator for breast cancer and other diseases.Curcumin, a natural plant-derived compound, has been shown to have an anticancer effect via its influence on epigenetic regulation.

Curcuma-Based Nutritional Supplements and Risk of Age-Related Macular Degeneration
JAMA Ophthalmology | November 2024
Among patients without a history of Age-Related Macular Degeneration aged 50 years or older, curcumin supplement use was associated with lower rates of developing nonexudative Age-Related Macular Degeneration, advanced nonexudative Age-Related Macular Degeneration or GA, exudative Age-Related Macular Degeneration, blindness, or requiring intravitreal anti-VEGF therapy when compared with matched patients not taking curcumin supplements. Results were consistent among subsets of patients 60 and 70 years or older, respectively. Among patients with early nonexudative Age-Related Macular Degeneration, subsequent instances of curcumin supplement prescription records were associated with lower rates of developing advanced nonexudative Age-Related Macular Degeneration or GA when compared with matched patients with early nonexudative Age-Related Macular Degeneration without a curcumin supplement prescription record. Conclusion and Relevance Results of this cohort study suggest that a reduced risk of developing Age-Related Macular Degeneration or progression to later stages of Age-Related Macular Degeneration was associated with subsequent use of curcumin supplements.

The Best Supplements To Take for Longevity
Health | November 2024
Curcumin is a natural plant compound most notably found in turmeric. It has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and immune system-boosting properties. Researchers believe curcumin affects the proteins that play a role in the cellular aging processes, including oxidative stress, inflammation, cellular signaling, DNA repair, and apoptosis (death of cells). Curcumin can be taken as a supplement on its own or as a turmeric supplement. Studies have shown that turmeric doses up to 8,000 milligrams daily for up to eight months and curcumin doses up to 8,000 milligrams daily for up to three months are safe.

The effects of curcumin supplementation on inflammatory markers in systemic lupus erythematosus patients: a randomized placebo-controlled trial
European Journal of Nutrition | November 2024
Curcumin supplementation caused a significant reduction in anti-ds DNA and IL-6 levels at the end of the trial in comparison with baseline. Analysis of covariance which was adjusted for confounding variables also revealed that anti-ds DNA and IL-6 levels decreased significantly in curcumin group compared to placebo group by the end of the intervention period. No significant changes were observed in levels of other variables during the study (p > 0.05). Conclusion Curcumin, as an effective and safe adjuvant therapy, ameliorated the autoimmune activity and inflammation in systemic lupus erythematosus patients via reducing anti-ds DNA and IL-6 levels.

Advances in relieving exercise fatigue for curcumin: Molecular targets, bioavailability, and potential mechanism
Journal of Food Science | November 2024
Curcumin, the main naturally occurring bioactive polyphenol in turmeric, has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. There is growing evidence that curcumin can scavenge free radicals, inhibit inflammation, reduce the accumulation of metabolites, and regulate energy metabolism (Fernandez- Lazaro et al., 2020; Hu et al., 2023; Xu et al., 2018). Curcumin regulates gut microbiota through metabolic pathways, providing a new perspective for alleviating fatigue. , curcumin has been shown to interact with a variety of molecular targets (inflammatory cytokines, transcription factors, growth factors, receptors, cell cycle proteins, apoptosis-related proteins, adhesion molecules, and enzymes) through covalent, non-covalent hydropho- bic, and hydrogen bond interactions, providing a number of possible molecular mechanisms (Patel et al., 2020; She- hzad et al., 2017). The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of curcumin are related to its molecular structure and abundant molecular targets. There was evidence that curcumin scavenged free radicals by inducing the acti- vation of the nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor-2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway (He et al., 2012). Research has shown that curcumin exerts anti-inflammatory effects by binding to pro-inflammatory molecules such as monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin-12, IL-8, and IL-6 (Derosa et al., 2016; It can reduce oxidative stress, inhibit inflammation, regulate energy metabolism, and decrease metabolite accumulation by modulating the NF- κB, Nrf2, and AMPK pathways. Therefore, curcumin has the potential to play a variety of positive roles, reduce exercise fatigue, improve exercise performance, and help post-exercise recovery. This review summarized the effects of curcumin on fatigue-related indicators of running and swimming in animals, eccentric muscle movements in humans, running, swimming, and cycling, and Taekwondo training in profes- sional athletes. It was shown that curcumin supplementation can relieve fatigue to a certain extent under different doses, intake times, exercise types, and exercise groups. This confirmed the effectiveness and comprehensiveness of curcumin in alleviating exercise-induced fatigue through the signaling pathway network. Recent studies have also revealed bidirectional interactions between curcumin and the gut microbiota, highlighting the possibility that curcumin alleviates exercise fatigue by improving the icrobial composition and strengthening the intestinal barrier.

Curcumin and Cognitive Function: A Systematic Review of the Effects of Curcumin on Adults With and Without Neurocognitive Disorders
California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences and Psychology | October 2024
Studies found curcumin significantly improves working memory in the following adult groups: non-demented, metabolically impaired, cognitively impaired, mood impaired, and chemotherapy impaired. Curcumin significantly improved, p <0.01, cognitive performance, verbal memory, and cerebrovascular reactivity, as reflected in changes in blood flow to the brain, which can be measured with various imaging techniques in adults with obesity and prediabetes, indicating benefits for metabolic and cognitive health. Curcumin showed significant improvements, p <0.05, in cognitive and locomotive function as well as a reduction in biomarkers with improved MMSE scores by 15% for adults with pre-existing cognitive impairment and dementia, highlighting its potential for palliative neuroprotection. Curcumin significantly enhanced, p <0.05, cognitive performance scores by 18% and attenuated serum inflammatory biomarkers in adults with major depressive disorder, suggesting curcumin as an adjuvant treatment for depression. Curcumin significantly improved, p <0.05, cognitive function tests with a good safety profile in adults with CICI, supporting the use of curcumin in managing the cognitive side effects of chemotherapy. This systematic review found that curcumin supplementation causes a statistically significant improvement in cognitive performance as well as serum biomarkers for adults age 18 and older with the following characteristics: non-demented healthy adults, adults at risk of or experiencing metabolic disorders, adults with pre-existing cognitive decline, adults with mood disorders, and adults with cognitive chemotherapy side effects. This evidence supports the use of curcumin as a preventive, adjunctive, or alternative therapy for neurocognitive disorders.

Curcumin Inhibits TORC1 and Prolongs the Lifespan of Cells with Mitochondrial Dysfunction
Cells | October 2024
Curcumin stands out as a particularly potent candidate for anti-aging interventions. Curcumin is a polyphenolic compound extracted from the rhizome of Curcuma longa (turmeric), a spice that has been used for centuries in traditional medicine. Extensive research has demonstrated curcumin’s wide-ranging therapeutic potential, including its ability to mitigate the effects of aging and increase lifespan. Curcumin possesses the remarkable capacity to forestall cellular aging, and consequently, extend the PoMiCL of yeast. Our outcomes are consistent with an amount of prior research that has underscored the beneficial effects of curcumin in the context of cellular longevity. Furthermore, our insights into curcumin’s influence on cellular lifespan complement analogous investigations conducted using different genetic backgrounds and distinct cell survival assays. Collectively, these results compellingly advocate for the potential utility of curcumin as a modulator of cellular aging and lifespan extension across diverse eukaryotic species. Our results demonstrate that curcumin has a significant impact on extending the lifespan of postmitotic cells during chronological aging. These findings align with previous studies that have highlighted the beneficial effects of curcumin on healthspan and cellular longevity. Notably, curcumin’s anti-aging effects exhibit a biphasic dose–response pattern, with lower concentrations showing greater efficacy. Mitochondrial dysfunction is a key factor associated with age-related diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative disorders, sarcopenia, and age-related macular degeneration. We revealed that curcumin not only extends the lifespan of the wildtype but also rescues the shortened lifespan of mitochondrial-defective postmitotic cells during chronological aging in yeast. This finding suggests that curcumin may have therapeutic potential in mitigating the effects of mitochondrial dysfunction, a common hallmark of aging. Our investigation into the mechanisms underlying curcumin’s anti-aging properties revealed that curcumin inhibits TORC1 activity. Curcumin’s ability to inhibit TORC1 activity is crucial for its anti-aging effects, especially in cells with mitochondrial dysfunction. Curcumin enhances mitochondrial function by increasing ATP levels. Curcumin derived from natural sources may have the potential to promote healthy aging and extend lifespan. Second, curcumin’s ability to rescue postmitotic cells with mitochondrial dysfunction highlights its relevance for age-related diseases associated with impaired mitochondrial function. Third, the hormetic response observed with curcumin treatment underscores the importance of dosage and further emphasizes the need for careful consideration when designing interventions. In summary, our study provides valuable insights into the intricate relationship between curcumin, postmitotic cellular aging, TORC1 activity, and mitochondrial function.

Curcumin blunts epithelial-mesenchymal transition to alleviate invasion and metastasis of prostate cancer through the JARID1D demethylation
Cancer Cell International | October 2024
Curcumin, fundamentally a polyphenolic compound, is derived as a powder from the rhizome of the perennial herb, Curcuma longa. Previous studies have shown that curcumin, as a multi-target drug, has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-infective, anti-fibrotic, and anti-atherosclerotic properties, which could significantly inhibit the occurrence and metastasis of various malignant tumors. In addition, mounting evidence indicates that curcumin can act as an epigenetic regulator to exert anti-tumor effects, improve the expression of histone deacetylases, DNA methyltransferases, and inhibit the invasion and migration of tumors. The results demonstrated that the invasion and metastasis of prostate cancer induced by the knockdown of JARID1D were significantly inhibited by curcumin. Curcumin inhibits the metastatic potential of CRPC cells by regulating AR and EMT-related genes through methylation of JARID1D. These results underscore the therapeutic potential of curcumin in the treatment of invasive prostate cancer. Curcumin, a promising anti-cancer agent, has garnered significant interest for its ability to modulate multiple signaling pathways, thereby inhibiting the proliferation, migration, and invasion of prostate cancer cells. Our investigation revealed that curcumin effectively suppressed the growth of 22RV1 cells at an IC50 of 12.65 µM and enhanced both the expression and demethylation activity of JARID1D at a 14 µM dose. This suggests a capacity of curcumin to upregulate JARID1D expression through demethylation, concurrent with its growth inhibitory effect on prostate cancer cells.  Curcumin can affect the progression of PCa through the PI3K and Wnt signaling pathways [33, 34], but it is more related to the growth and proliferation of prostate cancer cells. In JARID1D mediated invasion and metastasis of PCa, the PI3K and Wnt signaling pathways do not play a dominant role. Both previous report and our study confirm that curcumin may has a DNA demethylation effect on tumor cells. Further experiments demonstrated that curcumin could significantly inhibit the proliferation of PCa cells with different phenotypes Treatment with curcumin significantly inhibited PCa metastasis caused by JARID1D knockdown and decreased the expression of N-cadherin, Vimentin and MMP2, but stimulated the expression of JARID1D, AR and E-cadherin. These results highlight curcumin’s potential to impede prostate cancer invasion and metastasis, particularly when JARID1D is compromised, through the regulation of AR/EMT pathways. In summary, although curcumin has shown certain anti-cancer effects in vitro and animal models, further investigation is required to understand its long-term impact and bioavailability in humans. Furthermore, the administration strategy of curcumin combined with JARID1D agonist may be more beneficial to inhibit prostate cancer metastasis. Our study revealed that the epigenetic modifier JARID1D could restrict the progression of prostate cancer, and curcumin could stimulate the expression level of JARID1D and regulate the transcriptional regulation of AR through demethylation. Taken together, these findings provide the evidence that curcumin has therapeutic potential for invasive PCa, and targeting JARID1D may be a viable therapeutic strategy, particularly in metastatic prevention.

Curcumin suppresses cell viability in breast cancer cell line by affecting the expression of miR-15a-5p
Turkish Journal of Biochemistry | September 2024
The turmeric plant (Curcumin longa) is used to extract curcumin, a hydrophobic and polyphenolic substance with potent anti-cancer effects. There has been an increased interest in research into curcumin’s effect on non-coding RNAs (ncRNA) in cancer. Some essential cell processes, including proliferation, differentiation, and migration, can be altered as a result of epigenetic modifications. ncRNA dysregulation, known to play a key epigenetic regulatory function in the genome, has been associated with a variety of diseases, including cancer. Integrating curcumin and tumor suppressor miRNAs in therapy for cancer may boost bioavailability and lead to greater success in the battle against it. Anti-cancer effects of curcumin have been reported in the literature. The discovery that it can produce this effect by changing the expressions of protein-coding and non-coding RNA molecules has paved the way for new research. In the literature on miR-15a-5p, the effect of which we want to examine in breast cancer in our study, it is stated that curcumin-mediated expression of miR-15a-5p in leukemia cells can be increased, and thus, the expression of the WT1 oncogene can be controlled. Curcumin provides hope in the battle against cancers as research continues to uncover new therapies. Curcumin research is ongoing globally because of its antioxidant and antiviral effects in addition to anti-cancer capabilities. Due to these properties, its importance has been emphasized in the literature not only for cancer but also for many neurodegenerative and metabolic diseases. Curcumin was taken into a clinical phase I trial (NCT03980509) and phase II study (NCT03072992) combined with paclitaxel in BRCA. These clinical phase studies mainly focused on the effects of curcumin on disease recurrence and metastasis. A clinical Phase III trial of curcumin on prostate cancer patients (NCT03769766) is still ongoing. In addition to the idea of using curcumin in combination with various chemotherapeutics, it has been suggested that utilizing it in combination with miRNAs in cancer could strengthen its anti-cancer role. With the discovery of curcumin’s ability to modify miRNA expression, an alternative field for research in cancer-targeted treatment has emerged. In light of the outcomes of our study, we would like to suggest that curcumin’s anti-cancer properties could be strengthened through miR-15a-5p, and a combination of curcumin/miR-15a-5p studies in breast cancer could be more beneficial for cancer therapy.

Exploring the Renoprotective Potential of Bioactive Nutraceuticals in Chronic Kidney Disease Progression: A Narrative Review
Cureus | September 2024
Curcuminoids, including curcumin, demethoxycurcumin, and bisdemethoxycurcumin, are the active compounds found in turmeric. Curcumin's potential mode of action in CKD is by focusing on its effects on endogenous intestinal alkaline phosphatase (IAP). IAP is an enzyme found in the intestines that plays a crucial role in maintaining gut homeostasis and protecting against inflammation and oxidative stress. Curcumin stimulates the production and activity of IAP, leading to beneficial effects in CKD. The activation of IAP by curcumin is suggested to have multiple protective mechanisms, including the reduction of oxidative stress, inflammation, and fibrosis in the kidneys. By enhancing IAP activity, curcumin may help maintain gut barrier integrity and reduce the translocation of toxins and harmful substances into the bloodstream, positively impacting kidney health in CKD patients.

The Effect of Curcumin on Reducing Atherogenic Risks in Obese Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Nutrients | August 2024
Curcumin, derived from turmeric root, exhibits notable anti-inflammatory effects. The curcumin intervention significantly reduced pulse wave velocity and improved cardiometabolic risk profiles. These findings suggest that curcumin treatment may effectively reduce atherogenic risks in type 2 diabetes patients with obesity. Curcumin (Curcuma longa), the principal component of the spice turmeric, has recently garnered interest for its potential benefits in addressing various health conditions, notably metabolic syndrome. Research has highlighted the antihypercholesterolemic properties of curcumin extract, including a reduction in cholesterol and triglyceride (TG) levels and decreased vulnerability to low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). The anti-atherosclerotic and protective effects of curcumin against coronary heart disease have also been recognized. Additionally, curcumin has notable potential in managing metabolic diseases due to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and lipid-modifying properties. It enhances insulin sensitivity and supports weight management. Curcumin also protects liver health and offers cardiovascular benefits by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress. These multifaceted effects make it a promising complementary therapy for conditions like obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. Curcumin, a bioactive compound in turmeric, shows potential for reducing atherogenic risk by mitigating inflammation and improving cardiometabolic factors. These effects are promising for protecting against atherosclerosis and related cardiometabolic risks in type 2 diabetes patients with obesity. By reducing cardiometabolic risk factors, curcumin provides various health benefits, making it a valuable component of a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.

Effect and mechanism of curcumin on colon cancer cell senescence through early growth response 1 (EGR1)
Translational Cancer Research | August 2024
Curcumin inhibited the transcriptional activity of EGR1, thereby promoting cell senescence and inhibiting tumor progression. Curcumin hampers the activity of TF EGR1, affecting the transcription and translation of target genes TERT and SIRT6, thus promoting cell senescence and inhibiting colon cancer cell proliferation. These findings provide potential insights for targeted therapy of colon cancer. Curcumin exhibits diverse anti-tumor properties, including the inhibition of tumor cell proliferation, metastasis, and invasion, rendering it a promising candidate for the prevention and treatment of multiple cancer. Curcumin, a traditional Chinese medicine derived primarily from the rhizome of turmeric, has been identified by modern pharmacological studies as having multiple benefits for the human body, including its anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, anti-angiogenesis, anti- metastasis, and anti-multidrug resistance activities. Curcumin, a natural compound derived from the turmeric plant, has garnered attention for its potential anticancer properties. Prior investigations have underscored curcumin’s induction of cell senescence across various cancer types, including colon cancer. Our research extends these findings by delineating the mechanism through which curcumin orchestrates the transcription and expression of key genes such as TERT and SIRT6, mediated by EGR1, thereby contributing to cell senescence.The capacity of curcumin to induce cell senescence bears significant implications for treating colon cancer. Senescence cells lose their proliferative potential, thereby impeding tumor growth. Moreover, curcumin has been reported to curb the metastatic propensity of colon cancer cells by stifling epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), a pivotal process in initiating metastasis. Curcumin dampens EGR1 activity and promotes senescence, consequently hindering tumor progression.In conclusion, curcumin mitigates the activity of the TF EGR1, augments the expression of target genes TERT and SIRT6, and accelerates tumor cell senescence. This positions curcumin a potential candidate for colon cancer therapy, offering an alternative approach to clinical treatment. Its ability to inhibit cell proliferation and metastasis underscores its therapeutic potential in colon cancer. Therefore, strategies targeting EGR1 with curcumin may represent a viable option for untreated colon cancer.

Curcumin Induces Autophagy-mediated Ferroptosis by Targeting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR Signaling Pathway in Gastric Cancer
Gastroenterology | August 2024
The polyphenol compound curcumin shows prominent anti-tumor effects in multiple cancer types, including gastric cancer. Curcumin attenuated cell viability but stimulated cell death in gastric cancer cells. Curcumin enhanced autophagy in gastric cancer cells, as demonstrated by the increased levels of ATG5, ATG7, Beclin 1, and LC3B. Besides, curcumin upregulated iron, MDA, GSH, and ACSL4 levels while downregulated lipid ROS, SLC7A11, and GPX4 levels, suggesting its stimulation on ferroptosis in gastric cancer cells. Curcumin decreased p-PI3K, p-AKT, and p-mTOR levels in cells. Importantly, the ferroptosis inhibitor ferrostatin-1 overturned the impacts of curcumin on gastric cancercell viability, death, and ferroptosis. Curcumin suppresses gastric cancer development by inducing autophagy-mediated ferroptosis by inactivating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling. Curcumin has been confirmed to possess anti-oxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-analgesic, lipid-modifier, and anti-microbial effects. Curcumin has previously been reported to suppress tumorigenesis in many types of human cancers by facilitating ferroptosis. In summary, our research confirms that curcumin sup- pressed cell growth but promotes cell death in gastric cancer cells by stimulating ferroptosis. Mechanistically, curcumin induces autophagy and inactivates the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway in gastric cancer cells. Hence, curcumin might suppress gastric cancer development by inducing autophagy-mediated ferroptosis by restraining the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling. Our observations might expand our knowledge of the effects of curcumin on ferroptosis in gastric cancer and provide a novel direction for the potential use of curcumin in gastric cancer treatment.

Curcumin for COVID-19: 27 studies from 240 scientists and 14,886 patients in 11 countries
C19early.org | August 2024
Curcumin reduces risk for COVID-19 with very high confidence for mortality, hospitalization, recovery, and in pooled analysis, high confidence for viral clearance. Statistically significant improvements are seen for mortality, hospitalization, progression, recovery, and viral clearance. 18 studies from 16 independent teams in 8 countries show statistically significant improvements. Meta analysis using the most serious outcome reported shows 44% lower risk. Results are similar for Randomized Controlled Trials, higher quality studies, and peer-reviewed studies. Other meta analyses for curcumin can be found showing significant improvements for mortality, hospitalization, recovery, and symptoms.

Evaluation of the effectiveness of curcumin and piperine co-supplementation on inflammatory factors, cardiac biomarkers, atrial fibrillation, and clinical outcomes after coronary artery bypass graft surgery
Clinical Nutrition ESPEN | August 2024
Supplementation with curcumin-piperine had a promising effect on serum CRP and TAC. It also had a favorable impact on CK-MB among patients who underwent CABG surgery.

The Bright Side of Curcumin: A Narrative Review of Its Therapeutic Potential in Cancer Management
Cancers | July 2024
Curcumin, a polyphenolic compound derived from Curcuma longa, exhibits significant therapeutic potential in cancer management. Curcumin demonstrates strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, contributing to its ability to neutralize free radicals and inhibit inflammatory mediators. Its anticancer effects are mediated by inducing apoptosis, inhibiting cell proliferation, and interfering with tumor growth pathways in various colon, pancreatic, and breast cancers. Curcumin has been used for health maintenance and disease management, dating back to ancient Indian and Chinese medicine over 4000 years ago. In these traditional practices, turmeric, containing curcumin, was used to treat various conditions such as respiratory disorders, liver diseases, anorexia, rheumatism, and diabetic wounds. Curcumin, as highlighted in the literature, holds immense promise in health. Its antioxidant properties enable it to neutralize free radicals and protect cells from oxidative damage, while its anti-inflammatory action inhibits the expression of inflammatory mediators and reduces inflammation at the cellular level. Curcumin has demonstrated neuroprotective effects and potential benefits in treating neurodegenerative diseases. Recent studies have underscored the role of curcumin in reducing brain inflammation, protecting neurons, and promoting neurogenesis. Moreover, numerous studies have illuminated the anticarcinogenic potential of curcumin in various types of cancer, including colon, pancreatic, and other high-risk cancers. Curcumin has been studied for its ability to inhibit tumor cell growth, induce apoptosis, and reduce resistance to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Curcumin may reverse cancer progression through the inhibition of IL-6R/STAT3. It also sensitizes cancer to antitumor and antimetastatic effects by suppressing the NF-kappa B cell signaling pathway. Therefore, curcumin is an attractive candidate for combination chemotherapy due to its broad spectrum of biological activities. Its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antitumor activities improve the efficacy of conventional chemotherapeutic drugs while reducing side effects. Curcumin may reverse cancer progression through the inhibition of IL-6R/STAT3. It also sensitizes cancer to antitumor and antimetastatic effects by suppressing the NF-kappa B cell signaling pathway. Therefore, curcumin is an attractive candidate for combination chemotherapy due to its broad spectrum of biological activities. Its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antitumor activities improve the efficacy of conventional chemotherapeutic drugs while reducing side effects. In colorectal cancer, curcumin has been shown in vitro to sensitize cancer cells to 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and oxaliplatin. Studies have shown that curcumin enhances the cytotoxic effects of these drugs by modulating several signaling pathways, including NF-κB and STAT3, leading to increased apoptosis and the inhibition of cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. A synergistic effect in overcoming drug resistance was demonstrated by Howells et al., who found that curcumin enhanced resistance to oxaliplatin chemo induction in both in vitro and in vivo colon cancer cells. Tian et al. showed that curcumin potentiates the antitumor effects of 5-FU in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cells by downregulating NF-kappa B signaling, leading to increased apoptosis both in vitro and in vivo. Hartojo et al. reported complementary mechanisms of apoptotic pathway activation, stating that the combination of curcumin and cisplatin had an additive effect in inducing apoptosis in esophageal adenocarcinoma cells. Curcumin showed synergistic effects with paclitaxel and doxorubicin in breast cancer cell lines. Farghadani and Naidu, Mohammadian et al., and Vinod et al. found that the combination of curcumin and these chemotherapeutic agents downregulated HER2 and EGFR, which are often overexpressed in breast cancer, inhibited cell proliferation, and induced apoptosis. Curcumin sensitizes breast cancer cells to 5-FU by modulating signaling events involved in cell survival and apoptosis. In clinical trials, patients with advanced breast cancer who received curcumin combined with docetaxel showed higher response rates compared to docetaxel alone. The combination was well tolerated and resulted in fewer side effects. This suggests the potential of curcumin to improve the efficacy of chemotherapy. The combination of curcumin and gemcitabine significantly reduced tumor growth compared to either agent alone in a mouse model of pancreatic cancer. The combination therapy worked by inhibiting angiogenesis and inducing apoptosis by suppressing the NF-κB and COX-2 pathways. Yoshida et al. showed that curcumin can sensitize human pancreatic cancer cells to gemcitabine, potentially overcoming gemcitabine resistance. Treatment with a combination of curcumin and cisplatin significantly reduced tumor size and weight in a mouse xenograft model of ovarian cancer. The combination therapy was more effective than either agent alone. Also, it attenuated cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity, highlighting curcumin’s protective role against chemotherapy’s side effects. A phase II clinical trial in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer showed that adding curcumin to the standard FOLFOX regimen (5-FU, leucovorin, and oxaliplatin) improved overall survival and progression-free survival compared to the standard regimen alone. Therefore, combining curcumin with chemotherapeutic agents in vitro and in vivo has shown a synergistic effect in cancer therapy. In summary, curcumin demonstrates substantial therapeutic potential in cancer treatment due to its multifaceted biological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties, exerting its potential therapeutic effects against various types of cancer. For example, curcumin exhibits substantial anticancer properties particularly against gastrointestinal cancers, such as colorectal and pancreatic cancer, by inducing apoptosis, inhibiting cell proliferation, and modulating multiple cell signaling pathways. Additionally, studies have shown promising results in the treatment of breast cancer, where curcumin interferes with cancer cell growth and metastasis. The compound has also demonstrated efficacy in prostate cancer by targeting androgen receptor signaling and in head and neck cancers through the inhibition of tumor growth and angiogenesis

Possible use of Curcuma longa extract as a post-chemotherapeutic supplement in acute myeloblastic leukaemia
International Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Pathology | July 2024
Curcumin, a polyphenolic compound from Curcuma longa, is well known for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer properties. These findings suggest that curcumin possesses potent cytotoxic effects on leukemia cells and could serve as a valuable adjunct in leukemia therapy. Further research, including clinical trials, is necessary to evaluate the safety and efficacy of curcumin in leukemia patients and to explore potential synergistic effects with existing chemotherapy agents. This study delineates the potential of curcumin as a less toxic and more effective therapeutic option for leukemia. In conclusion, our research aligns with previous findings and offers a detailed analysis of curcumin's significant anti- AML properties. Curcumin's capacity to trigger apoptosis, suppress cell proliferation, and hinder the spread of AML cells underscores its potential as a therapeutic agent. This study highlights the promise of curcumin as a potent weapon in the battle against acute myeloid leukemia.

Accelerate muscle recovery with curcumin? This is how you do it
Ergo-log.com | July 2024
Supplementation with curcumin accelerates recovery from exercise-induced muscle damage, this web magazine has reported several times. A Chinese meta-study, published in PLoS One, tells athletes how to best use curcumin Researchers from Huaqiao University traced 14 previously published trials in the scientific literature, in which researchers had subjects exercise intensively - in most cases this involved strength training - and determined the effect of curcumin supplementation on muscle recovery. The researchers looked at, among other things, the effect on muscle soreness. The figure below shows that supplementation with curcumin significantly reduced muscle pain.

 Curcumin protects against cadmium-induced germ cell death in the testis of rats
Toxicology Research | July 2024
Overall, our data suggest that cadmium induces germ cell apoptosis through mitochondrial-induced oxidative stress, but curcumin pretreatment offers strong protection against cadmium-induced reproductive toxicity.

Common spice could help fight off cancer and reduce signs of ageing
Express | July 2024
Curcumin. It has such powerful anti-inflammatory effects that some studies even suggest the effects of curcumin are comparable to those of some pharmaceutical drugs. Curcumin has also been shown to increase the body's antioxidant capacity. Oxidative damage and free radicals are believed to be one of the mechanisms behind accelerating signs of aging and several chronic diseases. Curcumin, a key polyphenol found in food, plays a crucial role in lowering oxidative stress and balancing different bodily functions. It has the ability to decrease intracellular lipid peroxidation and enhance the body's antioxidant capabilities for a longer lifespan. Other studies have also demonstrated that taking curcumin supplements can help protect the hippocampus, which is responsible for learning and memory functions in the brain.Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, may also kill isolated cancer cells in a test tube and prevent the growth of new blood vessels in tumors, limiting their ability to spread. Golden milk may be good for your brain, too. Studies show that curcumin may increase levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). BDNF is a compound that helps your brain form new connections and promotes the growth of brain cells. Curcumin may help reduce symptoms of depression, too. Adding in a few grinds of black pepper will unlock extra health benefits that would otherwise be lost. The common table seasoning contains piperine - a natural substance that enhances the absorption of curcumin by 2,000%.

Meta-analysis of the effect of curcumin supplementation on skeletal muscle damage status
PLOS One | July 2024
Curcumin supplementation significantly mitigates skeletal muscle damage, with notable improvements in CK levels, muscle soreness, IL-6 levels, and ROM. Curcumin’s potential impact on chronic inflammatory conditions like metabolic syndrome, arthritis, and cancer has been thoroughly researched in recent decades. Curcumin is renowned for its myriad health benefits, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic effects, which make it a highly popular supplement. Extracted from turmeric and approved for use as a food additive in China, curcumin activates SIRT1, potentially reducing inflammatory responses and protecting cardiovascular health. It also inhibits COX-2 and NF-kB signaling pathways while enhancing adaptability to training, offering similar benefits to NSAIDs without their side effects. Its effectiveness in alleviating post-exercise inflammation has contributed to its growing popularity. The use of curcumin supplements, known for their anti-inflammatory properties, can reduce inflammation and relieve pain. Curcumin is known to potentially modulate the inflammatory response following muscle injury through its effects on the inflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6). This cytokine plays a vital role in both muscle injury and repair processes. Supplementation with curcumin could potentially improve muscle function and joint flexibility. curcumin’s potent antioxidant properties enable it to neutralize ROS generated within the oxidative phosphorylation chain. These combined mechanisms contribute to curcumin’s effectiveness in reducing CK levels. Curcumin alleviates muscle soreness through multiple mechanisms, notably by inhibiting COX-2 expression, which reduces CK activity and prostaglandin release, thereby easing soreness. Meta-analyses have shown curcumin’s efficacy in reducing post-exercise muscle soreness. Whether taken before or after exercise, curcumin consistently reduces muscle soreness.

The effectiveness of turmeric supplementation in reducing low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in adults
Department of Healthcare and Behavioral Sciences, Medical Writing Certificate Program, University of California, San Diego Extended Studies, La Jolla, California, USA | July 2024
Curcumin has potential as a safe, inexpensive dietary supplement to support cardiovascular health. One study reported curcumin reduced LDL-C by a mean of 39.83 mg/dL. Panahi et al. provide a detailed review of the metabolic and cellular MoA of curcumin and statins, and point out that they both target the same specific nuclear receptors and enzymes while reducing LDL-C. The authors note that while statins are more efficient in lowering LDL-C, for some patients, they have adverse effects. The authors suggest that for such patients, a combination of a statin and curcumin could synergistically lower LDL-C to a desirable level, while requiring a lower dosage of the statin, which could reduce the risk of adverse effects, such as extreme muscle pain.

Integrating Network Pharmacology, Transcriptomics to Reveal Neuroprotective of Curcumin Activate PI3K / AKT Pathway in Parkinson’s Disease
Drug Design, Development and Therapy | July 2024
Curcumin restored the dyskinesia and dopaminergic neurons damage of MPTP-induced mice. Curcumin against Parkinson’s disease by regulating inflammation, oxidative stress, and aging. The mechanisms of these were associated with activation of PI3K / AKT pathway.  In conclusion, the neuroprotective mechanisms of curcumin activate PI3K / AKT pathway in Parkinson’s disease was revealed by our study. Recently, there has been increasing interest in using curcumin to prevent Parkinson’s disease. The mechanisms of curcumin to anti-Parkinson’s Disease may include antioxidant, Immune modulation, and the clearance of α-syn. Our previous study suggested that curcumin’s effectiveness in treating Parkinson’s disease was linked to the gut-brain axis. Recent reviews have increasingly suggested that curcumin targeting the PI3K/AKT signal pathway to protect dopaminergic neurons, while also inhibiting the activation of microglia. As a result, curcumin has shown promising potential in the treatment and prevention of Parkinson’s Disease. Either as antioxidants or modulators of cell signalling, the influence of curcumin on oxidative and inflammation balance are key. Consistent with our enrichment analysis results, the neuroprotective of curcumin on Parkinson’s disease depend on oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis of nerve cells has been demonstrated. However, there is no direct experimental evidence in vivo for curcumin exerts the effects of anti-oxidative stress, anti-inflammation and anti-apoptosis by activating the PI3K/AKT in Parkinson’s Disease. And AKT gene expression in the cell was the key role of anti-oxidative stress, anti-inflammation and anti-apoptosis. Finally, our study verified the PI3K/AKT pathway activated by curcumin in Parkinson’s disease. However, to further demonstrate curcumin protects through the activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway, our future study should be incorporated an inhibitor targeting the PI3K/AKT pathway. This has established a solid theoretical basis for the clinical application of curcumin in treating Parkinson’s disease.

Potential of Curcumin to Reduce Serum Nuclear Factor-Kappa B (NF-kB) Levels After High-Intensity Exercise
Retos Journal | July 2024
The group given curcumin after high-intensity exercise reduced serum NF-kB levels significantly (*p<0.05) compared to the placebo group. It can be concluded that the administration of curcumin at 400 mg after high-intensity exercise can reduce serum NF-kB levels. Curcumin is known for its active compounds that have anti-inflammatory activity (Boarescu et al. 2022). Curcumin is able to inhibit inflammation by modulating NF-κB signals and blocking TNF- α signals by activating protein responses in muscles (Srivastava et al. 2017; Venkata et al. 2012). The anti-inflammatory activity of curcumin also inhibits the production of pro-inflammatory eicosanoids which include prostaglandins and leukotrienes (Han, Zhang, and Li 2021; Petrone-Garcia et al. 2021; Zhu et al. 2019). Curcumin has been widely used to increase endurance and Maximal oxygen uptake VO2 max (Hamidie, Ali, and Masuda 2017). In addition, curcumin has been widely used in the medical world to accelerate wound healing (Sharma et al. 2018). Curcumin administered at a dose of 400 mg/day can reduce serum NF-kB levels. Based on the laboratory tests we conducted, we believe the reduction in pain intensity occurred due to the anti-inflammatory effect of curcumin which is able to modulate NF-kB signals and block TNF-a signals.  Reducing NF-kB levels is believed to lessen pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-a and is closely related to muscle pain after exercise. We recommend using curcumin as a natural ingredient that can potentially reduce NF-kB.

Role of curcumin on beta-amyloid protein, tau protein, and biochemical and oxidative changes in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats
Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's Archives of Pharmacology | July 2024
Results show that curcumin has an effect on reducing oxidative stress caused by diabetes and increasing antioxidant activity. The protective effect of curcumin is tested during induction and active diabetes. The results indicated that diabetic rats displayed increased levels of Aβ, tau protein, and total oxidant capacity (TOS) compared to the curcumin-treated groups. Additionally, the total antioxidant capacity (TAS) levels were lower in the diabetic rats (P < 0.05). Aβ protein levels are lower in both the serum and brain of rats with active diabetes and treated with curcumin compared to control rats (P > 0.05). In addition, serum TAS levels were higher in rats treated with curcumin following the induction of diabetes than pre-induction of diabetes (P > 0.05). The TOS levels in the serum were higher in the rats treated with curcumin during active diabetes compared to the rats treated prior to the induction of diabetes.

Curcumin as a regulator of Th17 cells: Unveiling the mechanisms
Food Chemistry: Molecular Sciences | July 2024
Curcumin possesses diverse pharmacological effects due to its interactions with various cells and molecules. Curcumin can inhibit Th17 proliferation and reduce the production of inflammatory cytokines. Curcumin, a polyphenol natural product derived from turmeric, possesses diverse pharmacological effects due to its interactions with various cells and molecules. Recent studies have highlighted its immunomodulatory properties, including its impact on immune cells and mediators involved in immune responses.  Curcumin exhibits anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant characteristics (Chatterjee and Pandey, 2011, Marjaneh et al., 2018, Zahedi et al., 2023, Mohajeri and Sahebkar, 2018). In the past two decades, studies have found that curcumin has immunomodulatory effects, regulating the activity of immune cells. It can reduce the production and release of several proinflammatory cytokines, such as IL-12, TNF, and IL-6, by preventing the transcription of NF-κB (Jagetia, 2007). Recent reports have shown that curcumin can reduce the proliferation of alloreactive T cells and significantly suppress the differentiation of Th17 cells (Park et al., 2013). Curcumin inhibits the differentiation and development of Th17 cells through the downregulation of ORγt signaling, IL-21, and IL-6, as well as the inhibition of STAT3 phosphorylation. In summary, curcumin has the ability to hinder the differentiation and proliferation of Th17 cells by repressing the secretion of IL-23, IL-6, and IL-21. It also suppresses the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including IL-17 and TNF-α, in Th17 cells, thereby reducing the expression of inflammatory cells, particularly neutrophils, and resulting in decreased inflammation and infiltration (Haftcheshmeh et al., 2021). Curcumin demonstrates promise in regulating T cell subsets associated with inflammatory diseases. Xiao et al. (Xiao et al., 2022) reported that curcumin downregulated pro-inflammatory Th17 cells (CD4 + CCR6 + Th17, CD4 + IL-17A + Th17, IL-17A, BATF, C-Maf, RORγt) and upregulated anti-inflammatory Treg cells (CD4 + Foxp3 + Treg, CD4 + IL-10 + Treg, IL-10, Foxp3, Eomes) in mice with diabetic colitis, suggesting its ability to restore Th17/Treg balance. These findings highlight the potential of curcumin as a therapeutic agent for various inflammatory conditions by modulating T cell responses. Curcumin has been shown to significantly inhibit the proliferation of Th17 cells and reduce the production of inflammatory cytokines, including TNF-α, IL-22, and IL-17. Curcumin has several roles in the regulation of enzymes involved in inflammation, adhesion molecules, transcription factors, protein kinases, cytokines, and redox balance. It possesses various pharmacological functions, including antimicrobial, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antioxidant, and antifungal properties (Howells et al., 2021, Heidari et al., 2023, Bagheri et al., 2020, Cicero et al., 2020, Keihanian et al., 2018, Khayatan et al., 2022, Mokhtari-Zaer et al., 2018, Panahi et al., 2019, Sahebkar, 2010, Sahebkar, 2014, Iranshahi et al., 2010, Mohammadi et al., 2019, Panahi et al., 2012). It also plays a protective role against autoimmune diseases. Curcumin, an active compound found in turmeric, exhibits potent immunomodulatory effects, making it a promising therapeutic agent for various inflammatory and autoimmune disorders. Recent studies have focused on the ability of curcumin to modulate Th17-mediated immune responses, which play a critical role in the development of several autoimmune diseases. Curcumin has been shown to inhibit the proliferation and differentiation of Th17 cells and reduce the production of specific pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-17, IL-6, and TNF-α. Additionally, curcumin has been found to increase the production of Treg cells, which suppress excessive immune responses and maintain immune homeostasis. Overall, curcumin's ability to target the Th17 axis opens exciting avenues for developing novel therapeutic strategies for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.

Ameliorative Effects of Curcumin on Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Moleculres | July 2024
Curcumin, the major curcuminoid of turmeric, is one of the most studied bioactive components of herbal supplements, which has a variety of biological activities. Clinical trials and preclinical research have recently produced compelling data to demonstrate the crucial functions of curcumin against type 2 diabetes mellitus via several routes. Curcumin, a natural polyphenol derived from the rhizome of Curcuma longa (turmeric), which has been widely used in cosmetics, food, and pharmaceutical industries, has gained growing interest in the last years for its pharmacological activities. Different studies demonstrated that curcumin has anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti-atherosclerotic, nephroprotective, anticancer, hepatoprotective, immunomodulatory, antidiabetic, and antirheumatic effects, but with no toxicity. Numerous studies demonstrated that curcumin could improve insulin resistance, regulate blood lipid metabolism, decrease glucose and insulin levels, reduce the release of inflammatory factors, inhibit oxidative stress, and regulate gut microbiota in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Results showed that effectiveness of curcumin on type 2 diabetes mellitus is due to it being anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-hyperglycemic, anti-apoptotic, anti-hyperlipidemia and other activities. Numerous studies, including animal and clinical studies, have provided strong evidence to support curcumin’s crucial role in type 2 diabetes mellitus prevention due to its anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, antihyperglycemic, anti-apoptotic, antihyperlipidemic, and other actions. Curcumin interacts with a number of biomolecules, such as proteins, nucleic acids, membranes, through non-covalent and covalent binding. As stated above, curcumin exhibits good hypoglycemic action and is well taken at high dosages without adverse effects. It is therefore a potential approach for type 2 diabetes mellitus treatment or prevention. In light of these results, curcumin may be a promising prevention/treatment choice for type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Exploring the therapeutic mechanism of curcumin in prostate cancer using network pharmacology and molecular docking
Helyion | July 2024
Curcumin, a phenolic compound extracted from turmeric rhizomes, exhibits antitumour effects in preclinical models of tumours. We identified 307 key targets of curcumin in cancer treatment. Molecular docking experiments showed that the binding energies of curcumin to these core targets were all below −1.85 kJ mol−1, which fully demonstrated that curcumin could spontaneously bind to these core targets. Through in-depth network pharmacology and molecular docking studies, we have found that curcumin may have anticancer potential by upregulating the expression of PIK3R1 and STAT3, and downregulating the binding ability of molecules such as SRC, AKT1, HSP90AA1, ESR1, EGFR, HSP90AB1, MAPK8, and MAPK1. In addition, curcumin may interfere with the cyclic process of prostate cancer cells by inhibiting key signalling pathways such as the PI3K-Akt signalling pathway, MAPK signalling pathway, and Ras, thereby inhibiting their growth. This study not only reveals the potential molecular mechanism of curcumin in the treatment of prostate cancer but also provides an important theoretical basis for subsequent research. Curcumin exhibits multifaceted effects in prostate cancer treatment, including enhancing the sensitivity of prostate cancer to radiotherapy and chemotherapy, inhibiting cell proliferation, inducing cell death, inhibiting the expression of the PSA gene, decreasing the expression of androgen receptor, and decreasing the motility of tumour cells. In the present study, we systematically elucidated the possible mechanisms of action of curcumin in prostate cancer treatment by integrating network pharmacology and molecular docking. Curcumin acts on multiple targets and pathways involved in the treatment of prostate cancer.  Given that this study was conducted using relevant databases and the conclusions lacked experimental support, subsequent biological experiments, and evidence-based drug validation are required to ensure the reliability of the findings. In addition, we explored the molecular mechanism of action of curcumin in treating prostate cancer, providing a theoretical basis for the future development and clinical application of this traditional Chinese medicine.

Relationship of Curcumin with Aging and Alzheimer and Parkinson Disease, the Most Prevalent Age-Related Neurodegenerative Diseases: A Narrative Review
Nutrition Reviews | June 2024
One of the phytochemicals with diverse biological properties encompassing antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, anticancer, antifungal, antidepressant, anti-allergic, and anti-aging properties is curcumin. Curcumin, a polyphenolic structure with a distinct orange hue and unique chemical properties, is derived from the roots of Curcuma longa, a member of the Zingiberaceae family, commonly known as turmeric. It has been noted that the incidence of neurodegenerative diseases is low in societies that consume curcumin widely.

Spices can boost energy levels and brain function
New York Post | June 2024
Turmeric is derived from the root of the Curcuma longa plant, a type of ginger. This root contains curcumin, a compound rich in anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Known as the “gold” of the plant kingdom, turmeric also supports liver detoxification and serves as a natural pain killer. By reducing inflammation and oxidative damage, curcumin shields the brain from stressors that lead to cognitive decline. “Curcumin boosts levels of the brain hormone BDNF, which increases the growth of new neurons and fights various degenerative processes in the brain,” Crawford explained. In addition, and as The Post reported, turmeric has been shown to ease symptoms of indigestion, lower the risk of heart disease, fight depression, prevent cancer, improve memory, and lessen the pain from arthritis and other conditions.

Protective role of curcumin in high glucose-induced osteoblast dysfunctions via Nrf2 activation and ROS/JNK signaling inhibition
Authorea | June 2024
Curcumin is a polyphenolic phytochemical derived from the curcuma longa, and it exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which associated with cell metabolism. The results showed that curcumin enhanced the osteoblast differentiation which are reduced by HG condition via Nrf2 activation and ROS/JNK inhibition. Knock-down of Nrf2 partially blocked curcumin-induced Nrf2 activation and ROS/JNK inhibition, as well as the attenuation of curcumin-induced osteoblast differentiation and survival in HG condition. JNK inhibition impair the positive effect of curcumin in response to HG, which presented a similar result to Nrf2 knock-down. Conclusion: ROS-related JNK phosphorylation might serve as the mechanism for HG-induced apoptosis and Nrf2 activation mediated by curcumin exerted a protective role against osteoblast apoptosis.

Effect of curcumin on gene expression of selected inflammatory markers in cortex and hippocampus of pilocarpine-induced seizure in rats on a routine exercise program
Comparative Clinical Pathology | June 2024
The combination of treadmill exercise program and curcumin administration has been shown to offer neuroprotection against epileptic seizure but without detailed mechanism of action being elucidated. This study therefore evaluated the responses of pro-inflammatory (tumor necrosis factor alpha [TNFα] and interleukin 6 [IL-6]) and anti-inflammatory (interleukin 10 [IL-10]) cytokines, as well as the transcription factor regulator (nuclear factor kappa B [NFκB]) gene expressions to combinatory therapy of curcumin and treadmill exercise in cortex and hippocampus of pilocarpine-induced epileptic seizure in rats. Treatment with either curcumin or curcumin plus exercise significantly ameliorated these impairments in the inflammatory markers ‘expression levels. Nevertheless, the combinatory therapy of curcumin and exercise showed significantly higher ameliorative effects in the cortical and hippocampal TNFα and IL-10, as well as cortical NFκB and IL-6. These superior therapeutic properties of the combination of curcumin and treadmill exercise further support the therapeutic potentials of this combinatory regimen in the management of epileptic seizures.

Emerging Anti-Inflammatory Attributes of Curcumin: A Novel Paradigm and Ameliorative Attributes for the Treatment of Osteoarthritis
Current Rheumatology Reviews | June 2024
Strong oxidant, curcumin, is diferuloyl methane; a member of the class of phenols known as curcuminoids that give Indian medicinal plants their characteristic turmeric-yellow hue. Over 5000 years ago, curcumin was first employed in the traditional Indian medical system. A growing amount of investigation reveals that curcumin has several pharmacological characteristics, including anticancer, hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties. Curcumin has been scientifically demonstrated to exhibit medicinal benefits for osteoarthritis (OA), and further research is being conducted on the numerous ways through which it suppresses inflammation and slows the progression of ailments. Clinical and preclinical studies suggest the potential efficacy of curcumin in managing osteoarthritis, warranting further investigation.

Mechanism of 5-fluorouracil induced resistance and role of piperine and curcumin as chemo-sensitizers in colon cancer
Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's Archives of Pharmacology | June 2024
Curcumin, a potent phytocompound derived from Curcuma longa, functions as a nuclear factor (NF)-κB inhibitor and sensitizer to numerous chemotherapeutic drugs. Piperine, an alkaloid found in Piper longum, inhibits cancer cell growth, causing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. This review explores the mechanism of 5-FU-induced chemoresistance in colon cancer cells and the role of curcumin and piperine in enhancing the sensitivity of 5-FU-based chemotherapy.

Effects of curcumin in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Canadian Liver Journal | June 2024
Not only is curcumin vastly used in food as a spice, but it also has many therapeutic benefits, as it acts as an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-diabetic, anti-hyperlipidemia, immune-modulatory, reno-protective, anti-cancer, hepato-protective, hypoglycemic, antimicrobial, and anti-fibrotic. Curcumin treats NAFLD non-alcoholic fatty liver disease through a series of mechanisms. Firstly, it clears the liver cells from fat and decreases the synthesis of triglycerides by inhibiting the enzyme HMG COA reductase. Secondly, it increases the activation of cholesterol-7alpha-hydroxylase as well as reduces the absorption of cholesterol from the intestines. The hepato-protective activity of curcumin for the treatment of NAFLD has been evaluated in multiple clinical trials. Curcumin significantly reduced total glycerides and waist circumference compared with the placebo subgroup. It may become a promising agent in NAFLD non-alcoholic fatty liver disease treatment.

Curcuma longa: A Natural Ally in Alzheimer’s Disease Management
Curcumin and Neurodegenerative Diseases | June 2024
Curcuma longa contains a compound called curcumin that possesses potential biopharmacological activity. Curcumin is considered safe by the American Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and does not exhibit any side effects when consumed in moderate amounts. Numerous studies have been conducted on curcumin due to its therapeutic potential in various diseases, particularly in neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease. Research indicates that this substance holds remarkable potential as an effective and safe treatment.

Patient-reported outcomes of curcumin supplementation in rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis: a cross-sectional survey
Rheumatology International | June 2024
Pain scores decreased significantly after starting curcumin therapy. Patients who were taking curcumin for years reported better symptomatic control when compared with patients taking it for months (p 0.01), weeks (p 0.02), or days (p 0.02). There was a significant difference in symptom improvement in patients taking 200–1000 mg compared to patients taking less than 200 mg (p 0.01). Patients taking curcumin once or twice a day reported significant symptom improvement compared to patients taking it sporadically. Symptomatic improvement was reported as pain (35.7%), swelling (25%), stiffness (23.21%), and fatigue (16.07%). An interesting correlation exists between the symptom relief and the frequency, dosages (200–1000 mg), and duration (years) of curcumin supplementation. Our study indicates that curcumin supplementation positively influenced outcomes in 46.4% of individuals with rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis, reducing pain, swelling, stiffness, and fatigue. This suggests curcumin’s potential as an adjunct therapy for these conditions.

Curcumin Inhibits the Progression of Non-small Cell Lung Cancer by Regulating DMRT3/SLC7A11 Axis
Molecular Biotechnology | June 2024
Emerging studies have shown that curcumin might repress non-small cell lung cancer progression by regulating ferroptosis. Curcumin blocked non-small cell lung cancer cell proliferation and angiopoiesis, and induced apoptosis and ferroptosis. DMRT3 or SLC7A11 upregulation partly abolished the suppressive role of curcumin on non-small cell lung cancer development. In mechanism, DMRT3 was a transcription factor of SLC7A11 and increased the transcription of SLC7A11 via binding to its promoter region. Curcumin inhibited non-small cell lung cancer growth in vivo by modulating DMRT3. Curcumin might constrain non-small cell lung cancer cell malignant phenotypes partly through the DMRT3/SLC7A11 axis, providing a promising therapeutic strategy for non-small cell lung cancer.

Curcumin, Piperine and Taurine Combination Enhances the Efficacy of Transarterial Chemoembolization Therapy in patients with Intermediate Stage Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention | June 2024
This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of curcumin (C), piperine (P) and taurine (T) combination as adjuvant agents on serum levels of IFN-γ, immunophenotypic and molecular characterization of mononuclear leukocytes (MNLs) in hepatocellular carcinoma patients treated with Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE). Patients and methods: Serum and MNLs were collected from 20 TACE-treated hepatocellular carcinoma patients before (baseline-control samples) and after treatment with 5 g curcumin capsules , 10 mg piperine and 0.5 mg taurine taken daily for three consecutive months. Immunophenotypic and molecular characterization of MNLs were determined by flow cytometry and quantitative real time PCR, respectively. In addition, serum IFN-γ level was quantified by ELISA. Results: After receiving treatment with  curcumin piperine T combination, there was a highly significant increase in IFN- γ levels in the sera of patients when compared to basal line control samples. Additionally, the group receiving combined therapy demonstrated a downregulation in the expression levels of PD-1, in MNLs as compared to controls. MNLs’ immunophenotyping revealed a significant decline in CD4+CD25+cells (regulatory T lymphocytes). Furthermore, clinicopathological characteristics revealed a highly significant impact of  curcumin piperine T combination on aspartate aminotransferase (AST), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and alpha feto protein (AFP) levels. This study introduces a promising adjuvant  curcumin piperine T combined treatment as natural agents to enhance the management of hepatocellular carcinoma patients who are candidates to TACE treatment.

The effect of 8 weeks of HIIT training and Curcumin supplementation on Adiponectin levels and insulin resistance in obese women with type 2 diabetes
Journal of Sport and Biomotor Sciences | June 2024
Exercise intervention three sessions a week and daily curcumin consumption of 2100 mg in three meals was implemented for 8 weeks. Results: The interactive effect of curcumin and intense interval training increases adiponectin (P=0.001), decreases insulin resistance (P=0.001), decreases insulin (P=0.001), and significantly decreases glucose (P=0.002). Conclusion: The current research shows that performing intense intermittent exercises along with curcumin as a non-invasive method can have a positive and important effect on increasing adiponectin and reducing insulin resistance in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Epigenetic Orchestration of Neurodegenerative Disorders: A Possible Target for Curcumin as a Therapeutic
Neurochemical Research | June 2024
Studies have highlighted the marked antioxidant and neuroprotective abilities of polyphenols such as curcumin, by increased activity of detoxification systems like superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase or glutathione peroxidase. The role of curcumin as an epigenetic modulator in neurological disorders and neuroinflammation apart from other chronic diseases have also been reported by a few groups. This review summarizes the current knowledge of the role of mitochondrial dysfunction, epigenetic modulations and mitoepigenetics in age-associated neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s (AD), Parkinson’s (PD), Huntington’s disease (HD),  Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), and Multiple Sclerosis (MS), and describes the neuroprotective effects of curcumin in the treatment and/or prevention of these neurodegenerative diseases by regulation of the epigenetic machinery.

Effect of curcumin supplementation on symptoms of anxiety: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Clinical Nutrition ESPEN | June 2024
Curcumin is a polyphenolic natural compound that has been used to treat various ailments such as symptoms of anxiety. A total of eight RCTs involving 567 participants were included in the analysis. A pooled analysis showed a significant effect of curcumin on anxiety symptoms (SMD: -1.56; 95% CI: -2.48, -0.64, p< 0.001; I2= 95.6%, p-heterogeneity< 0.001). Present meta-analysis demonstrated that curcumin intake might contribute to alleviation of anxiety disorder.

Turmeric: from spice to cure. A review of the anti-cancer, radioprotective and anti-inflammatory effects of turmeric sourced compounds
Frontiers in Nutrition | June 2024
Extensive research, encompassing preliminary, preclinical, and clinical studies, underscores the pharmacological significance of curcumin, the yellow pigment in turmeric. Its versatile properties include anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antioxidant, hypolipidaemic, antimicrobial, anticarcinogenic, antitumor, radioprotective, neuroprotective, hepato-protective, nephroprotective, cardio-protective, and vasoprotective activities. Curcumin’s impact extends to various biochemical pathways, influencing molecular targets such as cytokines, transcription factors, kinases, growth factors, and microRNAs. ecognizing the valuable insights from traditional medicine in guiding natural product-based drug discovery, researchers explore the medicinal applications of turmeric across different traditional systems and investigate the modern pharmacological activities of curcumin, bridging the knowledge from ancient practices to current clinical trials. Through its antioxidant properties and the down-regulation of inflammatory targets, curcumin emerges as a promising agent in managing inflammatory skin diseases.In summary, our review has uncovered the multifaceted potential of curcumin both as an immunomodulator, as a radioprotective, anticancer medication and so much more. Curcumin boasts multiple benefits and presents itself as an interesting subject for future research.

Therapeutic Role of Turmeric in the Management of Periodontitis: A Comprehensive Review
Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research | June 2024
Curcumin stands out as a key bioactive compound, recognized for its distinctive yellow color and a wide range of beneficial biological effects. Curcumin has shown its prowess in fighting inflammation by slowing down the growth of inflammatory cells, curbing their spread, and inhibiting the formation of new blood vessels. Curcumin is like a versatile player on the chemical stage, boasting three highly reactive groups: one diketone and two phenolic groups. These features allow curcumin to engage in a range of chemical interactions that supercharge its effectiveness. From reversible and irreversible reactions to enzymatic processes and hydrogen transfers, curcumin can do it all, enhancing its potency. Moreover, it's not just about its own reactions—curcumin can also form sturdy bonds with both metals and nonmetals, acting as a reliable agent for complexing molecules. These unique traits make curcumin a valuable player in various biological roles, demonstrating its adaptability and impact.  The extensive body of research surrounding curcumin illuminates its remarkable anti-inflammatory properties, offering a beacon of hope in the fight against periodontal diseases. Through its ability to inhibit inflammatory cell proliferation, curb their spread, and disrupt blood vessel formation, curcumin presents a promising avenue for reducing inflammation associated with periodontitis.

The Effect of Curcumin on Oxidative Stress and Inflammatory Markers in Recreationally Active Women and Men
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | June 2024
Curcumin, a bioactive compound found in turmeric, has been linked to antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Curcumin, a compound found in turmeric, renowned for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, presents a potential avenue for managing oxidative stress and inflammation. This study assessed whether a four-week regimen of turmeric supplementation can attenuate markers of oxidative stress and inflammation in physically active individuals, 18 to 45 years of age. By investigating the potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of curcumin, this research aimed to contribute novel insights into strategies for mitigating oxidative stress and inflammation, thereby promoting health, well-being, and athletic performance.

Is Turmeric Beneficial To Diabetics? A Review By Nutrition Professionals
MSN.com | June 2024
Curcumin, a compound present in turmeric, has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer and antimicrobial properties that help improve blood glucose levels. Another benefit is that it has cardioprotective, nephroprotective and hepatoprotective effects, which are organs that are at risk in the presence of the disease.Scientific evidence suggests that turmeric can help people with diabetes. According to research, turmeric helps control blood sugar levels, improve glucose sensitivity, and aid in weight loss.

Research progress on curcumin improving chronic low-grade inflammation and related diseases
Journal of Chinese Materia Medica | June 2024
Chronic low-grade inflammation(CLGI), a relatively new concept without a clear definition, refers to a nonspecific, chronic, continuous, and low-grade inflammation state, and it is closely associated with various chronic diseases, including obesity, inflammatory bowel disease, neurodegenerative diseases, and tumors. Improvement of CLGI can slow down disease progression. Anti-inflammatory treatment is an important strategy for prevention and treatment of CLGI. However, there is currently no definitive drug treatment method. Curcumin is a polyphenolic compound extracted from the rhizome of zingiberaceae, with significant anti-inflammatory activity. Research has shown that curcumin can play an anti-inflammatory role by regulating NF-κB, JAK/STAT, PI3K/Akt, MAPK, NLRP3 inflammasome, Nrf2/ARE, and other inflammation-related pathways. This paper summarized the anti-inflammatory mechanisms, pharmacological effect, and clinical application of curcumin in improving CLGI and other diseases, so as to provide a reference for in-depth research and clinical application of curcumin in improving CLGI.

Curcumin Alone and Combined With PI3K Inhibitors Elicits Positive Effects on Oropharyngeal Cancer Cell Lines
Anticancer Research | June 2024
Curcumin led to dose-dependent responses with reduced viability and proliferation; upon combining it with BYL719, additional positive effects were found for most OPSCC lines grown as monolayers, and these effects were validated in CU-OP-2 cells grown as spheroids. Curcumin with MK-1775 or PD-0332991 also elicited some positive effects on CU-OP-2 and CU-OP-17 cells. Curcumin alone led to dose-dependent responses and when combined with BYL719, positive effects were revealed, as they were when it was combined with MK-1775 or PD-0332991, suggesting a potential use of some of these combinations for HPV+ OPSCC.

Identification of Curcumin Targets in the Brain of Epileptic Mice Using DARTS
ACS Omega | June 2024
Curcumin, a compound derived from turmeric, is traditionally utilized in East Asian medicine for treating various health conditions, including epilepsy. Despite its involvement in numerous cellular signaling pathways, the specific mechanisms and targets of curcumin in epilepsy treatment have remained unclear. Our study focused on identifying the primary targets and functional pathways of curcumin in the brains of epileptic mice. Using drug affinity responsive target stabilization (DARTS) and affinity chromatography, we identified key targets in the mouse brain, revealing 232 and 70 potential curcumin targets, respectively. Bioinformatics analysis revealed a strong association of these proteins with focal adhesions and cytoskeletal components. Further experiments using DARTS, along with immunofluorescence staining and cell migration assays, confirmed curcumin’s ability to regulate the dynamics of focal adhesions and influence cell migration. This study not only advances our understanding of curcumin’s role in epilepsy treatment but also serves as a model for identifying therapeutic targets in neurological disorders. Curcumin, a plant polyphenol derived from the rhizomes of ginger family plants such as Curcuma longa, has been confirmed to have potential efficacy and safety in the treatment of epilepsy through multiple clinical studies. Notably, curcumin therapy does not interfere with the absorption, digestion, metabolism, or excretion of other antiepileptic drugs (such as sodium valproate, phenytoin, phenobarbital, and carbamazepine), and it can enhance their therapeutic effects while reducing the dosage and side effects.8 Currently, genomics-based drug repurposing techniques have identified curcumin as one of the most promising natural candidates for antiepileptic medication. Curcumin is a compound derived from turmeric, a plant that has been traditionally used to treat epilepsy. Our findings indicate that curcumin affects the cell migration and cytoskeleton through potential targets such as USP5, TNR, and CADPS.This system aims to identify potential targets for curcumin, a promising treatment for epilepsy. Our findings have revealed that USP5, CADPS, and TNR are the potential target proteins for curcumin.

Curcumin in the treatment of inflammation and oxidative stress responses in traumatic brain injury: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Frontiers in Neurology | June 2024
In our study, curcumin exhibits potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-apoptotic effects, suggesting its potential for treating TBI in humans. Curcumin, a neuroprotective agent, is relatively underexplored in TBI research, making our topic selection novel. Curcumin, an active compound extracted from the root of Curcuma longa, has demonstrated neuroprotective properties both in vitro and in vivo. Notably, it has shown potential in reducing oxidative stress and inflammation and enhancing redox balance. The analysis revealed that curcumin significantly reduced inflammatory cytokines across various concentrations, time points, and administration routes. Additionally, curcumin markedly enhanced the activity of oxidative stress markers while reducing MDA and oxyprotein levels. Furthermore, curcumin improved cerebral edema and upregulated neuroprotective factors like synapsin I, BDNF, and CREB, without reducing mNSS. About autophagy and apoptosis, curcumin increased the activity of Beclin-1and Bcl-2, while decreasing caspase-3, the apoptosis index, and P62.  Curcumin supplementation positively affects traumatic brain injury (TBI) by alleviating oxidative stress and inflammatory responses and promoting neuroprotection. It holds potential as a therapeutic agent for human TBI.

The Role of Curcumin in Oral Health and Diseases: A Systematic Review
Antioxidants | May 2024
Curcumin is a prominent natural compound that has been extensively studied in the recent literature due to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, and anticancer activities. Since ancient times, curcumin has been recognized for its multiple therapeutic properties, which have been confirmed by recent clinical studies. Recent scientific research on curcumin has demonstrated that it possesses the following properties: anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antifungal, antidepressant, healing (therapeutic in Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and peptic and gastric ulcers), and as an adjuvant in acute coronary syndrome therapies, chemotherapies, and as a hypoglycemic. Curcumin also stands out for its ability to positively influence intestinal microbiota, thereby contributing to maintaining an optimal microbial balance. This effect can have significant implications in the prevention and treatment of gastrointestinal disorders, thereby enhancing overall health. Additionally, recent studies have highlighted curcumin has potential in supporting brain health and cognitive function, opening intriguing avenues in the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. Curcumin also protects against risk factors such as smoking, alcohol, and stress, The ascertained pleiotropic nature of curcumin creates interference in complex biological processes and various inflammatory factors that regulate oxidation–reduction processes, such as reactive oxygen species (ROS), cytokines, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), interleukins (ILs), nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), C-reactive proteins, transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), and other enzymes involved in inflammation. Curcumin inhibits vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and various kinases, demonstrating a controlling action in angiogenesis and the growth of cancerous lesions. Due to its medicinal and pharmacological properties, curcumin has also found application in the treatment of multiple diseases of the oral cavity (caries, periodontitis, gingivitis, aphthous stomatitis, oral candidiasis, mucositis, oral submucosal fibrosis, lichen planus, oral leukoplakia, carcinogenic lesions, etc.), which affect approximately 3.5 billion people worldwide.

The regulating effect of curcumin on NF-κB pathway in neurodegenerative diseases: a review of the underlying mechanisms
Inflammopharmacology | May 2024
Curcumin has been noted to be a popular anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory substance and is the foremost natural compound produced by turmeric. According to various studies, when playing an anti-inflammatory role, it interacts with several modulating proteins of long-standing disease signaling pathways and has an unprovocative consequence on pro-inflammatory cytokines. This review article determined to figure out curcumin’s role in limiting the promotion of neurodegenerative disease via influencing the NF-κB signaling route. Preclinical studies were gathered from plenty of scientific platforms including PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane, and Google Scholar to evaluate this hypothesis. Extracted findings from the literature review explained the repressing impact of Curcumin on the NF-κB signaling pathway and, occasionally down-regulating the cytokine expression.

Antiviral, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of curcumin and curcuminoids in SH-SY5Y cells infected by SARS-CoV-2
Nature | May 2024
Curcumin, a natural spice, has garnered significant attention for its potential in treating conditions characterized by immune system perturbations and inflammatory responses, including COVID-19. CUR and other curcuminoids are the primary bioactive components of turmeric (Curcuma longa), a substance that has been employed in the traditional medicine practices of diverse cultures for centuries. This enduring use is attributed to the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral and neuroprotective properties exhibited by curcuminoids. Furthermore, curcuminoids can play a role in inhibiting certain enzymes associated with the inflammatory process, such as mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNK), and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kB). The antioxidant properties of curcuminoids have been shown to inhibit carcinogenic reactive oxygen species (ROS), including superoxide anions, hydroxyl radicals, nitrites, and peroxides. Curcumin can stimulate both the activation of antioxidant enzymes and the decrease in expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines. A recent systematic review identified six studies demonstrating that curcumin supplementation led to a significant decrease in common COVID-19 symptoms, reduced hospitalization duration, and decreased mortality rates. The authors concluded that curcumin treatment mitigates the manifestation of cytokine storms by reducing pro-inflammatory factors and activating anti-inflammatory pathways. They further suggested that curcumin treatment may alleviate COVID-19 symptoms by restoring the balance between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory responses.

Curcumin Promotes the Proliferation, Migration, and Angiogenesis of HUVECs to Improve Atherosclerosis through the Wnt/β-Catenin Pathway
Journal of Biological Regulators and Homeostatic Agents | May 2024
Curcumin treatment significantly alleviated ox-LDL-induced HUVECs injury, as evidenced by elevating the proliferative ability, cell migration, and angiogenesis. Moreover, the Wnt/β-catenin pathway was substantially boosted following ox-LDL treatment, which was suppressed by curcumin. The inhibitory effects of curcumin treatment on the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway were reduced by SKL2001. Furthermore, the promoting effects of curcumin on ox-LDL-induced cell damage were hampered following SKL2001 treatment in HUVECs (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Curcumin elevated cell proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis of HUVECs to inhibit the development of atherosclerosis through inactivating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway.

The Impact of Curcumin, Resveratrol, and Cinnamon on Modulating Oxidative Stress and Antioxidant Activity in Type 2 Diabetes: Moving beyond an Anti-Hyperglycaemic Evaluation
Antioxidants | May 2024
Curcumin is an active chemical compound present in the rhizome of the plant Curcuma longa, also known as turmeric. It exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anticancer, anti-rheumatic, immunomodulatory, anti-hyperglycaemic, and cardio-renal-hepato-protective properties. In one animal study, curcumin and its analogues were shown to have a similar mechanism of action to thiazolidinedione, an antidiabetic drug, through the activation of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ), suggesting that curcumin may be effective in regulating glycaemia and lipid levels. Curcumin appears to have beneficial effects in reducing fasting glucose, glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and TNF-α. It also positively influences lipid metabolism by lowering low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and triglyceride levels while increasing high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. Curcumin demonstrates beneficial effects not only on the glycaemic control but also on anthropometric parameters. Hodaei et al. recruited 53 individuals with excess body weight and T2DM. After 10 weeks of supplementation, the study group showed a significant decrease in body weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and blood glucose levels (p < 0.05) compared to the control group. Jiménez-Osorio et al investigated the impact of curcumin supplementation on markers of oxidative stress, antioxidant enzyme activity, and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) activation. In individuals with non-diabetic proteinuria and CKD, curcumin attenuated lipid peroxidation, whereas curcumin increased antioxidant capacity in individuals with T2DM and CKD with proteinuria. These results suggest a potential reduction in oxidative stress in patients with diabetes and CKD. Patients with T2DM and CKD (n = 14) received 500 mg/day of curcumin for 15 days (30 days in patients with overt proteinuria). Curcumin supplementation significantly reduced urinary microalbumin excretion and lowered serum MDA levels by enhancing the specifically Nrf2-regulated protein, NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO-1), along with other antioxidant enzymes in the lymphocytes. Additionally, patients showed reduced serum lipopolysaccharide (LPS) content and increased inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa-B kinase (IκB kinase) proteins inhibiting inflammatory signalling in lymphocytes. Interestingly, curcumin stimulated the activity of several gut bacteria crucial for maintaining the integrity and functioning of the gut barrier. In summary, short-term curcumin intervention inhibits the progression of DKD by activating the Nrf2 antioxidant system and exerting anti-inflammatory effects in patients with T2DM. Aerobic training + curcumin supplementation group showed the best results with significantly reduced MDA and hs-CRP levels and increased glutathione and TAC compared to the aerobic-training and curcumin-supplementation-alone, respectively. These results demonstrate the positive effects of curcumin supplementation and physical activity on the metabolic state, oxidative stress markers, and hs-CRP. Curcumin supplementation appears to have beneficial effects in individuals with T2DM and coronary heart disease. Shafabakhsh et al. recruited 60 patients with T2DM and CHD aged 45–85 and were randomly assigned to two groups—the experimental group receiving 1000 mg/day of curcumin and the control group receiving a placebo for 12 weeks. After the intervention, the experimental group showed a significant reduction in MDA levels and a significant increase in TAC and GSH levels compared to those of the placebo group. Additionally, curcumin consumption increased the level of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ). Na et al. investigated whether curcumin supplementation reduced A-FABP levels. The curcumin-receiving group had significantly reduced serum A-FABP levels, CRP, TNF-α, and IL-6compared to the placebo one. Additionally, curcumin supplementation also significantly increased the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) in serum. The researchers concluded that curcumin may have antidiabetic effects by reducing A-FABP levels in serum. Curcumin also exhibits lipid-metabolism-lowering effects. Forty-four individuals with T2DM were randomly assigned to a group supplementing with curcumin at a dose of 1500 mg/day or to a control group receiving a placebo for 10 weeks. In the curcumin-supplementing group, the average hs-CRP concentration significantly decreased, and the average adiponectin concentration significantly increased compared to in the placebo group. These results suggest that curcumin intake may reduce diabetic complications by decreasing TG levels and inflammatory markers.

Unraveling the protective effects of curcumin against drugs of abuse
Cell | May 2024
Curcumin, a natural compound derived from the turmeric plant (Curcuma longa), has garnered significant attention for its diverse neuroprotective properties. Curcumin has been widely recognized for its remarkable anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-apoptotic effects, which have shown great potential in the treatment of various disorders, encompassing psychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases. Overall, curcumin demonstrates promising effects against the neurotoxicity induced by abused drugs through a wide range of mechanisms; modulation of inflammatory cytokines, maintenance of ion homeostasis, epigenetic regulation, enhancement of antioxidant capacity, as well as the activation of the cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signaling pathways. Curcumin has demonstrated its viability as a potential therapeutic option for cancer treatment by selectively targeting diverse cell signaling pathways encompassing growth factors, cytokines, transcription factors, and genes that regulate cellular proliferation and apoptosis. Curcumin has been shown to be effective in treating outcomes linked to obesity through promoting the expression of antioxidants and directly slowing preadipocyte development. Studies have demonstrated the possible benefits of curcumin in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), through attenuation of airway inflammation and remodeling. Moreover, the relaxant effects of curcumin on tracheal smooth muscle indicate its bronchodilatory properties, suggesting its potential advantage in the treatment of diverse respiratory and allergic disorders. This evidence supports its ability to promote crucial aspects of wound healing, such as collagen deposition, granulation tissue formation, tissue remodeling, and wound contraction. Another potential mechanism of action of curcumin on depressive symptoms is linked to the inhibition of transcription signaling pathways of some nuclear factors, including nuclear factor kappa B, which is necessary for the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and is consequently involved in the pathogenesis of neuroinflammation. Furthermore, curcumin has been shown to boost levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a neurotrophin linked to the etiology of depression. In addition to its therapeutic effects on depressive disorders, curcumin has exhibited potential as a therapeutic intervention for delusional disorders. These findings suggest that curcumin emerges as a promising therapeutic agent in combatting the detrimental effects induced by drugs of abuse. Curcumin has demonstrated the ability to attenuate neuronal damage, oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis induced by these addictive substances. The findings presented in this review highlight the potential of curcumin as a multifaceted neuroprotective agent in the context of drug addiction. By targeting key pathological pathways associated with drug-induced neurotoxicity, curcumin holds great promise for the prevention and treatment of addiction-related cognitive impairments and neurodegenerative disorders. Furthermore, the ability of curcumin to modulate neuroplasticity and synaptic plasticity provides a rationale for its use in promoting neuronal recovery and functional restoration following chronic drug exposure.

Curcumin in the treatment of inflammation and oxidative stress responses in traumatic brain injury: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Frontiers in Neurology | May 2024
Curcumin, an active compound extracted from the root of Curcuma longa, has demonstrated neuroprotective properties both in vitro and in vivo. Notably, it has shown potential in reducing oxidative stress and inflammation and enhancing redox balance. Curcumin supplementation positively affects traumatic brain injury by alleviating oxidative stress and inflammatory responses and promoting neuroprotection. It holds potential as a therapeutic agent for human traumatic brain injury.  Curcumin significantly mitigates the effects of inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α. Moreover, curcumin enhances the efficacy of oxidative stress factors, including SOD, Sir2, GPx, and Nrf2. Regarding neurological function, curcumin reduces brain edema, increases neuron survival rates and augmentation. Furthermore, curcumin enhances the effects of Beclin-1 and Bcl-2 in autophagy and apoptosis. Curcumin, administered in various concentrations, durations, and routes, significantly reduces pro-inflammatory cytokines in the experimental group, improves nerve function following TBI, and mitigates the inflammatory response. Bassani et al. demonstrated that curcumin effectively reduces neuroinflammation in models of neurodegenerative and neuroinflammatory diseases. Additional studies conducted in animal experimental models have shown that curcumin inhibits the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway, thereby down-regulating inflammatory cytokines. The results of this meta-analysis confirm that curcumin effectively reduces oxidative stress levels following TBI. Curcumin, a widely used antioxidant with neuroprotective properties, has been shown to inhibit lipid peroxide formation in the presence of lipid peroxidation-inducing drugs. Moreover, curcumin reduces levels of MDA, 4-HNE, and protein carbonyls, restores mitochondrial oxidation function, stabilizes cell membrane homeostasis, and thereby mitigates the oxidative stress response following TBI. Gao et al. demonstrated that curcumin treatment significantly reduces MDA levels and induces GPx activation, thereby ameliorating TBI-induced oxidative stress in rat models. Studies provide evidence that curcumin is a potent activator of Nrf2 both in vivo and in vitro, enhancing Nrf2 activation in the brain.

Curcumin exerts anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-ferroptotic effects through the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway to protect cardiomyocytes against sepsis
Signa Vitae | May 2024
The results show that curcumin significantly improved cell viability in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced H9c2 cells (p < 0.01). Curcumin also significantly reduced inflammatory factor levels in LPS-induced cardiomyocytes (p < 0.001). Curcumin down-regulated ROS and MDA levels (p < 0.001), and up-regulated SOD and GSH levels (p < 0.001). A decrease in both Fe2+ content and protein expression of ACSL4 (p < 0.001), and increased protein expression of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) (p < 0.001) were observed with curcumin. By knocking down Nrf2 curcumin’s therapeutic effect against LPS was eliminated. So curcumin can inhibit LPS-induced oxidative stress, inflammation and ferroptosis in cardiomyocytes by regulating Nrf-2/HO-1 signaling.

The Role of Curcumin in Cancer: A Focus on the PI3K/Akt Pathway
Cancers | May 2024
Curcumin is a polyphenol isolated from the rhizomes of Curcuma longa and has been widely studied for its anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and anti-cancer effects. Curcumin acts on the regulation of different aspects of cancer development, including initiation, metastasis, angiogenesis, and progression. The phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT) pathway is a key target in cancer therapy, since it is implicated in initiation, proliferation, and cancer cell survival. Curcumin has been found to inhibit the PI3K/Akt pathway in tumor cells, primarily via the regulation of different key mediators, including growth factors, protein kinases, and cytokines. This review presents the therapeutic potential of curcumin in different malignancies, such as glioblastoma, prostate and breast cancer, and head and neck cancers, through the targeting of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. This review focuses on the multifaceted role of curcumin in improving different malignancies, primarily through the regulation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. From a biological point of view, this structural property of curcumin has been widely studied in diseases such as arthritis and Alzheimer’s disease. Moreover, the presence of the diketone group, along with the two phenolic groups, allows curcumin to take part in different reactions in which electron transfer and hydrogen abstraction are involved. This is particularly useful in the case of reactions with free radicals. Curcumin’s reaction with reactive oxygen species (ROSs) results in the formation of curcumin–phenoxyl radicals that are more stable and less reactive than the initial free forms. Interestingly, the stabilization of superoxide radicals by curcumin has been considered equally efficient to the effects of key antioxidants, such as superoxide dismutase.

Curcumin attenuates brain aging by reducing apoptosis and oxidative stress
Metabolic Brain Disease | May 2024
Curcumin, exerts its neuroprotective and anti-aging effects in the aged brain. Curcumin is a natural antioxidant with potent anti-aging and neuroprotective properties. Our results indicated that treatment with curcumin in aged rats attenuates brain lipid peroxidation, which was accompanied by a significant increase in the BDNF, VEGF, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and anti-apoptotic protein BCl-2. The study indicates that curcumin could alleviate brain aging which may be due to attenuating oxidative stress, inhibiting apoptosis, and up-regulating SOD activity, which in turn enhances VEGF and BDNF. Therefore, curcumin has potential therapeutic value in the treatment of neurological apoptosis, neurogenesis, and angiogenesis changes caused by brain aging.

Effect of Curcumin plus Piperine on Redox Imbalance and Inflammation in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial
Preprints | May 2024
Curcumin, a hydrophobic polyphenol, exhibits potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, antimicrobial, anti-glycating, anti-coagulant and healing properties, as evidenced by both experimental studies and clinical trials clinical trials in IBD and other clinical situations such as Type 2 diabetes and some cancers. Our findings allow to affirm that the standard commercially available powder, rich in curcumin and combined with piperine, exhibits significant antioxidant action by substantially enhancing the endogenous defense mechanism, as evidenced by a noteworthy increase in serum SOD superoxide dismutas levels among supplemented patients over the three-month intervention period. These unprecedented results for this polyphenol underscore its beneficial effects on patients with IBD. Results are corroborated by a randomized clinical trial in patients with metabolic syndrome, where the combination of curcumin plus piperine, supplemented at the same dosage used daily in this study (1000 mg + 10 mg), for 8 weeks, significantly increased SOD superoxide dismutas activity. Another study conducted by Panahi et al. also demonstrated the effectiveness of curcumin in increasing SOD activity in patients with osteoarthritis after 6 weeks thus demonstrating the effectiveness of curcumin on this marker. of redox imbalance. The observed increase in SOD levels in this study among patients receiving curcumin plus piperine, with no alterations in H2O2 and MDA levels, suggests a beneficial effect of this supplementation.

Curcumin prevents high glucose-induced stimulatory effects of renal cell secretome on fibroblast activation via mitigating intracellular free radicals and TGF-β secretion
Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy | May 2024
All the effects of high glucose were successfully mitigated by curcumin. Curcumin prevents the high glucose-induced stimulatory effects of renal cell secretome on fibroblast activation, at least in part, via mitigating intracellular ROS and TGF-β secretion. In kidney stone mice and H2O2-exposed macrophages, curcumin has been demonstrated to hamper oxidative stress by elevating glutathione production and antioxidant enzyme activity. Additionally, curcumin has been reported with an anti-fibrotic property to attenuate renal fibrosis induced by kidney stone disease and ischemia/reperfusion injury in mice accompanied by the reduction of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), collagen I, and fibronectin expression. Curcumin has multiple health benefits due to its anti-diabetic, anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effects. Particularly in chronic kidney disease (CKD), recent randomized controlled trials have reported that curcumin can reduce oxidative stress as recognized by a decrease in malondialdehyde (an oxidative stress marker) and an increase in catalase (an antioxidant) in the plasma of CKD patients undergoing hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. Furthermore, curcumin supplementation for 12 weeks can suppress inflammatory processes in hemodialysis patients as shown by reduced expression of NF-κB in peripheral blood mononuclear cells and decreased plasma levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and TNF-α).

A role for curcumin in preventing liver fibrosis in animal: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Frontiers in Pharmacology | May 2024
Curcumin therapy improved fibrosis degree, oxidative stress level, inflammation level, and liver synthesis function in animal models of liver fibrosis. Curcumin intervention not only mitigates liver fibrosis but also enhances liver function, while concurrently modulating inflammatory responses and antioxidant capacity in animal models. This result provided a strong basis for further large-scale animal studies as well as clinical trials in humans in the future. Numerous studies demonstrated that curcumin effectively targets the inhibition of HSC activation (Shu et al., 2023).  Curcumin could inhibit activity and promote apoptosis in LX-2 cells by suppressing autophagy through activation of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway (Shu et al., 2023). Lian et al. discovered that curcumin inhibits glycolysis and regulates metabolism in HSCs by modulating hedgehog signaling (Lian et al., 2015). Qin et al., in their intervention with curcumin on HSC-T6 cells, found that curcumin could protect against activation and migration of hepatic stellate cells by inhibiting the CXCL12/CXCR4 biological axis in liver fibrosis (Qin et al., 2018). Research indicates that curcumin reduces serum cholesterol levels by increasing hepatic LDL receptor expression, inhibiting LDL oxidation, and enhancing bile acid secretion and faecal cholesterol excretion (Zhang et al., 2019). Curcumin also suppresses genes involved in cholesterol biosynthesis, proecting against liver injury and fibrogenesis in animal models (Fu et al., 2008; Peschel et al., 2007). Curcumin, a hydrophobic polyphenol extracted from the rhizome of Curcuma longa, is widely utilized in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, liver diseases, and tumours (Xu et al., 2020; Jabczyk et al., 2021; Pourbagher-Shahri et al., 2021). Clinical and basic studies have confirmed its remarkable pharmacological efficacy in treating liver diseases like NAFLD, liver fibrosis, and liver cancer (Nelson et al., 2017; Farzaei et al., 2018); (E. S. Lee et al., 2020) Our meta-analysis showcased curcumin’s effectiveness in preclinical liver fibrosis studies. The potential protective mechanisms observed in animals encompass liver protection, collagen production inhibition, oxidative stress reduction, and inflammatory response regulation.

Curcumin alleviates myocardial inflammation, apoptosis, and oxidative stress induced by acute pulmonary embolism
Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology | May 2024
Curcumin is a substance extracted from the roots of the turmeric plant and is a lipophilic polyphenol that acts as an antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging agent. Curcumin has significant tumor suppressor potential in a variety of cancers by inhibiting cancer cell proliferation, metastasis, cell cycle entry, or anti-apoptosis. Studies have determined that curcumin is beneficial in regulating oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis in cardiovascular diseases. It has been described that curcumin inhibits lung injury and inflammation in APE by microRNA- 21/phosphatase and tensin homologue (PTEN) axis and nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kB) pathway. In addition, curcumin ameliorates oxidative stress and inhibits apoptosis in diabetic cardiomyopathy. Moreover, it can reduce the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and alleviate myocardial injury. It has been validated that curcumin has a protective effect on cardiomyocytes by mediating oxidative stress and apoptotic pathways. Curcumin acts against coronary microembolization-induced myocardial damage by which the mechanism is related to reducing myocardial apoptosis and inhibiting inflammation. The protective effects of curcumin on cardiovascular diseases have been extensively elucidated. Curcumin restores biochemical indices, maintains antioxidant capacity, and reduces pro-inflammatory cytokine in diabetes-induced myocardial infarction. Consistent with these study findings, our research discovered that curcumin pretreatment recovered pathological changes in myocardial tissue and reduced apoptosis, inflammatory responses, and oxidative stress by altering relevant indicators. Protective efficacy against cardiovascular diseases by curcumin, a common natural polyphenolic compound, which has antithrombotic properties and reduces platelet accumulation in the circulation by inhibiting thromboxane synthesis has been demonstrated. Curcumin improved APE-induced myocardial injury, reduced myocardial tissue edema, and thrombus volume. It attenuated APE-induced myocardial inflammation and apoptosis, as well as reduced lung injury and pulmonary artery pressure. Curcumin promoted microRNA-145-5p expression in APE rat myocardium. In conclusion, curcumin alleviates myocardial inflammation, apoptosis, and oxidative stress induced by APE by regulating microRNA-145-5p/IRS1 axis.

Investigation of Antibacterial Activity of Curcumin and Synergistic Effect with Gentamicin Sulfate
Namık Kemal University | May 2024
Curcumin is a food spice that is a natural component of Curcuma longa  rhizomes. It has been widely used as a medicine in the treatment of various diseases in Asian and Middle Eastern countries for years. Curcumin, also known as turmeric, has been shown to have antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticancer activities. In the society, it is known to be used for therapeutic purposes against various malignant diseases, diabetes, arthritis, gastritis, urinary tract infections, skin diseases and other chronic diseases. Studies have shown that combinations of curcumin with different agents, including various antibiotics, have synergistic effects against bacteria. Curcumin is a natural agent whose therapeutic effects have been investigated due to its various biological and medicinal properties. In this study investigating the antibacterial activity of curcumin on some standard strains, it was found that curcumin showed antibacterial activity at a concentration of 62.5 µg/mL against all tested bacteria except E. faecalis (7.81 µg/mL). The results of this study and similar studies also emphasize the antibacterial activity of curcumin. In a study by Ungphaiboon et al. , in which they investigated the antibacterial activity of curcumin extracts obtained from Curcuma longa L. rhizomes on various microorganisms, they found the MIC values of curcumin as 16 and 128 µg/mL for Bacillus subtilis NCTC 10073 and S. aureus ATCC 25923, respectively. This study shows that curcumin alone or in combination with gentamicin sulfate has antimicrobial activity.

Curcumin inhibits colorectal cancer development by blocking the YAP/TAZ signaling axis
Biocell | May 2024
Curcumin is a plant polyphenol with antitumor properties and inhibits the development of colorectal cancer. In our study, we proved that curcumin significantly inhibited the colorectal cancer cell viability, cell migration, and cell invasion abilities. In addition, curcumin inhibited YAP and Transcriptional coactivator with TAZ or the YAP/TAZ signaling axis in colorectal cancer cells. Further, in the nude mice model, curcumin treatment significantly decreased the size and weight of xenotransplant tumors. Therefore, curcumin significantly inhibited colorectal cancer development and invasion by regulating the YAP/TAZ signaling axis. Curcumin has documented various properties on tumor cells, including anti-proliferative, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities. Studies have shown that curcumin could effectively inhibit the invasion and proliferation of human cancers, such as Wilms tumor (WT), esophageal cancer, and colorectal cancer . Further, curcumin inhibits the occurrence and development of colorectal cancer mainly through anti-inflammatory mechanisms and anti-tumor-related pathways. Previous studies have shown that curcumin has an inhibitory effect on colorectal cancer. Our experimental results that curcumin inhibited the cell viability, migration, and invasion of colorectal cancer in a dose-dependent manner are also consistent with such reports. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that curcumin inhibits the YAP/TAZ signaling pathway by promoting YAP phosphorylation and ultimately inhibits colorectal cancer tumorigenesis. Our study also further clarified the mechanism of curcumin in the treatment of colorectal cancer, laying an experimental and theoretical basis for further elucidation of the mechanism of curcumin in colorectal cancer treatment. This finding has promising significance for promoting the application of curcumin for treating colorectal cancer.

Therapeutic Potentials Of Curcumin Against Neurodegenerative Diseases: A Review
International Journal Of Research and Analytical Reviews | May 2024
Curcumin, a polyphenolic compound found in turmeric, has gained attention for its potential neuroprotective properties. It has long been utilized as a medical herb and culinary spice in Asian countries for a range of illnesses. This review centers on the latest developments and the underlying processes of curcumin's numerous natural benefits against neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson's disease. The current research indicates that the diagnosis of major depressive disorder is related to both the neuroprotective benefits of antidepressants and cellular shrinkage and the death of neurons. The neuroprotection of curcumin against Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease is primarily attributed to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. In addition, according to reports curcumin improves striatal TH survival filaments additionally, pars compacta (SNPC) neurons, reduces aberrant turning geste, and exerts neuroprotective effects, at least partially, through a 7-nAChR-mediated medium. In multiple sclerosis (MS), an important part of the immune system is inflammation that leads to the damage seen in the CNS. Curcumin inhibits T cell, and IL-12 signaling and may be used to treat MS and other inflammatory conditions. Curcumin’s anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antibacterial qualities have been the subject of numerous both in vitro and in vivo investigations, both of its own and in conjunction with conventional therapies. Studies on epidemiology have shown that cultures with high curcumin consumption have lower rates of disorders affecting inflammatory and memory retention, such as Alzheimer's illness. Curcumin has been utilized and additionally proposed is a possible preventive measure against Parkinson's disorder since studies have indicated that curcumin-consuming Indian communities do not exhibit age-related alterations in their neural neurons that produce dopamine. Furthermore, as will be covered in more information below, a multitude of both vivo and in vitro investigations offer strong proof that curcumin protects against Parkinson's disease-like symptoms. In conclusion, the neuroprotective effect of curcumin on neurodegenerative diseases holds significant promise based on the comprehensive body of research conducted thus far. Through its multifaceted mechanisms of action including antioxidant, anti- inflammatory, and anti-amyloid properties, curcumin demonstrates the potential to mitigate neurodegenerative processes associated with conditions such as Depression, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and multiple sclerosis. The studies reviewed consistently indicate that curcumin possesses the ability to modulate key cellular pathways involved in neuroprotection, thereby attenuating neuronal damage and improving cognitive function in various experimental models. The existing evidence underscores curcumin as a promising natural compound worthy of continued exploration for the development of novel therapeutic strategies against neurodegenerative diseases.

Patient-reported outcomes of curcumin supplementation in rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis: a cross-sectional survey
Rheumatology International | April 2024
Pain scores decreased significantly after starting curcumin therapy. Patients who were taking curcumin for years reported better symptomatic control when compared with patients taking it for months, weeks, or days. There was a significant difference in symptom improvement in patients taking 200–1000 mg compared to patients taking less than 200 mg. Patients taking curcumin once or twice a day reported significant symptom improvement compared to patients taking it sporadically. An interesting correlation exists between the symptom relief and the frequency, dosages (200–1000 mg), and duration (years) of curcumin supplementation. Our study indicates that curcumin supplementation positively influenced outcomes in 46.4% of individuals with rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis, reducing pain, swelling, stiffness, and fatigue. Curcumin is suggested to possess potent anti-inflammatory properties. This suggests curcumin’s potential as an adjunct therapy for these conditions.

Curcumin Inhibits α-Synuclein Aggregation by Acting on Liquid–Liquid Phase Transition
Food | April 2024
Parkinson’s disease, the second most common neurodegenerative disorder, is linked to α-synuclein (α-Syn) aggregation. Curcumin can inhibit amyloid formation by inhibiting the occurrence of LLPS and the subsequent formation of oligomers of α-Syn in the early stages of aggregation. These results may help to clarify the mechanism by which curcumin inhibits the formation of α-Syn aggregates during the development of Parkinson’s disease. Curcumin, the main polyphenolic substance present in the rhizomes of Curcuma longa L., has been shown to interact with amyloid-β peptide and α-Syn, thus inhibiting their aggregation, deposition, and neurotoxicity. Importantly, curcumin has also been recognized for its pharmacological benefits in a multitude of pathological contexts, including diabetes, cancer, and even neurodegenerative diseases. We found that curcumin could inhibit the formation of α-Syn oligomers by affecting the initial phase transition of α-Syn in the condensation pathway through direct interaction with droplets.

Neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects of curcumin in Alzheimer's disease: Targeting neuroinflammation strategies
Phytotherapy Research | April 2024
Curcumin, a polyphenolic compound derived from Curcuma longa, has shown potential neuroprotective effects due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. An exhaustive literature search was conducted, focusing on recent studies within the last 10 years related to curcumin's impact on neuroinflammation and its neuroprotective role in Alzheimer's disease. The review methodology included sourcing articles from specialized databases using specific medical subject headings terms to ensure precision and relevance. Curcumin demonstrates significant neuroprotective properties by modulating neuroinflammatory pathways, scavenging reactive oxygen species, and inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Curcumin emerges as a promising therapeutic adjunct in Alzheimer's disease due to its multimodal neuroprotective benefits.

Application and Potential Value of Curcumin in Prostate Cancer: A Meta-Analysis Based on Animal Models
Frontiers in Pharmacology | April 2024
Curcumin is gaining recognition as an agent for cancer chemoprevention and is presently administered to humans. The findings of this meta-analysis demonstrated that curcumin exhibited a superior inhibitory effect on the volume of prostate cancer tumors in mice compared to the control group. Additionally, curcumin displayed a more effective inhibition of mice prostate cancer tumor weight. Furthermore, in terms of tumor inhibition rate, curcumin exhibited greater efficacy. Moreover, curcumin more effectively inhibited PCNA mRNA and MMP2 mRNA. Curcumin exhibited inhibitory properties towards prostate tumor growth and demonstrated a beneficial effect on prostate cancer treatment, thereby offering substantiation for further clinical investigations.

The mechanistic role of curcumin on matrix metalloproteinases in osteoarthritis
Fitoterapia | April 2024
Curcumin demonstrates significant improvements in inflammation, pain and function scores. Curcumin demonstrated significant inhibition of matrix metalloproteinases linked to cartilage degradation in Osteoarthritis through reduced activation of the nuclear factor kappa-B signaling pathway via suppressing phosphorylation of Iκβa and p65 nuclear translocation. Mechanistic evidence implicated matrix metalloproteinases in Osteoarthritis by decreasing Type II collagen, leading to cartilage damage. As a potential nutritional intervention for Osteoarthritis, curcumin could reduce inflammatory markers and improve pain and function scores. Curcumin, a bioactive compound from Curcuma longa, has been extensively studied for its anti-inflammatory properties [19]. Curcumin inhibits NFκB activation, reducing IL-1, IL-6, and TNF-α levels. In vitro studies have shown curcumin's ability to modulate MMPs by inhibiting NFκB activation in both animal and human chondrocytes [[13], [14], [15], [16], [17], [18]]. Human studies have reported significant improvements in inflammatory markers with curcumin treatment. This systematic literature review supports all three mechanistic hypotheses, demonstrating curcumin could inhibit MMPs and therefore osteoarthritis expression of cartilage damage. Curcumin was demonstrated to inhibit MMP-1, −3 and − 13 linked to cartilage degradation in osteoarthritis. Curcumin was also shown to inhibit MMPs by suppressing activation of the NFκB signaling pathway. This was observed by two means: curcumin's suppression of Iκβa phosphorylation and inhibition of p65 nuclear

Protective Effects of Curcumin and Resveratrol on Kidney Tissue on Cadmium- induced Oxidative Stress in Rats
Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University | April 2024
Curcumin has a wide spectrum of effects, including anti- inflammatory, antioxidant, anticarcinogenic, antidiabetic, antiviral, and neuroprotective effects. It facilitates the removal of many reactive oxygen radicals, especially superoxide anions. In addition, it has been reported to scavenge ROS, inhibit lipid peroxidation, and protect cellular macromolecules from oxidative damage.In recent studies, curcumin has attracted attention for its potential antioxidant or anti-apoptotic properties. Curcumin has many beneficial properties, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions (24-26). In this study, it was observed that the TAC level increased and the MDA level and OSI value decreased in the group administered curcumin with Cd. On the basis of our results, we can say that curcumin may benefit kidney tissue in cadmium-induced oxidative stress. As a result, both resveratrol and curcumin support the defense system of cells by scavenging free radicals that increase the oxidative damage caused by Cd in the kidneys.

Effect of curcumin on the expression of NOD2 receptor and pro-inflammatory cytokines in fibroblast-like synoviocytes of rheumatoid arthritis patients
Advances in Rheumatology | April 2024
Studies have shown that curcumin inhibits proliferation, migration, invasion, and Inflammation and on the other hand increases the apoptosis of rheumatoid arthritis FLSs. In this study, we aim to evaluate the effect of curcumin, a natural antiinflammatory micronutrient, on the expression of NOD2 and inflammatory cytokines. Administering curcumin alone or in combination whit MDP can significantly reduce mRNA expression levels of P65 and IL-6 in FLSs of both groups. Moreover, in FLSs of rheumatoid arthritis patients, a single curcumin treatment leads to a significant reduction in NOD2 gene expression. This study provides preliminary in vitro evidence of the potential benefits of curcumin as a nutritional supplement for rheumatoid arthritis patients. Despite the limitations of the study being an investigation of the FLSs of rheumatoid arthritis patients, the results demonstrate that curcumin has an anti-inflammatory effect on NOD2 and NF-κB genes. These findings suggest that curcumin could be a promising approach to relieve symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.

Effects of curcumin supplementation on abdominal surgical wound healing
ACTA Cirúrgica Brasileira | April 2024
Numerous scientific studies have demonstrated the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of curcumin, resulting in the reduction of free radicals and optimization of wound healing. In the present study, oral administration of curcumin via gavage demonstrated effectiveness in reducing blood vessels compared to the control group. Curcumin is a potential aid in wound contraction, as it accelerates the phases of the healing process. Its anti-inflammatory action is attributed to its ability to reduce inflammatory pathways, such as interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6, and transcription factors of protein I and nuclear factor kappa B (NfkB). During the proliferative phase, curcumin is capable of increasing reepithelialization speed, as well as granulation tissue and the amount of type III collagen. Oral curcumin supplementation was able to significantly reduce inflammatory parameters in both preoperative phase and postoperative phase (inflammatory infiltrate and blood vessel count) in abdominal surgical wounds of Wistar rats.

Curcumin intervention in hippocampal atrophy of diet-induced Alzheimer-like deficits in insulin-resistant rats
Rwanda Medical Journal | April 2024
Curcumin is a prime contender against pervasive diseases due to its efficacy, accessibility, affordability, and safety. The findings demonstrated that oral curcumin effectively corrected hyperglycemia and reduced insulin resistance. The study further revealed that insulin resistance was related to hippocampal atrophy and related deficits in the assessed rat model. Curcumin ameliorated these changes, reduced the aggregation of Aβ in the hippocampus, and reversed impaired signaling of proteins PI3K, AKT, and GSK-3β. The study's findings imply that oral curcumin has potential therapeutic advantages against prevalent neuronal death linked to abnormalities mimicking Alzheimer's disease and insulin resistance. Hence, curcumin may benefit dementia patients who also have insulin resistance.

Potential of Curcumin in the Management of Skin Diseases
Molecular Sciences | April 2024
Curcumin is a polyphenolic molecule derived from the rhizoma of Curcuma longa L. This compound has been used for centuries due to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. These make it ideal for preventing and treating skin inflammation, premature skin ageing, psoriasis, and acne. Additionally, it exhibits antiviral, antimutagenic, and antifungal effects. Curcumin provides protection against skin damage caused by prolonged exposure to UVB radiation. It reduces wound healing times and improves collagen deposition. Moreover, it increases fibroblast and vascular density in wounds. This review summarizes the available information on the therapeutic effect of curcumin in treating skin diseases. The results suggest that curcumin may be an inexpensive, well-tolerated, and effective agent for treating skin diseases. Curcumin has a broad spectrum of biological potentialities, of which anti-inflammatory and cardioprotective effects are most often investigated. Turmeric, which is the main source of curcumin, is known for its health-promoting properties since the ancient times. There is an increasing number of studies that state that curcumin can modulate phenomena associated with inflammatory, infectious, and proliferative skin diseases.  It is applied for health-promoting purposes due to its multidirectional action, of which its antioxidant activity is a very important issue.

Curcumin inhibits the growth and invasion of gastric cancer by regulating long noncoding RNA
World Journal of Gastrointestinal Oncology | April 2024
Curcumin, a natural anticancer agent, exhibits therapeutic promise in gastric cancer. Its effects include promoting cell apoptosis, curtailing tumor angiogenesis, and enhancing sensitivity to radiation and chemotherapy. Curcumin exerts anticancer effects by inhibiting cell cycle progression and promoting apoptosis. Numerous studies have substantiated the antitumor properties of curcumin, whether used in isolation or in conjunction with other pharmaceutical agents. Research has shown that curcumin can diminish H19 expression while augmenting P53 in GC cells, thereby manifesting antiproliferative effects. Our experimental findings corroborate that curcumin markedly curtails the proliferation of GC cells, including AGS, MGC-803, and BGC-823 cells. Curcumin has potential anticancer effects on gastric cancer cells by regulating RNA.

Role of Curcumin in the Management of Rheumatoid Arthritis and Psoriatic Arthritis
Psoriasis - Recent Advances in Diagnosis and Treatment | April 2024
Curcumin, the primary active component within Curcuma longa (turmeric), has been demonstrated to be helpful in treating rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis, with effectiveness attributed to its mode of activity. The antiarthritic effect of curcumin has been investigated in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. In one study, 45 participants was randomly allocated to one of three groups: treatment with 500 mg of curcumin, treatment with 50 mg of diclofenac sodium, or a combination of the two. The Disease Activity Scores of patients across all three groups showed significant statistical improvement. However, the curcumin group showed superior results and had the highest percentage of recovery. According to the American College of Rheumatology score, the curcumin group also exhibited the greatest reduction in pain and joint edema. According to various literature surveys and evidence, it can be concluded that curcumin is a safe and effective therapeutic option for managing rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis compared to synthetic medications.  Turmeric regulates inflammation, cell development, and apoptosis, making it suitable for both prevention and treatment of various ailments due to its antioxidant and anti-inflam- matory applications, along with its high safety profile, the bulk of which is attributed to curcumin. Curcumin interacts with a wide variety of molecular domains, making it a pleiotropic chemical. According to in vitro and in vivo research, curcumin is a promising curative drug for various chronic illnesses, including pancreatitis, inflammatory bowel disease, chronic anterior uveitis, and certain malignancies. Curcumin’s physiological actions or molecular processes have been explored in numerous cell and animal investigations, and research is ongoing. Curcumin has attracted attention as a possible rheumatoid arthritis treatment due to its antioxidant properties and regulatory role of associated inflammatory agents. Curcumin, an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immune-modulatory agent, is found in turmeric. It has been found to assist with arthritis and joint pain. Given that persistent inflammation is a key feature of arthritis, it is important to note that curcumin has been reported to be beneficial for both inflammatory bowel disease and irritable bowel syndrome. Additionally, curcumin may potentially help reduce neuroinflammation associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Recent studies suggest that curcuminoids, when combined with black pepper, may help alleviate the painful joint symptoms associated with RA, PsA, or OA. Curcumin can help the immune response by reducing inflammation, which can help to alleviate joint discomfort, increase mobility, and restore functioning in troublesome regions. Curcumin’s anti-inflammatory properties have been proven in several trials, including investigations of back pain, muscular discomfort, and inflammation associated with asthma and allergies. Curcumin has been demonstrated to be safe and effective in treating rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis. Curcumin has proven beneficial in effectively treating both diseases without adverse side effects, potentially leading to symptom improvement in both conditions.

Curcumin is comparable to metformin for the treatment of PCOS in rats: a preclinical study
Pharmacia | April 2024
Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric (Curcuma longa Zingiberaceae) is a yellow polyphenol with a wide range of pharmacological activities such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, neuroprotective and cardioprotective properties. Weight was significantly reduced in the curcumin, metformin and curcumin and metformin combination groups. Curcumin is therapeutically effective for PCOS and is comparable to metformin. Curcumin is a major herbal constituent of turmeric (Nelson et al. 2017), it had been used in herbal medicine for ages, partially for its anti-inflammatory effects (Mahdizadeh et al. 2015). Curcumin, that golden concoction, is used for almost every ailment, acute and chronic (Amalraj et al. 2017; Kunnumakkara et al. 2017). From cancer to obesity, no health problem has not been presumed to profit from curcumin, mainly due to curcumin’s antineoplastic, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory qualities (Kocaadam and Şanlier 2017; Li et al. 2018). Increasingly available evidence is accumulating regarding curcumin potential efficacy for pulmonary diseases (Lelli et al. 2017). Curcumin has also shown the potential to be effective for skin diseases such as psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and wound care (Vollono et al. 2019). Additionally, curcumin is non-toxic and safe for humans’ consumption (Soleimani et al. 2018). Curcumin anti-inflammatory properties make it potentially useful for many disorders and ailments whose pathophysiological basis implicates inflammation. Type II diabetes (T2D) a prevalent modern world disorder, is also potentially responsive to curcumin in pre- and clinical studies (Pivari et al. 2019). Endometriosis, a gynecological disorder marked by inflammation, appears to benefit from the anti-inflammatory effects of curcumin (Arablou and Kolahdouz-Mohammadi 2018). Curcumin effects were expected as it had been shown to be effective for many disorders including gynecological disorders (Arablou and Kolahdouz-Mohammadi 2018). One possible mechanism for curcumin effects on PCOS signs might be its antioxidant powers as oxidative stress has a role in pathogenesis of PCOS (Ryu et al. 2019). Curcumin anti-inflammatory properties also most probably contribute to its effectiveness in disorders such as PCOS (Salehi et al. 2019). Also, the effect of curcumin could be through its beneficial effects on glucose tolerance and lipid profile which when improved can also improve symptoms of PCOS. Curcumin improved insulin sensitivity and lipid profiles in rats’ models of type 2 diabetes (Francesca Pivari, Alessandra Mingione 2019). This study did not attempt to examine the exact mechanism of curcumin effects in this model of PCOS. Thus, we cannot be certain about the mechanism(s) of curcumin in improving symptoms of PCOS in this study.

Network pharmacology and molecular docking reveal the mechanisms of curcumin activity against esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Frontiers in Pharmacology | April 2024
Curcumin displays anti-cancer activity against various cancers. Numerous lines of evidence indicate that curcumin has a potential in the management of various forms of cancer, including prostate cancer (Termini et al., 2020), colorectal cancer (Pricci et al., 2020), breast cancer (Deng et al., 2022), endometrial carcinoma (Zhang et al., 2019) and non-small cell lung cancer (Xie et al., 2022). Curcumin has potential anti-ESCC activity. For instance, curcumin can induce apoptosis and enhance the sensitivity of fluorouracil ESCC cell death by suppressing the NF-κB signaling pathway (Tian et al., 2012). According to Deng and his colleagues, the combination of curcumin and docetaxel triggers cell death and self-degradation in ESCC cells through the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway (Deng et al., 2021). In ESCC cells, curcumin inhibits STAT3-mediated signaling and induces apoptosis and growth arrest (Liu et al., 2018). Curcumin has been widely used in cancer treatment (Bar-Sela et al., 2010; Zoi et al., 2021). A recent study found that curcumin has the ability to regulate the circNRIP1/miR-532-3p/AKT pathway, resulting in the suppression of ESCC (Luo et al., 2023). Furthermore, curcumin induces apoptosis (Liu et al., 2018; Deng et al., 2021) and suppresses esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cell proliferation (Hosseini et al., 2018), and blocks the growth of primary esophageal squamous cell carcinoma-derived xenografts in vitro (Liu et al., 2018). Based on the findings from the GO and KEGG analyses, curcumin has the potential to address esophageal squamous cell carcinoma by modulating pathways related to cell cycle, programmed cell death, and cellular aging. Our experiments showed that curcumin induced a pause in the cell cycle at the G2/M and S stages. CCK8 experiments and clone formation assays indicated that curcumin significantly inhibited esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cell proliferation. Furthermore, Transwell invasion assays demonstrated that curcumin inhibited esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cell invasion and SA-β-gal measurement indicated that curcumin can induce esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cell senescence. Western blot results showed that curcumin may treat esophageal squamous cell carcinoma by inhibiting CDK2/RB pathway. 5 Conclusion In summary, our findings from network pharmacology, molecular docking, and in vitro experimental confirm that curcumin possesses the capacity to inhibit the proliferation and invasion of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cells. This is achieved through the induction of cell cycle arrest, regulation of FoxO, cell senescence, IL-17, and many cancer-related signaling pathways. Curcumin may exert anti-ESCC effects by interacting with CHEK1, TOP2A, CDK2, AURKA, CDK6, DHFR, EGFR, STAT3, PPARG, and SERPINE1CUR arrested ESCC cells at the G2/M and S phases, as shown by flow cytometry. Colony formation and CCK8 assays showed that curcumin can inhibit the proliferative ability of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cells. The Transwell invasion results validated that curcumin can significantly inhibit the invasion rates of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cells. Collectively, these findings indicate that curcumin exhibits pharmacological effects on multiple targets and pathways in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

The Effects of Curcumin Plus Piperine Co-administration on Inflammation and Oxidative Stress: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Current Medicinal Chemistry | April 2024
Results indicated that curcumin plus piperine administration could effectively reduce oxidative stress and inflammation. The beneficial effects of curcumin against various chronic disorders have been shown in the last few decades. Piperine has been used in scientific evaluations as an effective compound to increase the bioavailability of curcumin. According to the current meta-analysis, curcumin plus piperine administration showed a significantly increased SOD activity and GSH levels while significantly decreased MDA concentrations. In addition, our study revealed that curcumin plus piperine significantly decreased TNF-α and IL-6 concentrations.

NF-κB pathway as a molecular target for curcumin in diabetes mellitus treatment: Focusing on oxidative stress and inflammation
Authorea | April 2024
This study extensively explores the prospective therapeutic benefits of curcumin, a bioactive compound known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hypoglycemic properties, in addressing diabetic complications, predominantly via the modulation of the NF-κB pathway. The findings reveal that curcumin administration effectively lowered blood glucose elevation, reinstated diminished serum insulin levels, and enhanced body weight in Streptozotocin -induced diabetic rats. Curcumin exerts its beneficial effects in management of diabetic complications through regulation of signaling pathways, such as CaMKII, PPAR-γ, NF-κB, and TGF-β1. Moreover, curcumin reversed the heightened expression of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6) and chemokines like MCP-1 in diabetic specimens, vindicating its anti-inflammatory potency in counteracting hyperglycemia-induced alterations. Curcumin diminishes oxidative stress, avert structural kidney damage linked to diabetic nephropathy, and suppress NF-κB activity. Furthermore, curcumin exhibited a protective effect against diabetic cardiomyopathy, lung injury, and diabetic gastroparesis. Conclusively, the study posits that curcumin could potentially offer therapeutic benefits in relieving diabetic complications through its influence on the NF-κB pathway. Curcumin has shown potency against numerous chronic conditions like Alzheimer’s disease, T2DM, rheumatoid arthritis, and metabolic syndrome. It possesses a broad spectrum of therapeutic properties, including antineoplastic, antimicrobial, anti-carcinogenic, anti-mutagenic, anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative, anti-amyloid, and anti-hypercholesterolemic effects. Mechanistically, curcumin inhibits the initiation of the radical-sensitive transcription factor NF-κB, reduces cytokine production, and impedes vital cellular survival processes. It also inhibits STAT proteins and NF-κB-DNA binding, diminishing the expression of pro-inflammatory molecules MMP-9, MMP-3, and cytokines like TNF-α, IL-1, and IL-8. Furthermore, curcumin attaches to the COX-2 protein, curtailing COX-2 expression and the synthesis of prostaglandins and thromboxanes [61]. Clinical trials have consistently affirmed curcumin’s assurance, acceptability, and effectiveness in addressing diverse chronic disorders in humans. These trials reported no toxicity when curcumin was given by mouth at a daily dose of 6 g for a duration of 4 to 7 weeks. The study underscores curcumin’s potential as a therapeutic agent in mitigating diabetes mellitus complications, primarily through modulating the NF-κB pathway. By demonstrating anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, and anti-fibrotic properties, curcumin has been effective in managing multiple diabetic conditions, including nephropathy, cardiomyopathy, and gastroparesis. The alteration of critical signaling pathways such as CaMKII, PPAR-γ, NF-κB, and TGF-β1 is pivotal in curcumin’s beneficial effects. Additionally, its capacity to diminish OS, curb inflammation, and enhance vascular functionality vindicate curcumin as a promising candidate molecule for management of diabetes mellitus complication. These findings highlight the necessity to further explore the potential of curcumin as a supplementary treatment option in management of diabetes mellitus complications.

Regulatory effects of curcumin on nitric oxide signaling in the cardiovascular system
Nitric Oxide | April 2024
Curcumin improves cardiovascular function, acting as an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and increasing bioavailability of nitric oxide. The major component of Curcuma longa, curcumin, has long been utilized in traditional medicine to treat various illnesses, especially cardiovascular diseases. Curcumin's pharmacological effects have been well studied. It works by lowering the generation of ROS, restricting the entrance of potassium, suppressing NF-κB, extracellularly regulated protein kinases (ERK) 1/2 and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and preventing the activity of apoptosis-associated speck-like protein (ASC). Furthermore, curcumin stimulates the sirtuin1 (SIRT1)-forkhead box transcription factor O1 (FOXO1) axis, which decreases cardiac oxidative stress levels and debilitates myocardial apoptosis. By the SIRT1/adenovirus E1B 19 kDa-interacting protein 3 (BNIP3)/B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2)/Beclin-1 autophagy axis, curcumin may also preserve cardiomyocytes. Curcumin enhances left ventricular function in pressure-overloaded rabbits by inhibiting collagen remodeling and reducing the expression of TNF-a and MMPs in the myocardium. Tharaux et al. demonstrated that curcumin inhibits fibrosis in the aorta and renal arteries, preserving vessel wall elasticity. Curcumin was found to exert these effects by inhibiting the renin-angiotensin system-transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) collagen axis. Curcumin improves cardiovascular function as well as having important pleiotropic effects, such as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, through its ability to increase the bioavailability of nitric-oxide and to positively impact nitric-oxide related signaling pathways. 

Protective Effect of Curcumin on D-Galactose-Induced Senescence and Oxidative Stress in LLC-PK1 and HK-2 Cells
Antioxidants | April 2024
Curcumin has been reported to exert antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimutagenic, antimicrobial, hypoglycemic, and anticancer effects. Moreover, its safety, tolerability, and non-toxicity have been reported in clinical trials. Regarding its antioxidant effects, curcumin is a bifunctional antioxidant. It has two phenol groups which confer a high hydrogen-donating activity and directly scavenges ROS. Furthermore, this curcumin polyphenol increases the activity of antioxidant enzymes such as CAT, SOD, glutathione peroxidase, and heme oxygenase-1 through the activation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf2) that induces the expression of genes coding for elements of the antioxidant system. Furthermore, curcumin has also been considered an anti-aging and senolytic agent in different in vitro and in vivo models. Curcumin, through its antioxidant properties, decreased DNA damage and reduced the number of senescent cells, preventing the decrease in lamin B1 in LLC-PK1 cells. It has been observed that the expression of lamin B1 is decreased by oxidative stress and is related to the senescent phenotype. Our results show that curcumin prevents changes induced by D-galactose in different senescence markers, notably β-galactosidase activity (decrease of 20% in LLC-PK1 cells) and PCNA (decrease of 60% in HK-2 cells). Moreover, it decreases oxidative stress (ROS reduction of 20% in both cell lines) and oxidative damage (8-OHdG reduction of 25% in LLC-PK1 cells) caused by D-galactose treatment. Therefore, curcumin has a moderate protective effect on D-galactose-induced senescence and oxidative stress in LLC-PK1 and HK-2 cells and could be further considered as a possible therapeutic agent. Curcumin treatment decreased by 20% the number of cells positive for senescence-associated (SA)-β-D-galactosidase staining and by 25% the expression of 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and increased by 40% lamin B1 expression. In HK-2 cells, curcumin treatment increased by 60% the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA, 50% Klotho levels, and 175% catalase activity. In both cell lines, this curcumin antioxidant decreased the production of ROS (20% decrease for LLC-PK1 and 10 to 20% for HK-2). These data suggest that curcumin treatment has a moderate protective effect on D-galactose-induced senescence in LLC-PK1 and HK-2 cells.

The Modulatory Effects of Curcumin on the Gut Microbiota: A Potential Strategy for Disease Treatment and Health Promotion
Microorganisms | March 2024
In addition to its antioxidant properties, curcumin exhibits various other biological activities, such as anti-inflammatory effects, the modulation of lipid metabolism, and the modulation of the immune system. These activities contribute to its potential as an anticancer, antitumor, and antithrombotic agent. Furthermore, curcumin is known to interact with various cellular and molecular targets, including growth factors, chemokines, transcription factors, and cell adhesion molecules, further enhancing its therapeutic potential. The contradiction with the low bioavailability of curcumin and its diverse pharmacological activities could be resolved by considering the interactions of curcumin with the gut microbiota. Since this discovery, a large number of clinical trials started to explore the therapeutic potential of curcumin for a variety of human diseases, namely cancer, cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, and inflammation. The latest research indicates elevated levels of curcumin in the gastrointestinal system after the oral intake of curcumin. It has been proposed that curcumin interacts dynamically with the intestinal microbiota, modulating the composition and activity and exerting a potential therapeutic effect on diseases caused by the dysbiosis of the intestinal flora. It has been found that oral curcumin supplementation is able to target improvements in gut barrier function and that higher levels of curcumin residues have been found in the gut after oral curcumin administration, emphasizing the possible positive effects of curcumin on the gut microbiota. The important biological activities of curcumin, such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-obesity, and anticancer, have long been demonstrated, and it is able to fully utilize its pharmacological effects through various molecular targets. The anti-inflammatory effect of curcumin is mainly achieved by inhibiting the NF-κB, reducing the release of a variety of pro-inflammatory factors, accompanied by the scavenging of free radicals and the downregulation of ROS generation, thereby reducing oxidative stress and exerting its antioxidant effects. Therefore, curcumin can improve the occurrence and development of atherosclerosis and inflammatory bowel disease. In addition, curcumin maintains intestinal barrier function by regulating multiple signaling pathways to prevent damage from dietary factors or endogenous injury. Secondly, curcumin can regulate lipid metabolism and production through MPAK signaling, thus achieving the goals of treatments for obesity.

Curcumin as a regulator of Th17 cells: Unveiling the mechanisms
Food Chemistry Oxford | March 2024
Curcumin exhibits anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant characteristics (Chatterjee and Pandey, 2011, Marjaneh et al., 2018, Zahedi et al., 2023, Mohajeri and Sahebkar, 2018). In the past two decades, studies have found that curcumin has immunomodulatory effects, regulating the activity of immune cells. Recent reports have shown that curcumin can reduce the proliferation of alloreactive T cells and significantly suppress the differentiation of Th17 cells (Park et al., 2013). Curcumin also suppresses the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including IL-17 and TNF-α, in Th17 cells, thereby reducing the expression of inflammatory cells, particularly neutrophils, and resulting in decreased inflammation and infiltration (Mohammadian Haftcheshmeh et al., 2021). Curcumin demonstrates promise in regulating T cell subsets associated with inflammatory diseases. Xiao et al. (Xiao et al., 2022) reported that curcumin downregulated pro-inflammatory Th17 cells (CD4 + CCR6 + Th17, CD4 + IL-17A + Th17, IL-17A, BATF, C-Maf, RORγt) and upregulated anti-inflammatory Treg cells (CD4 + Foxp3 + Treg, CD4 + IL-10 + Treg, IL-10, Foxp3, Eomes) in mice with diabetic colitis, suggesting its ability to restore Th17/Treg balance. Human studies on curcumin's systemic bioavailability, metabolites, and pharmacokinetics have primarily focused on patients with cancer. Garcea et al. (Garcea et al., 2005) found that patients with different stages of colorectal cancer who took 3.6 g of curcumin for 7 days had pharmacologically effective concentrations of curcumin in both normal and colorectal tissue (Menozzi et al., 2009). Curcumin has several roles in the regulation of enzymes involved in inflammation, adhesion molecules, transcription factors, protein kinases, cytokines, and redox balance. It possesses various pharmacological functions, including antimicrobial, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antioxidant, and antifungal properties (Howells et al., 2021, Heidari et al., 2023, Bagheri et al., 2020, Cicero et al., 2020, Keihanian et al., 2018, Khayatan et al., 2022, Mokhtari-Zaer et al., 2018, Panahi et al., 2019, Sahebkar, 2010, Sahebkar, 2014, Iranshahi et al., 2010, Mohammadi et al., 2019, Panahi et al., 2012). It also plays a protective role against autoimmune diseases. Several studies have demonstrated that curcumin can enhance the antitumor effects of chemotherapeutics, including paclitaxel, against various cancers while also reducing the side effects of conventional chemotherapies (Ashrafizadeh et al., 2020). Curcumin acts as an active scavenger of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species. Moreover, it increases the synthesis of glutathione (GSH), a crucial intracellular antioxidant (Menon and Sudheer, 2007, Zheng et al., 2017). Curcumin also plays a role in protecting against catalase activities and reducing the levels of glutathione S-transferases (GST), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) (Arshad et al., 2017). Because oxidative stress is closely related to inflammation, curcumin indirectly inhibits pro-inflammatory reactions in the immune system (He et al., 2015). Notably, curcumin is a potent immunomodulator, with strong interactions with different types of immune cells, including neutrophils, T cells, mast cells, epithelial cells, eosinophils, and basophils, resulting in the regulation of pathological immune system reactions (Panahi et al., 2015, Mohammadi et al., 2022, Rahimi et al., 2019). The immunomodulatory effects of curcumin, which confer protection against immune-mediated diseases, are attributed to its ability to interact with cells of the immune system (Gao et al., 2004, Gautam et al., 2007, Momtazi-Borojeni et al., 2018). Curcumin can influence both the innate and adaptive immune reactions (Haftcheshmeh et al., 2022, Gao et al., 2004). Curcumin's immunomodulatory properties arise from its ability to modulate the expression of numerous pro-inflammatory chemokines and cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-1β, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, IL-6, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) (Haftcheshmeh et al., 2022, Gao et al., 2004, Momtazi-Borojeni et al., 2018, Panahi et al., 2016). Curcumin, an active compound found in turmeric, exhibits potent immunomodulatory effects, making it a promising therapeutic agent for various inflammatory and autoimmune disorders. Recent studies have focused on the ability of curcumin to modulate Th17-mediated immune responses, which play a critical role in the development of several autoimmune diseases. Curcumin has been shown to inhibit the proliferation and differentiation of Th17 cells and reduce the production of specific pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-17, IL-6, and TNF-α. Additionally, curcumin has been found to increase the production of Treg cells, which suppress excessive immune responses and maintain immune homeostasis. Overall, curcumin's ability to target the Th17 axis opens exciting avenues for developing novel therapeutic strategies for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.

Phytocompounds-based therapeutic approach: Investigating curcumin and green tea extracts on MCF-7 breast cancer cell line
Journal of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology | March 2024
Results showed the anticancer and cytotoxic properties of curcumin against MCF-7 cells, with a relatively higher level of released LDH. The curcumin extract downregulated the oncogenic Raf-1, suppressed the Telomerase and upregulated the TNF-α and IL-8 genes. Results from the ELISA showed a notable increase in IL-8 and TNF-α cytokines levels after curcumin treatment, which culminated after 72 h. Among both extracts, only curcumin effectively modulated the understudy molecular targets, achieving multi-targeting anticancer activity against MCF-7 cells. Moreover, the applied dosage significantly increased levels of the proinflammatory cytokines, which represent a component of the cytokines-targeting-based therapeutic strategy.

Cytotoxic evaluation of curcumin and quercetin in MCF-7 cell lines
World Journal of Biology Pharmacy and Health Sciences | March 2024
Curcumin, a naturally occurring compound found in turmeric, has been extensively studied for its potential anticancer properties, including its effects on MCF-7 cell lines. MCF-7 cells are commonly used as a model for studying breast Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Both curcumin and quercetin possesses anti-inflammatory properties, and chronic inflammation is often associated with cancer development. By reducing inflammation, curcumin may indirectly contribute to the cytotoxic effect on cancer cells. In this study, the cytotoxic potential of a curcumin was found to be greater than the cytotoxic potential of quercetin in the individual testing, however the phyto nutrient combination & natural extracts of both curcumin and quercetin shows the better cytotoxic potential in the MCF7 Breast cancer cell line. The combination of both the phytoconstituents shows an effective synergistic effect that can elicit a powerful cytotoxic response on the breast cancer cells. The synergistic effects observed in the combination of curcumin and quercetin on MCF-7 cells suggest that the compounds may act through complementary mechanisms, enhancing their individual anticancer activities.

Impact of Curcumin on Aging: Manifestations and Limitations
Curcumin and Neurodegenerative Diseases | March 2024
Due to its potential for treating cancer and Alzheimer’s disease, turmeric, which contains curcumin, has gained considerable attention in recent years. The primary reason why curcumin is effective is its anti-inflammatory properties. Age-related redox imbalance results in overexpression of reactive oxygen species levels. Curcumin reduces oxidative stress associated with cellular senescence and can benefit aging individuals.

Exploring the molecular mechanism of action of curcumin for the treatment of diabetic retinopathy, using network pharmacology, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulation
Integrative Medicine Discovery | March 2024
A wide range of pharmacological properties have been attributed to curcumin, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimutagenic, etc. Researchers found that curcumin had a beneficial effect on the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and pro-inflammatory cytokines in the retina of diabetic rats. In addition, curcumin has also been demonstrated to have the capability of slowing down or even reversing the progression of certain fundus diseases, making it a new option for the treatment of retinal diseases. As a result of this study, curcumin may exert a role in the treatment of diabetic retinopathy through multi-target and multi-pathway regulation, which indicates a possible direction of future research. In summary, through network pharmacology, molecular docking, and MD simulations, the present study investigated the potential mechanisms of curcumin in the treatment of diabetic retinopathy. Following its introduction into the body, curcumin has multiple targets and pathways for treating diabetic retinopathy. Several targets were shown to be used by curcumin to exert anti-diabetic retinopathy effects, including AKT1, IL-1B, IL-6, ALB, and TNF-α, and regulating several signaling pathways such as PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, lipid and atherosclerosis signaling pathway, and AGE-RAGE signaling pathway in diabetic complications.

Curcuma longa: A Natural Ally in Alzheimer’s Disease Management
Curcumin and Neurodegenerative Diseases | March 2024
Curcuma longa, commonly known as turmeric or saffron, contains a compound called curcumin that possesses potential biopharmacological activity. Curcumin is considered safe by the American Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and does not exhibit any side effects when consumed in moderate amounts. Numerous studies have been conducted on curcumin due to its therapeutic potential in various diseases, particularly in neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease. Research indicates that this substance holds remarkable potential as an effective and safe treatment.

Curcumin activates the JNK signaling pathway to promote ferroptosis in colon cancer cells
Chemical Biology & Drug Design | March 2024
Recent evidence has proved that curcumin as a natural polyphenol has anticancer and anti-proliferative effects in cancer cells. Curcumin suppressed SW-480 cancer cells viability in dose-dependent manner. Cell treatment with curcumin led to accumulation of ROS and iron within cells and increase in the intracellular levels of lipid peroxidation. In addition, curcumin modulated the mRNA and protein expression levels of ferroptosis-related proteins including ACSL4, GPx4 and FTH1 and suppression of JNK signaling. Curcumin may exhibit its anticancer effect on colorectal cancer by downregulating JNK signaling to induce ferroptosis in SW-480 cells.

Longevity and anti-aging effects of curcumin supplementation
GeroScience | March 2024
Curcumin demonstrated a positive impact on slowing down the aging process by postponing age-related changes. Curcumin may have anti-aging properties by changing levels of proteins involved in the aging process, such as sirtuins and AMPK, and inhibiting pro-aging proteins, such as NF-κB and mTOR. In clinical research, this herbal compound has been extensively examined in terms of safety, efficacy, and pharmacokinetics. There are numerous effects of curcumin on mechanisms related to aging and human diseases.

Curcuminoids with Antineurodegenerative Properties: Current Trends and Future Perspectives
Curcumin and Neurodegenerative Diseases | March 2024
Curcuminoids are bioactive compounds found in Curcuma longa Linn. (Zingiberaceae), a species commonly known as turmeric or turmeric root, widely used in traditional medicine for centuries. Recent research has demonstrated the potential of these metabolites as antineurodegenerative agents, substances that can help prevent or treat neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and multiple sclerosis. Studies have focused on understanding the molecular mechanisms by which curcuminoids exert their antineurodegenerative properties, as well as developing more effective and bioaccessible formulations of these compounds to improve their bioavailability and ability to cross the blood–brain barrier. Additionally, research has explored the combination of curcumin with other substances or therapies, such as combining them with other natural compounds, conventional drugs, or non-pharmacological therapies like deep brain stimulation.

Curcumin protects mice with myasthenia gravis by regulating the gut microbiota, short-chain fatty acids, and the Th17/Treg balance
Heliyon | March 2024
Curcumin modified the gut microbiota composition, increased microbial diversity, and, in particular, reduced endotoxin-producing Proteobacteria and Desulfovibrio levels in T-AChR-induced gut dysbiosis. Moreover, we found that curcumin significantly increased fecal butyrate levels in mice with T-AChR-induced gut dysbiosis. In addition, curcumin repressed the increased levels of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), zonulin, and FD4 in plasma. Curcumin enhanced Occludin expression in the colons of MG mice induced with T-AChR, indicating dramatically alleviated gut permeability. Furthermore, curcumin treatment corrected T-AChR-induced imbalances in Th17/Treg cells. Curcumin modifies gut microbiota composition and increases the abundance of SCFA-producing bacteria. Curcumin reduced FD4 concentrations as well as LPS and zonulin levels in serum.  Curcumin supplementation increased the level of butyrate and regulated the TH17/Treg balance.  Curcumin is an effective constituent of the traditional Asian medicine turmeric with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties. Of note, curcumin has been recently proposed for the management of neurological diseases by regulating the gut microbiota and improving gut barrier function. It was reported that curcumin could considerably alter the ratio of pathogenic and beneficial bacteria by reducing the relative abundance of genera including Prevotellaceae, Coriobacterales, Enterobacteria, and Enterococci while increasing the relative abundance of favorable genera including Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli. Hence, curcumin seems to have promising clinical applications. We found that curcumin alleviated the clinical symptoms, corrected the microbiota imbalance, increased SCFA-producing bacteria, reduced intestinal permeability, and regulated the Th17/Treg balance in T-AChR-induced MG mice. Considering the protective effect of curcumin on the gut microbiota and the regulation of immune responses by SCFAs, we evaluated the concentrations of SCFAs in the feces by using GC‒MS. In the T-AChR-induced EAMG group, fecal acetic acid and butyric acid concentrations were decreased, whereas curcumin administration reversed this reduction. These changes may be directly correlated to the abundance of the genera Oscillospira, Akkermansia, and Allobaculum. Curcumin has been proven to be neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory in both humans and animals; furthermore, curcumin is used to treat Huntington's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and cerebral ischemia.According to our study, curcumin alleviated the clinical symptoms of MG mice, which was consistent with previous reports. In addition, curcumin altered the gut microbiota composition, increased SCFA-producing bacteria, reduced intestinal permeability, and regulated the Th17/Treg balance of T-AChR-induced MG mice.  Curcumin and its metabolites have been demonstrated to affect the gut microbiota. Our findings have revealed that curcumin could restore the original gut microbial composition in T-AChR-induced MG mice and increase the abundance of a few important bacterial species. However, the disorders of the gut microbiota during EAMG were restored after treatment with curcumin, which mainly manifested as an increase in gut microbial diversity and richness. Consistently, curcumin increased the frequency of CD4+ CD25+ Foxp3+ Tregs and decreased the frequency of CD4+ IL-17A+ Th17 cells in spleens and inguinal lymph nodes. This shows that curcumin has the ability to restore the imbalance of Th17/Treg cells in T-AChR-induced MG mice. As a result, the host's immune system contributes to the beneficial effects.

Curcumin Promotes Diabetic Foot Ulcer Wound Healing by Inhibiting miR-152-3p and Activating the FBN1/TGF-β Pathway
Molecular Biotechnology | March 2024
Curcumin has been used as a traditional remedy for inflammation and wound healing, and it works at diverse stages, such as inflammation, maturation, and proliferation, thereby accelerating the entire process of wound healing. Studies have shown that curcumin treatment can cause fibroblasts to infiltrate into the wound site and accelerate wound healing. In addition, curcumin has been found to be beneficial for  diabetic foot ulcer and may be a potential candidate for treatment. Curcumin inhibited the apoptosis of fibroblasts, promoted their migration ability, and alleviated the damage of fibroblasts stimulated by HG. Furthermore, curcumin treatment promoted angiogenesis and accelerated wound healing in  diabetic foot ulcer rats. This suggests that curcumin plays an important role in the process of alleviating  diabetic foot ulcer. According to previous studies, there are many miRNAs involved in the treatment of different diseases by curcumin. Studies have shown that curcumin can attenuate vascular calcification through the exosomal miR-4b-92p/KLF3 axis, and curcumin therapy protects PC12 cells from high glucose-induced inflammatory responses. Curcumin alleviates the progression of  diabetic foot ulcer by inhibiting miR-152-3p.  In summary, curcumin activates the FBN1/TGF-β pathway by inhibiting miR-152-3p, thereby inhibiting HG-induced fibroblast apoptosis, promoting fibroblast proliferation and migration, alleviating HG-induced fibroblast damage, and promoting angiogenesis in  diabetic foot ulcer rats, thereby accelerating wound healing in  diabetic foot ulcer rats. This provides a new theoretical basis for curcumin treatment of DFU and may become a potential therapeutic target for diabetic foot ulcer.

Effects of Turmeric (Curcuma longa) on the Gut-Brain Axis
Curcumin and Neurodegenerative Diseases | March 2024
Turmeric is a spice widely known for its medicinal properties, including its effects on gut and neurobehavioral health. The results showed that curcumin is the most studied bioactive compound in turmeric. In vitro and in vivo studies with animal models have demonstrated antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and anticancer properties of turmeric and its isolated compounds. Some studies have shown the effects of this spice against gastrointestinal diseases, on the balance of the intestinal microbiota, and neurobehavioral parameters.

Preservative Effects of Curcumin on Semen of Hu Sheep
Animals | March 2024
Curcumin is a diketone compound found in the rhizomes of ginger plants that can neutralize ROS and improve the activity of endogenous antioxidant enzymes in the body. Curcumin can also promote Nrf2 nuclear transport by inhibiting the binding of Keap1 to Nrf2, thereby upregulating the Nrf2/ARE pathway, which increases the levels of HO-1 and NQO1 and improves antioxidant activity in the body. Curcumin has been widely used in feed additives, which can enhance the antioxidant capacity of animals and promote the nutrient absorption rate in the gut. These results show that adding an appropriate concentration (20 µmol/L) of curcumin to sheep semen can affect sphingosine-1-phosphate, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, phytosphingosine, and other metabolites of semen, inhibit ROS production, and prolong the time of cryopreservation.

Cardioprotective Effects of Curcumin Against Diabetic Cardiomyopathies: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Preclinical Studies
Traditional and Western Medicine Center for Cardiovascular | March 2024
Meta-analysis showed that curcumin significantly improved cardiac function indices, decreased markers of myocardial injury, HW/BW ratio and randomized blood glucose compared to the control group, in addition to showing beneficial effects on mechanistic indices of myocardial oxidation, inflammation, apoptosis, and autophagy. Curcumin may exert cardioprotective effects in DCM through its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, autophagy-enhancing, and anti-apoptotic effects. Modern studies have shown that curcumin can attenuate damage in DCM by being anti-inflammatory(Wei et al., 2023), anti-oxidative stress(Wu et al., 2022), anti-apoptosis(Ren et al., 2020), modulation of autophagy(Sadeghi et al., 2023), and anti-fibrotic(Wang et al., 2022). thus, curcumin emerges as a potential cardioprotective candidate for ameliorating DCM. Our results suggest that curcumin may play a cardioprotective 486 role in DCM through its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, autophagy-enhancing, and anti-apoptotic effects.

Curcumin inhibits prostate cancer by upregulating miR-483-3p and inhibiting UBE2C
Journal of Biochemical and Molecular Toxicology | March 2024
Evidence has shown the efficacy of curcumin in inhibiting the progression of  prostate cancer. In this research, curcumin was found to suppress the proliferation and enhance the apoptotic rate in in vitro  prostate cancer cell models in a dose- and time-dependent manner.  In humans, the expression levels of UBE2C are significantly higher in  prostate cancer versus benign prostatic hyperplasia. Treatment with curcumin decreased the expression of UBE2C, whereas it increased miR-483-3p expression. In summary, curcumin exerts its antitumor effects through regulation of the miR-483-3p/UBE2C axis by decreasing UBE2C and increasing miR-483-3p. The findings may also provide new molecular markers for  prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Curcumin and turmeric extract inhibit SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus cell entry and spike-mediated cell fusion
bioRxiv | March 2024
Our study shows that turmeric extract and curcumin are potential inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 infection at entry points, either by direct or indirect infection models. Curcumin has been tested for its anti-SARS-CoV-2 activities by plaque assay in Vero cells. Using the original virus, curcumin inhibits SARS-CoV-2 infection. Curcumin may inhibit SARS-CoV-2 viral replication as indicated by reduced N protein expression following viral infection. Here, we showed that curcumin and TE reduced PSV entry in331 293T/hACE2/TMPRSS2 cells, in which 10 μM curcumin and 10 μg/ml TE significantly affected the number of GFP dots. From the previous studies, Marin-Palma et al. reported that 10 μM curcumin can inhibit SARS-CoV-2 infection in Vero E6 cells. It is also reported that curcumin inhibits SARS-CoV-2 infection at concentrations of 3-10 μM.28. Furthermore, curcumin inhibited PSV339 entry in 293/hACE2 cells. These results corroborate curcumin effects against SARS-CoV-2340 infection with our data representing curcumin inhibition at PSV cell entry point. It has been known that curcumin affects the early stages of viral replication cycles, including viral-receptor attachment, internalization, and fusion that have been studied against several types of viruses which involve influenza, dengue, zika, chikungunya, pseudorabies, and VSV. Moreover, curcumin and TE inhibit secondary infection via cell-to-cell transmission in a syncytia formation model mediated by SARS-CoV-2 spike expression. Cells treated with curcumin and TE showed smaller syncytia with fewer nuclei than control cells. Curcumin can also interact with SARS-CoV-2 spike. These data align with our results that curcumin inhibited PSV350 entry and syncytia formation. Our in vitro study using PSV and syncytia models revealed that both curcumin and TE are potential inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Curcumin can interfere with the spike-receptor binding during direct viral or  intercellular transmission, hindering viral infection and cell fusion.

Interleukin-4 from curcumin-activated OECs emerges as a central modulator for increasing M2 polarization of microglia/macrophage in OEC anti-inflammatory activity for functional repair of spinal cord injury
Cell Communication and Signaling | March 2024
Curcumin, a bioactive polyphenol extracted from rhizome of the Curcuma longa, possesses a variety of pharmacological and biological effects properties, such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, immunomodulatory, autophagy-enhancing, and anti-microbial, etc. [34,35,36,37,38]. In addition to the reported benefits, numerous studies have shown that Curcumin exerts distinct neuroprotective and neutrophic effects on neuronal cells and glia by modulating their related signalling pathways [39,40,41]. Noteworthy, several recent reports have demonstrated that Curcumin can improve OEC proliferation, migration, morphologic changes, secretion of neurotrophic factors and phagocytic activity [29, 42]. That is, Curcumin significantly enhance the activation of OECs. In this regard, Curcumin potentiates the beneficial behavior of OECs including anti-inflammation and immunomodulation. As a result, aOECs could function as the most promising candidates for cell-based transplantation therapy targeting the CNS injury and neurodegenerative diseases.

Investigation of the role of curcumin against the toxicity induced by bisphenol a on the reproductive system in male rats
Journal of Kerbala for Agricultural Sciences | March 2024
The effect of curcumin as a protective role against BPA on the oxidative stress parameters showed that curcumin could decrease MDA concentration and at the same time increase the concentration of both catalase and SOD. Also, the results revealed that curcumin could increase the concentration of LH, FSH, and testosterone as compared to the BPA-treated group. Studies have demonstrated that curcumin effectively addresses several male reproductive problems, hence enhancing fertility. The positive benefits of curcumin may be attributed to its capacity to scavenge free radicals and function as an antioxidant agent, as well as its ability to elevate serum testosterone levels. Curcumin mitigated the impact of BPA and suppressed the antioxidant enzyme system in the host tissues. This resulted in a noteworthy decrease in MDA levels and a significant increase in catalase and SOD levels compared to the rats treated with BPA. Therefore, curcumin partially prevented the adverse effects caused by BPA. The presence of phenolic compounds in curcumin's structures is a crucial element in its ability to scavenge oxygen-derived free radicals that cause cell lipid peroxidation. Curcumin exhibits a protective impact on the enzymes SOD and CAT, which are reduced as a result of BPA induction. Additionally, curcumin decreases lipid peroxidation, specifically MDA. When curcumin is used together with other drugs, there is a considerable increase in antioxidant enzyme levels and a reduction in oxidative stress. Using Curcumin as an antioxidant to counteract the effects of BPA has a positive impact by effectively neutralizing the harmful free radicals and maintaining the sexual hormones at their optimal levels.

Efficacy and safety of curcumin therapy for knee osteoarthritis: A Bayesian network meta-analysis
Journal of Ethnopharmacology | March 2024
Compared with placebo, curcumin significantly reduced the visual analogue scale pain score and total WOMAC score. Compared with NSAIDs, curcumin and curcumin + NSAIDs had a reduced incidence of adverse reactions. The surface under the cumulative ranking curve results indicated that curcumin monotherapy, curcumin + chondroprotective agents, and curcumin + NSAIDs have good clinical value in osteoarthritis treatment. Curcumin, either alone or in combination with other treatments, is considered to have good clinical efficacy and safety in osteoarthritis treatment. Drug combinations containing curcumin may have the dual effect of enhancing efficacy and reducing adverse reactions. Curcumin has anti-inflammatory, antitumour, antioxidant, lipid-regulating, anticoagulant and other pharmacological effects (Benameur et al., 2023; Luo et al., 2023; Moballegh Nasery et al., 2020; Zhang et al., 2018). Curcumin is a bioactive natural substance with great potential clinical application value and is widely used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis (Akaberi et al., 2021; Feng et al., 2022; Henrotin et al., 2022). Curcumin has anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects similar to those of NSAIDs for arthritis and has a lower incidence of adverse reactions (Chopra et al., 2013). Curcumin is believed to exert an anti-inflammatory effect by inhibiting the biological activity and synthesis of important proteases that mediate the inflammatory process, such as cyclooxygenase-2, lipoxygenase and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) (Paulino et al., 2016). In addition, curcumin is believed to protect cartilage (Comblain et al., 2016; Liu et al., 2018). Prior to the current work, some clinical studies preliminarily confirmed the clinical efficacy of curcumin in the treatment of arthritis (Atabaki et al., 2020; Jamali et al., 2020). There are also traditional head-to-head meta-analyses in the literature that provide further evidentiary support for treating arthritis with curcumin (Feng et al., 2022; Wang et al., 2021). In terms of reducing RM use, curcumin, curcumin + NSAIDs and NSAIDs are better than placebo, and curcumin + NSAIDs are better than NSAIDs alone. These results indicate that the use of curcumin may reduce the total amount of analgesic drugs used by knee osteoarthritis patients. In terms of the incidence of adverse reactions, both curcumin and curcumin + NSAIDs were lower than NSAIDs alone. The results found that curcumin, curcumin + CP, and curcumin + NSAIDs have good clinical value in treating knee osteoarthritis. The results of SUCRA indicate that the two best treatment measures for reducing VAS pain scores are curcumin and curcumin + CP. Curcumin and NSAIDs are the preferred options for reducing the total WOMAC score. Curcumin + NSAIDs is the best medication for reducing the use of RM. Curcumin + NSAIDs and curcumin + CP are the best two drug regimens for reducing the incidence of AE. The above results suggest that curcumin can not only have better clinical efficacy in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis but also reduce the incidence of AE by its combination with NSAIDs, but this situation still needs more clinical data for verification. The conclusion of this NMA will provide a new perspective for clinical decision-making on the use of curcumin in the treatment of KOA, and we believe that the combination of curcumin with other drugs should be studied further. Experimental research (Guan et al., 2022; Hamdalla et al., 2022; Zhang and Zeng, 2019) suggests that curcumin has a good effect in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis, which can promote chondrocyte proliferation, inhibit chondrocyte apoptosis, inhibit the destruction of inflammatory factors on cartilage, and maintain the balance of the internal environment of articular cartilage. Shakibaei et al. found that curcumin can inhibit the expression of MMP-3 and MMP-9 induced by IL-1β/TNF-α in human chondrocytes (Shakibaei et al., 2007), which indicates that curcumin can inhibit the decomposition of cartilage matrix and play a role in treating KOA. The experiment with human chondrocytes as the research object shows that curcumin can downregulate the expression of inflammatory factors in cells, such as nitric oxide, prostaglandin 2, TNF-a, IL-6, and IL-8, reduce cartilage inflammation, and then inhibit cartilage damage (Crivelli et al., 2019; Kim and Kim, 2019). In this context, combined with our NMA results, we believe that curcumin has great clinical application value in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis and may become a substitute for NSAIDs.

Therapeutic advantages of curcumin, a polyphenol, against traumatic brain injury through interaction with different inflammatory signaling pathways and their effects on levels of cytokines and related biomarkers
 Molecular Neurobiology | March 2024
The recent findings on curcumin demonstrate its remarkable versatility as a molecule that interacts with a variety of molecular targets. Various central nervous system disease models have been shown to be susceptible to curcumin's anti-inflammatory properties, including intracerebral hemorrhage, global brain ischemia, and neurodegeneration, all of which are associated with the inflammation of the central nervous system. Similarly, curcumin exerts neuroprotective effects in mammals when it crosses the blood–brain barrier. Curcumin has been shown to reduce cerebral edema, enhance membrane and energy homeostasis, and influence synaptic plasticity following traumatic brain injury in studies. Curcumin has been shown by numerous studies to be effective in reducing inflammation. Research has shown that curcumin suppresses the activation of NF-κB by inhibiting the phosphorylation and degradation of IκB; as a result, curcumin reduces the inflammation caused by NF-κB. The effects of curcumin have been shown to be not only reduced post-traumatic brain injury neuroinflammation, but also decreased levels of inflammatory mediators that are produced following a traumatic brain injury. The anti-inflammatory effects of curcumin were demonstrated in an in vitro study using 100 mg/kg of curcumin. According to the report, curcumin was able to reduce the amounts of damage after traumatic brain injury induction and apoptosis, particularly in the cortical cell model derived from embryonic 15-day pregnant mice, resulting in reduced damage. One study in rats with traumatic brain injury administered 30 and 50 mg/kg of curcumin daily for 35 days reduced levels of NLRP3, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-18, and TNF-α. There was a reduction in neuroinflammation and subsequent complications of TBI when curcumin was administered. Furthermore, curcumin (at 500 mg/kg/day) decreased injury in the ipsilateral cortex as a result of its ability to enhance neutrophil infiltration (weight drop model-TBI). Curcumin reduced apoptosis in cells and increased antioxidant activity, suggesting potential neuroprotective effects. The pain levels decreased when curcumin (50 mg/kg) was administered to surgically induced traumatic brain injury rats. Curcumin has been found to inhibit non-selective histone acetyltransferases, suggesting potential benefits through histone acetylation. In a rat model of TBI induced by FPI, curcumin (100 mg/kg) exerted neuroprotective properties by activating the Nrf2 pathway. BDNF, synapsin I, and CREB levels were reduced in animal models following TBI after curcumin treatment (500 ppm). When given oral doses of 100 mg/kg of curcumin per day, oxidative damage was decreased, and omega-3 fatty acid DHA levels and 4-HNE (an indicator of membrane lipid peroxidation) increased. Curcumin supplements may have neuroprotective effects after brain injury and may increase the activity of docosahexaenoic acid and fatty acid-transport protein. According to Sharma et al.'s study published in 2010, curcumin reduced iPLA2, 4-HNE, and STX-3, which improved learning progress and relieved complications associated with traumatic brain injury. Several studies, such as the one by Zahedi et al., suggest promising effects of curcumin, developing effective therapeutic strategies necessitates rigorous preclinical studies and clinical trials.

Curcumin mitigates acrylamide-induced ovarian antioxidant disruption and apoptosis in female Balb/c mice: A comprehensive study on gene and protein expressions
Food Science & Nutrition | March 2024
Curcumin is known for its antioxidant properties.Evidence has shown that curcumin exhibits anti-inflammatory, antioxidants, anti-cancer activities (Khajeh pour et al., 2023; Mailafiya et al., 2023). These advantageous features are attributed to its elevated antioxidant activity, stemming from the hydroxyl and methylene groups within the β-diketone moiety present in its chemical structure (Chen et al., 2023; Wang et al., 2017). There are several studies that explored the positive effects of curcumin on the ovary tissue. Azami et al. (2020) showed that curcumin could prevent ovarian aging by increasing ovarian volume and the number of follicles. Lv et al. (2021) also suggested that curcumin had beneficial effects on the ovary and reproductive organs by regulating the PTEN-AKT-FOXO3a pathway. Furthermore, ACR exposure led to a significant increase in estradiol, luteinizing hormone, testosterone, ovarian tumor markers such as CA125, and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), while serum progesterone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and total antioxidant capacity decreased in female rats. Curcumin treatment restored serological indices toward normal levels (Elsawi et al., 2023). In our study, ACR exposure adversely affected ovarian antioxidant defense thereby leading to increased pro-apoptotic markers. Notably, curcumin treatment effectively mitigated these effects, restored antioxidant potential, and reduced acrylamide-induced toxicity in female mouse ovaries. Our findings indicate that the administration of curcumin at doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg efficiently restores the expression of antioxidant genes, demonstrating a significant improvement at the 200 mg/kg dose compared to the 100 mg/kg dose. Several studies have illustrated the efficacy of curcumin in mitigating oxidative stress-related concerns, encompassing factors like total antioxidant capacity, malondialdehyde (MDA), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) within physiological conditions (Chen et al., 2022; Khayatan et al., 2023). In a recent systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials, curcumin exhibited a substantial influence on indicators of oxidative stress, including total antioxidant capacity, malondialdehyde, and SOD levels (Dehzad et al., 2023). In various animal models of ovarian diseases, curcumin has demonstrated the ability to enhance overall ovarian function (Eser et al., 2015; Wang et al., 2017). Furthermore, the administration of curcumin has been proven beneficial in addressing gynecological diseases in women, as highlighted in studies (Kamal et al., 2021; Shen et al., 2022). For instance, curcumin supplementation has beneficial effects on weight loss, glucose and lipid metabolism, metabolic parameters, and androgen levels in polycystic ovary syndrome patients (Ghanbarzadeh-Ghashti et al., 2023; Sohaei et al., 2019). Curcumin causes a reduction in serum nitric oxide release in women with primary dysmenorrhea and premenstrual syndrome pain (Farrokhfall et al., 2023). It also decreases the total score of primary symptoms of menopause by affecting oxidative Stress Biomarkers (Farshbaf-Khalili et al., 2022). Importantly, curcumin treatment emerged as a promising therapeutic intervention, effectively restoring antioxidant potential and mitigating acrylamide-induced toxicity in the ovaries of female mice. These results contribute to a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in ACR-induced reproductive toxicity and underscore the potential of curcumin as a protective agent against such detrimental effects.

Curcumin abrogates cobalt-induced neuroinflammation by suppressing proinflammatory cytokines release, inhibiting microgliosis and modulation of ERK/MAPK signaling pathway.
Journal of Chemical Neuroanatomy | March 2024
Curcumin treatment significantly reduced tissue levels of proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-1β. Microglial activation and ERK protein upregulation induced by cobalt were attenuated by curcumin. Results showed that curcumin abrogated neuroinflammation by suppressing the release of proinflammatory biomarkers, reducing microgliosis, and modulating the ERK MAPK pathway. Extensive studies have suggested that curcumin possesses anti-inflammatory (Wang et al., 2017), neuroprotective (Teter et al., 2019), antioxidant (Memarzia et al., 2021), anti-cancer (Dou et al., 2017), hepatoprotective (Macías-Pérez et al., 2019). Curcumin significantly suppressed the release of neuroinflammation markers and reduced microgliosis in the hippocampus of the rats. In addition, the significant correlation between ERK expression and proinflammatory biomarkers and microgliosis has offered some mechanistic insight into curcumin's neuroprotective properties.

Curcumin in Cancer and Inflammation: An In-Depth Exploration of Molecular Interactions, Therapeutic Potentials, and the Role in Disease Management
International Journal of Molecular Sciences | March 2024
Curcumin, a polyphenolic compound, is extracted from the turmeric plant. The significance of curcumin’s structure, especially its conjugated enol-ketone system, lies in its ability to engage in diverse molecular interactions. In colorectal cancer, early studies indicated potential benefits of curcumin in reducing polyp number and size in familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) patients, suggesting its role in managing precancerous lesions. For head and neck cancer, particularly oral leukoplakia, curcumin showed a significant clinical response compared to placebo. It is also noteworthy that the combination of clinical and histological responses indicated a more pronounced effect of curcumin, suggesting its potential utility in the early-stage management of oral leukoplakia. In the context of multiple myeloma, particularly in patients with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) or smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM), curcumin demonstrated some promise. The promising results in certain areas warrant continued research to optimize curcumin’s formulation, delivery, and dosing to maximize its clinical benefits.

Curcumin effects on glycemic indices, lipid profile, blood pressure, inflammatory markers and anthropometric measurements of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trial
Complementary Therapies in Medicine Volume | March 2024
Curcumin supplementation was associated with significant changes in fasting blood glucose and homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance in adults with NAFLD. Curcumin supplementation was associated with significant changes in triglyceride, total cholesterol, and low density lipoprotein in adults with NAFLD. Curcumin supplementation in doses of 50−3000 mg/day over 8–12 weeks was associated with significant reductions in levels of FBG, HOMA-IR, TG, TC, LDL, weight and BMI in patients with NAFLD. Previous studies have reported curcumin as a safe complementary therapy for several diseases. A systematic review suggested that curcumin is effective in lowering low density lipoprotein, cholesterol (LDL-C), TG, fasting blood glucose (FBG), homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and weight in NAFLD patients, and it is well tolerated. Another study revealed that curcumin supplementation has favorable effects on metabolic markers and anthropometric parameters in patients with NAFLD.  Also, results of a randomized controlled trial suggest that curcumin supplementation reduces serum lipids in patients with NAFLD.  A study showed curcumin supplementation has a favourable effect on total cholesterol (TC), and BMI in participants with NAFLD. Therefore, promoting curcumin as adjuvant treatment on NAFLD patients might be justified. In conclusion, our study indicated that curcumin supplementation in doses of 50 − 3000 mg/day over 8–12 weeks was associated with significant changes in FBG, HOMA-IR, TG, TC, LDL, weight and BMI in adults with NAFLD.

Curcumin suppresses metastasis of triple-negative breast cancer cells by modulating EMT signaling pathways: An integrated study of bioinformatics analysis
Medicine | February 2024
Curcumin demonstrates potential anticancer properties in the treatment of triple-negative breast cancer cells. The findings suggest that the inhibitory effect of curcumin on the motility of triple-negative breast cancer cells could be attributed to the concurrent downregulation of specific signaling pathways, through influencing the EMT signaling process. This study employs a comprehensive approach that integrates bioinformatics analysis with in vitro experimental methodologies, providing substantial evidence supporting curcumin’s potential in breast cancer therapy. Curcumin exhibits its therapeutic potential in triple-negative breast cancer cells by modulating multiple signaling pathways. These findings provide experimental evidence for considering curcumin as a potential therapeutic strategy in the treatment of triple-negative breast cancer cells. This study concentrates on curcumin, a yellow phenolic pigment derived from turmeric, renowned for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties. Recent research has shown that curcumin is crucial in treating several tumors by modulating typical cell biological effects such as cell proliferation, apoptosis, cell cycle, and metastasis. Thus, curcumin may play a significant role in the initiation and progression of various cancers, including breast, lung, and liver cancers, through affecting multiple signaling and molecular pathways, such as Rb, P53, mitogen-activated protein kinase, phosphatidylinositol 3-K (PI3K)/protein kinase B, and NF-kappaB (nuclear factor kappa B cells, NF-κB). Previous studies have demonstrated curcumin’s capacity to inhibit cell proliferation and invasion in human triple-negative breast cancer cells. This study is significant for its exploration of curcumin’s potential clinical applications in treating triple-negative breast cancer cells. By elucidating the antitumor mechanisms of curcumin in TNBC cells, it establishes a crucial foundation for developing innovative therapeutic strategies. Curcumin significantly inhibited the proliferation of Hs578T and MDA-MB-231 cells. Flow cytometry results showed that curcumin induced apoptosis in these cells and arrested the cell cycle at the G2/M phase. Additionally, Transwell assay results showed that curcumin effectively reduced the motility of Hs578T and MDA-MB-231 cells. Enrichment analysis of RNA sequencing data showed that the mechanism of action of curcumin was significantly associated with signaling pathways such as pathways in cancer, focal adhesion, and PI3K-Akt signaling pathways. Finally, Western blotting analysis showed that curcumin significantly decreased the expression levels of key proteins including Fibronectin, mTOR, β-Catenin, p-Akt, Akt, N-Cadherin, p-S6, and S6.  Curcumin, an efficacious anticancer compound isolated from turmeric rhizomes, mediates its therapeutic effects through the modulation of various cellular pathways. These include the suppression of tumor metastasis, angiogenesis, and inflammation, alongside the modulation of apoptosis, cell cycle progression, and resistance to multiple drugs. The role of curcumin as a cancer chemopreventive agent has been rigorously studied in various cancer models. Recent studies have highlighted curcumin’s antiproliferative and antimotility effects on breast cancer cells. In this study, our objective is to elucidate the antitumor properties of curcumin, focusing on its potential mechanisms of action and therapeutic efficacy. Employing gene enrichment analysis, incorporating both Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathways, on RNA sequencing data, we determined that curcumin predominantly acts through pathways such as Pathways in cancer, Focal adhesion, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, and cell cycle. he CCK8 assay indicated that curcumin markedly reduces the cellular activity of TNBC cells. In parallel, Western Blot analysis revealed that curcumin lowers the expression of key proteins, including N-Cadherin, Fibronectin, β-Catenin, p-Akt, Akt, mTOR, p-S6, and S6, in Hs578T and MDA-MB-231 cells. These proteins play crucial roles in the EMT process and its related signaling pathways, particularly the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway. The results imply that curcumin’s inhibitory effect on the motility of triple-negative breast cancer cells may stem from the simultaneous downregulation of these signaling pathways, impacting the EMT signaling cascade.

Curcumin Enhances the Anti-Cancer Efficacy of CDK4/6 Inhibitors in Prostate Cancer
Archivos Españoles de Urología | February 2024
This study aimed to investigate the potential of combining cyclin-dependent kinase 4 and 6 (CDK4/6) inhibitors with curcumin, a natural compound known for its anti-aging properties, to enhance the anti-cancer efficacy in prostate cancer. Curcumin is a natural compound extracted from turmeric, which has been shown to have multiple biological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-cancer effects. The synergistic effect observed in this study suggested that curcumin may enhance the therapeutic efficacy of CDK4/6 inhibitors in prostate cancer treatment, further proving the previously reported findings. Furthermore, this study revealed that curcumin regulated cellular aging induced by CDK4/6 inhibitors through the inhibition of the mTOR and STAT3 pathways, which was also reported in previous studies. Similar conclusions were drawn in this study, which showed that curcumin could modulate cellular senescence. Interestingly, curcumin contributed to the anti-cancer effects of CDK4/6 inhibitors in prostate cancer treatment. Moreover, this study revealed that curcumin could inhibit the stemness characteristics of cancer cells induced by LY CM, as evidenced by the downregulation of cancer stem cell markers ALDH1A1, CD44 and Nanog. The ability of curcumin to target cancer stem cells provides further evidence of its potential as an effective therapeutic agent in prostate cancer treatment. As previously reported, the combination of curcumin and LY CM can inhibit the dryness of cancer cells. Overall, the findings of this study support the notion that combining CDK4/6 inhibitors with curcumin may have clinical implications for the treatment of prostate cancer. The findings of this study provide valuable insights into the potential of combining CDK4/6 inhibitors with curcumin in the treatment of prostate cancer.

The complex effect of polyphenols on the gut microbiota and triggers of neurodegeneration in Parkinson’s disease
Zhurnal Nevrologii  | February 2024
A promising direction for influencing microflora and inflammatory changes in the intestine is the use of polyphenols, primarily curcumin. The review of experimental, laboratory, clinical research proving the pleiotropic effect of curcumin, including its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective effects, realized both through peripheral and central mechanisms is presented.

Immunomodulatory effects of curcumin on macrophage polarization in rheumatoid arthritis
Frontiers in Pharmacology | February 2024
As a natural compound, curcumin is favorable for improving symptoms in rheumatoid arthritis patients due to its potent efficacy, affordability, and minimal side effects. In addition, curcumin has been reported to ameliorate several diseases via epigenetic regulation, encompassing: (1) suppression of DNMTs; (2) regulation of histone acetyltransferases and histone deacetylases; and (3) regulation of miRNAs (Boyanapalli and Kong, 2015). Several studies have shown that curcumin can be used in cancer treatment to reverse DNA methylation, alter histone modifications and target miRNA expression (Shu et al., 2011; Bao et al., 2012; Yu et al., 2013). Curcumin has been extensively demonstrated to possess anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immunomodulatory and anticancer properties in both experimental and clinical studies (Xu et al., 2018). Curcumin has shown strong therapeutic potential, especially in autoimmune diseases, such as RA and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) (Yang et al., 2019; Chamani et al., 2022; Kou et al., 2023). A large number of investigations have indicated that curcumin modulates macrophage polarization and function to alleviate inflammation and therefore can be used to treat inflammation-related diseases (Gao et al., 2015; Karuppagounder et al., 2016; Abdollahi et al., 2023). Curcumin regulates the functions of various immune cells, including macrophages (Mohammadi et al., 2019), dendritic cells (DCs) (Rahimi et al., 2021), B cells (Mohammadi et al., 2022) and T cells (Rahimi et al., 2019), thereby modulating both innate and adaptive immunity (Shehzad and Lee, 2013). The anti-inflammatory activity of curcumin is due to its suppression of multiple signalling molecules, including NF-κB, activated protein (AP)-1, MAPKs, and protein kinase C (Kahkhaie et al., 2019). In addition, curcumin is a potent inhibitor of reactive-oxygen-generating enzymes, such as lipoxygenase, cyclooxygenase (COX), xanthine dehydrogenase and iNOS (Rao, 2007). As shown in macrophages, curcumin inhibits LPS and IFN-γ-induced nitric oxide production.

Curcumin mediated dendritic cell maturation by modulating cancer associated fibroblasts
Journal of Cancer Research and Therapeutics | February 2024
Curcumin, traditionally known for its anti-inflammatory effects, has been shown to be a potent immunomodulatory agent that can modulate the activation of various immune cells by downregulating pro-inflammatory cytokines, including IL-1, IL-2, IL-6, IL-8, IL-12. In our previous studies, we have reported on curcumin's different potential to target cancerous cells in Acute myeloid leukemic (AML) patients as well as lung cancer patients.  Moreover, several reports have suggested that curcumin-treated DCs produce significantly lower levels of IL-6, IL-12, IL-10, and TNFα, thus creating a Th2 permissive environment. In addition, there are several other reports confirmed that curcumin inhibited IL-1b, IL-6 through modulation of NF-kB and MAPK pathways. Moreover, curcumin-inhibited IL-6-induced STAT3 phosphorylation and nuclear translocation in multiple myeloma cells. Recently, Paul S and Sa G revealed that curcumin acting as an adjuvant in immunotherapies may present with novel approaches for researchers and clinicians to obtain improved treatment outcomes. Collectively, our results concur with previous findings reported by other researchers, signifying curcumin’s potential to decrease the secretion of IL-6, IL-10, and TGF-β in conditioned media, this being mediated via curcumin’s efficacy to instruct cancer associated fibroblasts to secrete exosomes resulting in the creation of an immunomodulating TME from an immunosuppressive TME environment. This study may provide basis to revise fundamental treatment rationales and formulate synergistic therapeutic approaches by using curcumin along with DC-based immunotherapies to overcome cellular resistance in cancer treatment but it still requires more in-depth research to have an in-sight into mechanism, which might open up a newer avenues for curcumin’s use as an appropriate immunotherapeutic modulator.

Exploring the therapeutic potential of curcumin in oral squamous cell carcinoma
Pathology - Research and Practice | February 2024
Curcumin, a polyphenolic compound derived from rhizomes of Curcuma longa (turmeric), has garnered significant attention due to its potential as an anticancer agent. Its pleiotropic properties, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-tumor activity, make it a compelling candidate for exploring novel strategies in the oral cancer treatment. Of particular interest is curcumin’s capacity to interfere with the intricate web of cellular signaling pathways involved in angiogenesis and tumor progression. Our study highlights the intriguing possibility of curcumin being a multifaceted medicinal supplement in the fight against oral cancer. Through its modulation of HIF-1α, VEFG, STAT3, and MMP-3, curcumin shows promise in disrupting critical pathways associated with angiogenesis and tumor progression, offering new avenues for targeted cancer treatments. These findings underscore curcumin’s significance in oral cancer research and its potential for future clinical applications.

Curcumin in Alzheimer’s Disease and Depression: Therapeutic Potential and Mechanisms of Action
Brazilian Archives of Biology and Technology | February 2024
Curcumin is a polyphenol present in Curcuma longa, a root used in Asian cuisine for thousands of years, and it has several medicinal properties, acting as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, among others. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of curcumin in Alzheimer's disease and Depression, which has as its main pathogenesis the reduction of BDNF levels, monoamine levels, increased oxidative stress, inflammation, beta-amyloid aggregation, Tau protein accumulation and aluminum neurotoxicity, verifying its therapeutic capacity. Therefore, a literature review was performed in the Scholar Google, ScienceDirect, and PubMed databases. The data analyzed demonstrated that curcumin supplementation is able to restore BDNF levels in Alzheimer's disease and depression, in addition to modulating monoamines and reducing oxidative stress, inflammation, beta-amyloid aggregation, Tau protein accumulation and aluminum neurotoxicity, improving their symptoms.

The Protective Effects of Curcumin against Renal Toxicity
Current Medicinal Chemistry | February 2024
Curcumin is a naturally polyphenolic compound used for hepatoprotective, thrombosuppressive, neuroprotective, cardioprotective, antineoplastic, antiproliferative, hypoglycemic, and antiarthritic effects. Kidney disease is a major public health problem associated with severe clinical complications worldwide. The protective effects of curcumin against nephrotoxicity have been evaluated in several experimental models. In this review, we discussed how curcumin exerts its protective effect against renal toxicity and also illustrated the mechanisms of action such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, regulating cell death, and anti-fibrotic. This provides new perspectives and directions for the clinical guidance and molecular mechanisms for the treatment of renal diseases by curcumin.

Effect of Curcumin on the Process of Neuroinflammation Caused by COVID-19
Curcumin and Neurodegenerative Diseases | February 2024
Curcumin, the main active ingredient of Curcuma longa L., has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, antiviral, neuroprotective, and immune system-modulating properties. Because of these properties, this curcuminoid may be helpful both before and after SARS-CoV-2 infections, enhancing health status in the various complications brought on by the illness (respiratory, enteric, hepatic, and neurological). From this perspective, this chapter aims to report on findings regarding the effect of turmeric on COVID-19-induced neuroinflammation. Some studies highlight that curcumin is effective in COVID-19 conditions by inhibiting inflammatory and neuroinflammatory signaling pathways, such as nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kB), and the induction of various pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, including interleukin (IL)-6, interferon (IFN) γ, monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and IL-1β.

Effect of Curcumin on Dysmenorrhea and Symptoms of Premenstrual Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Korean Journal of Family Medicine | February 2024
The reduction in the severity of PMS and dysmenorrhea has been attributed to curcumin’s anti-inflammatory and antidepressant activities. Studies have found that curcumin can alleviate symptoms of dysmenorrhea and PMS. Evidence shows that curcumin has pleiotropic effects and acts as an anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antioxidant, and antibacterial agent. In addition, curcumin can reduce prostaglandin production. Khayat et al.found that curcumin can alleviate symptoms experienced before menstruation without any adverse effects. Furthermore, curcumin in women with PMS may also regulate neurotransmitters and biomolecules, exert antioxidant and analgesic effects, and reduce oxidative stress. In conclusion, the findings of our meta-analysis showed that using various forms of curcumin could reduce the severity of PMS and dysmenorrhea owing to its anti-inflammatory and antidepressant activities. The present study revealed that curcumin consumption immediately before or during menstruation could alleviate the severity of dysmenorrhea. Therefore, it could be regarded as an appropriate alternative for women with PMS and dysmenorrhea to improve their quality of life.

Review of the Protective Mechanism of Curcumin on Cardiovascular Disease
Drug Design, Development and Therapy | February 2024
Curcumin has been shown to have a variety of pharmacological properties over the past decades. Curcumin can significantly protect cardiomyocyte injury after ischemia and hypoxia, inhibit myocardial hypertrophy and fibrosis, improve ventricular remodeling, reduce drug-induced myocardial injury, improve diabetic cardiomyopathy(DCM), alleviate vascular endothelial dysfunction, inhibit foam cell formation, and reduce vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) proliferation. Clinical studies have shown that curcumin has a protective effect on blood vessels. Toxicological studies have shown that curcumin is safe.  Curcumin is a bioactive component of the curry spice, and its pleiotropic effects in cardiovascular diseases suggest that it is a promising drug candidate. Specifically, curcumin can significantly alleviate vascular endothelial dysfunction, inhibit foam cell formation, reduce VSMCs proliferation, protect cardiomyocyte injury after ischemia and hypoxia, inhibit myocardial hypertrophy and fibrosis, improve ventricular remodeling, reduce drug-induced myocardial injury, and improve DCM. The therapeutic effect and mechanism of curcumin have become the focus of pharmacokinetic research. Curcumin has a good therapeutic effect, especially in the cardiovascular field. Previous reviews have summarized the protective effects of curcumin on CVDs. In 2020, Li et al reviewed the preclinical studies of curcumin in CVDs such as cardiac hypertrophy, heart failure, abdominal aortic aneurysm, stroke, drug-induced cardiotoxicity, and diabetic cardiovascular complications, and reviewed the potential molecular targets of curcumin. Pourbagher-Shahri et al also reviewed the effects of curcumin on the cardiovascular system in 2021. The protective mechanism of curcumin against cardiovascular diseases is complex and networked. It is important to note that curcumin is a complementary or alternative medicine, not a replacement for the main treatment, and needs to be used under the guidance of a doctor. To be sure, curcumin is an important drug that is worth exploring.

Curcumin alleviates atrazine-induced cardiotoxicity by inhibiting endoplasmic reticulum stress-mediated apoptosis in mice through ATF6/Chop/Bcl-2 signaling pathway
Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy | February 2024
Curcumin displays promise in alleviating heart injury by alleviating cardiac apoptosis.  Curcumin, acclaimed for its pronounced anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, has garnered interest as a potential therapeutic agent. Collectively, our findings illuminate curcumin’s cardioprotective effect against ATR-induced injury, primarily through its anti-ERS and anti-apoptotic activities, underscoring curcumin’s potential as a therapeutic for ATR-induced cardiotoxicity. Curcumin has many biological benefits, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammation and immunoregulatory effect. Research has shown that curcumin can help reduce damage to various systems in the body, such as the cardiovascular, digestive, and respiratory systems. In addition, adding the curcumin to the diet can significantly reduce the body weight and body fat rate of mice which fed with high-energy diet, and alleviate inflammation and diabetes in mice. Meanwhile, curcumin significantly decreased the expression of inflammatory factors induced by tumor necrosis factor-α in adipocytes and the differentiation of preadipocytes. Mortezaee and his colleague’s study shown that curcumin inhibits the growth of tumor cells. Curcumin has various pharmacological effects, including reducing inflammatory reactions and oxidative stress, enhancing immunity, and combating infections. Recent studies have shown that the cardioprotective benefits of curcumin are facilitated through myriad mechanisms, among which include the modification of gut microbiota makeup, inducement of macrophage polarization, alleviation of oxidative stress, and modulation of pivotal signaling pathways such as AMPK and mTOR. In doing so, curcumin minimizes damage to the subcellular structures within the myocardium. The present study revealed that curcumin can alleviate the ATR-induced damage in cardiac cells. This mitigation manifests as reductions in inflammatory cell infiltration and subcellular membrane damage (including mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, and nucleus) instigated by ATR. Most notably, curcumin appears to have the capacity to remediate myocardial damage.

Improving cognitive function with intermittent dose escalation of curcumin extract in chemotherapy-induced cognitive impairment patients: a randomized controlled trial
Advances in Traditional Medicine | February 2024
The group of subjects receiving curcumin extract experienced clinically and statistically significant improvements in cognitive function. Administration of curcumin extract with intermittent dose escalation regimen proved to be safe and able to improve cognitive function of cognitive impairment patients clinically and statistically significant. Recently, there has been multiple pharmacological studies done to investigate the antioxidant, antiinflamation, anticarcinogenic, and anti-bacterial effects of curcumin. Curcumin is a safe natural product to be consumed by humans (Abd El-Hack et al. 2021). Curcumin is also known to increase the effectiveness of chemotherapeutic agents via increasing cancer cells sensitization against chemotherapy and protecting normal cells from chemotherapy damage (Tan and Norhaizan 2019). Curcumin extract has several advantages, including having a pleiotropic effect as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiapoptotic (Panahi et al. 2021; Abd El-Hack et al. 2021). Furthermore, curcumin extract also has anti-carcinogenic effects. Thus, the combination of various mechanisms of action makes curcumin extract a comprehensive therapeutic modality to prevent or treat cellular damage, especially due to exposure to neurotoxic and oxidative stress chemotherapeutic agents (Liu et al. 2019; Akbari et al. 2020). In addition, curcumin extract also has a low toxicity index, so it has a broad and safe therapeutic window profile. Clinically, curcumin extract has been widely tested and is known to have neuroprotective effects. For example, curcumin extract can inhibit cognitive function impairment caused by the oxidative stress of cigarette smoke (Muthuraman et al. 2019). In the context of chemotherapy, curcumin has been shown to improve neurogenesis and synaptogenesis that play a role in brain plasticity, as well as increase hippocampal autophagy so that it can suppress the process of apoptosis in the central nervous system, after exposure to cisplatin-based chemotherapy (Yi et al. 2020). Thus, administration of curcumin extract in carcinoma patients undergoing chemotherapy regimens can help prevent, even improve, the symptoms of cognitive impairment. Based on the results of the analysis of this study, valid evidence was found that the administration of curcumin extract with the new regimen was proven to be safe and effective in improving cognitive function in patients with cognitive impairment due to carboplatin-paclitaxel chemotherapy regimen.  Administration of curcumin extract with a dose escalation system was proven to improve cognitive function of patients with clinical and statistical significance. Administration of curcumin extract with this dosage regimen has also been shown to have a good safety profile.

A Review on Medicinal Benefits of Curcumin on Cancer
International Research Journal of Modernization in Engineering Technology and Science | February 2024
Curcumin, a natural polyphenol found in the food spice turmeric, has been shown to inhibit the survival and proliferation of cancer cells and trigger apoptosis without promoting side effects. In this context, the regulation of the cell cycle and its modulation by curcumin has attracted great attention in recent years. Curcumin can inhibit cancer cells, cause apoptosis, inhibit angiogenesis, inhibit the expression of anti-apoptotic proteins, as well as inhibit the immune system of cancer cells. Various studies have reported the antitumor activity of curcumin against breast cancer, lung cancer, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, prostate cancer, and brain tumors. Curcumin and its derivatives have attracted great attention in the last two decades due to their biofunctional properties such as antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral. Curcumin exerts its anti-cancer effect through various mechanisms. Curcumin can inhibit the growth of many cancer cells by reducing the regulation of anti-apoptotic cells, activating caspases, and promoting tumor suppressors such as P53. Curcumin has properties that scavenge free radicals and therefore may play an important role in inhibiting the growth of cancer. Many cellular and preclinical studies have shown that curcumin can prevent DNA damage caused by oxidative factors (such as ionizing radiation) by inhibiting free radicals and reactive oxygen species. Curcumin prevents cancer formation by inhibiting the formation of NF-kappaB. Curcumin prevents tumor formation and growth by inhibiting and activating two enzymes (Phase 1 and Phase 2).  The motivation to use curcumin stems not only from its therapeutic potential, but also from the fact that curcumin is more easily absorbed by patients without the side effects of many other medicinal products such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, hair lossand more serious long-term conditions such as liver failure. Various studies comparing breast cancer incidence and cancer rates in India and the West show that the risk of breast cancer is lower in India. Curcumin can interact with various biochemical pathways of cancer cells and survive by directly or indirectly binding to different targets. Curcumin has been shown to interact with many targets, including transcription factors, growth factors, DNA, RNA, and many proteins involved in cell signaling pathways. The chemical structure of curcumin has diverse properties that make it highly effective and has many synergistic properties for various molecular targets. Curcumin, the active ingredient of turmeric extract, has been used for many years as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-cancer and more. Although there is much to learn about curcumin and its therapeutic properties, it has great potential in the treatment and prevention of cancer. Curcumin, a natural product, is not only non-toxic but also has many effects on various pathways involved in tumorigenesis.

Curcumin Improves Chemotherapy Resistance in Breast Cancer Cells via Inhibiting the Secretion of FGF2/FGFR2 from Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts
Journal of Biological Regulators and Homeostatic Agents | February 2024
In this experiment, the data also showed that curcumin effectively blocked breast cancer cell proliferation, induced apoptosis, and boosted the breast cancer cell sensitivity to PTX. Curcumin increases breast cancer cell sensitivity to PTX by inhibiting the secretion of FGF2/FGFR2 from CAFs. Curcumin is a polyphenol isolated from turmeric that belongs to the rhizome of Zingiberaceae. In vivo and in vitro investigations have demonstrated a variety of pharmacological activities of curcumin. In addition to low toxicity, curcumin has pharmacological actions, including anti-inflammation, antioxidation, anti-hyperlipidemia, anti-atherosclerosis, anti-tumor, anti-HIV virus, and other beneficial properties. Many scholars have suggested that curcumin can be utilized to treat malignant tumors and chronic diseases. In vitro and in vivo experiments verified that curcumin has a clear anti-tumor activity. It was reported that curcumin inhibits the development of breast cancer through modulation of multiple molecular targets, including p53, Wnt/β-catenin, and PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathways. Curcumin exhibits diverse pharmacological properties, including anti-inflammation, antioxidant, and anti-tumor. Curcumin exhibits diverse pharmacological properties, including anti-inflammation, antioxidant, and anti-tumor.  Zou et al. focused on the effect of curcumin on the breast cancer cell sensitivity to cisplatin and discovered that curcumin enhanced the cisplatin sensitivity. In addition, curcumin reversed the enhanced resistance in breast cancer cells induced by CAFs-CM. We further detected the roles of FGF2 and its receptor FGFR2 in the chemo-sensitization of curcumin.  Accordingly, curcumin may increase the breast cancer cell sensitivity to PTX by inhibiting the secretion of FGF2 and FGFR2 by CAFs. It provides a new idea for combining curcumin with chemotherapy. This study revealed the potential of curcumin in cancer therapy and provided a foundation for combining curcumin with chemotherapy in the treatment of breast cancer.

The Combination of Vitamin D and Curcumin Piperine Attenuates Disease Activity and Pro-inflammatory Cytokines Levels Insystemic Lupus Erythematosus Patients
Current Rheumatology Reviews | February 2024
Curcumin-piperine might synergise with vitamin D to induce clinical remission in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. Curcumin supplementation in premenopausal women and dysmenorrhea improves vitamin D levels. Several studies have reported the efficacy of vitamin D or curcumin for SLE treatment. Curcumin is a phenolic compound widely found in ginger, turmeric, and curcuma plants and has the potential as an immunomodulator for the complementary treatment of SLE. Curcumin acts as an activator or inhibitor of several transcription factors that play a role in activating and differentiating Th1, Th2, Th17, and Tregs. In a previous report, curcumin synergistically interacts with vitamin D because it is also a natural ligand for the vitamin D receptor (VDR). Previous studies reveal that administering a combination of curcumin and vitamin D3 resulted in a better recovery of neuronal cells from Alzheimer's disease. Another study demonstrates that curcumin supplementation in premenopausal women and dysmenorrhea improves vitamin D levels. Although vitamin D or curcumin-piperine alone could improve the clinical outcome and cytokines levels in SLE, curcumin-piperine combined with vitamin D had the best outcome in improving the disease activity and cytokines levels among patients.

Can curcumin supplementation break the vicious cycle of inflammation, oxidative stress, and uremia in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis?
Clinical Nutrition ESPEN | February 2024
Curcumin supplementation for twelve weeks attenuates lipid peroxidation and might reduce uremic toxin in patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing dialysis. Supplementation with 2.5 g of curcumin, three days a week for 12 weeks, reduced the mRNA expression of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and protein C- high-sensitivity reactive (hs-CRP) in patients undergoing hemodialysis. In this single-blind, randomised, controlled trial, we showed that a 12-week curcumin supplementation reduced the levels of MDA, a standard marker of lipid peroxidation and showed a tendency to reduce the pCS, a uremic toxin from gut microbiota, in patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing dialysis.  A review based on twelve clinical trials comprising 631 patients with chronic kidney disease showed that curcumin supplementation has a favourable impact on oxidative stress, inflammation, and proteinuria. Similarly, a recent study from our group showed that curcumin supplementation for patients with chronic kidney disease CKD undergoing hemodialysis significantly reduced NF-κB mRNA expression and plasma levels of hs-CRP. Curcumin has phenolic groups in its chemical structure, which has essential antioxidant activity as it is a hydrogen donor, stabilising free radical molecules directly. Indeed, curcumin has been tested because of its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in patients with chronic kidney disease CKD. Our results showed that curcumin supplementation may be a potential nutritional strategy to help alleviate oxidative stress.

Effect of curcumin on malignant hepatocytes and mitochondria studied using atomic force microscopy
Micron | February 2024
Curcumin, an active ingredient of Curcuma longa, exerts anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anticancer effects on the liver (Reyes-Gordillo et al., 2017). Most studies on the effects of curcumin on hepatoma cells have focused on biological processes, including cell apoptosis, gene expression, and the role of proteins (Darvesh et al., 2012). Research has shown that curcumin induces cell apoptosis via the mitochondrial pathway (Trujillo et al., 2014), while research on curcumin in mitochondria has mainly focused on oxidation reactions and protein expressions (Bai et al., 2022). The chemical structure of curcumin is a lipophilicity polyphenol. The viability of SMMC-7721 cells decreased with increasing curcumin concentrations, and the change was statistically significant when the curcumin concentration was higher.

A Review on the Extraction Process and Therapeutic Activity of Curcumin on Diabetes Mellitus and Cancer
International Journal For Multidisciplinary Research | February 2024
Curcumin (diferuloylmethane), the active ingredient in turmeric, has significant antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. Research (in vitro and in vivo) showed that curcumin can also inhibits the activity of some signaling molecules (such as transcription factors, various enzymes, such as protein kinases) and can be modulated in this way inflammatory process, gene expression and could possibly control the effectiveness of curcumin for the treatment of many organ diseases, mainly diabetes and its complications. Turmeric or Curcuma Longa is a natural product whose medicinal properties have been widely studied and a wide range of therapeutic effects in various diseases, including neurodegenerative, liver, kidney damage, cancer and diabetes have been linked mainly to its curcuminoid content. Action of curcumin or curcuminoids as a hypoglycemic agent or only as a healing aid improve metabolic profile and improve diabetes-related complications such as diabetes nephropathy and cardiopathy are discussed. Curcumin has also been shown to be a mediator of chemoresistance and radioresistance. Anticancer effects have been observed in a number of clinical trials, mainly a natural chemopreventive agent in colon and pancreatic cancer, cervical neoplasia and Barrett's metaplasia. The potent antiproliferative effects of curcumin, which interact with multiple intracellular signaling pathways, may enhance the antitumor effects of gemcitabine. Turmeric has also be widely used as antioxidant, antiamyloid, antimicrobial, antitumor, immune response modulating and neuroprotective effects. Curcumin also had antidepressant properties by modulating the release of serotonin and dopamine. Curcumin has been used as a dietary supplement for centuries and is considered pharmacologically safe. The multiple functions of curcumin that affect in a chemopreventive and directly therapeutic way show that it could be a potential anti-cancer drug. Curcumin promotes cell death in a variety of animal and human cell lines, including leukemia, melanoma, and breast, lung, colon, kidney, ovary, and liver carcinomas. Curcumin promotes cell death in a variety of animal and human cell lines, including leukemia, melanoma, and breast, lung, colon, kidney, ovary, and liver carcinomas 

The Use of Curcumin in the Treatment of Colorectal, Breast, Lung, and Prostate Cancers: An In Vivo study Update
JLAR | January 2024
Studies have demonstrated that curcumin can potentially treat various cancers. There is evidence that curcumin has significant anti-cancer properties, including tumor growth inhibition, metastasis inhibitory activity, and angiogenesis. Several studies have demonstrated the versatility and potential of curcumin in treating cancer. Curcumin has considerable cancer treatment potential, based on the in-vivostudies. Curcumin and its derivatives have had bifunctional properties in the past two decades, such as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. The anti-cancer properties of curcumin have been demonstrated in vitro and in vivo at all stages of cancer growth, including the disease's promotion and initiation. Curcumin treats a wide range of diseases, including asthma, allergies, coughs, bronchial hyperactivity, sinusitis, anorexia, coryza, and hepatitis. Many studies show its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-infectious, hepatoprotective, thrombosuppressive, cardioprotective, chemopreventive, anti-arthritic, and anticarcinogenic properties. Curcumin has also modulated several molecular targets in the body.  According to the combined evidence presented in the included studies, curcumin is potentially effective against various types of cancer, highlighting its numerous anti-cancer properties. Researchers have found that curcumin inhibits tumor growth, induces apoptosis, suppresses angiogenesis, and modulates several cellular signaling pathways against cancer. Considering its broad spectrum of action, curcumin may be used as a complementary treatment and an adjunct therapy for these common types of cancer. As a result of this systematic review, curcumin has the potential to be a promising anti-cancer agent against colorectal, lung, prostate, and breast. It is clear that curcumin has excellent potential as a cancer treatment agent, and further study of its potential is warranted to achieve more effective and holistic cancer treatments.

Protective role of curcumin in disease progression from non-alcoholic fatty liver disease to hepatocellular carcinoma: a meta-analysis
Frontiers in Pharmacology | January 2024
Curcumin demonstrates a significant improvement in key indicators across the stages of NAFLD, liver fibrosis, and HCC. The research results reveal that curcumin effectively hinders disease progression at each stage by suppressing inflammation. Curcumin exerted hepatoprotective effects in the dose range from 100 to 400 mg/kg and treatment duration from 4 to 10 weeks. With excellent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-cancer properties, curcumin is expected to be an effective treatment for all stages of liver disease. Based on the results of the quantitative analysis evaluated in this system, we can conclude that curcumin is applicable to a spectrum of NAFLD–LF–HCC models and that most liver diseases proceed based on the hepatic inflammatory microenvironment. More attention should be paid to the anti-inflammatory effects of curcumin.  Curcumin has been shown to be effective in inhibiting the progression of NAFLD–LF–HCC at doses of 100–400 mg/kg over a 4–8 weeks duration with significant hepatoprotective effects, and its therapeutic mechanisms are related to multiple pathways, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and apoptotic regulations which are regulated in all stages of liver disease.

The Effect of Curcumin on the Gut-Brain Axis: Therapeutic Implications
Journal of Neurogastroenterology and Motility | January 2024
Several types of nutrients, such as curcumin, have been proposed as regulators of the dysbiotic state, and preclinical experiments have suggested that curcumin is not only beneficial but also safe. Curcumin possesses anti-inflammatory, anti-atherosclerotic, neuroprotective and metabolic disorder-modulatory effects. Indeed, the gut microbiota directly interacts with curcumin to produce small catabolites that can be absorbed through the intestinal wall, as confirmed by the high concentration of curcumin in the gut after oral administration. In addition, curcumin influences the gut microbiota by promoting the growth of beneficial bacterial strains, improving microbial richness and diversity as well as enhancing intestinal barrier function. Curcumin also had beneficial effects on the gastric tissue of diabetic gastroparesis model rats, exhibiting anti-gastroparetic properties through improving ghrelin (a gut-brain peptide hormone) expression, thereby balancing energy and promoting gastrointestinal motility in the presence of oxidative stress. Likewise, curcumin demonstrated a modulatory role on gastric emptying via enhancing stem cell factor/c-kit signaling (through reduction of oxidative stress) and the nuclear factor kappa B cascade in the stomach of a diabetic gastroparesis rat model.  In fact, curcumin may be one of the non-invasive alternatives to the invasive oral endoscopic gastric myotomy procedure. Curcumin positively affects multiple pathways in Parkinson’s disease (PD) treatment such as the inhibition of α-synuclein aggregation, an increase in tyrosine hydroxylase, and reduction of N-acetylneuraminate degradation, along with its influence on gut microbiota. Some in vivo studies have indicated that the protective effect of curcumin on neurodegenerative diseases and PD occurs through the regulation of the gut microbiota by curcumin. Oral administration of curcumin can alter the diversity of beneficial or pathogenic bacteria accord- ing to the dose, duration of treatment or formulation. In addition, curcumin and its metabolites may have a direct impact on neurons, hormones, blood, lymphatic vessels, and immune cells; thus, it is likely that the direct and indirect effects of curcumin (gut-brain axis) act together synergistically to modulate disease and improve host health. Based on the beneficial effects of curcumin on health-promotion, disease management, and its wide application as a spice in daily food, this review has sought to understand the interplay between curcumin and the gut-brain axis in multiple diseases, mainly based on available in vivo experimental models. The findings presented here indicate that curcumin has promising potential, with acceptable efficacy, as a regulator of the gut-brain axis in several dis- eases associated with GM dysbiosis. In addition, curcumin can not only act as a treatment but is also able to interact with intestinal microflora in dysbiosis to target microbiota activation or suppression, thereby enhancing its therapeutic effect through the production of more active metabolites and better pharmacokinetics.

Curcumin Mitigates the High-Fat High-Sugar Diet-Induced Impairment of Spatial Memory, Hepatic Metabolism, and the Alteration of the Gut Microbiome in Alzheimer’s Disease-Induced (3xTg-AD) Mice
Nutrients | January 2024
Curcumin enriched beneficial gut microbiota. The observed alteration in these gut microbiota profiles suggests a potential crosswalk in the liver and brain for regulating metabolic and cognitive functions, particularly in the context of obesity-associated cognitive disfunction, notably Alzheimer’s disease. Curcumin, a major bioactive chemical constituent derived from turmeric, has been found to exhibit a range of neuroprotective effects, including the reduction in the amyloid burden, neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, infection, and inflammation. Previous findings also provided evidence of the modulatory role of curcumin in mediating several targets of metabolic diseases. Reduced plasma glucose and triglyceride and improved β cell function and afamin levels were also evident after curcumin consumption in some clinical trials. Our previous studies have demonstrated the protective effects of curcumin on metabolic dysfunctions such as body weight gain, liver fat accumulation, and dysregulated insulin homeostasis in HFHSD-fed middle-aged and old mice. Curcumin supplementation demonstrated a notable impact on body weight gain in the 3xTg-AD mice subjected to HFHSD. This aligned with the previous findings from our studies and others, revealing a consistent reduction in body weight in the mice following curcumin supplementation, particularly under various metabolic challenges. Curcumin supplementation effectively ameliorated these memory deficits, as evidenced by an enhanced performance during the Y-maze test, consistent with our prior finding. In conclusion, our study demonstrated the multifaceted effects of curcumin on the body weight, metabolic pathways, memory function, and gut microbiota in 3xTg-AD mice under HFHSD conditions. The selective reduction in body weight gain, improvements in memory function, and the modulation of the metabolic pathways suggest the potential therapeutic value of curcumin in mitigating Alzheimer’s-related symptoms.

Curcumin Inhibits Bladder Cancer by Inhibiting Invasion via AKT/MMP14 Pathway
Discovery Medicine | January 2024
Curcumin could inhibit bladder cancer by inhibiting invasion through the AKT/MMP14 pathway. The target of curcumin for bladder cancer includes signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), AKT, cyclin A2 (CCNA2), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), E1A binding protein p300 (EP300) and MMP14. MMP14 was highly expressed in bladder cancer than in normal tissues and was associated with a worse prognosis (p < 0.05). Curcumin could inhibit the proliferation and migration of bladder cancer cells.

Targeting endothelial cells with golden spice curcumin: A promising therapy for cardiometabolic multimorbidity
Pharmacological Research | January 2024
Curcumin, a widely used dietary supplement derived from the golden spice Curcuma longa, has demonstrated remarkable potential in treatment of CMM through its interaction with endothelial cells. Numerous studies have identified various molecular targets of curcumin (such as NF-κB/PI3K/AKT, MAPK/NF-κB/IL-1β, HO-1, NOs, VEGF, ICAM-1 and ROS). These findings highlight the efficacy of curcumin as a therapeutic agent against cardiometabolic multimorbidity through the regulation of endothelial function. Curcumin, derived from the golden spice Carcuma longa and widely used as a dietary supplement, possesses anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-angiogenic and anti-oxidative properties. Several studies have demonstrated that the therapeutic effects of curcumin against cardiometabolic multimorbidity were attributed to its ability to target ECs. Studies have shown that in patients with obesity, curcumin (oral, 1 g/d for 4 weeks) could effectively regulate inflammation and immunity by reducing levels of hs-CRP, IL-1β, IL-4, or VEGF, and decreased levels of MCP-1, IL-6, and TNF-α in serum of metabolic syndrome (MS) patients. Curcumin, a natural compound derived primarily from, the rhizomes of Curcuma longa, possesses significant pharmacological properties. Extensive studies have confirmed its high oral safety. Additionally, our review has highlighted the tremendous potential of curcumin in the treatments a majority of cardiometabolic multimorbidities by the alleviation of endothelial damages. Furthermore, research studies have demonstrated the potential of curcumin in alleviating endothelial inflammation, oxidative stress, and cellular inflammation caused by diverse pathological conditions, such as hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, atherosclerosis, cerebral ischemia, and myocardial infarction. In animal models of obesity, MS, diabetes, and related complications, curcumin was administered at a higher dose and for a longer duration of 300–400 mg/kg/day for 8–12 weeks. This dosage exceeds the amount used to treat hypertension, atherosclerosis, and cerebral ischemia, which falls within a dosing range of 100–200 mg/kg/day for 4–6 weeks.

Examination of the effect of curcumin supplementation on liver enzymes and some physiological parameters in volleyball players
Revista de Gestão e Secretariado | January 2024
It has been observed that curcumin supplementation applied in addition to volleyball training affects the lipid metabolism and physiological parameters of the athletes. In line with this information, we believe that the supplements to be applied in addition to their routine training will positively affect the athletic performance of the athletes. Curcumin has been investigated for its anti-obesity, anti-inflammation, anti-cancer, anti-angiogenesis, anti-diabetes, hepatoprotection, radioprotection, and chemopreventive action. Curcumin is also said to affect obesity and lipid metabolism via a number of pathways, including energy metabolism regulation, inflammation suppression, and angiogenesis. Turmeric has lately gained widespread interest from researchers who have done studies demonstrating that its therapeutic characteristics are linked to pain relief, as well as the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular, cancer, and other chronic diseases. Curcumin administration has also been shown to improve physical activity and sports performance in animal studies. Curcumin supplementation is said to aid in muscle repair and  inflammation reduction, improve mitochondrial biogenesis, reduce oxidative stress, and prevent fatigue and muscle damage. During aerobic exercise (1 hour treadmill jog), there was a substantial reduction in physical exercise-derived inflammation compared to the pre-exercise moment in studies when turmeric supplementation was used. Despite some inconsistent results, curcumin administration appears to be useful for pain relief as well as muscle damage mitigation by lowering serum CK. Nicol et al. (2015) found that those treated with curcumin (5 g/day -5 days) had less muscular pain and lower CK serum values (22-9%; ± 21-22%) at 24-and 48 hours. Curcumin supplementation for 8 weeks resulted in substantial improvements in CRP, LDH, MDA, and VO2 max values in healthy young adult women in trials. It has been observed that curcumin supplementation applied in addition to volleyball training affects the lipid metabolism and physiological parameters of the athletes. In line with this information, the diversity of nutrients or compounds derived from food factors or medicinal plants can be explored to understand their possible effects on exercise physiology and the different bioactivities that can be used for health promotion.

Profiling Inflammatory Biomarkers following Curcumin Supplementation: An Umbrella Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials
Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine | January 2024
The umbrella of meta-analysis suggests curcumin as a promising agent in reducing inflammation as an adjunctive therapeutic approach in diseases whose pathogenesis is related to a higher level of inflammatory biomarkers. Curcumin is remarkable bioactive polyphenol extracted from the rhizome of turmeric (Curcuma longa). Curcumin has a wide range of medicinal effects such as hepatoprotective, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antitumor activities. The anti-inflammatory feature of curcumin is mediated by several pathways. Intestinal alkaline phosphatase, an endogenous antioxidant and anti-inflammatory enzyme, is upregulated by curcumin. Moreover, curcumin modulates inflammatory markers through nuclear factor-erythroid factor 2-related factor 2 (NRF2∗)-Keap1 regulatory pathway. Given these effects, curcumin can have regulatory effects on the level of inflammatory biomarkers such as CRP, IL-6, and TNF-α. According to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) report, curcumin has been considered as “Generally Recognized as Safe” (GRAS) even at doses between 4000 and 8000 mg/day. The beneficial effect of curcumin on various health conditions in some studies shows that the anti-inflammatory effect of curcumin is not dependent on the disease. Curcumin has a polyphenol nature; therefore, its anti-inflammatory mechanisms may be due to its antioxidant properties. Many properties of curcumin such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antimutagenic attribute to the presence of hydroxyl and methoxy groups in the curcumin structure. The present study shows that curcumin has reducing effects on IL-6, CRP, and TNF-α levels. Therefore, curcumin can be considered as a useful agent for longevity through decreasing oxidative stress.

Anti-Inflammatory Mechanisms of Curcumin and Its Metabolites in White Adipose Tissue and Cultured Adipocytes
Nutrients | January 2024
Overall, our in vivo and in vitro studies demonstrate that curcumin alleviated diet-induced obesity-associated inflammation. The plant-derived polyphenol curcumin alleviates the inflammatory and metabolic effects of obesity, in part, by reducing adipose tissue inflammation. Both curcumin and its metabolites reduced LPS-induced adipocyte IL-6 secretion and mRNA levels. Proteomic analyses indicated that curcumin upregulated EIF2 and mTOR signaling pathways. Overall, curcumin exerted anti-inflammatory effects in adipocytes. Previously, we reported that curcumin exerted protective metabolic effects in diet-induced obese mice, independent of changes in body weight. Curcumin’s effects may have been mediated through its metabolic products, which are produced in the gut, liver, or other tissues.

The Effects of Curcumin on Neurodegenerative Diseases: a Systematic Review
Journal of Herbal Medicine | January 2024
Curcumin has been considered in the therapeutic approach to neurodegenerative diseases due to its relevant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Adding curcumin to traditional drug therapy appears promising and safe for treating neurodegenerative diseases. Curcumin could be an option due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties (Colaço et al., 2023, Grant et al., 2023, Marton et al., 2022). The consumption of this plant or its derivatives, such as curcumin, can improve the function and structure of synapses by regulating proteins and delaying neuronal dysfunction processes.

Antioxidant curcumin induces oxidative stress to kill tumor cells (Review)
Oncology Letters | January 2024
Curcumin is a plant polyphenol in turmeric root and a potent antioxidant. Curcumin is a plant polyphenol in the rhizome of turmeric and was classified as a third-generation cancer chemopreventive agent by the National Cancer Institute. Several studies have reported anticancer mechanisms mediated by curcumin through the induction of elevated ROS. Curcumin has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, hepatoprotective and anticancer properties, and its anticancer effects have been reported in several tumor types. In melanoma, curcumin has been reported to increase the ROS level and activate oxidative stress in the cysteine asparaginase pathway, which causes tumor cell death. Furthermore, curcumin-induced accumulation of ROS in tumors to kill tumor cells has been noted in several studies, as discussed in the present review. Curcumin is well tolerated by humans. For example, a study that evaluated the toxicity of curcumin in humans reported that subjects administered 8 mg/day curcumin did not develop toxicity. Curcumin is a natural compound that has been used for the treatment of numerous types of diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, fatty liver and cancer. Of note, curcumin has a dual role in oncological and non-oncologic diseases. Specifically, in non-neoplastic diseases, curcumin is a potent antioxidant that attenuates oxidative stress and mitochondrial damage. Conversely, in tumors, curcumin binds to several enzymes and increases ROS levels. These different effects may be the result of differences in dosage. For instance, in a previous study on curcumin treatment of drug-resistant tumor cells, a low dose of curcumin showed no effect on antioxidant proteins, whereas a high dose resulted in the inhibition of antioxidant proteins, thereby increasing ROS levels. Furthermore, mitochondria may be a potential target for high-dose curcumin. In addition, compared with normal cells, proteins abnormally expressed in tumor cells, such as GSH and HO-1, may be targeted by curcumin to cause oxidative stress in tumor cells.  In terms of autophagy, curcumin has been reported to induce elevated ROS levels and the appearance of autophagy markers and autophagosomes, causing tumor cells to undergo autophagy. Curcumin achieves anticancer effects by regulating the expression of Nrf2 and its downstream target HO-1, inhibiting the expression of GPX4 and altering the accumulation of intracellular iron and inducing the Fenton reaction. Over the past two decades, the mechanisms by which curcumin inhibits several types of tumor have been gradually elucidated.  In conclusion, curcumin may have the potential to become a cutting-edge drug for the treatment of tumors and other diseases.

Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and epigenetic potential of curcumin in Alzheimer's disease
BioFactors | January 2024
Curcumin - an integral component of traditional medicine in numerous cultures worldwide - has garnered interest as a promising Alzheimer's disease treatment. Current research indicates that curcumin may exhibit therapeutic potential in neurodegenerative pathologies, attributed to its potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Additionally, curcumin and its derivatives have demonstrated an ability to modulate cellular pathways via epigenetic mechanisms. This article aims to raise awareness of the neuroprotective properties of curcuminoids that could provide therapeutic benefits in Alzheimer's disease. The paper provides a comprehensive overview of the neuroprotective efficacy of curcumin against signaling pathways that could be involved in Alzheimer's disease and summarizes recent evidence of the biological efficiency of curcumin in vivo. Curcumin is a naturally occurring polyphenol found in turmeric, which has long been utilized in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Curcumin's anti-inflammatory properties stem from its capability to inhibit multiple proinflammatory signaling pathways mediated by nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kB) and immune cell activation. Through this modulation of inflammatory mediators, encompassing cytokines, adhesion molecules, growth factors, and enzymes, curcumin holds the potential for therapeutic benefits. Numerous studies have investigated the therapeutic potential of curcumin against various neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease. Some evidence suggests that curcumin may be able to counteract the formation of amyloid plaques. Additionally, curcumin has been found to modulate Alzheimer's disease-associated epigenetic changes by influencing methylation patterns, microRNAs, and histone-modifying enzymes. Multiple human studies suggest a potential of curcumin to modulate Alzheimer's disease pathways in-vivo. Zhang et al.'s 2006 findings demonstrated in-vivo effectiveness of curcumin in clearing amyloid deposits. It was observed that treatment of macrophages of Alzheimer's disease patients with curcuminoids notably enhanced the uptake of Aβ. Research by DiSilvestro et al. extended these findings, investigating the effect of curcumin on inflammatory pathways and Aβ clearance in healthy middle-aged individuals. Daily administration of a low dose of curcumin has exhibited potential in reducing plasma levels of Aβ protein and augmenting antioxidant capacity by elevating the levels of radical scavenging enzymes catalase and myeloperoxidase. In a different study, a solid lipid formulation of curcumin was observed to enhance cognitive performance, alleviate fatigue, and mitigate the detrimental effects of psychological stress. Further exploration into the therapeutic potential of curcumin in Alzheimer's disease was initiated by Baum et al.'s double-blind study in 2008. Their 6-month clinical study confirmed the previously described advantageous effects of curcumin in Alzheimer's disease, as such showing its potential to promote disaggregation of Aβ and anti-inflammatory and antioxidant responses. In 2020, Thota et al. demonstrated that daily oral curcumin supplementation for 12 weeks could decrease circulating levels of islet amyloid peptide (IAPP) and glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3β), both implicated in insulin resistance. Curcumin and its metabolites have been shown to play a neuroprotective role, with the capacity to alter the pathological sequelae that may lead to Alzheimer's disease. Curcumin's demonstrated antioxidant and anti-inflammatory role, along with its high safety profile, poses an intriguing possibility in preventing and treating Alzheimer's disease.

Curcumin in Alzheimer’s Disease and Depression: Therapeutic Potential and Mechanisms of Action
Brazilian Archives of Biology and Technology | January 2024
Curcumin is a polyphenol present in Curcuma longa, a root used in Asian cuisine for thousands of years, and it has several medicinal properties, acting as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, among others. The data analyzed demonstrated that curcumin supplementation is able to restore BDNF (Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor) levels in Alzheimer's disease and depression, in addition to modulating monoamines and reducing oxidative stress, inflammation, beta-amyloid aggregation, Tau protein accumulation and aluminum neurotoxicity, improving their symptoms. Curcumin has several medicinal properties as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-HIV, antibacterial and antitumor effect. In addition, curcumin is also used as a therapeutic agent in inflammatory bowel disease, pancreatitis, arthritis, some types of cancer [24], head trauma, anxiety, Parkinson’s, depression, Alzheimer's disease, as well as acting as BDNF restorer. Most of curcumin benefits can be attributed to its anti-inflammatory action, obtained by the modulation of the expression and production of enzymes such as cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), lipoxygenase and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and by the inhibition of inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), monocyte chemotactic protein (MCP), among others. In neurodegenerative and neuropsychological diseases, curcumin's  role in restoring BDNF levels and, consequently, promoting neurogenesis, is extremely important and may contribute to the reversal of cognitive and mood disorders. After chronic curcumin supplementation, subjects had a significant reduction in depressive symptoms, with a reduction in the Hamilton Depression scale and the Montgomery-Asberg scale. Curcumin supplementation was also able to elevate plasma BDNF levels and reduce inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-1β, and salivary cortisol concentrations, when compared to the placebo group. These results suggest that supplementation with curcumin is able to improve the action of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor class of antidepressants, such as escitalopram, mainly by increasing BDNF levels, inhibiting proinflammatory cytokines and reducing cortisol secretion. Therefore, there is strong evidence of curcumin potential as a therapeutic agent in the neuropsychological and neurodegenerative context, especially when used in more bioavailable and high-quality formulations. In summary, the data presented suggests that curcumin is able to prevent and improve the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease through the improvement of cognitive and memory deficit by restoring BDNF levels, reducing oxidative stress, inflammation, beta-amyloid aggregation, Tau protein accumulation and aluminum neurotoxicity. In Depression, curcumin treatment was also able to improve its symptoms by restoring BDNF levels, modulating monoamines and reducing inflammation. This study helps to clarify the various mechanisms of action of curcumin in the neurodegenerative / neuropsychological diseases, Alzheimer’s disease and depression, suggesting it as a potential therapeutic agent without any significant side effects.

Targeted therapies of curcumin focus on its therapeutic benefits in cancers and human health: Molecular signaling pathway-based approaches and future perspectives
Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy | January 2024
Curcumin modulates several biochemical pathways and targets involved in cancer growth. Owing to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, mutagenic, and antibacterial properties, curcumin has been utilized as medication in Asian countries owing to their antioxidant and anticancer activities.  Additionally, it has been shown to be advantageous for kidneys. Curcumin has several medical uses, most of which are attributed to its inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Curcumin has anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective properties, potentially managing diabetes, easing arthritis, and potentially reducing inflammation in bowel diseases. Curcumin can cure metabolic syndrome, anxiety, hyperlipidemia, and oxidative and inflammatory diseases. Furthermore, a low dose can still be beneficial for one's health, even if they have not been diagnosed with a health condition. It has great potential as a cancer treatment.

Curcumin and breast cancer: therapeutic potential and mechanism in multi-drug resistance
Cancer Genomics | January 2024
The sensitizing effects of curcumin have been studied in composition with chemotherapy drugs including cisplatin,paclitaxel, doxorubicin, and 5-fluorouracil in BC celllines such as MCF-7, MCF-7ADR, MDA-MB-231. Studies reported that curcumin increases the sensitivity in the resistant cells to chemotherapy drugs, which has apoptotic and growth inhibitory effects. Also, curcumin could decrease multi-drug resistance breast cancer through induction ofautophagy by down-regulate the expression of CCAT1, PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway.  According to the results of preclinical studies, curcumin administration can inhibit the multi-drug resistance in breast cancer cells.

Analysis: Aaron Rodgers' remarkable recovery sets standard for players who tear an Achilles tendon
The Independent | January 2024
Aaron Rodgers defied conventional medicine by returning to practice just 77 days after surgery for a torn Achilles tendon. Rodgers had a “speed bridge” procedure that’s designed to expedite the recovery process. He said Thursday that he attributes his progress to working hard in rehab and a strict diet: “High levels of curcumin, high levels of collagen and drinking freakin’ bone broth every single day.” The soon-to-be 40-year-old Rodgers may have cracked the code for an injury that’s typically season-ending and normally takes players at least nine months to recover. No professional athlete is known to have returned from it in less than five months.

Curcumin for Treating Breast Cancer: A Review
Pharmaceutics | January 2024
Curcumin, a phytochemical derived from Curcuma longa (turmeric), has shown substantial potential in inhibiting BC cell migration, metastasis, and proliferation. Curcumin constitutes the primary bioactive compound found in the plant Curcuma longa, commonly known as turmeric. Curcumin, a natural compound found in the turmeric plant Curcuma longa, is generally considered safe when consumed in amounts commonly found in foods and traditional herbal remedies. In 2021, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) established an acceptable daily intake of curcumin at 3 mg/kg body weight. For optimal pharmacological effects, an oral dose of more than 8.0 g/day is often required. Numerous clinical studies demonstrated that a daily intake of 12 g of curcumin is well tolerated and safe. Curcumin unquestionably exhibits potential as an anticancer agent, with relevance not only to breast cancer but also to lung cancer, gastric cancer, and other malignancies.

Protective role of curcumin in disease progression from non-alcoholic fatty liver disease to hepatocellular carcinoma: a meta-analysis
Frontiers in Pharmacology | January 2024
Curcumin demonstrates a significant improvement in key indicators across the stages of NAFLD (Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease), liver fibrosis, and HCC (Hepatocellular Carcinoma). The research results reveal that curcumin effectively hinders disease progression at each stage by suppressing inflammation. With excellent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-cancer properties, curcumin is expected to be an effective treatment for all stages of liver disease. This is the first meta-analysis to correlate Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease, liver fibrosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma and evaluate the therapeutic effects of curcumin on systemic liver disease. The mechanisms of curcumin in the inhibition of the transition from Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Diseaseto HCC are multiple, well-established, and multi-targeted. The phenotypes involved are mainly related to oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis. Based on the results of the quantitative analysis evaluated in this system, we can conclude that curcumin is applicable to a spectrum of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease–LF–HCC models and that most liver diseases proceed based on the hepatic inflammatory microenvironment. In the development of a range of liver diseases, one of the most remarkable molecular changes driving the Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease–LF–HCC axis is the NF-κB signaling pathway, so anti-inflammatory processes play a crucial role in all three disease stages. More attention should be paid to the anti-inflammatory effects of curcumin. Curcumin exerted hepatoprotective effects in the dose range from 100 to 400 mg/Kg and treatment duration from 4 to 10 weeks. The mechanistic analysis reveals that curcumin primarily exerts its hepatoprotective effects by modulating multiple signaling pathways, including TLR4/NF-κB, Keap1/Nrf2, Bax/Bcl-2/Caspase 3, and TGF-β/Smad3. In summary, curcumin has shown promising therapeutic effects during the overall progression of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease-LF-HCC. It inhibited the pathological progression by synergistic mechanisms related to multiple pathways including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and apoptosis regulation.

Therapeutic effects of curcumin on constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome is associated with modulating gut microbiota and neurotransmitter
Frontiers in Microbiology | January 2024
In a 30-day randomized trial, in subjects with irritable bowel syndrome, abdominal bloating can be successfully reduced with a supplementation with curcumin (Giacosa et al., 2022). Previous studies have shown that CUR has a significant effect on reducing the levels of 5-HT in serum and colon (Yu et al., 2019). Curcumin  is the major active constituent of Curcuma longa. Modern studies have demonstrated its potent anti-inflammatory (Kocaadam and Şanlier, 2017), antioxidant (Ahangarpour et al., 2019), and antidepressant (Chang et al., 2016) effects. It has been found that treatment with curcumin can modulate 5-HT levels, with treatment with curcumin significantly increasing 5-HT levels in the hippocampus, while decreasing 5-HT levels in the colon in IBS models (Yu et al., 2015). Curcumin can interact directly with the gut microbiota. Curcumin has been shown to positively affect the gut microbiota and modulate microbiota composition and function, further improving gut health (Ng et al., 2018). These studies support the potential therapeutic effect of curcumin on IBS-C through modulation of the gut microbiota and neurotransmitters. The results of this study show that curcumin is able to decrease the levels of HT, VIP and SP and regulate the gut microbiota in rats with irritable bowel syndrome-C, and then exert the therapeutic effect on irritable bowel syndrome-C. The results suggest that curcumin may represent a treatment option for irritable bowel syndrome-C through modulation of the gut microbiota and relevant neurotransmitters. Our results support the possibility of using curcumin to treat irritable bowel syndrome-C patients.

The impact of ginger and curcumin on diabetic nephropathy induced by streptozotocin in rats
European Journal of Translational and Clinical Medicine | January 2024
Curcumin is a potent component in herbal medicine and is extensively studied for various health conditions. Its primary compound, polyphenol curcumin, exhibits powerful anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticarcinogenic properties. In diabetes management, curcumin’s effectiveness lies in its interaction with key molecules and pathways crucial in the disease’s progression. Studies show curcumin’s ability to alleviate insulin resistance, a factor in metabolic syndrome. Both ginger and curcumin contain antioxidants that activate redox-sensitive transcription factors, bolstering cellular antioxidant defenses. Given the importance of dietary management in diabetes, interventions using natural substances like ginger and curcumin offer promising strategies to mitigate the renal complications of DM. Ginger and curcumin extract contained the highest phytochemical content and  anti-oxidant activity (AOA). The high glycoside content was recorded in curcumin. The high terpene content was recorded in curcumin extract. The highly alkaloid content was recorded in curcumin extract. Our results demonstrated the anti-inflammatory and the antioxidant effects of ginger and curcumin extracts, administered individually or in combination. Our data have also shown that ginger and curcumin extracts helped manage STZ-induced diabetic nephropathy and oxidative stress via significant suppression of the NF-κB gene expression. These extracts possess anti-inflammatory potential by suppressing inflammatory cytokines and modulators through the suppression of redox-based NF-κB activation.

Evaluating the potential of Vitamin D and curcumin to alleviate inflammation and mitigate the progression of osteoarthritis
PLoS One | January 2024
This study, for the first time, provides evidence of the mitigating effect of Vitamin D and curcumin on PAR-2 mediated inflammation. Nutraceuticals, such as Vitamin D and curcumin, present potential therapeutic alternatives, offering anti-inflammatory effects, potentially addressing osteoarthritis inflammation. This study presents robust evidence that Vitamin D and curcumin might represent a pioneering, natural, and efficacious therapeutic strategy for managing osteoarthritis and mitigating its related symptoms, specifically those exacerbated by PAR-2 signaling. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that both Vitamin D and curcumin can attenuate the pro-inflammatory response in chondrocytes by inhibiting PAR-2 signaling, reducing the expression of TNF α, IL 6, and IL 8, as well as the RANKL/RANK system. Moreover, these bioceuticals also reduce IFN γ expression, which amplifies the inflammatory events in OA. These findings suggest that Vitamin D and curcumin have potential therapeutic benefits in the management of osteoarthritis.

The impact of ginger and curcumin on diabetic nephropathy induced by streptozotocin in rats
European Journal of Translational and Clinical Medicine | January 2024
Our results demonstrated the anti-inflammatory and the antioxidant effects of ginger and curcumin extracts, administered individually or in combination. Our data have also shown that ginger and curcumin extracts helped manage STZ-induced diabetic nephropathy and oxidative stress via significant suppression of the NF-κB gene expression. These extracts possess anti-inflammatory potential by suppressing inflammatory cytokines and modulators through the suppression of redox-based NF-κB activation. Our findings indicate that ginger and curcumin extracts have therapeutic potential in mitigating functional and structural alterations in the kidneys of diabetic rats, possibly due to their anti-diabetic and anti-inflammatory properties. Rats treated with combined ginger and curcumin extracts had superior outcome in terms of more antioxidant activity, better glycemia management and less DN-related kidney damage (reduced albuminuria and less histological changes). Ginger and curcumin are two well-known functional foods from the Zingiberaceae family that have anti-inflammatory qualities. Curcumin is a potent component in herbal medicine and is extensively studied for various health conditions. Its primary compound, polyphenol curcumin, exhibits powerful anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticarcinogenic properties. In diabetes management, curcumin’s effectiveness lies in its interaction with key molecules and pathways crucial in the disease’s progression. Studies show curcumin’s ability to alleviate insulin resistance, a factor in metabolic syndrome. Both ginger and curcumin contain antioxidants that activate redox-sensitive transcription factors, bolstering cellular antioxidant defenses. Given the importance of dietary management in diabetes, interventions using natural substances like ginger and curcumin offer promising strategies to mitigate the renal complications of diabetes.

Therapeutic Potential of Curcumin, a Bioactive Compound of Turmeric, in Prevention of Diabetes through the Modulation of Oxidative Stress and Inflammation
Molecules | January 2024
In physiological and biochemical studies, it was found that curcumin decreases glucose, creatinine, urea, and inflammatory markers and increases antioxidant enzyme levels. In addition, the histopathological findings revealed that curcumin plays a significant role in the maintenance of renal tissue architecture through the reduction in all pathological changes. This study showed that curcumin has a vital role in the regulation of the expression pattern of the IL-6 protein and fibrosis. Based on biochemical and histopathological findings, this study delivers a scientific suggestion that curcumin could be a suitable remedy in the management of diabetes mellitus. The novelty of the current study is that curcumin showed anti-fibrotic potential by reducing collagen fiber deposition. Curcumin treatment showed a significant decrease in parameters and an increase in insulin level as compared to negative control rats. Oral administration of curcumin significantly ameliorated changes. Hence, based on biochemical and histopathological findings, this study delivers a scientific suggestion that curcumin could be a suitable remedy in the management of diabetes mellitus. Curcumin, a yellow-colored compound, is produced by plants of Curcuma longa species, and it is chemically known as 1,7-bis(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-1, 6-heptadiene-3, 5-dione. It possesses antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, and other biological activities. Curcumin is capable of exercising its antioxidant action via scavenging a variety of hydrogen peroxide and nitric oxide (NO) radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS) as superoxide radicals and by preventing lipid peroxidation. Moreover, several in vitro as well as in vivo studies have described that curcumin has potential for treating numerous inflammatory diseases. Curcumin significantly reduced blood urea nitrogen, serum levels of urea, and creatinine and simultaneously reduced albumin/protein urea and increased creatinine clearance. Further, it also prevented damage to renal tubules and the thickness of the basement membrane. Curcumin treatment efficiently counters diabetes-induced oxidative-stress-mediated hepatic damage. Another finding reported that curcumin improved the survival as well as the function of islet cells, with reduced cell apoptosis in the islet of Langerhans and increased insulin secretion in the STZ-induced diabetic model.

Exploring the Potential of Curcumin in Preserving Telomere Length: A New Frontier in Cellular Aging and Health
Medium | January 2024
Curcumin has been valued for centuries for its medicinal properties, particularly its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Recent studies have explored the potential of curcumin in influencing the length and maintenance of telomeres, providing insights into its possible role in combating cellular aging. Curcumin's role in preserving telomere length largely hinges on its antioxidant properties. Oxidative stress, a result of an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in the body, is a key factor in the acceleration of telomere shortening. Curcumin, with its strong antioxidant capacity, helps neutralize these free radicals, potentially reducing the rate of telomere shortening and thereby promoting cellular longevity. In addition, the anti-inflammatory properties of curcumin might help mitigate damage, thereby slowing down the rate of telomere attrition. This could be particularly significant in the context of chronic diseases and age-related conditions where inflammation plays a pivotal role. One of the most intriguing aspects of curcumin's relationship with telomeres is its potential effect on the activity of telomerase. Some studies have shown that curcumin might stimulate telomerase activity, thus aiding in the maintenance and even extension of telomere length. This suggests a possible direct intervention in the cellular aging process. The implications of curcumin's effects on telomeres extend to the prevention and management of various diseases. Age-related diseases like cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and cardiovascular problems have been linked to telomere length. Therefore, by preserving telomere length, curcumin could potentially play a role in mitigating these conditions. Its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, combined with its potential to impact telomerase activity, make it a compound of significant interest in the fields of aging and disease prevention. In the realm of medicine, the exploration of curcumin's role in telomere biology could lead to novel therapeutic strategies. For instance, it could be employed as part of a regimen for diseases where telomere shortening plays a key role.

The effect of curcumin on the necroptosis signaling pathway in colon cancer cells
Bulletin of Biotechnology | January 2024
Curcumin, a yellow compound isolated from the turmeric plant, is important in preventing cancer. Studies have shown that curcumin has an anticancer effect by driving cancer cells into apoptosis, but studies showing its effect on necroptosis are inconclusive. Consequently, the current data clearly suggest that curcumin is a prominent driver of necroptotic signaling-mediated colon cancer cell death. Accumulating mass of indication suggests that curcumin has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-diabetic, and anti-cancer activities (Selvam et al. 2019). Curcumin has shown to have significant impact on many signaling pathways in cancer cells, which controls various cellular activities. The anticancer activities of curcumin have also been shown in colon cancer cells (Selvam et al. 2019). Curcumin has been demonstrated to show anti-cancer activity in HT-19 colon cancer cells by suppressing colony formation, cell viability, and DLEC1 promoter methylation (Guo et al. 2015). In addition, curcumin has been shown to suppress the level of ATG5 (autophagy related 5) protein in HCT-116 cells, leading to the suppression of autophagosome formation, cellular senescence, and cell cycle arrest (Mosieniak et al. Bull Biotechnol (2023). In addition, studies have shown that curcumin has anticancer activity in other colon cancer cells such as Caco-2, HCT-15, and SW620 (Selvam et al. 2019). Curcumin, which is extracted from the plant Curcuma longa, is known to have numerous biological and pharmacological activities. Curcumin has been reported to stimulate cell death pathways such as apoptosis, autophagy, and pyroptosis in many different cancer cells. In a study by Blakemore et al., curcumin was shown to disrupt the cell cycle progression by inducing G2/M cell cycle arrest in various colon cancer cells (Blakemore et al. 2013). In addition, curcumin treatment has been shown to cause abnormal mitotic spindle formation and DNA damage. In addition, curcumin has been shown to dose- dependently suppress cell proliferation. Bull Biotechnol (2023). Remarkably, in our study, curcumin was shown to stimulate necroptosis by increasing the expression of RIPK1, RIPK3, and MLKL genes, especially in HT -29 colon cancer cells. In conclusion, present findings strongly indicates that curcumin is a significant driver of colon cancer cell death mediated by necroptotic signaling.

Archived studies and news on curcumin and turmeric
1984 - 2023

How may Curcumin effect aging and longevity as an antiaging agent?
Effect of Curcumin on Vascular Aging | Growing evidence indicates curcumin as a promising antiaging agent. The effects of curcumin feeding have been largely investigated in animal models, unanimously reporting a suppression of intermediated oxidative stress and inflammation. By chelating nitrogen dioxide (NO2), curcumin administration in mice significantly attenuates nitric oxide- (NO-) associated vascular endothelial dysfunction and generation of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs), leading determinants of age-related large elastic artery stiffening. As an additional mechanism, curcumin fixes lysosomal membranes and reduces the function of lysosomal acid hydrolases, thus preventing the aberrant deposition of different connective tissue components in aging endothelium. curcumin mitigated hypertrophy in the aging heart via suppression of p300, the global transcription activator. Beneficial effects of curcumin on vascular aging also concern the development of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), one of the most important causes of blindness in elderly. Curcumin remarkably increases the viability of retinal pigment epithelial cells (RPECs) modulating their proliferation apoptosis and OS. Overall, those evidences suggest potential application of curcumin as an innovative approach to AMD, as for other ocular diseases (e.g., ocular dryness, conjunctivitis, uveitis, pterygium, and glaucoma). Even curcumin has been found to prevent the development of cataract in diabetic rats by decreasing AGE accumulation and serum LPO. Curcumin reverses those effects in cultured ECs, whereas in experimental models, prolonged curcumin feeding decreased ROS generation and promoted cerebrovascular endothelium-dependent relaxation, finally leading to improved cerebrovascular function. Neuroprotective effects of curcumin due to UCP2 overexpression suppression especially target hippocampal neurogenesis in the CA1 area, thus affecting spatial learning and memory. Curcumin also prevents detrimental effects of chronic cerebral hypoperfusion by maintaining cholesterol homeostasis. Curcumin also contributes to maintain cholesterol homeostasis, otherwise upset by chronic cerebral ischemia. Indeed, curcumin promotes cholesterol efflux.
Effect of Curcumin on Longevity and Lifespan |  Curcumin was shown to increase the fecundity, reproductive lifespan, and child viability of D. melanogaster. It has been shown that curcumin supplementation of D. melanogaster elevated the developmental duration and longevity of adult Drosophila possibly through epigenetic programming of the pace of life. Curcumin increased longevity was observed in two distinctive strains of D. melanogaste as a result of the delayed expression of aging genes, improved locomotion, and chemoprevention as well. Curcumin was also shown to reduce OS, DNA damage, and number of mutagenic phenotypes induced via high-dose ionizing irradiation. Also, in vivo experiments on curcumin -fed diets (0.5 and 1.0 mg/g of diet) were effective in extending the average lifespan in both females (6.2% and 25.8%, respectively) and males (15.5% and 12.6%, respectively). Also, in C. elegans, curcumin effectively improves lifespan and aging by lowering intracellular ROS and lipofuscin. The effects of curcumin on C. elegans longevity are manifested by body size and pharyngeal pumping rate. This evidence indicates that curcumin would exert its effects independently of the Age-1-DAF-16 pathway but rather through other constituents of the IIS pathway. With regard to cognitive impairment, the in vivo experiment demonstrated that curcumin can improve learning and memory also reducing Aβ plaque formation in the context of Alzheimer disease. D. melanogaster is a promising animal model for research in AD. By increasing amyloid fibril conversion, curcumin reduces the generation of prefibrillar/oligomeric species of Aβ, ultimately protecting against neurotoxicity. The human β-amyloid precursor cleavage enzyme (BACE-1) is another critical enzyme targeted by curcumin in the D. melanogaster model of Alzheimer disease.
Effect of Curcumin on Cell Senescence | The antiaging effect of curcumin does not rely on delayed cellular senescence. As reported by Banji et al., curcumin (40 mg/kg) and piperine (12 mg/kg), especially when combined, counteract D-gal-induced senescence in male Wistar rats by targeting OS and lipofuscin deposition, finally leading to higher hippocampal volume and function with improved spatial memory and serotoninergic signaling. Another study even reported how long-time curcumin therapy may progressively reverse cognitive dysfunction in D-gal-induced senescent mice by delaying the aging process and improving cognitive functions and locomotor activity, as well as restoring the mitochondrial enzyme complex function curcumin. In a recent study, curcumin supplementation rejuvenates senescence-associated changes in thymus among D-gal-induced senescent mice through promotion of proliferating cells, preventing cells from apoptosis, and enhancing the transcription of the autoimmune regulator. Curcumin feeding (50 mg/kg) was also tested in senescence-accelerated mouse prone mice resulting in increased hippocampal SOD activity as well as upregulation of p-calcium/calmodulin-dependent kinase II. Overall, these findings suggest a role of curcumin in improving cognitive difficulties and the expression of hippocampal plasticity-associated proteins. With regard to vascular function, curcumin administration significantly mitigated premature senescence in HUVECs, characterized by a reduction of senescence-related β-galactosidase-positive cells, cell division, levels of senescence-related protein p21 RNA, OS, and apoptosis. Curcumin is also associated with enhanced eNOS phosphorylation and NO generation, in addition to upregulating Sirt1 transcription, translation, and enzymatic activity. In light of these mechanisms, diets containing curcumin  were demonstrated to significantly extend mean lifespan in male C57BL/6 mice and delayed the OS-caused premature senescence. As recently demonstrated, Sirt1 signaling also mediates the anti-inflammatory effects of curcumin in C57BL/6 mice fed with high fat diet in addition to improved myocardial structure and function in streptozocin-induced diabetic mice fed with THC (120 mg/kg/d). Even more recently, it has been hypothesized that the antiaging effect of curcumin may rely on the control of core clock genes. Curcumin treatment in middle aged male Wistar rats restored the phase and daily pulse. Moreover, it has been shown that curcumin mitigated mouse ovarian aging, upgraded embryonic development, promoted oocyte maturation and fertilization via improvement of ovarian hormones, and elevated the amounts of SIRT1 and 3 genes as well as attenuation of aging-associated oxidative stress and cell death. Besides, curcumin can reduce oxidative stress, inflammation status, and lipofuscin deposition in aged rat liver.
How may Curcumin work against Neurological and neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Huntington’s Disease, and cognitive decline or impairment?

Effect of Curcumin on Alzheimer's Disease |  Evidence has accumulated that curcumin has neuroprotective properties and is a candidate for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. In an Alzheimer’s disease transgenic mouse, curcumin decreased oxidative stress and repaired amyloid pathology. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory features of curcumin helped to minimize the manifestation of Alzheimer’s disease, which is characterized by inflammation and oxidation. Recent studies have indicated that curcumin treatment can promote the decomposition of β-amyloid in brain tissues and prevent the aberrant production and accumulation of β-amyloid, which reduces the hyperphosphorylation of tau protein and effectively prevents the degeneration and injury of brain neurons. Curcumin has protective effects for several risk factors of neurodegeneration and is used in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease as well. In vivo studies show the beneficial effects of curcumin on cognition with a dose-dependent manner that higher dosages is more effective as compared to lower dosages. Based on the preclinical findings, curcumin stabilizes/prevents cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease. A literature review was conducted to verify studies that evaluated the effects of curcumin supplementation on neurodegenerative / psychological disorders such as Alzheimer's and depression in animal and human models, and their respective mechanisms of action. Scholar google, ScienceDirect and PubMed electronic databases were consulted up to September 2021. In the search, the following descriptor combinations were used in the English-language databases: “BDNF”, “Neurogenesis”, “Curcumin BDNF”, “Curcumin Bioavailability”, “Curcumin Depression”, “Curcumin Depression BDNF”, “Curcumin Depression Inflammation”, “Curcumin Serotonin Depression”, “Depression BDNF”, “Depression Brain Size”, “Depression mechanism”, “Depression Medication”, “Depression Neurogenesis”, “Polyphenol Depression”, “Polyphenol Bioavailability”, “Alzheimer's”, “Alzheimer's BDNF”, “Alzheimer's Curcumin”, “Curcumin Alzheimer's BDNF”, “Alzheimer's Inflammation”, “Alzheimer's Oxidation”, "Curcumin Tau protein", "Alzheimer Metals", "Alzheimer Neurogenesis", "Exercise BDNF", "Calorie restriction BDNF ”,“ Omega 3 BDNF ”. In their review, Pluta and colleagues focus on the role and mechanisms of curcumin in inhibiting ischemia/reperfusion brain injury and potential therapeutic strategies in the treatment of ischemic brain damage of the Alzheimer’s disease phenotype. Comparably, Ferreira and colleagues also delineate neuroprotective characteristics by summarizing what is known about the role of curcumin on transthyretin amyloidosis. According to previous reports, curcumin modulates abnormal transthyretin (TTR) aggregation and inhibits its deposition in the tissue. As the gut–brain axis is linked to neurodegeneration, curcumin exerts neuroprotective effect against neurodegenerative disorders by restoring the intestinal barrier function and a healthy gut microbiome. These findings highlight the importance of neuroprotective effect of curcumin against brain damage by regulating both inflammation and oxidative stress. This is consistent with previous findings where curcumin was shown to reduce significantly the mRNA expression of NF-kB and TLR4 and showed protective effects against glutamate neurotoxicity. Studies have shown that curcumin has a therapeutic effect on Alzheimer’s disease by several molecular mechanisms, including decreasing oxidative damage and constraining the creation of the Aβ fibrils in vitro. The anti-inflammation effects of curcumin as a food additive were evaluated in the APPSw mice (Alzheimer-like model) at several doses. The results have indicated that low-dose curcumin (160 ppm) reduced GFAP, which is an astrocytic marker associated with inflammatory processes. Furthermore, the effect of curcumin on spatial memory (an Alzheimer’s disease symptom) in Alzheimer’s disease rat models has shown that curcumin significantly decreases GFAP mRNA in hippocampal astrocytes, which improves the spatial memory in the Alzheimer’s disease rat model. Ambegaokar et al. reported that the inhibition property of curcumin is dose and time-dependent. For example, curcumin concentrations of 15–30 μM are more effective for short trials (<24 h), while its concentrations of 5–15 μM are better suited for longer periods (4–6 days). These data suggest that curcumin may be more effective in preventing AD in low doses if used for long periods. Accumulating data show that Aβ can increase the expression of COX-2, IL-1, and IL-6, while decreasing the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPARγ) in amyloid-beta protein precursor transgenic mice, and curcumin can inhibit this function in amyloid-beta-treated astrocytes. Most of the literature about curcumin indicates that this spice has especially strong properties against AD. For instance, the incidence of Alzheimer’s disease among Indian people (who regularly consume these spices) is very low when compared with the reported incidence in Western countries. Only 0.7% of 70–79 years old people in India are affected by AD; however, about 3.1% of Americans in this age range are also affected. Up to now, the potential anti-amyloid therapeutic methods for Alzheimer’s disease treatment have been focused on the amyloid cascade theory, on which the use of Aβ vaccines and metal-complexing agents is based. Strimpakos et al. reported that curcumin has anti-amyloidogenic properties, thus acting against AD-induced Aβ fibrils in vitro and improving cognitive functioning in vivo. Interestingly, another study analyzing the curcumin-mediated neuroprotective effects on brain aging induced by d-galactose in in vitro and in vivo models revealed an anti-aging effect through regulating neuronal loss, apoptosis in D-galactose induced brain aging, and anti-oxidant enzyme expression. Furthermore, curcumin improved neuronal length and cellular senescence down-regulated expression of p16 and p21 and upregulated expression of antioxidant enzymes, including SOD-1, GPX-1, and catalase. Administration of curcumin ameliorated the cognitive impairment and suppressed apoptosis in the cerebral cortex by downregulating Bax and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase expression and increasing Bcl-2 expression [86]. In neurodegenerative diseases, such as AD, PD, ALS, microglia play an important role by inducing oxidative stress, redox imbalance and neuroinflammation. The activated microglia are represented by M1 (pro-inflammatory) and M2 (anti-inflammatory) functional phenotypes based on the surface molecules and cytokine expression profiles. Different natural products show therapeutic properties on microglia and consequent prevent neurodegenerative diseases; they act by inhibition of microglia polarization and production of inflammatory mediators. In microglia, curcumin acts on different molecular targets. Curcumin inhibited LPS-induced NF-kB and activator protein-1 (AP-1) DNA bindings in BV2 microglial cells decreasing inflammatory mediators. Peroxisome proliferation-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ) is a transcription factor and nuclear receptor protein that regulates inflammatory responses in microglia, astrocytes and when is activated, PPARγ suppresses the production of proinflammatory cytokines and inflammatory pathways by binding the peroxisome proliferator response element. Curcumin activates PPARγ which reduces NF-κB cytokine production in a mouse model of AD, in rat hippocampal primary cell lines and primary astrocytes. Moreover, our group has found that curcumin suppresses LPS induced inflammatory response in microglia cells by down regulation of PI3K/Akt and JAK/STAT/SOCS signaling pathway. In addition, curcumin induces anti-inflammatory mediators, such as HO-1/NRF-2 consequently reducing oxidative stress and neuroinflammation. Curcumin treatment improved neuron loss and degeneration, while also inhibited cellular senescence and oxidative stress by upregulating antioxidant enzyme expression in RA-induced SY5Y cells. In line with the findings described above, the protective effect of curcumin against cognitive impairment has been demonstrated in diabetes mellitus/chronical cerebral hyperperfusion-induced cognitive deficit model. Moreover, curcumin treatment attenuated the neuronal death and suppressed neuroinflammation induced by microglial activation. These protective effects involved the modulation of triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2)/TLR4/NF-kB pathway. Curcumin treatment reduced nod-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) dependent pyroptosis. Since NLRP3-dependent pyroptosis has been reported to be involved in the progression of neurodegenerative diseases, this result suggests that curcumin may be useful as pharmacological strategy for neurodegenerative diseases. Further studies are needed for better understanding of curcumin’s promising effects in preventing the neuronal loss and cognition-decline related to aging. The pleiotropic activities of curcumin provide multiple ways to tackle TTR pathophysiology, through direct interaction of curcumin with TTR, or indirect effects affecting signaling pathways associated with TTR amyloid fibril formation and clearance. Bielak-Zmijewska and coworkers summarize scientific data on curcumin’s ability to postpone progression of age-related diseases in which cellular senescence is directly involved. They furthermore point out that curcumin causes elongation of the lifespan of model organisms and alleviates aging symptoms. In addition, they discuss thoroughly curcumin’s ability to modulate cellular senescence. Common brain disorders, including depression and Alzheimer’s disease, have been linked to diminished levels of an important neurologic growth hormone called brain-derived neurotrophic factor. Reports suggest Curcumin has neuroprotective action in Alzheimer’s disease, major depression, epilepsy, and other neurodegenerative disorders. The hippocampus region of brain is associated with memory and cognition. Studies have shown that hippocampus undergoes structural and biochemical changes with normal aging that results in age-related deterioration in hippocampus-dependent cognition. Curcumin has been found to ameliorate age-related memory deficits in aged mice. In elderly, regular curcumin intake improves cognitive function and ameliorates age-related spatial memory deficits. An Australian study, in the Journal of Psychopharmacology in 2015, found that curcumin improved attention and working memory and reduced mental fatigue in older people who took it for four weeks, compared to a placebo. Several studies have shown that curcumin, the active medicinal compound in turmeric, can increase levels of BDNF in the human brain and therefore delay or even reverse a range of common neurological disorders. One of the main drivers of this process is brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which is a type of growth hormone that functions in your brain (20). Many common brain disorders have been linked to decreased levels of this hormone, including depression and Alzheimer's disease. Interestingly, curcumin can increase brain levels of BDNF. By doing this, it may be effective in delaying or even reversing many brain diseases and age-related decreases in brain function. It may also improve memory and make you smarter, which seems logical given its effects on BDNF levels. However, controlled studies in people are needed to confirm this. In addition, scientists are beginning to suspect that the neurologic powers of curcumin don’t just stop there, with research suggesting that this compound may improve memory and increase cognitive capacity. Curcumin, thanks to its wide range of effects, seems to help the brain resist buildup of harmful plaque in brains with Alzheimer's.  A study in the Annals of Indian Academy of Neurology explored curcumin's potential for use in the treatment for Alzheimer's disease. Some of the key points included: Curcumin may help the macrophages, which play an important role in our immune system, clear the amyloid plaques found in Alzheimer's disease. Curcumin has anti-proliferative actions on microglia. Microglia are immune cells of the central nervous system that become active in response to any number of stressors on the body. However, if the microglia have been stimulated to react too often, they become hyper-reactive, which can trigger system-wide inflammation that can be difficult to stop. Curcumin has powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. "Overall, curcumin decreases the main chemical for inflammation and the transcription of inflammatory cytokines …The exposure to curcumin also impaired the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1, IL-6 and TNF-)." As chronic neuro-inflammation is considered one of the major factors in the development of Alzheimer's, it's possible too that curcumin may help in the treatment of other inflammatory disorders. Researchers found that Curcumin not only reduces oxidative damage and inflammation, but also reduces amyloid accumulation and synaptic marker loss and promotes amyloid phagocytosis and clearance. Curcumin worked to prevent synaptic marker and cognitive deficits caused by amyloid peptide infusion and abeta oligomer toxicity in vitro, and may help the immune system clear the brain of amyloid beta, which forms the plaques found in Alzheimer's disease. Clinical trials are in progress at UCLA with Curcumin for Alzheimer's. In the Alzheimer’s Disease Anti-Inflammatory Prevention Trial, researched showed that reducing inflammation has positive effects on patients with Alzheimer’s. Curcumin significantly lowered several inflammation markers, in addition to reducing plaque on the brain (a sign of Alzheimer’s) by 43 to 50 percent. The effect of curcumin (turmeric) on Alzheimer's disease: An overview Neuroprotective activity has also been shown in curcumin. In Alzheimer’s disease (AD), a peptide called β-amyloid (Aβ peptide) aggregates into oligomers and fibrils and forms deposits known as amyloid (or senile) plaques outside neurons in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex of patients. Another feature of AD is the accumulation of intracellular neurofibrillary tangles formed by phosphorylated Tau protein. Abnormal microglial activation, oxidative stress, and neuronal death are also associated with the progression of the disease. Curcumin has been found to inhibit Aβ fibril formation and extension and to destabilize preformed fibrils in vitro. Metal chelation by curcumin might interfere with metal ion (Cu2+/Zn2+)-induced Aβ aggregation. Curcumin might also affect the trafficking of Aβ peptide precursor (APP) and the generation of Aβ peptides from APP. Abnormally activated microglia and hypertrophic astrocytes around amyloid plaques in AD brains release cytotoxic molecules, such as proinflammatory cytokines and ROS, which enhance Aβ formation and deposition and further damage neurons. Curcumin was found to reduce the inflammatory response triggered by Aβ peptide-induced microglial activation and increase neuronal cell survival. When injected into the carotid artery of a transgenic mouse model of AD, curcumin was found to cross the blood-brain barrier, bind to amyloid plaques, and block the formation of Aβ oligomers and fibrils. In other animal models of AD, dietary curcumin decreased biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative damage, increased Aβ peptide clearance by macrophages, dismantled amyloid plaques in the brain, stimulated neuronal cell growth in the hippocampus, and improved Aβ-induced memory deficits. As a result of promising findings in animal models. a few recent clinical trials have examined the effect of oral curcumin supplementation on cognition in healthy older adults and AD patients. A significant reduction in mental fatigue and higher levels of calmness and contentedness following cognitive test sessions were observed in individuals who consumed curcumin (either acutely or chronically) compared to the placebo group. Additionally, the results of cognitive ability tests suggested that curcumin treatment had limited benefits on cognitive function, as shown by better scores in measures of sustained attention and working memory compared to placebo. The results of a six-month trial in 27 patients with AD found that oral supplementation with up to 4 g/day of curcumin - containing all three major curcuminoids - was safe. Curcumin also helps inhibit plaque that research has linked to neuron damage in the brain and a sign of the disease. There may be good news on the horizon because curcumin has been shown to cross the blood-brain barrier. It’s known that inflammation and oxidative damage play a role in Alzheimer's disease, and curcumin has beneficial effects on both. In addition, a key feature of Alzheimer's disease is a buildup of protein tangles called amyloid plaques. Studies show that curcumin can help clear these plaques. Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a chronic neurodegenerative disease characterized by the presence of hyperphosphorylated tau protein in neurofibrillary tangles, selective neuronal loss, progressive memory and cognitive impairment (Campbell and Gowran 2007). The molecular pathogenesis of AD involves extracellular deposition of beta-amyloid (Ab) peptides in the hippocampus and curcumin is known to reduce Alzheimer’s pathology (Serafini et al. 2017) possibly due to its anti-aggregatory properties (Cole, Teter, and Frautschy 2007). In a clinical study, curcumin administration (1 or 4 g, 6 months trial) significantly increased the levels of antioxidant vitamin E without inducing any adverse events in patients with AD (Baum et al. 2008). In preclinical studies, curcumin is known to reduce Aboligomer and fibril formation (Yang et al. 2005; Xiong et al. 2011), inhibit the neurotoxicity of Abin the brain (Jiang et al. 2012; Sun, Zhao, and Hu 2013), suppress Ab-induced inflammation (Lim et al. 2001; Lu et al. 2014) and markedly reduce the levels of IL- 1b(Griffin et al. 2006) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) (Begum et al. 2008) in transgenic mouse brain. Several studies demonstrated dose-dependent neuroprotective effect of curcumin against Ab-induced toxicity. Curcumin exhibited anti-aggregatory effect against Ab plaque formation by metal chelation (Huang et al. 2004; Tamagno et al. 2005), anti-oxidant effects (Hamaguchi et al. 2009), cholesterol lowering effects (Fassbender et al. 2001; Refolo et al. 2001), inhibition of presenilin-2 and/or by increasing degrading enzymes such as insulin-degrading enzyme and neprilysin (Wang et al. 2014). Curcumin potentiate heat shock proteins production in response to cellular stress, which protects neuronal cells from Ab neurotoxicity and prevent Ab aggregation and accumulation (Scapagnini et al. 2006; Ohtsuka and Suzuki 2000; Cummings et al. 2001).
Effect of Curcumin on Parkinson’s Disease | Dietary curcumin is an important candidate in the prevention or treatment of Parkinson’s disease.
 Curcumin is suggested to be an effective therapeutic and nutraceutical agent for Parkinson’s diseasetreatment. Interestingly, curcumin was found to inhibit the synthesis of MOA-B enzyme (Khatri and Juvekar, 2016), which would lead to an increase in the level and availability of DA in the brain. Neuroprotective effects of curcumin in a 6-hydroxydopmin e animal model of Parkinson’s disease (El Nebrisi et al., 2020) indicated an increase in the survival of striatal TH fibers and SNpc neurons, decreased abnormal turning behavior, and exerted neuroprotective properties. These findings provide evidence that α7-nicotinic acetylcholine receptors could be a potential therapeutic target and curcumin would be the first natural source that is found to modulate nicotinic receptors in Parkinson’s disease. Recent evidence indicates decreased superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) expression in reactive astrocytes in the damaged substantia nigra, thus leading to inflammation and oxidative stress that contribute to the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in Parkinson’s disease. Curcumin, through the preservation of SOD1 expression in reactive striatal astrocytes in hemiparkinsonian mice, has anti-inflammatory properties. Gui et al. showed that curcumin, through the inhibition of CYP2E1 (the cytochrome P450 2E1) expression and its activity in reducing ROS and maleic dialdehyde in astrocytes, leads to protection of the mesencephalic astrocytes against LPS-induced toxicities. These results indicate that curcumin could affect the metabolism of several compounds in the CNS and provide evidence for the therapeutic approach in Parkinson’s disease using curcumin at low concentration. Studies show that the oral administration of curcumin (150 mg/kg/day for a week) in mouse models of Parkinson’s disease reversed GFAP and inducible nitric oxide synthase protein expression and also decreased proinflammatory cytokine in the striatum, suggesting that curcumin can improve motor performance in a mouse model of Parkinson’s disease. In addition, curcumin, through the Bcl-2-mitochondria-ROS-inducible nitric oxide synthase pathway, can protect against MPP+ (1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium)- and MPTP− (1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydro­pyridine)-induced apoptosis in PC12 cells. Curcumin can significantly inhibit NF-κβ translocation and activation in astrocytes. In one  study, chronic curcumin administration (50, 100 or 200 mg/kg, p.o., for 3 weeks) significantly ameliorated behavioral alterations like locomotor activity and motor-coordination in mouse model of Parkinson’s disease. In the similar study, curcumin administration reduced oxidative damage and mitochondrial dysfunction in brain homogenate by reducing AChE activity. Curcumin administration decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitrite while increased superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels in the brain homogenate of rotenone induced mouse model of Parkinson’s disease (Khatri and Juvekar 2016). It has been demonstrated that curcumin administration alleviate motor dysfunction and increase tyrosine hydroxylase activity in rotenone induced Parkinson’s disease rat model. Curcumin administration phosphorylates Nrf-2 and Akt thereby attenuated oxidative damage of dopaminergic neuron (Cui, Li, and Zhu 2016). Moreover, dietary curcumin supplementation 0.5% or 2.0% (w/w) attenuated 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) induced neurotoxicity in mice via increasing the expression of glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor and TGF-b1 in nigrostriatal dopaminergic system and thus slowing the progression of Parkinson’s disease (He et al. 2015b). Curcumin administration increased monoaminergic neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine and dopamine in hippocampal homogenate and alleviated hippocampal damage in 6-hydroxydopamine induced Parkinson’s disease in rat. In addition, curcumin treatment upregulated the expression of BDNF, TrkB and PI3K in the hippocampus (Yang et al. 2014). Curcumin treatment (200 mg/kg, for 1 week) significantly attenuated loss of tyrosine hydroxylase, sustained SOD1 level and diminished activation of microglia and astrocytes in the striatum.
Effect of Curcumin on Cognitive Impairment | Curcumin has been reported to improve neuropsychological functions. curcumin has several inhibitory effects on combining aging and Alzheimer’s disease pathophysiology, such as the suppression of amyloid precursor protein (APP) and Aβ synthesis and the overexpression of ApoE and Nrf2 gene, as well as the prohibition of p-mTOR and p-NF-κB. Curcumin prevents D-gal-induced brain aging and cognitive impairment through increments of antioxidant enzymes and inhibition of apoptosis. Beneficial effects of curcumin on mental abilities and functional capacities are associated with a LPO reduction in brain tissue, especially in the hippocampal area. Curcumin improves the redox state in this area and prevents the decline of hippocampal long-term potentiation by maintaining synapse input specificity. Recently, Olesen et al. described that the dysfunction of synaptic mitochondria of the hippocampus causing memory loss during aging. They showed that curcumin feeding significantly improved integration and activity of the synaptic mitochondrial of the hippocampus, inhibiting mitochondrial swelling and enhancing the production of synapses surrounding the mitochondria in mice.
Effect of Curcumin on Multiple Sclerosis and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis | Curcumin was studied to determine if it could help ALS patients, particularly those with bulbar involvement, survive longer (Ahmadi et al., 2018). Curcumin therapy reduced the development of ALS and oxidative damage in a double-blind therapeutic trial (Chico et al., 2018). Recent studies suggest that curcumin, through reduced MMP-9 enzyme activity and decreased release of IL-6 in the astrocyte population of CNS, might beneficially cause anti-inflammatory responses in neurodegenerative diseases, such as multiple sclerosis. Curcumin represents some potential for treatments of various autoimmune diseases related to Th17 cells including MS. Curcumin, through interfering with protein kinase C activity and Ca2+ entry, can eliminate both PMA and thapsigargin-induced ROS generation by the dose-dependent manner. Curcumin can prevent the production of H2O2 and NO; the free radicals produced by macrophages and astrocytes in vitro. In EAE, curcumin has important roles in lymphocyte proliferation inhibition, reductions of IL-17 production by Th17 cells, and Toll-like receptors 4 and 9 (TLR 4 and 9) downregulations. Xie et al. reported that in EAE mice or rats, curcumin shrinks inflammatory cells, including Th17 cells, and hinders its infiltration and differentiation in the CNS. Curcumin has the promising potential for treating multiple sclerosis. Curcumin delivering to the animal models through intraperitoneal injection or oral administration leads to NF-κβ pathway activation decreasing in rat and mouse microglial cell cultures and also in the rat brain. Furthermore, curcumin can also reduce NF-κβ activation in human cell lines and can neutralize ROS in vitro and can stimulate the Nrf2-ARE pathway similarly in the brain and skeletal muscles of mice and also in isolated rat astrocytes. SOD1-misfolded and -aggregated proteins in the motor neurons have an important role in disease pathogenesis, and its targeting treatment can decrease ALS progression in animal models. As previously shown, curcumin can constrain SOD1 aggregation in vitro. Curcumin through gene expression can also stimulate the clearance of the aggregated protein in PALS and Alzheimer’s disease blood cells. Up to the present time, several studies confirm that regimens’ treatment can cause motor neuron enhancement (although there are several different descriptions for these improvements). Furthermore, a small pilot trial revealed some advantage of curcumin in PALS.
Effect of Curcumin on Huntington’s Disease | Studies using established yeast models showed that curcumin inhibits mHTT aggregation, by acting through endosome-sorting complexes required for transport machinery and also destabilizes preformed aggregates. Curcumin, by downregulation of Vps36, a component of the endosome-sorting complexes required for transport-II complex, prevents recruitment of misfolded protein to the perivascular compartment, thus inhibiting the formation of large aggregates. The amyloid-binding ability and anti-amyloid properties of curcumin, along with its ease of oral administration, make it an attractive therapeutic candidate for several neurodegenerative diseases.
How may Curcumin work against diabetes?

Because of its anti-inflammatory property, curcumin represents a promising therapeutic option for Type 2 Diabetes. Curcuminoids have been demonstrated in diabetes mellitus type 2 patients to improve insulin resistance, reduce glucose and insulin levels, enhance adiponectin secretion, and lower levels of leptin, resistin, interleukin (IL-6, IL-1β), and TNF-α (Hajavi et al., 2017).  Curcumin and its three derivatives (dimethoxy curcumin, bisdemethoxycurcumin, and diacetyl curcumin) were reported for their antioxidant capabilities (Faizal et al., 2009). Curcumin’s ability to decrease blood sugar levels in human patients was first reported in 1972. A male patient who had diabetes for 16 years ingested 5 g of curcumin over a period, after which his fasting blood sugar decreased from 140 to 70 mg/dl. Ingestion of curcumin along with insulin synergistically reduced the blood sugar level. Furthermore, when the insulin dosage was decreased to the minimum, the anti-diabetic effect of curcumin was persistent. Interestingly, when the ingestion of curcumin and turmeric was discontinued for a week, random blood sugar levels increased to 140 mg/dl. Therefore, ingestion of a daily 5-g dose of curcumin was resumed, which promptly reduced the fasting blood sugar level to 110 mg/dl. Blood urea in this patient after 3 months of turmeric therapy was 20 to 22, and the patient’s electrocardiogram was normal. Turmeric therapy was not associated with any palpable adverse effects; rather, the beneficial effects of turmeric as a good appetite stimulant and effective laxative were observed. More recently, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial assessed the efficacy of curcumin in delaying development of Type 2 Diabetes in the prediabetes population.  After 9 months of treatment, 16.4% of participants in the placebo group were diagnosed with  Type 2 Diabetes, whereas none were diagnosed with  Type 2 Diabetes in the curcumin-treated group (Fig. 6a). In addition, the participants of curcumin-treated group showed a better overall function of β cells, with higher HOMA-β and lower C-peptide levels. The curcumin-treated participants also exhibited a lower level of HOMA-IR and higher adiponectin when compared with the placebo group. The authors of this study concluded that the curcumin may be beneficial in a prediabetes population. Curcumin has been shown to equal in effectiveness to the drug metformin in the management of diabetes, but without negative side effects. In the study curcumin was shown to lower blood glucose levels and reverse insulin resistance by suppressing glucose production in the liver. Among those verging on type 2 diabetes, curcumin capsules seem to help stall the onset of the disease. The study that returned these results found that while a little more than 16% of people taking a placebo wound up with a diabetes diagnosis, no one taking curcumin received one. A clinical trial from Thailand, published in Diabetes Care in 2012, found that people with prediabetes who took curcumin for nine months had improved function of insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, along with a significantly reduced risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Other studies suggest that curcumin can improve insulin sensitivity. Another study found curcumin improved metabolic function and reduced the risk of plaque buildup in the arteries of type-2 diabetes patients. Curcumin also acts as an anti-diabetic and antioxidant in patients with type-1 diabetes. Curcumin acts directly on liver cells to help prevent them from becoming fatty, and studies have concluded that Curcumin may have an anti-diabetic effect by decreasing serum fatty acid through the promotion of fatty acid oxidation and utilization. Curcumin also works directly on pancreatic beta cells to help them produce insulin normally. By helping the liver and the pancreas, Curcumin is taking stress off the two most important organs whose function declines before the onset of type 2 diabetes. Curcumin also influences key hormones, supports major body organs, and regulates inflammatory signaling all in ways that help correct or prevent metabolic problems. Curcumin helps lower inappropriately high levels of leptin (reducing leptin resistance) while boosting the all-important levels of the adiponectin (which lowers insulin resistance). Curcumin also helps activate the fat-burning gene signal PPAR gamma, which also helps to make more new, metabolically-fit fat cells. Curcumin directly reduces major inflammatory events from occurring inside white adipose tissue (tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin-6, and monocyte chemotactic protein-1). By lowering such inflammation, the source of overweight-induced disease is targeted. Oxidative stress and inflammation have been implicated in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes mellitus and related vascular complications. A large body of preclinical evidence suggests that the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and glucose-lowering activities of curcumin and its analogs may be useful in the prevention and/or treatment of type 2 diabetes. In a nine-month, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in 237 subjects with impaired glucose tolerance (pre-diabetes), no progression to overt diabetes was reported with a daily ingestion of a mixture of curcuminoids (0.5 g), while 16.4% of placebo-treated participants developed diabetes. In addition, curcumin supplementation was shown to reduce insulin resistance and improve measures of pancreatic β-cell function and glucose tolerance. Supplemental curcumin was found to be as effective as lipid-lowering drug atorvastatin (10 mg/day) in reducing circulating markers of oxidative stress (malondialdehyde) and inflammation (endothelin-1, TNFα, IL-6) and in improving endothelial function. Another randomized controlled trial also reported that oral curcumin supplementation (1.5 g/day) for six months improved endothelial function, insulin sensitivity, and metabolic markers associated with atherogenesis (plasma triglycerides, visceral fat, total body fat) in participants with type 2 diabetes. Finally, in a two-month randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in 40 individuals with type 2 diabetic nephropathy (kidney disease), daily curcumin ingestion (66.3 mg) significantly reduced urinary concentrations of proteins and inflammation markers (TGF-β, IL-8), suggesting that curcumin might be helpful with slowing the progression of kidney damage and preventing kidney failure. The research on curcumin suggests it can work as a hypoglycemic agent—lowering and helping control blood glucose (blood sugar) levels in people with type 2 diabetes. This can ultimately prevent those with the disease from developing other serious health complications associated with diabetes, such as neuropathy (damage to the nervous system) and nephropathy (kidney disease). A study published in the journal Biochemistry and Biophysical Research Community explored how curcumin might be valuable in treating diabetes, finding that it activates AMPK (which increases glucose uptake) and suppresses gluconeogenic gene expression (which suppresses glucose production in the liver) in hepatoma cells. Interestingly, they found curcumin to be 500 times to 100,000 times (in the form known as tetrahydrocurcuminoids(THC)) more potent than metformin in activating AMPK and its downstream target acetyl-CoA carboxylase. Diabetic neuropathy is a type of neuronal damage, associated with chronic diabetes, characterized by demyelination and deterioration of nerve fibers, alterations in the micro- vasculature and loss of sensory fibers that leads to pain, foot ulcers, amputations, depression, phobias, anorexia, loss of memory and reduction in complex reasoning skills (Patel and Udayabanu 2013).

Curcumin treatment (50 mg/kg, for 8 weeks) upregulated BDNF in frontal cortex and hippocampus alongside reduced oxidative damage in the hippocampus of diabetic db/db mice (Franco-Robles et al. 2014). Curcumin administration significantly increased Na (þ) -K (þ) -ATP activity, reduced lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity and lactic acid content as well as stimulates Ca (þ) -Mg (þ) -ATP activity in brain homogenate of alloxan induced diabetic mice. In addition, curcumin administration ameliorated energy metabolism in the brain homogenate of diabetic mice (Miao, Cheng, and Li 2015). Curcumin administration (60 mg/kg, p.o., for two weeks) downregulated the expression of glucose transporter (GLUT) type 3, muscarinic receptor type 3, a7-nicotinic receptor and AChE in brain- stem and cortex of streptozotocin induced diabetic rats. In addition, it reduced the expression level of insulin receptor and choline acetyltransferase in brainstem. Curcumin treatment upregulated the gene expression of choline acetyltransferase, SOD and insulin receptor in cortex. It is known to upregulate the expression level of muscarinic cholinergic receptor 1 in brainstem and cerebral cortex (Kumar et al. 2013) as well as attenuate cognitive deficits in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats (Kumar et al. 2011). Curcumin treatment (60 mg/kg, p.o., for 15 days) downregulated the expression level of dopaminergic D1 and D2 receptor in the cortex. In addition, curcumin administration significantly upregulated dopaminergic D1 receptor and downregulated D2 receptor in the cerebellum of diabetic rodents. Curcumin treatment upregulated phospholipase C and transcription factor cAMP response element-binding protein expression in the cerebellum and cortex of streptozotocin induced diabetic rats resulting in amelioration of emotional and cognitive performance (Kumar et al. 2010). Curcumin administration (60 mg/kg, p.o., for 16 days) upregulated the glutamate decarboxylase while downregulated Bax, caspase 3 and caspase 8 expressions in the cerebral cortex. In addition, curcumin administration attenuated NMDA and AMPA receptor mediated oxidative stress and excitotoxicity in the cerebral cortex of streptozotocin induced diabetic rats (Jayanarayanan et al. 2013). Curcumin supplemented (0.5%) with animal’s diet decreased b-d-glucuronidase activity (Chougala et al. 2012), nitric oxide level, total oxidant status, MDA level and oxidative stress index. Diabetes mellitus, commonly referred to as diabetes, is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia, glycosuria, negative nitrogen balance, polydipsia and sometimes ketonemia. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, oral curcumin extract supplementation (three capsules per day, each curcumin capsule has curcuminoid content of 250 mg) for nine months ameliorated b-cell function, lowered C-peptide and increased homeostasis model assessment-b, reduced insulin resistance and increased the adiponectin level in type 2 diabetic subjects as compared to placebo group (Chuengsamarn et al. 2012). In another clinical study, curcumin administration lowered the level of HbA1c and fasting blood glucose as well as partially reduced LDL-cholesterol and body mass index in diabetic subjects (Rahimi et al. 2016). A recent meta-analysis revealed that, curcumin or combined curcuminoids supplementation effectively lowered the level of fasting blood glucose in individuals with some degree of dysglycemia. In addition, isolated curcumin supplementation significantly decreased HbA1c as compared to placebo and suggested its beneficial role as adjuvant in the treatment of dysglycemic patients (de Melo, Dos Santos, and Bueno 2018). In animal study, curcumin administration is reported to reduce glucose intolerance through induction of glucagon-like peptide-1 secretion. In addition, curcumin administration is known to reduce insulin resistance by downregulating phosphorylation of IRS-1 serine residue and upregulating phosphorylation of IRS-1 tyrosine in the skeletal muscle of rats fed with high fructose. Curcumin treatment also reduced glucose intolerance, hyperinsulinemia and homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) level. Curcumin treatment decreased C reactive protein and TNF-levels besides downregulated the protein kinase theta (PKCh) and COX-2 protein expressions. Additionally, curcumin significantly downregulated extracellular kinase 1/2 (ERK 1/2) and p38 protein expressions in skeletal muscle. Further, curcumin treatment ameliorated the activity of GPx and attenuated the activation of inflammatory cascades (Maithilikarpagaselvi et al. 2016). Curcumin treatment significantly reduced systolic blood pressure, LDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), total cholesterol, glycemia, total oxidative status, MDA and nitrative stress. A recent study demonstrated that, curcumin administration (100 mg/kg, p.o., daily for 8 weeks) attenuated splenic damage and improved immunity in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats via antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic mechanisms  (Rashid et al. 2017). Curcumin treatment is known to attenuate diabetes and its associated complications like liver disease, adipocyte dysfunctions, pancreatic beta cell dysfunction, vascular dysfunction, nephropathy, neuropathy, retinopathy etc. (Zhang et al. 2013b). In cell culture studies, curcumin treatment suppressed palmitate-mediated insulin resistance, inhibited the ubiquitin-proteasome system, reduced the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) protein aggregation and activated the autophagy signaling in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (Ye et al. 2017). The suggested anti-diabetic mechanisms of curcumin effects are ameliorating b-cell dysfunction, insulin signaling, glucagon like peptide-1 secretion, and reducing glucose intolerance, hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, HOMA-IR level, hyperlipidemia, islet apoptosis and necrosis etc. Therefore, these finding demonstrate that curcumin supplementation in diabetic population may be beneficial.
How may Curcumin work against CANCER?

In recent years, in-depth studies of cancer progression have revealed that curcumin suppresses tumors by interfering with all aspects of tumor progression, which is the action of some of the most promising anticancer drugs. First, at the root of cancer progression, curcumin has been shown to elevate the ubiquitination level of TAZ that increases proteasome-degrading TAZ protein, thereby activating the hippo pathway and negatively regulating cancer stem cell function. Additionally, curcumin significantly impedes the self-healing of circulating cancer stem cells, limiting stem cell metastasis. Curcumin also alters the expression of more than 700 genes linked to carcinoma development, such as those involved in DNA recovery or associated with the cell cycle, cell proliferation, or metastasis in NCI-H460 human lung cancer cells. Researchers revealed that curcumin not only changes the expression of many genes, but also alters signaling pathways. Through further investigation, it was found that those curcumin-altered genes induce cell death and control extracellular matrix receptors, repressing NSCLC cell proliferation and migration. These observations indicate that curcumin governs NSCLC tumor growth and exhibits cytotoxic mechanisms at the genetic level. Curcumin possesses various biological activities, such as anticancer effects on various cancers, such as breast, liver, lung, gastric and prostate cancers. The anticancer effects of curcumin have been extensively studied in different cancers, such as breast, lung, colorectal, head and neck, gastric, bladder, prostate, thyroid, liver, ovarian, oral, pancreatic, cervical, tongue and brain cancers. Because of its multitargeting activities, curcumin has exhibited activities against numerous cancer types in human clinical trials. Studies have demonstrated that curcumin can suppress the proliferation of cancer cells by interfering with the cell cycle. Specifically, it induces cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase in several cancer types, modulating the level of cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) and cyclins through the increased expression of CDK inhibitors. Furthermore, curcumin induces apoptosis through both intrinsic and extrinsic pathways. Curcumin enhances the expression of pro-apoptotic proteins such as Bax, Bak, PUMA, Bim, and Noxa and death receptors such as TRAIL-R1/DR4 and TRAIL-R2/DR5. In addition, curcumin decreases the levels of anti-apoptotic proteins like Bcl-2, Bcl-XL, survin, and XIAP. This shift in the balance of apoptotic regulators facilitates the release of cytochrome c from mitochondria and activates caspases, leading to programmed cell death. Curcumin, a polyphenolic compound derived from turmeric, exerts its anticancer effects through multiple mechanisms. These include the inhibition of cell proliferation and the induction of apoptosis via cell cycle arrest and the modulation of apoptotic proteins. Curcumin suppresses the activity of key transcription factors like NF-κB, STAT3, and AP-1 and interferes with critical signal transduction pathways such as PI3K/Akt/mTOR and MAPK/ERK. Additionally, curcumin inhibits angiogenesis and metastasis by downregulating VEGF, VEGFR2, and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). Epigenetic modifications through the inhibition of DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) and histone deacetylases (HDACs) further contribute to its anticancer properties. Finally, curcumin alters mitochondrial energy metabolism and reduces oxidative stress by inhibiting FoF1-ATP synthase, thereby impacting ATP production and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, which are crucial for cancer cell growth and proliferation. Curcumin’s anticancer efficacy is also attributed to its ability to inhibit nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), a transcription factor that plays a pivotal role in cancer cell survival, proliferation, and metastasis. NF-κB is often constitutively active in various cancers, promoting the expression of genes involved in inflammation, cell survival, and angiogenesis. Curcumin suppresses NF-κB activation by inhibiting IκB kinase (IKK), thereby preventing the phosphorylation and degradation of IκBα, an inhibitor of NF-κB, and reducing the transcription of NF-κB target. In addition to NF-κB, curcumin also modulates other transcription factors such as STAT3 and AP-1. By inhibiting these factors, curcumin reduces the expression of genes involved in cell proliferation and survival, contributing to its anticancer properties. Curcumin’s impact on various signal transduction pathways further elucidates its multifaceted anticancer effects. It has been shown to interfere with the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway, a critical signaling axis for cell growth and survival. Curcumin inhibits the phosphorylation of Akt, leading to the suppression of downstream targets involved in cell proliferation and survival. Additionally, curcumin affects the MAPK/ERK pathway, which is implicated in cell differentiation, proliferation, and apoptosis. By inhibiting this pathway, curcumin can reduce cancer cell growth and induce apoptosis. Curcumin also exerts anti-angiogenic and anti-metastatic effects, which are crucial for limiting tumor growth and spread. Curcumin inhibits angiogenesis by downregulating the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptor VEGFR2. This inhibition prevents the proliferation and migration of endothelial cells, thereby reducing blood vessel formation. Moreover, curcumin inhibits metastasis by modulating the expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), enzymes involved in the degradation of the extracellular matrix, a key step in cancer cell invasion and metastasis. Curcumin downregulates MMP-2 and MMP-9, thereby impairing the invasive capabilities of cancer cells. Also, it inhibits the chemokine CXCL12/CXCR4 axis, whose activation is involved in tumor epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), cancer cell motility, and metastasis. Emerging evidence suggests that curcumin can also exert its anticancer effects through epigenetic modifications. These modifications include the inhibition of DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) and histone deacetylases (HDACs), which play a role in gene expression regulation. By modulating these epigenetic factors, curcumin can reactivate tumor suppressor genes and inhibit oncogenes, contributing to its anticancer activity. Although the energy metabolism of cancer cells appears to be supported more by anaerobic glycolysis (the Warburg effect), mitochondria play a pivotal role in cancer cell physiology, driving both energy production and the biosynthetic processes essential for rapid proliferation. Several studies reported that cancer cells often exhibit altered mitochondrial function, characterized by enhanced oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) and increased mitochondrial biogenesis. These adaptations support the high metabolic demands of tumorigenesis, since mitochondrial function reprogramming can confer resistance to chemotherapy and contribute to metastatic potential. Beyond energy production, mitochondria play a pivotal role in cancer cell growth and proliferation, primarily through the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). A mild ROS concentration induces the activation of signaling pathways such as MAPK, PI3K/Akt, and NF-κB, which are involved in cell proliferation and survival. Moreover, oxidative stress can induce the expression of growth factors and cytokines, enhancing tumor progression and metastasis. In this scenario, curcumin appears to be one of the most promising molecules to modulate OxPhos activity and the related oxidative stress production. The literature reports that curcumin directly inhibits the activity of FoF1 -ATP synthase (ATP synthase), as it binds to the F1 moiety through its 4′hydroxy groups and a β-diketone, reducing the available energy to support the proliferation and growth of cancer cells. In addition, ATP synthase inhibition not only impacts ATP production but also modulates oxidative damage. In coupling conditions, ATP synthase reduction slows down electron transport chain (ETC) function and the relative ROS production, switching off the proliferation signaling associated with the pro-oxidant environment. By contrast, when mitochondria are damaged, curcumin concurs with the oxidative stress increment. Probably the first indication of curcumin’s anticancer activities in human participants was shownby Kuttan and co-workers, who conducted a clinical trial involving 62 patients with external cancerous lesions. Curcumin was found to produce remarkable symptomatic relief as evidenced by reductions in smell, itching, lesion size, and pain. Kuttan and his colleague’s work was the first to demonstrate curcumin’s anti-cancer potential in both in vitro and in vivo experimental models (Kuttan et al., 1985). Curcumin activates DNA damage response, laying the foundation for the therapeutic use of these nutraceuticals in prostate cancer chemoprevention (Horie, 2012). The general anti-carcinogenic effect of curcumin involves mechanisms like induction of apoptosis and inhibition of cell-cycle progression in rat aortic smooth muscle cells (Chen and Huang, 1998). The antiproliferative effect is regulated partly through hindrance of protein tyrosine kinase activity and c-myc mRNA expression, while the apoptotic effect may partly be mediated via preventing the functioning of protein tyrosine kinase, protein kinase C, and expressions of c-myc mRNA and bcl-2 mRNA (Chen and Huang, 1998). Curcumin inhibits the transcription factor NF-κB (Figure 6) and various downstream gene products like c-myc, Bcl-2, COX-2, nitric oxide synthase (NOS), Cyclin D1, TNF-α, ILs, and matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP-9) and has anti-proliferative activities in a diversity of malignancies. Curcumin, either alone or in combination with other agents, has demonstrated potential against colorectal cancer, pancreatic cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, multiple myeloma, lung cancer, oral cancer, and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Curcumin was found to exert its anticancer activities in many different types of cancer cells by regulating a variety of signaling pathways.  Curcumin induces cell death in numerous animal and human cell lines, including leukemia, melanoma, and carcinomas of the breast, lung, colon, kidney, ovaries and liver. It appears to function by caspase­dependent and independent (mitochondrial) mechanisms, which are associated with the presence and absence of p53. Curcumin has been studied as a beneficial herb in cancer treatment and been found to affect cancer growth, development and spread at the molecular level. Studies have shown that it can contribute to the death of cancerous cells and reduce angiogenesis (growth of new blood vessels in tumors) and metastasis (spread of cancer). Multiple studies indicate that curcumin can reduce the growth of cancerous cells in the laboratory and inhibit the growth of tumors in test animals. There is also evidence that it may prevent cancer from occurring in the first place, especially cancers of the digestive system like colorectal cancer. Curcumin is capable of inhibiting the growth of cancer cells in skin, oral, intestinal, and colon cancers. Animal models show that not only does curcumin block growth of cancer cells in these models, but it also increases the number of cancer-fighting enzymes in the system.  A 2011 study works to quantify the prohibitive properties of curcumin on cancer cells in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas. This type of cancer is the 6th most commonly-diagnosed cancer in the United States. That study showed curcumin not only works as a treatment for squamous cell carcinomas with incredibly promising results, but it has also been shown to demonstrate powerful anti-cancer properties. Part of the excitement surrounding the potential anti-cancer benefits of curcumin revolves around the safety of use of the compound. It is considered pharmacologically safe, which means there are no known drug interactions or specific reactions among patients, making it extremely well-tolerated. For more evidence that turmeric with curcumin in particular being a powerful anti-cancer compound, we need only look at the rates of cancer in parts of the world where turmeric is consumed in higher quantities. Over the years, cancer research has examined the role curcumin plays in treating this disease. Curcumin is antimutagenic as it potentially helps to prevent new cancers that are caused by chemotherapy or radiation therapy used to treat existing cancers. It effectively inhibits metastasis (uncontrolled spread) of melanoma (skin cancer) cells and may be especially useful in deactivating the carcinogens in cigarette smoke and chewing tobacco. Curcumin generates an anticancer effect by inhibiting nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), and also reduces the formation of glycation end products which induce inflammation. Curcumin also mediates anticancer activity by targeting many other enzymes/pathways, maintaining levels of vitamins C and E, preventing peroxidation of lipid, and DNA damage. Curcumin targets transformed cells without altering primary astrocytes. It also promotes apoptosis, and shows a synergistic effect in combination cisplatin and doxorubicin drugs. An active constituent of turmeric suppresses carcinogenesis in multiple human carcinomas, which include ovarian cancers, stomach cancer, colon cancer, breast cancer, head and neck cancer. Curcumin suppresses the carcinogenesis by targeting diverse molecular targets of cellular division and apoptosis. The beneficial effects of curcumin on various transcription factors, oncogenes, and signalling proteins are well known. It also targets various stages of carcinogenesis from the initial stage to tumorigenesis, growth, invasion, and metastasis. Animal studies involving rats and mice as well as in vitro studies utilizing human cell lines have demonstrated curcumin's ability to inhibit carcinogenesis at three stages: Tumor promotion, angiogenesis, and tumor growth. In two studies of colon and prostate cancer, curcumin inhibited cell proliferation and tumor growth. The anticarcinogenic effects of turmeric and curcumin are due to direct antioxidant and free-radical scavenging effects and their ability to indirectly increase glutathione levels, thereby aiding in hepatic detoxification of mutagens and carcinogens and in inhibiting nitrosamine formation. A number of laboratory studies on cancer cells have shown that curcumin does have anticancer effects. These studies have found that curcumin can significantly inhibit the growth, development and movement of cancer throughout the body. It seems to be able to kill cancer cells and prevent more from growing. It has the best effects on breast cancer, bowel cancer, stomach cancer and skin cancer cells. An American study that combined curcumin with chemotherapy to treat bowel cancer cells in a laboratory showed that the combined treatment killed more cancer cells than the chemotherapy alone. Another American study seemed to show that curcumin helped to stop the spread of breast cancer cells to other parts of the body. Doctors think that curcumin stays in the digestive system and is absorbed by the cells in the bowel. Several studies have shown that curcumin taken as capsules does get absorbed by the gut and is present in the blood. One of the mechanisms by which it does this is reducing the growth of new blood vessels in tumors (otherwise known as angiogenesis) and can also directly contribute to the death of cancerous cells. Scientists discovered that turmeric is effective in killing cancer cells and also preventing their growth. According to the American Cancer Society, tests indicate that curcumin "interferes with several important molecular pathways involved in cancer development, growth and spread" and has boosted the effects of chemotherapy in animals. Curcumin has the potential for treatment of cancers including colon, breast, prostate, lung, skin and bowel. Curcumin shows a strong ability to kill cancer cells as well as inhibit their growth, boost antioxidant levels and balance the immune system. It seems to work on improving mitochondrial function at a cellular level. Even against drug-resistant strains of leukemia, curcumin caused cell death of cancer cells. Curcumin has been shown to substitute chemotherapy for colorectal cancers, and in multidrug resistant cancers. The ability of curcumin to regulate a variety of signaling pathways involved in cell growth, apoptosis, invasion, metastasis, and angiogenesis in preclinical studies elicited scientific interest in its potential as an anticancer agent in tumor therapy. Curcumin is one of the most powerful and promising chemopreventive and anticancer agents, and epidemiological evidence demonstrates that people who incorporate high doses of this spice in their diets have a lower incidence of cancer. Curcumin's epigenetic modulation has been studied by the US National Cancer Institute (NCI) and academic investigators around the world. Because of low toxicity and great efficacy in multiple in vitro and in vivo cancer models, Curcumin was selected for further development, put through extensive toxicology testing and has successively made it through the first stages (Phase I) of clinical testing abroad and is currently in clinical trials at several sites in the U.S. A phase I clinical trial looked at giving curcumin to 25 patients with pre cancerous changes in different organs. This study seemed to show that curcumin could stop the precancerous changes becoming cancer. Numerous mechanisms have been described for the anticancer activity of Curcumin. Curcumin inhibits the NF-ŒB and STAT3 signaling pathways, which play key-roles in the development and progression of cancer. It inhibits a highly expressed transcription factor Sp-1 and its downstream genes, including ephrin type-B receptor 2 precursor, HDAC4, calmodulin and ADEM10 which serve as an important mechanism to prevent metastasis. Curcumin enhances the expression of several extracellular matrix components and inhibits the phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and CD24 expression, thus prevents cancer formation, migration and invasion (Vallianou et al. 2015; Shi et al. 2001; Zhou et al. 2013). In addition, the potential mechanism of the anti-invasive effect of curcumin includes downregulation of Akt, EGFR, cyclin D1, cMET and upregulation of DNAJ/heat shock protein (HSP) 40 chaperone. Recent studies revealed that ER stress and autophagy might involve in apoptosis process. Mechanistically, autophagy inhibition could increase curcumin induced apoptosis by inducing ER stress (Vallianou et al. 2015). Further, the anticancer effects induced by phytoconstituent curcumin in malignant cells are mediated via the modulation of multiple signaling pathways and its effectors. Curcumin induced anti-carcinogenic effects includes down-regulation of the insulin-like growth factor type-1 receptor (IGF-1R), EGFR/avian erythroblastosis oncogene B1 (erbB1), erbB2/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), Wnt/b-catenin and sonic hedgehog/glioma associated oncogene (SHH/GLIs), and their respective downstream signaling effectors. Curcumin modulates intra-cellular signal transduction elements such as p21, p27, inhibitor of growth family member 4 (ING4), cyclin D1, c- Myc, VEGF, ICAM-1, MMPS, uPA, COX-2, CXCR-4, Bax, Bad, Bak, Noxa, p53, modulator of apoptosis, caspases etc. resulting in reversal of cancer incidence, progression and relapse (Jordan et al. 2016; Mimeault and Batra 2011; Kasi et al. 2016). A2012 study indicates that rates of colorectal cancer in India are among the lowest in the developed world. Another study from 2016 shows that Indian women are less likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer, as well. Part of the reason for the lowered cancer rates in India has been attributed to diet, with turmeric and curcumin being major dietary contributors in that part of the world. Combining curcumin with anticancer drugs like gemcitabine in pancreatic cancer, docetaxel in breast cancer, and imatinib in chronic myeloid leukemia may be safe and well tolerated. A recent single-arm, phase II trial combining three cycles of docetaxel/prednisone and curcumin (6 g/day) was carried out in 26 patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer. The level of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) was decreased in most patients and was normalized in 36% of them, and the co-administration of curcumin with drugs showed no toxicity beyond adverse effects already related to docetaxel monotherapy. Many registered phase I/II clinical trials designed to investigate the effectiveness of curcumin alone or with first-line treatment in patients with breast, prostate, pancreatic, lung, or colorectal cancer are under way. Research into preventing cancer: A phase I clinical trial looked at giving curcumin to 25 patients with pre-cancerous changes in different organs. This study showed how curcumin could stop the precancerous changes becoming cancer. A number of laboratory studies on cancer cells have shown that curcumin does have anticancer effects. It kills cancer cells and prevent more from growing. It has the best effects on breast cancer, bowel cancer, stomach cancer and skin cancer cells. A study that combined curcumin with chemotherapy to treat bowel cancer cells in a laboratory showed that the combined treatment killed more cancer cells than the chemotherapy alone. An American study in mice showed that curcumin helped to stop the spread of breast cancer cells to other parts of the body. Doctors think that curcumin stays in the digestive system and is absorbed by the cells in the bowel. Several studies have shown that curcumin taken as capsules does get absorbed by the gut and is present in the blood. A number of activities of curcumin, which are exerted in a chemopreventive and a directly therapeutic manner, indicate that it may be a potential anticancer remedy. Researchers at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, TX state that Curcumin has “enormous” potential to prevent and treat cancer. Curcumin was able to suppress tumor formation, growth, and even metastasis according to their review. Currently, there are clinical trials being conducted on the effects of Curcumin on patients with bowel cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, tests have shown that curcumin can kill cancer cells in laboratory dishes, and also slow the growth of the surviving cells. Furthermore, it has been found to reduce the development of several forms of cancer in lab animals, while also shrinking various animal tumors. A review - Anticancer Potential of Curcumin: Preclinical and Clinical Studies - in Anticancer Research concluded that, "…it is quite apparent that curcumin has tremendous potential for prevention and therapy of various cancers." Another study on the role of curcumin in cancer therapy found that,  curcumin is a potent anti-inflammatory agent with strong therapeutic potential against a variety of cancers. Curcumin has been shown to suppress transformation, proliferation and metastasis of tumors, and called for additional and larger controlled studies to determine its full potential. Inhibition of proliferation of tumor cells, induction of apoptosis (a mode of cell death), inhibition of transformation of cells from normal to tumor, inhibition of invasion and metastasis and suppression of inflammation have been linked with the activity of curcumin. Resistance to chemo and radiotherapy is the major reason for cancer relapse. This arises due to the presence of a subpopulation of cancer cells, having self-renewal capabilities called Cancer Stem Cells (CSCs). Studies have confirmed that curcumin could inhibit the breast cancer stem cell population by downregulating the expression of stem cell genes Oct4, Sox2 and Nanog and also the Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) as observed by the down-regulation of mRNA levels of Vimentin, Fibronectin and β-catenin and up-regulation of mRNA levels of E-cadherin (Hu et al., 2019). A combination of sub-optimal dose of 5-FU and curcumin elicits synergistic antitumor potential in murine models as evaluated by a reduction in the tumor-related parameters. Mechanistically, curcumin down-regulates 5-FU induced up-regulation of Thymidylate Synthase (TS), which is responsible for 5-FU chemoresistance (Vinod et al., 2013; Haritha et al., 2021). Another study reported that cervical cancer cells can be sensitized by curcumin to paclitaxel-induced apoptosis through down-regulation of NF-κB, Akt and Bcl2 (Bava et al., 2011). The chemopreventive agent curcumin also act as a potent radiosensitizer in human cervical tumor cells. Curcumin pre-treatment increased reactive oxygen species production and overactivation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway in HeLa and SiHa cells when treated with Ionising Radiation (Javvadi et al., 2008).  Mechanism of action of curcumin mainly involves down-regulation of transcription factor NF-κB by inhibition of Notch signalling, which is involved in cell proliferation, apoptosis, maintenance of stem cell and their renewal. This results in a reduction in expression of NF-κB regulated genes, which includes Bcl-2, cyclin D1 and VEGF (O’riordan et al., 2005). Curcumin is a strong inhibitor of Protein Kinase C (PKC) and several oncogenes such as c-jun, c-fos, c-myc, NIK, MAPKs, ERK, ELK, PI3K, Akt and CDKs. Curcumin also inhibits of the Notch-1 downstream target Hes-1 in esophageal cancer cells. Hes-1 is an important notch signalling target and mediator (Subramaniam et al., 2012). The curcumin analog, 2-pyridylcyclohexanone has also been shown to decreases basal STAT3 phosphorylation and promotes apoptosis in esophageal cancer cell, ESCC cells (Wang et al., 2018). Curcumin quenches free radicals, induces antioxidant enzymes (catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase), and up-regulates antioxidative protein markers, Nrf2 and HO-1 that led to the suppression of cellular oxidative stress. In cancer cells, curcumin aggressively increases ROS that results in DNA damage and subsequently cancer cell death (Ak and Gülçin 2008). Curcumin was found to suppress inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6, IL-8, granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor and TNF-α as well as IKKβ kinase in the saliva of HNSCC patients. Kim SG., et al., also suggested that IKKβ kinase could be a plausible biomarker for the detection of the effect of curcumin in head and neck cancer as curcumin inhibited IKKβ kinase activity and this resulted in the reduced expression of a number of cytokines (Kim et al., 2011). Molecular docking studies further aids in identifying the role of curcumin in numerous signalling cascades involved in carcinogenesis and confirms the already suggested molecular mechansims responsible for the chemopreventive efficacy of curcumin. Using inverse molecular docking several proteins associated with cell proliferation and tumor formation namely, macrophage colony stimulating factor 1 receptor, aldo-keto reductase family 1 member C3, amiloride-sensitive amine oxidase and tyrosine-protein phosphatase non-receptor type 11 were identified as potential targets of curcumin. Curcumin was previously reported to inhibit the NFkB mediated activation of genes linked to cell survival and proliferation (Divya and Pillai 2006). Proteins such as MMP-2, NAD-dependent protein deacetylase sirtuin-2, core histone macro-H2A.1, NAD-dependent protein deacetylase sirtuin-1 and epidermal growth factor receptor were also revealed to be targets of curcumin, the binding of which regulates the activity of NF-kB (Furlan et al., 2018). These results provide a mechanistic explanation for the anticancer effects of curcumin. Targeting Phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) has been reported to be a potential therapeutic strategy against inflammatory disorders (I Sakkas et al., 2017). Studies suggest that curcumin may exhibit its anti-cancer property through the inhibition of PDE2 and PDE4 (Abusnina et al., 2015). Furlan et al. also gives evidences for the inhibitory effect of curcumin on PDE4 (Furlan and Bren 2021).
Curcumin as an Anti-Inflammatory | It has been observed that chronic inflammation is responsible for several diseases, such as tumor progression, autoimmunity, allergies, and arthritic syndromes. Numerous researches revealed that curcumin can decrease pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-1, and IL-8 by interfering with several signaling and transcription factors such as NF-кB, JAKs/STATs, and MAPK pathways (64). The anti-inflammatory activity of curcumin mainly depends on its potentiality to inhibit NF-kβ activation. Curcumin inhibits inflammation by downregulating cytokines, IL-1, IL-8, and TNF-α. Curcumin blocks TNF-mediated NF-кB activation in human myeloid ML-1a cells by suppressing activator proteins. Curcumin also blocks NF-кB activation by hydrogen peroxide and phorbol esters. IL-1β-mediated ICAM-1 and IL-8 gene expression are also inhibited by curcumin, which finally leads to the inhibition of NF-кB activation. JAK/STAT is an important signaling pathway in maintaining inflammation in immune cells. It transduces signal type 1 and 2 cytokine receptors in response to pro-inflammatory cytokines. Curcumin inhibits JAK/STAT pathway by blocking the phosphorylation of JAK-1 and -2 and STAT-1 and -2 in IFN-γ, gangliosides, and LPS-activated microglial cells. Curcumin has a distinct role in the inflammatory MAPK pathway. Curcumin significantly lowers the PGE2 (prostaglandin E2) level and the expression of TNF-α and IL-6 by preventing phosphorylation and activation of p38 MAPK functioning. Curcumin can suppress LPS-induced phosphorylation of p38, JNK, and ERK1/2-mediated MAPKs pathways and subsequently inhibit the ROS production by microglial cells (70). Kim et al. validated that if immature DCs cells pre-treated with curcumin, it blocked the LPS-induced maturation function of DCs by preventing phosphorylation of p38-, JNK-, and ERK1-/2-mediated MAPK signaling, which consequently checks the inflammation occurrence .It is well known that the human body is capable of self-healing after a short-term inflammatory response, but long-term chronic inflammation could lead to initiation of the cancer process. Many studies have shown that inflammatory factors (including interleukins, TNF-α, NF-ϰB) and the ROS production-induced inflammation infiltrate the inflammatory microenvironment leading to DNA damages and ultimately initiation of cancer. By acting on several signaling pathways, especially the WNT/β-catenin pathway, curcumin can have anticancer effect by inhibiting chronic inflammation and oxidative stress. The chronic inflammatory microenvironment of tumors could also be targeted by curcumin.
Immunomodulatory Role of Curcumin | Curcumin can inhibit the expansion of T cells triggered by plant lectin concanavalin A (Con A), according to a report on the role of the genus Curcuma and its bioactive metabolites to control the immunological response. Curcumin inhibits lymphoma B-cell proliferation by lowering the potency of c-MYC, BCL-XL, and NF-κB. Curcumin has also been demonstrated to suppress the production of ROS in macrophages. Curcumin also stimulates NK cell apoptosis by modulating the NF-κB pathway and inhibiting BCL-XL and Cyclin D. Curcumin inhibits IL-1 and IL-6 inflammatory cytokines such as from LPS-stimulated dendritic cells and suppresses the expressions of CD80, CD86, and MHC class II by dendritic cells. Curcumin also causes reduced LPS-induced MAPK activation and NF-κB p65 translocation in dendritic cells (Nair et al., 2017) along with impaired activation of Th1 responses. Curcumin significantly suppressed the formation of IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, and MCP-1 from higher glucose-cultured monocytes, according to Jain et al. (2009). Curcumin decreased NOS activity and macrophages’ ability to secrete nitric oxide (NO). In the management of immune modulation, curcumin treatment can promote the activation of immune component cells, including reduce excessive activation of inflammation and allergy, and enhance endogenic immune activity to fight foreign pathogens or cancer cells. Remarkably, curcumin can suppress intracellular NF-κB, MAPKs, JAKs/STATs, β-catenin, and the Notch-1 pathway by regulating the expression and secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-2, IL-6, IL-10, which mediate inflammatory pathways. In the managements of clinical treatment, curcumin can also be applied to autoimmune diseases therapies, such as lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, psoriasis, etc. Curcumin treatment can restore cellular immune-reactive T cells and assist the body to fight endogenous cancer cells and exogenous pathogens. In vitro and in vivo data showed curcumin can hinder cancer cell proliferation or cause cancer cell apoptosis. Curcumin as an immunomodulator interacts not just with various cellular components, such as DCs, macrophages, natural killer cells, and both B and T lymphocytes, but also with modulatory molecules involved in the processes of inflammation and cell proliferation with their downstream signaling. In recent times, curcumin has gained the potential therapeutic interest to cure neoplastic disease, because of its significance as an anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative substance. The anti-cancer properties of curcumin also modulate several other signaling pathways involved in mutagenesis, oncogene expression, cell cycle regulation, apoptosis, angiogenesis, and metastasis. The effectiveness of curcumin has been proven in the restoration of CD4+ and CD8+ cells in the TME and in directing Th2 cytokine bias towards Th1-type response again. It increases Th1-type immune responses and upregulates IFN-γ mRNA expression. Curcumin effectively reduces Treg cell population and levels of IL-10 and TGFβ. It also can reduce the expression of CTLA4 and FOXP3 both at protein and mRNA levels (55). Interestingly, curcumin has the potentiality to encounter all “six hallmarks” of cancer cells and checks tumor outgrowth in the host. Hence, it is considered very interesting to envision the role of curcumin concerning cancer immunotherapies as an immunomodulator.
Effects of Curcumin on Immune Cells |  Curcumin has the potentiality to modulate the proliferation and activation of T cells. Depending on the dose, it can both suppress and induce the proliferation of T cells. Several studies reported that curcumin downregulates the proliferation of T cells induced by concanavalin A (Con A), phytohemagglutinin (PHA), and phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA). Tomita et al. reported that curcumin can suppress the proliferation of HTLV-1-infected T cells and primary ATL cells through cell cycle arrest and induction of apoptosis. Research carried out by Hussain et al. stated that in T cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia, curcumin blocks constitutively activated targets of PI3-kinase (AKT, FOXO, and GSK3) in T cells, which lead to the inhibition of proliferation and induction of caspase-dependent apoptosis. On B cell: Curcumin prohibits the proliferation of B-cell lymphoma cells via downregulation of c-MYC, BCL-XL, and NFκB activities. It also blocks Epstein–Barr virus (EBV)-induced immortalization of B-cells. On macrophage: Curcumin modulates macrophage activities, prevents generation of ROS in macrophages, and stimulates enhanced phagocytosis of peritoneal macrophages in mice. On Natural Killer cell: Curcumin works against natural killer T cell lymphoma cell lines, where it induces apoptosis by controlling the NFκB pathway and suppression of BCLXL, Cyclin D1, etc.. On DC: Curcumin can reduce the expression of CD80, CD86, and class-II antigens by DCs. Curcumin suppresses the release of inflammatory cytokines like IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α from LPS-stimulated DCs. Curcumin also modulates phosphorylation of MAPK and nuclear translocation of NFκB in DCs.
Curcumin as an Anti-Proliferative and Anti-Metastatic Substance | Curcumin acts upon numerous cell proliferation signaling pathways that are intensely associated with cancer progression. Curcumin inhibits NF-кB signaling by suppressing IкB kinase activity. Curcumin suppresses the other proliferation signaling pathways, such as PI3K, AKT, mTOR, AP1 (JUN and FOS), JNK, JAK/STAT, PKC, CMYC, MAPK, ELK, CDKs, iNOS, and Wnt/β-catenin, which confirmed its vital role in the prevention of cancer progression. Cyclin D1, the proto-oncogene that is highly expressed in several types of cancer and acts in cell cycle progression and proliferation, is also suppressed by curcumin. Along with this, curcumin also inhibits excessive TGFβ receptor signaling and EGF- and EGFR-mediated signaling pathway and remarkably controls epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, metastasis, and tumor progression, respectively. A significant activity of the telomerase enzyme has been observed in cancer cells, which prevents telomere shortening and stimulates continuous cell proliferation signaling. Curcumin prevents human telomerase (hTERT) activities and reduces hTERT-mRNA expression that led to telomere shortening. By targeting telomerase activities, controlling replicative cell senescence and mortality, curcumin ultimately controls the uncontrolled cell proliferation of cancer cells. Numerous studies have reported the incredible potentiality of curcumin to inhibit cell migration, invasion, and colony formation in vitro and decrease tumor growth and metastasis in vivo. Curcumin downgrades the expression of matrix metalloprotease, CCRX4, COX2, ELAM1, and ECAM1, which are essential for metastasis. Besides, curcumin also hampers the functioning of SLUG, SNAIL, FAK, TWIST, and other essential transcription factors that play a crucial role in the metastasis process.
Curcumin as an Apoptotic and Anti-Angiogenic Substance

Curcumin has been suggested as an enhancer of apoptosis in cancer cells. It has the ability to modulate a wide range of signalling pathways involved in apoptosis resistance in cancer cells. Curcumin also triggers programmed cell death in colon cancerous cells and inhibits micro-inflammation in the gastrointestinal system linked to inflammatory bowel illnesses, according to laboratory research (Nita, 2003). Okanlawon et al. (2020) determine the influence of the inclusion of powdered C. longa on carcass yield and intestinal increase in rabbit production. Farombi et al. (2007) explored the combined effects of curcumin and kolaviron (a bioflavonoid extracted from Garcinia kola seeds) on DBP-induced testicular injury in rats. Curcumin treatment of mice infected with human prostate cancer cells resulted in a lowered microvessel density, cell proliferation, an improvement in apoptosis. Endothelial cells derived from bovine aorta exposed to curcumin (5–15 μM) under normoxic (oxygen tensions within 10–21%) or hypoxic (oxygen tensions within 1–5%) conditions were reported to increase heme oxygenase activity and resistance to oxidative stress. Consumption of alcohol sensitizes the pancreas to give an inflammatory response through NF-κB activation via protein kinase C epsilon. One pilot study concluded that an oral dosage of 500 mg of curcumin with 5 mg of piperine could restore lipid peroxidation in patients suffering from tropical pancreatitis (Durgaprasad et al., 2005).A common property for most cancer cells is some mutations in tumor suppressor genes, especially p53 and PTEN. Mutations in these genes lead to them escaping cell death and also resistance to therapy. Curcumin has the ability to reverse the activities of both p53 and PTEN. Inhibition of mir-21 has a key role in the activation of PTEN, leading to inhibition of the PI3K/AKT pathway. Suppression of AKT following treatment with curcumin can cause degradation of MDM2, which leads to activation of p53. Furthermore, suppression of AKT can reduce the expression of anti-apoptotic genes such as COX-2, NF-κB and Bcl-2. Downregulation of these genes by curcumin has shown its potential to sensitize a wide range of cancer cells to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. In addition to the regulation of a wide range of genes in cancer cells, curcumin has been shown to modulate the tumor microenvironment in favor of tumor suppression. Inhibition of some immunosuppressive cells' cytokines such as IL-10 and TGF-β leads to more infiltration and proliferation of NK cells and CTLs as well as inhibition of tumor-promoting cells including TAMs, CAFs and Tregs. These immunoregulatory effects of curcumin lead to the release of dead signals such as FasL and TNF-α for cancers. Upregulation of Fas, TNFR and TRAIL because of elevated ROS production by cancer cells can facilitate apoptosis pathways following treatment with curcumin. Curcumin blocks the phosphorylation of another tumor suppressor protein, RB (Retinoblastoma), which plays a significant role in the cell cycle process. Curcumin induces both TP53-dependent and -independent apoptosis of cancer cells by upregulating pro-apoptotic molecules such as BAX, BIM, and PUMA and by downregulating anti-apoptotic molecules like BCL2, BCL-XL, and Survivin. Consequently, the caspase activity gets enhanced and proceeds to apoptosis. Besides, curcumin stimulates lysosomal proteases, phosphatases, and lipase activities, which induce autophagy-mediated cell death. Blocking the angiogenesis process is a vital step to control tumor outgrowth. Curcumin suppresses VEGF receptor (VEGFR1 and VEGFR2) expression, blocks VEGF/VEGFR-mediated signaling pathway, and downregulates angiopoietin expression to confine angiogenesis. In vitro and in vivo studies have indicated that curcumin prevents carcinogenesis by affecting two primary processes: angiogenesis and tumor growth. Turmeric and curcuminoids influence tumor angiogenesis through multiple, interdependent processes: i) action at the level of transcription factors associated with inflammatory processes and early growth response protein which reduces the expression of IL­8 in pancreatic and head and neck cancer cell lines and prevents the induction of VEGF synthesis; ii) inhibition of angiogenesis mediated by NO (nitric oxide) and iii) inhibition of COX­2 and 5­LOX; iv) action at the level of angiogenic factors: VEGF, the primary factor for migration, sprouting, survival and proliferation during angiogenesis, and basic fibroblast growth factor. Because of its anti-apoptotic and antiproliferative efficacy, its ability to interfere with several tumor progression associated signaling pathways, and to modulate tumor-associated miRNA expression, curcumin is regarded as antitumorigenic. In addition, curcumin prevents formation of breast and prostate metastases in vivo. The review by Willenbacher et al. in this issue summarizes some papers that have been published in the field of curcumin’s antitumorigenic effects. Curcumin is also potent against cancer types that are difficult to treat, like melanoma or glioblastoma, as demonstrated by the work of Maiti et al. in this issue. An American phase 2 study reported in 2008. 25 patients had curcumin treatment and 21 had tumors that could be measured. In 2 patients their tumors shrank or remained stable. In some patients their levels of particular immune system chemicals that destroy cancer cells went up. Curcumin also has been studied with regards to the core inflammatory gene signal, NF-kappaB, resulting in a beneficial domino effect throughout the body. One benefit of this domino effect is a direct reduction in the risk of cancer from overweight-induced inflammation. Curcumin has been found to induce cell-cycle arrest and apoptosis by regulating a variety of cell-signaling pathways (3, 41-45). For example, the inhibition of cell proliferation by curcumin has been associated with the Nrf2-dependent downregulation of DNA repair-specific flap endonuclease 1 (Fen1) in breast cancer cells in culture. Curcumin has been shown to induce p53-dependent or -independent apoptosis depending on the cancer cell type. In a panel of cancer cell lines, p53-independent apoptosis induced by curcumin was mediated by the rapid increase of ROS and the activation of MAPK and c-jun kinase (JNK) signaling cascades. Inhibition of NF-κB signaling by curcumin also suppresses proliferation and induces apoptosis in cancer cells.
Effect of Curcumin on Chemoresitance | Curcumin has a proven ability to counter chemoresistance in cancer cells. The ability of curcumin to modulate the regulatory networks governing the balance of cell survival and induction of cell death is well established. Curcumin has been demonstrated to amend the expression of molecules central to chemoresistance including members of the ABC drug efflux transporter family. Curcumin modulates the cancer metabolism and bio-physiological composition of the extracellular milieu culminating in the induction of cell death and retardation in disease progression. Metabolic alterations and suppression of receptor-mediated signaling were suggested to provide chemosensitization of cancer cells by curcumin. The previous investigation on hepatic carcinoma cells demonstrated that curcumin can thwart lactate-induced chemoresistance. Interestingly, curcumin can be exploited to provide health benefits in diabetes mellitus owing to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capabilities. In renal tubular epithelial cells, curcumin was also shown to obviate high glucose-induced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. High glucose conditions can aggravate the invasion and migration, while curcumin can impede the metastatic events in a variety of malignancies. Antineoplastic potential, metabolic modulatory ability, and chemosensitizing property along with safety investigations provide an edge to curcumin over other phytochemicals. Curcumin has the ability to avert high glucose-induced chemoresistance in cancer cells. Various aspects of the underlying mechanism were also explored. Curcumin mediated the amputation of chemoresistance by repressing the hyperglycolytic behavior of malignant cells via modulated expression of metabolic enzymes (HKII, PFK1, GAPDH, PKM2, LDH, SDH, IDH, and FASN), transporters (GLUT-1, MCT-1, and MCT-4), and their regulators. Along altered constitution of extracellular milieu, these molecular changes culminated into improved drug accumulation, chromatin condensation, and induction of cell death. Molecular alterations in the expression level of transcription factors (p53, HIF-1α, MYC), drug efflux pumps (MDR-1), and their regulators (HCAR-1, mTOR, and STAT3) can be suggested as the underlying molecular mechanism. This investigation contributed to the understanding of the anticancer ability of curcumin through the prevention of chemoresistance in hyperglycemic conditions along with underlying mechanisms. The demonstrated potential of curcumin against high glucose-induced chemoresistance will have implementations in clinical management of malignancies in diabetic patients.
Curcumin as an Anti-Tumor Substance | The anti-tumour activity of curcumin is mediated via anti-inflammatory, apoptosis-inducing, anti-oxidative and anti-angiogenic activities. In colon cancers, the anti-tumour activity of curcumin was mediated via inhibition of COX-2. P53 (apoptosis-inducing in stressful situations) has been shown to have a varied response to curcumin administration; overexpression in human hepatoblastoma, human breast cancer cells and human basal cell carcinoma and downregulation in colorectal carcinoma reveal that it may be tissue-specific. Its anti-angiogenic effect is by inhibition of angiogenic factors like fibroblast growth factor (FGF), ligands of VEGF and angiopoietin 1 and 2 and regulation of cell adhesion molecules like endothelial adhesion molecule-1 (ELAM-1), intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) and cell surface proteins that are involved in tumour metastasis. Implementation of curcumin reduces cell mutations caused by exposure to carcinogens and induces the body's anti-tumor responses. Curcumin can promote M1-like tumor microglia activation and increase recruited natural killer cell to cause tumor decimation. Curcumin can inhibit the cancer cell proliferation by inhibit NF-κB, COX-2, CD-31, VEGF, and IL-8, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)− 9. Turmeric extract or curcumin can inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells such as head and neck cancers,  lung cancer, digestive system cancer, urinary system cancer, and reproductive system cancer in vitro and in vivo. The oral submucosal fibrosis, which is highly associated with oral cancer, is a chronic latent disease that leads to the hardening of the oral mucosa and deep tissues, and extends to the wall of the throat or esophagus, gradually causing difficult or loss of eating, swallowing, and pronunciation. In clinical management of oral mucosal fibrosis, curcumin is evident to treatment can prevent, reduce, and improve oral mucosal fibrosis. Curcumin treatment can increase the levels of vitamins C and E in salivary and serum to enhance organism’s antioxidative values, and decrease the malonaldehyde, 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) to decrease oxidative stress. In clinical application, curcumin is used as an adjuvant or supplement for chemotherapy or nuclear therapy in clinical tumor treatments to reduce postoperative adverse reactions, which still requires clinical verification. Curcumin has multiple potentials due to its numerous antineoplastic mechanisms for cancer therapy. Curcumin, a chemo-sensitizing agent, also enhances the efficacy of several chemotherapeutic agents. According to the study by Chen’s group, among four anticancer chemotherapeutic factors (erlotinib, sorafenib, sunitinib, and doxorubicin), sunitinib combined with curcumin at a molar ratio of 0.46 achieved the most potent synergistic effect in vitro and has been selected to be studied in an animal model. The anti-tumor effects of curcumin or turmeric extract in combination with bevacizumab in HT29 colon tumor-bearing mice have been examined by Yue’s group. When curcumin is combined with bevacizumab therapy, it suppressed tumor growth significantly with no physical side effects. This highly indicates the therapeutic promise of adjuvant application of curcumin for treating cancer, particularly combined with several mAbs. A clinical trial has been executed by Basak et al. with oral cancer patients where APG-157, a botanical drug containing multiple polyphenols, including curcumin has been administrated orally. According to the study, APG-157 was absorbed well and significant trace of curcumin has been found in the blood and in tumor tissues. This trial reported the downregulation of inflammatory markers and Bacteroides species in the saliva and upregulation of the immune T cells in the tumor tissue. Additionally, it reduced inflammation and attracted cytotoxic T cells to the tumor site, signifying its potential usage in combination with immunotherapy drugs. Curcumin alone induced a 49–55% reduction in mean ovarian cancer tumor growth compared with control animals, while the combination of curcumin with docetaxel resulted in a 77% reduction in mean tumor growth compared with the controls. In an animal study, the administration of curcumin decreased the number of lung tumor nodules and inhibited lung metastasis of melanoma. Therefore, it is possible to use curcumin in order to arrest the metastatic growth of tumor cells. 
A study conducted in 2014 revealed that curcumin was able to obstruct tumor growth and metastasis in several animals’ organs including the stomach, colon, and liver.
Effect of Curcumin on Lung Cancer | Cancer stem cell-based treatments with curcumin could be proven as potential processes and targets for tackling lung cancer (Ye et al., 2012). Curcumin also seems to promote tumor progression, reducing the efficiency of docetaxel in lung cancer patients. The therapeutic effect of curcumin has also been exploited in lung cancer. A mechanistic approach was used to study curcumin’s anti-cancer potential, by targeting JAK2/STAT3 and NF-κB signaling pathways, in the A549 lung cancer cell lin. In addition, curcumin, via PI3K/Akt signaling suppression and microRNA-192-5p up-regulation induced apoptosis in non-small cell lung cancer cells with inhibition of cell proliferation. In vivo curcumin lessens the migratory and invasive capabilities of A549 cells and inhibited adiponectin expression thought to be mediated through the NF-κB/MMP pathways and has been proposed as an adjuvant in lung malignancy (Tsai et al., 2015). Curcumin against human non-small cell lung cancer cell line A549, which showed 50% cell viability at a high dose of 10,000 U of interferon (IFN)-alpha (IFNα), was investigated to understand the resistivity of these cells against such a higher concentration of IFNα[64]. On treatment with one-tenth of the IC50 value, the A549 cells showed an increase in p50 (NF-κB1) and p65 (RelA) subunits of NF-κB with respect to time, in addition to an increase in Cox-2 expression. On pretreatment with curcumin, a dose-dependent decrease in these subunits was noticed in Western Blot Analysis and a decrease in Cox-2 expression was also noted. Thus, curcumin showed a remarkable decrease in NF-κB and Cox-2 activity in a dose-dependent manner with a maximum dose of 50 μM in IFNα resistant A549 cell lines and it increased the vulnerability of cells towards the cytotoxic activity of IFNα. Animal study revealed that curcumin administration reduced ultra-histoarchitecture and histoarchitecture abnormalities against benzo[a]pyrene induced lung carcinogenesis in mice (Wang et al. 2016c). In in vitro studies, curcumin treatment is reported to induce miR-98 and suppressed MMP-2 and MMP-9 which leads to inhibition of lung cancer in A549 cell line (Liu et al. 2017). Curcumin downregulated the expression of hTERT, induced cytotoxicity and attenuated proliferation in A549 cell line, and suggested as effective target for lung cancer therapy (Sadeghzadeh et al. 2017). Curcumin treatment reduced CD133-positive cells, reduced the formation tumorsphere, downregulated the expression of lung cancer stem cells markers like Oct4, aldehyde dehydrogenase isoform 1A1, CD133, CD44 and Nanog alongside induced apoptosis and inhibited proliferation of lung cancer cells. In addition, it reduced lung cancer via inhibition of sonic hedgehog and Wnt/b-catenin signaling pathways (Zhu et al. 2017). Curcumin treatment inhibits hepatocyte growth factor induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition and angiogenesis by inhibiting PI3K/Akt/mTOR signal transduction regulated by c-Met in human lung cancer cell line A549 (Jiao et al. 2016). Recent evidence suggest that curcumin treatment effectively prevented lung cancer metastasis and growth by downregulating microRNA (miR)-let 7c and miR-101 mediated expression of enhancer of zeste homolog 2 along with downregulation of Notch1 expression in human lung cancer cell lines (A549 and NCI-H520) (Wu et al. 2016).
Curcumin inhibited IL-6-induced proliferation, migration, and invasiveness of human small cell lung cancer (SCLC) cells by reducing JAK/STAT3 phosphorylation (i.e., activation) and downstream genes coding for cyclin B1, survivin, Bcl-XL, MMPs, intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). The therapeutic efficiency of curcumin in lung cancer is exhibited by the suppression of COX-2, EGFR, NF-­κB, and PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. An interesting study by Jeeyun Lee et al. investigated if interferon (IFN)-α stimulation activates an NF-κB in lung cancer cells, and if curcumin annuls IFN-α dependent NF-κB activation and subsequently NF-κB-regulated gene's (cyclooxygenase-2's) expression. They reported that the aforementioned hypothesis was correct in the case of A549 lung cancer cells and curcumin effectively down-regulate COX-2 expression through IFN-α-dependent activation of NF-κB. G Radhakrishna Pillai et al. reported that curcumin IC50 of 50 μM is required to induce in vitro apoptosis in A549 cells [50]. Lichuan Wu et al. highlighted the fact that curcumin could inhibit cell proliferation, colony formation, and tumorspheres in lung cancer cell line NCI-H460. The underlying mechanisms of curcumin-induced tumorspheres suppression are mainly due to the inhibition of the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway. Furong Liu et al. showed that curcumin exerts a cytotoxic effect on NSCLC A549 cells by inhibiting the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway to promote apoptosis and autophagy. It indicates that PI3K/Akt/mTOR signal transduction pathway is a key pathway involved in the role of curcumin in lung cancer. One of the studies showed the effect of curcumin on erlotinib-resistant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells.  The combination of erlotinib and curcumin reduced tumor growth remarkably in vivo in erlotinib-resistant NSCLC cells. Ping Chen et al. provided the evidence that gefitinib-resistant NSCLC cells growth could be inhibited by downregulating Sp1/EGFR activity and the receptor tyrosine kinase pathways with the use of curcumin and gefitinib together. They also validated that curcumin could be utilized, in the treatment of NSCLC with wild-type KRAS and EGFR mutation, as a sensitizer of EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs).
Effect of Curcumin on Breast Cancer | Curcumin against resistant breast cancer have resulted in promising results. The maximum tolerable dose of curcumin was found to be 8 g/day. 
During the pathogenesis of cancer, multiple signaling pathways are involved and curcumin represents a potential candidate for the regulation of these signaling pathways. Among these, pro-inflammatory transcription factor (NF-κB) is involved in breast cancer cell proliferation. Curcumin down-regulates the NF-κB signaling pathway, thus, affecting the cell proliferation and invasion contributing to breast cancer treatment. In another breast cancer model, curcumin induced autophagy through down-regulation of Akt protein, posing a significant management strategy for breast cancer. These findings suggest the therapeutic potential of curcumin following multiple signaling pathways. Adriamycin resistant MCF-7ADR and Tumor Necrosis Factor resistant BT-20TNF breast cancer cell lines showed 15% (± 6%) and 8% cell viability respectively against curcumin at a dose of 1 μg/ml (2.7 μM). The same study claimed that curcumin exhibited the growth inhibitory effect on estrogen-dependent MCF-7 and T-47D as well as estrogen-independent SK-BR3 cell lines at lower concentrations, and arrested the majority of cells in the G2/M phase and inhibition of ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) activity. A comparative study of the effect of curcumin on human mammary epithelial (MCF-10A) and MDR breast carcinoma (MCF-7/TH) cell lines reported that the IC50 value of curcumin against MCF-10A was 3.5 times higher than that of MCF-7/TH although cytometric analysis showed equal accumulation of curcumin in both cell lines and it is well complemented with the apoptosis studies where 40 µM (24 hr) concentration of curcumin led 1.8% of MCF-10A cells into apoptosis while 46.6% of MDR, MCF-7/TH went into apoptosis under similar conditions, which in terms of considering the collateral damages is a significant observation. In an investigation undertaken by Meiyanto et al., doxorubicin-resistant breast cancer cell lines MCF-7/Dox cells with over-expression of HER2 were tested against doxorubicin (IC50 = 7) and curcumin (IC50 = 80 ± 2.39) separately and in combination. The MTT Assay showed that curcumin at half of its IC50 concentration in combination with doxorubicin at half of its IC50 concentration, decreased the percentage cell viability of MCF-7/Dox cell lines by almost 80%, and this synergistic action of combinatorial treatment-induced cell death, evident through the accumulation of more cells in sub-G1 and G1 phase as compared to the percentage of cells when they were treated separately by doxorubicin and curcumin. Efficacy of curcumin against resistant breast cancer cell lines was demonstrated through SRB assay on MCF-7, antiestrogen-resistant MCF-7/LCC2 and MCF-7/LCC9 cell lines, which revealed IC50 values of curcumin to be 9.7, 12.2 µM and 11.34 µM respectively against these cancer cell lines and colony formation for each cell line was suppressed by curcumin at a concentration of 30 µM. These activities of curcumin were attributed to lowering of anti-apoptotic expressions and inhibition of NF-κB and Akt/mTOR pathway. The photosensitization of cancer cells by curcumin towards photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been covered by Muniyandi et al. and apoptosis is the mode of action in majority of the works cited in the review. The adriamycin resistant breast cancer cell line MCF-7/ADR was found to be equally affected as MCF-7 cells (Cell viability 50%) on 45 minutes preincubation with curcumin (7.5 μM) followed by irradiation with blue light (450 nm, 100 mW/cm2) for 5 min and subsequent 24 h incubation. Clinical trial study recommended that, administration of curcumin (6 g/day for seven consecutive days in every 3 weeks) in combination with docetaxel to be safe, effective and well tolerated for advanced and metastatic breast cancer (Bayet-Robert et al. 2010). In vitro models revealed that curcumin treatment is known to induce cytotoxicity through apoptosis induction and inhibit the viability of MCF-7 cells via caspase-3 and 9 activations. It reduced the expression of miR-21 by upregulating the PTEN/Akt signaling in breast cancer cells (Wang et al. 2017). Experimental evidence suggested that curcumin administration downregulate the expression of estrogen receptor-alfa (ER-a) and tumor suppressor protein exerting antiproliferative effects in T-47D human breast cancer cells (Hallman et al. 2017). Besides, curcumin treatment reduced hypermethylation of glutathione S-transferase (GST) pi 1 (Kumar, Sharma, and Rathi 2017) and deleted in liver cancer 1 (DLC1) (Liu et al. 2017), downregulated the Sp1 and DNA methyltransferase 1 expressions, resulting in inhibition of proliferation of human breast cancer cells (Liu et al. 2017). A recent study revealed that curcumin treatment downregulated the expression of Fibronectin, Twist1 Vimentin, AXL, Slug, b-catenin, N-cadherin and E-cadherin thereby inhibited the migration and invasion of cancer in breast cancer cell lines (Gallardo and Calaf 2016). Curcumin inhibits NF-jB signaling resulting in inhibition of cell growth and invasion in MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cell line (Yodkeeree et al. 2010). Further, curcumin arrested the cell cycle at the late S and G2M phase alongside induced ROS mediated apoptosis, accumulated p16/Rb and P53/p21 in breast cancer cells (Calaf et al. 2011; Wang et al. 2016d). In breast cancer cells, curcumin prevented EMT-associated morphological changes induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) while upregulating E-cadherin and downregulating vimentin. It was further shown that curcumin inhibited NF-κB/Snail signaling involved in LPS-induced EMT. In another study, curcumin increased the expression of the small non-coding RNA miR181b, which then downregulated proinflammatory cytokines, CXCL1 and CXCL2, as well as MMPs, thereby reducing the metastatic potential of breast cancer cells. Compelling evidence has demonstrated the benefits of curcumin combination therapy as compared to monotherapy in breast cancer. An in vitro investigation reveals that the co-administration of curcumin and 4-hydroxytamoxifen (4-OHT), a metabolite of tamoxifen, could restore the sensitivity of 4-OHT of HR-positive MCF-7 cells through the downregulation of cyclin D1 and upregulation of p21. Compared to either curcumin or 4-OHT alone, combined treatment also remarkably activated pro-apoptotic protein Bcl-xL and suppressed the Bcl-2 proteins, thereby further enhancing the apoptotic activities. The phenomenon was reversed with the combined treatment of curcumin and 4-OHT in MDA-MB-231 cells, mediating cell death and preventing the metastatic behavior of breast cancer cells, respectively. Co-treatment of curcumin (10 μg/mL) and trastuzumab (10 μg/mL) significantly reduced cell proliferation and induced G2/M arrest in HER2-overexpressed BT-474 and SK-BR-3-hr (a herceptin resistant strain from SK-BR-3) breast cancer cells, compared to trastuzumab alone. Further in vivo study revealed that BT-474 xenograft mice models had the smallest tumor volume after 4 weeks of curcumin (45 mg/kg) and trastuzumab (4 mg/kg) co-treatment. Curcumin also serves as a potential adjuvant with other chemotherapeutic agents in augmenting anticancer effects. The combined treatment of curcumin and paclitaxel significantly suppressed the paclitaxel-mediated NF-κB expression and its regulatory genes COX-2, matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP-9), VEGF, and intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1), thus promoting the anti-proliferative and anti-metastatic behavior in breast cancer cells. Interestingly, further experiments proved that curcumin and paclitaxel curbed the metastasis of MDA-MB-435 breast cancer cells to lung tissues in xenograft mice models. More importantly, this combination of curcumin (ranging from 25–225 mg/kg) and paclitaxel (5 mg/kg) was found to be safe and induced no toxicity effects in mice models. Hindered by drug efflux and chemoresistance, doxorubicin was explored in combination with curcumin in breast cancer treatment.  This has successfully augmented the cytotoxicity effect on breast cancer cells Another study illustrated that curcumin inhibited the doxorubicin-induced EMT via the suppression of Akt, β-catenin and glycogen synthase kinase 3 β (GSK3β) protein expression, emphasizing the importance of the combined treatment of curcumin and doxorubicin in inhibiting the metastasis of breast cancer cells. Apart from the combination with chemotherapeutic agents, the combined treatment of curcumin with other natural compounds has also been investigated in breast cancer. Flow cytometry cell death analysis showed that the co-treatment of curcumin (5 μM) and berberine (25 μM) synergistically exerted apoptosis and autophagy cell death to MDA-MB-231 and MCF7 breast cancer cells. Moreover, curcumin (1.5 μM) sensitized the AU565 breast cancer cells treated with quercetin (4 μM) and optiberry (2 μg/mL) to decrease lapatinib-mediated HER2 overexpression via the downregulation of HER2/Akt signalling pathways. Another study reported the benefits of curcumin (200 mg/kg) and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) (25 mg/kg) in lowering the tumor burden of xenograft models via the reduction in phosphorylated Akt, EGFR and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-1 (VEGFR-1) expression, highlighting the enhanced anticancer potential of this treatment regimen. Curcumin is believed to show its impact on cell growth and invasion of breast cancer partially through the down-regulation of NF-κB signaling pathways. Curcumin induces p53-dependent apoptosis and also causes cell cycle arrest in MCF-7 breast cancer cells. In curcumin-treated MCF-7 cells, proapoptotic protein B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2)-associated X protein (BAX) was found in a high concentration and it indicates curcumin's p53-dependent as well as p53-independent antiproliferative effects. Xiao-Dong Sun et al. identified that curcumin could inhibit the phosphorylation of extracellular regulated protein kinase (ERK1/2) in MDA-MB-231 cells. ERK1/2 is a major signaling molecule in the downstream pathway of EGFR. This is how curcumin inhibits cell proliferation and induces cell apoptosis, by inhibiting the EGFR pathway in vitro in MDA-MB-231 cells. Yunus Akkoç et al. reported that in metastatic MCF-7 breast cancer cells, overexpression of B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) is a constraining factor for curcumin-induced apoptosis. The overexpression of Bcl-2 blocks curcumin-induced autophagy through its inhibitory interaction with Beclin-1 in MCF-7 cells. They found that pre-treatment with LY294002, a PI3K inhibitor, enhanced curcumin-induced autophagy and apoptosis by modifying Bcl-2 expression and subsequent autophagosome formation in MCF-7 breast cancer cells. In vivo effect of curcumin and its derivative (2E,6E)-2,6-bis(4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzylidene)cyclohexanone (BHMC) had been checked on 4T1 (triple-negative breast cancer cell line) breast cancer cells challenged mice. A study showed that curcumin and BHMC treated mice had low tumor burden, mitotic cells, lung metastasis as well as regeneration capacity compared to the untreated mice.
Effect of Curcumin on Prostate Cancer

A randomized, double-blind, controlled study evaluated the effects of soy isoflavones and curcumin on serum PSA levels in men. The authors of this study concluded that curcumin presumably synergizes with isoflavones to suppress PSA production. Curcumin against resistant prostate cancer, the induction of apoptosis has been one of the modes of action of curcumin. PI3/Akt pathway, which promotes cell growth, proliferation, and survival, is inhibited by curcumin. Mechanistic studies, carried out at subtoxic concentrations of curcumin in LNCap cells showed that pretreatment with curcumin sensitized the cells towards tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) through inhibition of the NF-κB pathway of cell survival. Castration-resistant prostate cancer cell (CRPC) line C4-2B, showed a promising response to chemo-sensitization towards remarkably low concentration dose of 10nM docetaxel on pretreatment with a combination of 5 μM curcumin and 5 μM nelfinavir, commendably without much adverse effect on primary prostate epithelial cells. The molecular study revealed an increase in pro-apoptotic markers caused by endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and decrease in expressions associated with PI3K/AKT survival pathway like phosphorylated-AKT. A summary of in vitro activities of curcumin against various cancer cell lines has been compiled in Table 1. In a pilot phase II study, curcumin (6000 mg per day for 7 consecutive days) along with docetaxel and prednisone showed therapeutic potential against castration-resistant prostate cancer with good patient acceptability and tolerability (Mahammedi et al. 2016). In vitro models revealed that, curcumin treatment downregulated PGK1 via upregulation of miR-143 alongside increased the expression of FOXD3, resulting in inhibition of proliferation and migration of prostate cancer cell (Cao et al. 2017). Curcumin treatment is known to induce transferrin receptor protein 1 (TfR1) and iron regulatory protein 1 (IRP1) expression which leads to induced autophagy and apoptosis in castration-resistant prostate cancer cells (Yang et al. 2017a). It has been reported that curcumin treatment inhibited MT1-MMP and MMP-2 expressions in DU145 cells thus reduced the metastasis and survival of prostate cancer cells mediated by Notch-1 signaling cascade (Yang et al. 2017b). Curcumin treatment induced the arrest of G0/G1 cell cycle phase alongside inhibited the regulatory proteins cyclin D1 and CDK-2. Besides, it upregulated the expression of p21, p27 and p53 while downregulated Bcl-2 expression. Further, curcumin treatment is known to activate caspase (3, 8 and 9) (Sha et al. 2016) while decreased Akt, MMP (2 and 9), Bcl- 2, Bcl-XL and tumor volume in prostate cancer (Jordan et al. 2016). Curcumin treatment is reported to increase HDAC (1, 4 and 8), apoptosis, production of ROS and Nrf- 2 expression, while decrease VEGF, HIF1-a, GSK-3b, Akt, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level, PSA mRNA expression, HAT activity and cellular proliferation in LNCaP cell lines. The available in vitro studies have shown that curcumin is able to inhibit viability, proliferation, survival, migration/invasion, and adhesion of various human prostate cancer cells. Curcumin inhibited both androgen-sensitive and insensitive prostate cancer cells by targeting a number of signaling cascades responsible for regulating cellular function. The antiproliferative, antisurvival, and antimigratory effects of curcumin in prostate cancer cells may be due to the inhibition of the Akt/mTOR, Ras/MAPK signaling pathways, decreased NF-κB activation, enhanced proapoptoptic caspase and PARP cleavage, and the inhibition of members of the antiapoptotic Bcl-2 family of proteins. Curcumin was also able to induce cell-cycle arrest and enhance autophagy in various prostate cancer cell lines. The available in vivo studies have shown that curcumin administration is able to inhibit the growth/volume, formation, development, proliferation, and angiogenesis of prostate cancer tumors while promoting apoptosis. These effects were observed in mice xenografted with both androgen-sensitive and insensitive prostate cancer cells. Curcumin’s inhibition of prostate tumor growth and progression may be due to its inhibition of Akt expression/activation, decreased NF-κB activation, inhibition of the anti-apoptotic proteins Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL, increased expression of the proapoptotic proteins Bax and Bak, and enhanced PARP and caspase expression. These findings from in vivo studies are in agreement with those from the in vitro studies. The downregulation of cell proliferation, paired with the enhanced activity of programmed cell death both in vitro and in vivo, render curcumin an ideal candidate for the development of novel anticancer pharmaceutical agents providing fewer detrimental effects due to its low toxicity.
Androgen­dependent LNCaP prostate cancer cells were injected subcutaneously into mice fed with a 2% curcumin containing diet for up to 6 weeks. Curcumin significantly increased the extent of apoptosis, as measured by an in situ cell death assay, and caused a reduction in cell proliferation, as measured by a BrdU incorporation assay. Multiple studies have been done to evaluate the anticancer effects of curcumin on androgen-sensitive as well as androgen-resistant prostate cancer cell lines. T Dorai et al., 2000, reported that curcumin can reduce the proliferation rate to 20-30% compared to untreated LNCaP cells (androgen sensitive prostate cancer cell-line).  Asok Mukhopadhyay et al. suggested that curcumin can cause tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-induced apoptosis by suppressing NF-κB activation in the prostate cancer cell. Similarly, curcumin also affects multiple other proteins and pathways, such as c-Jun/activator protein 1 (AP-1), cyclin D1, CDK-4, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR)/E-twenty six proto-oncogene 2 (ETS2) pathway to reduce proliferation, cell growth in androgen-sensitive prostate cancer cell lines. Studies have also shown the anticancer properties of curcumin on the androgen-insensitive prostate cancer cell lines. Curcumin-treated DU-145 prostate cancer cells showed reduced expression of NF-κB in paired with less proliferation and increased apoptosis. Curcumin additionally downregulated the expression of nuclear transcription factor activator protein-1 (AP-1), composed of c-Fos and c-JUN. Many studies have analyzed the effects of curcumin treatment in vivo on the mice xenografted with various human prostate cancer cells. Thambi Dorai et al., 2001, studied the effect of curcumin on athymic nude mice implanted with LNCap cells. It showed a significant increase in apoptosis and reduction in proliferation of LNCaP cells demonstrated by the increased pycnotic brown staining nuclei in situ.
Effect of Curcumin on Colorectal Cancer

Curcumin has demonstrated potential against colorectal cancer  in numerous clinical trials.  Curcumin could be used to avoid colorectal cancer (CRC) in diabetics with type 2 diabetes by lowering leptin blood levels and increasing adiponectin levels. In a  dose-escalation study that explored the pharmacology of curcumin in humans, 15 patients with advanced colorectal cancer refractory to standard chemotherapies consumed capsules compatible with curcumin doses of between 0.45 and 3.6 g/day for up to 4 months. Levels of curcumin and its metabolites in plasma, urine, and feces were analyzed. Curcumin and its glucuronide and sulfate metabolites were detected in plasma in the 10 nmol/L range and in urine. A daily dose of 3.6 g of curcumin caused 62% and 57% decrease in inducible prostaglandin E2 production in blood samples taken 1 h after the dose was administered on days 1 and 29, respectively. A daily oral dose of 3.6 g of curcumin was recommended for the phase II evaluation in the prevention or treatment of cancers outside the gastrointestinal tract. In another study, patients were given curcumin capsules at three different doses (3.6, 1.8, and 0.45 g/day) for 7 days . The recoveries of curcumin in normal and malignant colorectal tissues of patients receiving 3.6 g of curcumin were 12.7 ± 5.7 and 7.7 ± 1.8 nmol/g, respectively. In addition, two metabolites of curcumin, curcumin sulfate and curcumin glucuronide, were identified in the tissue samples. Trace levels of curcumin were found in the peripheral circulation. The levels of M1G were also decreased by curcumin treatment in malignant colorectal tissue. The study concluded that a daily dose of 3.6 g of curcumin is pharmacologically efficacious in colorectal cancer patients. Curcumin against resistant colorectal cancer studies on human colorectal cancer cell line HCT116 and its isogenic 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) resistant cell line HCT116R in a 3D model showed that curcumin potentiated the anti-proliferative activity of 5-FU against these cell lines through apoptosis and inhibition of formation of colonies, with suppression of NF-κB pathway. This synergistic combination increased the percentage of apoptotic cells by 56% in HCT116R cell lines. The molecular role of curcumin in apoptosis has already been shown in another report where it intensified the downregulation of anti-apoptotic BclxL and cell division favoring cyclin D1 protein caused by 5-FU in HCT116 and HCT116+ch3 (Complemented with chromosome 3) cell lines and inhibiting activation of IkBα kinase and its phosphorylation. Chemo-sensitization of drug-resistant cancer cell lines by curcumin, towards a particular chemotherapeutic agent, has been reported in one more investigation involving oxaliplatin sensitive human colorectal adenocarcinoma HT29 Cells and its oxaliplatin resistant derived sub-line HTOXAR3 cells, which showed that combination of curcumin and oxaliplatin almost reversed the oxaliplatin resistance. Clinically, curcumin administration (3 g/day orally for one month) converted advanced colon cancer derived regulatory T cells to T helper 1 cells via increasing IFN-c production and repression of Foxp3 expression in colon cancer patients (Xu, Yu, and Zhao 2017). In a nonrandomized, open-label clinical trial, oral curcumin (2 g or 4 g per day for 30 days) administration reduced the number of aberrant crypt foci and prevented the colorectal neoplasia (Kunnumakkara et al. 2017; Carroll et al. 2011). In vitro models revealed that treatment with curcumin induced apoptosis, arrested the cell cycle at the G1 phase, decreased the cell population as well as inhibited the proliferation and mutation of COLO 320DM cells (Dasiram et al. 2017). Additionally, curcumin treatment stimulated 50AMP-activated protein kinase, suppressed the phosphorylation of p65 NF-jB, downregulated MMP-9 and urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) expression as well as reduced the binding ability of NF-jB DNA in LoVo and SW480 cells leading to inhibition of colon cancer invasion (Tong et al. 2016). Curcumin treatment downregulated chemokine receptor 4 expression, upregulated naked cuticle homolog 2 expression and suppressed Wnt signaling. In addition, curcumin treatment downregulated vimentin and upregulated E-cadherin expression, which leads to inhibition of proliferation and epithelial mesenchymal transition in SW620 human colon cancer cells (Zhang et al. 2016d). Evidence suggested that curcumin treatment downregulated the expression of p-glycoprotein (Neerati, Sudhakar, and Kanwar 2013) and upregulated PPAR-c protein (Liu et al. 2015), the potential mechanism by which curcumin can be used for the treatment of colon cancer (Neerati, Sudhakar, and Kanwar 2013). In a 30-day study in 44 men with lesions in the colon that sometimes turn cancerous, 4 grams of curcumin per day reduced the number of lesions by 40%. In a nonrandomized, open-label clinical trial in smokers, curcumin reduced the formation of aberrant crypt foci (ACF), the precursor of colorectal polyps.  Curcumin at 4 g/day significantly reduced ACF formation. The reduction in ACF formation by curcumin was associated with a significant fivefold increase in post-treatment plasma curcumin/conjugate levels. Curcumin was well-tolerated at both concentrations. These findings demonstrated the effect of curcumin against ACF formation in smokers. A study published in the International Journal of Cancer found that curcumin compares favorably with oxaliplatin as an antiproliferative agent in colorectal cell lines.  A study showed a profound reduction in the incidence of colorectal carcinoma when curcumin is introduced. In another recent study, curcumin was administered to patients with colorectal cancer after diagnosis and before surgery. Curcumin was given three times a day for 10–30 days. Curcumin administration decreased serum TNF-α level, increased the number of apoptotic cells, and enhanced the expression of p53 in tumor tissue. The authors of this study concluded that curcumin treatment can improve the general health of colorectal cancer patients via the mechanism of increased p53 expression in tumor cells. In summary, the studies discussed in this section suggest curcumin’s safety and efficacy in patients with colorectal cancer.

Effect of Curcumin on Pancreatic Cancer | A single-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study from India was conducted to evaluate the effects of oral curcumin with piperine on the pain and markers associated with oxidative stress in patients with tropical pancreatitis. Twenty patients with tropical pancreatitis were randomly assigned to receive 500 mg of curcumin with 5 mg of piperine or to receive placebo for 6 weeks, and the effects on the pattern of pain and on red blood cell (RBC) levels of MDA and GSH were assessed. The results indicated a significant reduction in the erythrocyte MDA levels compared with placebo after curcumin therapy, with a significant increase in GSH levels. The authors of this study concluded that oral curcumin with piperine may reverse lipid peroxidation in patients with tropical pancreatitis. Curcumin was found safe and well-tolerated in a phase II clinical trial of patients with advanced pancreatic cancer. Of the 25 patients enrolled in the study, 21 were evaluable for response. Patients were given 8 grams of curcumin per day orally until disease progression, with restaging every 2 months. No toxicities associated with curcumin administration were noted in the patients. A downregulation in the expression of NF–κB, COX-2, and pSTAT3 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of patients was observed after curcumin intake. There was considerable interpatient variation in plasma curcumin levels, and drug levels peaked at 22 to 41 ng/ml and remained relatively constant over the first 4 weeks. The study concluded that the oral curcumin is well-tolerated and, despite limited absorption, has biological activity in some patients with pancreatic cancer. An open-label phase II trial evaluated the efficacy of curcumin in combination with gemcitabine against advanced pancreatic cancer. Kanai et al. recently evaluated the safety and feasibility of combinations of curcumin and gemcitabine in 21 patients with gemcitabine-resistant pancreatic cancer. Curcumin at 8 g/day in combination with gemcitabine was safe and well-tolerated.
Effect of Curcumin on Bladder Cancer | In animal model, curcumin suppressed the invasion and growth of bladder cancer via induction of apoptosis and arresting G1/S phase transition in N-methyl-N-nitrosourea induced bladder tumor in rats (Pan et al. 2017). Curcumin treatment suppressed the N-methyl-N-nitrosourea-induced urothelial tumor in rats. In cell lines studies, curcumin treatment is known to downregulate the expression of insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-2 and reduces the IGF1R and IRS-1 phosphorylation in T24 and UMUC2 bladder cancer cells. In this regards curcumin functions through suppression of IGF-2-mediated PI3K/AKT/mTOR signal transduction (Tian et al. 2017). Curcumin treatment reversed the transition of epithelial-mesenchymal cells via reducing ERK5/AP-1 signaling pathway in SV-40 human urothelial cells which might be the potential drug candidate for prevention of bladder cancer (Liu et al. 2017). In human bladder cancer cell lines, curcumin treatment exert multiple effects like inhibition of MMP-2/9, generation of ROS, upregulated the expression of HO-1, increased the hypomethylation of the miR-203, upregulated the expression of miR-203, inhibited Aurora A promoter activity, downregulated histone H3 activation, induced G2/M phase cell cycle arrest, decreased the expression of cyclin D1 and COX-2, decreased VEGF level, decreased c-myc, decreased Bcl-2 expression, downregulated Survivin protein, upregulated the expression of p53 and Bax, induced fragmentation of DNA, downregulated cyclin A expression and decreased NF-kB expression thereby inhibited the cancer cell invasion, viability of cancerous cells and growth (Imran et al. 2016; Saini et al. 2011).
Effect of Curcumin on Blood Cancer (Multiple Myeloma and Leukemia), Lymphoma, and other Hematological Malignancies

Curcumin against resistant leukemia showed inhibition in growth and clonogenicity to curcumin treatment in dose and time-dependent manner. Golombick et al. conducted a single-blind, crossover pilot study to determine the effects of curcumin on plasma cells and osteoclasts in patients with MGUS. Curcumin decreased the paraprotein load in the ten patients with paraprotein >20 g/L, and five of these ten had a 12% to 30% reduction in paraprotein levels while receiving curcumin therapy. In addition, 27% of patients receiving curcumin had a >25% decrease in urinary N-telopeptide of type I collagen. The study suggested the therapeutic potential of curcumin against MGUS. Vadhan-Raj et al. evaluated the safety, tolerability, and clinical efficacy of curcumin in 29 patients with asymptomatic, relapsed, or plateau phase multiple myeloma. Curcumin was given either alone (orally at 2, 4, 6, 8, or 12 g/day in two divided doses) or in combination with piperine (10 mg in two divided doses) for 12 weeks. Curcumin and piperine were well-tolerated, with no significant adverse events. Furthermore, oral administration of curcumin was associated with significant downregulation in the constitutive activation of NF–κB and STAT3, and it suppressed COX-2 expression in most of the patients. These observations suggest the potential of curcumin against multiple myeloma. In another study, curcumin showed an IC50 value of 35.7 µM against KG1a 23.5 µM against Kasumi-1 on 96 hr exposure and completely stopped colony formation at 20 µM concentration. The mechanistic investigations reflected the role of curcumin in activation of Caspase-3, down-regulation of Bcl-2 mRNA expression and reduction in mitochondrial membrane potential in addition to remarkable morphological changes like cell shrinking and nuclear condensation, which are characteristics of apoptosis. Another drug-resistant leukemia cell line HL60 responded to curcumin with 50% growth inhibition at 30 µM concentration. Cell cycle studies in this experiment established apoptosis as the mechanism of action of curcumin and arrest of the cell cycle in the S-phase was also reported in the same study. Clinically, curcumin administration (5 g for 6 weeks) possessed potent chemosensitizing effect in chronic myeloid leukemia patients, where the patients receiving both curcumin and imatinib exhibited better prognosis with decreased NO levels as compare to the patients receiving imatinib alone (Ghalaut et al. 2012). In animal study, curcumin treatment significantly decreased tumor growth in the chronic myeloid leukemia xenograft mice via release of exosomes enriched miR-21 in plasma (Taverna et al. 2015). In cell line studies, curcumin treatment upregulated apoptosis inducing factor, caspase-3, cleaved PARP-1 while downregulated Bcl-2 resulting in induction of apoptosis in lymphoblastic leukemia cells (Mishra, Singh, and Narayan 2016). Curcumin incubation (10 lM, for 6 days) increased the level of ROS, induced genomic instability, mediated reversal of p15 promoter methylation and induced apoptosis in Raji cells (Sharma et al. 2014). Curcumin treatment (40 mmol/L, for 48h) downregulated the protein expression of nuclear NF- jB P65 as well and its translocation alongside inhibited proliferation of acute myeloid leukemia in KG1a and Kasumi-1 cells (Rao et al. 2015). Also, curcumin treatment (25 lM, for 24–48 h) arrested cell cycle in the S-phase, increased the number of annexin V-FITC(þ)/PI(-) cells and inhibited the proliferation of SHI-1 cells. In addition, curcumin upregulated FasL and downregulated NF-jB, ERK, Bcl-2, MMP-2 and MMP-9 expressions. Further, curcumin induced the activation of MAPK, p38, caspase-3 and JNK resulted in inhibition of SHI-1 cell invasion (Zhu et al. 2016). Curcumin treatment downregulated the expression of VEGF and decreased the phosphorylation of AKT. Curcumin mediated increased miR-196b levels caused downregulation of Bcr-Abl expression in chronic myelogenous leukemia cells (Taverna et al. 2015). Curcumin incubation downregulated Mcl-1 expression and associated with apoptosis in human myeloma cell lines (Gomez-Bougie et al. 2015). Curcumin treatment simultaneously inhibited RAF/MEK/ERK and AKT/mTOR pathway activation resulting in induction of apoptosis and inhibition of proliferation in human leukemia THP-1 cells (Guo et al. 2014). Curcumin incubation increased the generation of intracellular ROS, depletion of intracellular GSH, and activation of caspase enzyme. Chu-Wen Yang et al. investigated the effect and mode of action of curcumin on monocytic leukemia THP-1 cells, derived from human acute monocytic leukemia. The authors demonstrated that curcumin-induced THP-1 cell apoptosis through the activation of c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase/activator protein 1 (JNK/ERK/AP1) pathways. Yi-Rong Chen et al. reported that curcumin affects the mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase 1/JNK  pathway by interfering with the signaling molecules like AP-1 and NF-κB as a possible mechanism of action. They speculated that curcumin may affect the JNK pathway by interfering with the signaling molecules at the same level or proximally upstream of the MAPK kinase kinases (MAPKKKs) level. Yaowu Zhang et al. showed curcumin can induce apoptosis in osteosarcoma MG63 cells through the mitochondrial pathway. They reported that the effects of curcumin-induced apoptosis in osteosarcoma cells were associated with caspase-3 activation and reduced the levels of Bcl-2 expression. Jia Rao et al. reported a similar function of curcumin in AML cells. They showed that curcumin down-regulates Bcl-2 and induces apoptosis in daunorubicin (DNR)-insensitive CD34+ AML cell lines and primary CD34+ AML cells. Seong-Su Han et al. reported that curcumin inhibited the proliferation of BKS-2, an immature B cell lymphoma, more effectively than that of normal B lymphocytes and caused the apoptosis of BKS-2 cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The authors concluded that curcumin downregulated the expression of survival genes early growth response 1 (EGR-1), cellular myelocytomatosis (c-myc), and Bcl-extra large (Bcl-XL) as well as the tumor suppressor gene p53 in B cells as its possible mechanism of action. Shilpa Kuttikrishnan et al. investigated the anticancer potential of curcumin in acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The authors concluded that curcumin suppresses B-pre-ALL cells' growth and proliferation by inactivation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Guo-Hua Zhu et al. reported that curcumin significantly induces apoptosis but also partially suppresses invasion in SHI-1 cells (acute monocytic leukemia cell line) in vitro. Their results from polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and western blotting showed that curcumin increased the FasL mRNA level; inhibited Bcl-2, NF-κB, and ERK expression; and activated p38 MAPKs, JNKs, and caspase-3. Zai-Xin Li et al. studied how curcumin affects the proliferation of the Raji cells of Burkitt's lymphoma. Their biochemical studies showed that cell apoptosis increases through upregulation of Bid (BH3-interacting domain death agonist), cytochrome C, and BAX, while oncogene c-Myc was downregulated after curcumin treatment. Taken together, their results suggested that mitochondrial damage induction was the main mechanism of action of curcumin which led to apoptosis of the Raji cells. In vivo effects of curcumin in the xenograft mouse model showed its effective inhibition of tumor growth. All in all, these results were suggestive of curcumin's growth suppressing effect on Burkitt's lymphoma cells both in vivo and in vitro system.
Effect of Curcumin on Cervical Cancer | Curcumin administration (12,000 mg/day for 3 months) reduced the risk of cervical cancer and is found to be safe and well tolerated chemotherapeutic in phase I clinical trial (Cheng et al. 2001). In animal model, curcumin suppressed nuclear b-catenin, decreased oncogenic miRNA-21 and abrogated E6/E7 HPV expression in orthotopic mouse model of cervical cancer (Zaman et al. 2016). Curcumin administration (1000 or 1500 mg/kg, for 30 days) significantly downregulated the expression of VEGF, COX-2, EGF-R and inhibited angiogenesis and tumor growth in cervical cancer xenografts model of nude mice (Yoysungnoen-Chintana, Bhattarakosol, and Patumraj 2014). In cell line studies, curcumin treatment (13 mM) upregulated the expression of early-onset breast cancer 1, O6- methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase, mediator of DNA damage checkpoint 1, p-H2A.XSer140 and p-p53 as well as induced translocation of p-H2A.XSer140 and p-p53 from cytosol to nuclei, resulting in chromatin condensation and induction of DNA damage in HeLa human cervical cancer cells (Shang et al. 2016a). Curcumin activated ATF6, PERK, IRE-1aand elevated the levels of ROS intracellularly as well as induced apoptosis and inhibited the proliferation of cervical cancer cells (ME180, C33A, HeLa and CaSki) (Kim et al. 2016a). Curcumin counteracts estradiol induced proliferation of cervical cancer via induction of apoptosis in cervical cancer cells (Singh and Singh 2011). Incubation with curcumin (20 mM, for 72 h) reversed the hypermethylation and reactivation of the RARb2 gene in cervical cancer cell lines (Jha et al. 2010). Curcumin (50 or 100 mM, 24 h) dose dependently reduced the phosphorylation of ERK, increased the activity of caspase 3 and caspase 9, upregulated AIF, Bax, cytochrome while downregulated Bcl-XL, Bcl-2 in cervical cancer cells. Curcumin treatment downregulated the expression of cyclin D1, iNOS and COX-2 in HeLa, SiHa and Ca Ski cells, and acts as an anti-proliferative agent (Singh and Singh 2009).
Effect of Curcumin on Thyroid Cancer | In cell line studies, curcumin treatment upregulated E-cadherin while downregulated vimentin and MMPs expressions along with reduced metastasis, cell spreading and cell migration in human papillary thyroid carcinoma cells. Curcumin suppressed TGF-b1 mediated transcription, activation and secretion of matrix metalloproteinases. It also inhibited TGF-b1 induced Smad2 and Smad3 phosphorylation in human papillary thyroid carcinoma BCPAP cells (Zhang et al. 2016a). Curcumin treatment induced DNA damage in thyroid carcinoma BCPAP cells via upregulation of H2A.X phosphorylation at Ser139 and ATM-mediated activation of Chk2-Cdc25C-Cdc2 pathway. Moreover, curcumin induced caspase mediated apoptosis in BCPAP cells (Zhang et al. 2016b). Curcumin downregulated the expression of HIF-1aand its binding to hypoxia response element in K1 papillary thyroid cancer cells. In addition, curcumin upregulated the expression of E-cadherin, inhibited the activity of MMP-9 (Zhang et al. 2013a) and weakened K1 cells migration resulting in anti-metastatic effect (Tan et al. 2015). Curcumin treatment reduced the phosphorylation of PI3K and Akt pathway, and downregulated the expression of MMP-1/7 and COX-2 leading to inhibition of cell migration, growth and invasion of thyroid cancer cells (FTC133) (Xu, Qin, and Liu 2014). Curcumin instigate the production of ROS, reduce mitochondrial membrane potential and altered intracellular calcium concentration thereby mediate apoptotic induction in papillary thyroid cancer cell line K1 (Song et al. 2012).
Effect of Curcumin on Skin Cancer | Curcumin decreased the phosphorylation of IRS-1, ILGF-1 receptor, Akt, 4EBP1 and S6K in the mouse keratinocyte cells alongside exerted significant anticancer activity against 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA)-tetradecanoyl phorbol-13-acetate induced skin cancer in mice (Kim et al. 2014). In in vitro studies, curcumin treatment is reported to upregulate mmu-miR-205-5p expression, block proliferating cell nuclear antigen, downregulate Bcl-2 expression and sup- press JAK-2/STAT3 pathway which in turn induction of apoptosis and inhibition of proliferation and invasion (Lelli, Pedone, and Sahebkar 2017). Curcumin treatment arrested the G2/M phase of cell cycle as well as induced autophagy in human melanoma cells (A375 and C8161). In addition, curcumin reduced the activation of P70S6K, and downregulated AKT and mTOR expressions which might offer plausible target in the treatment of human melanoma (Zhao et al. 2016a). In another study, curcumin decreased the invasion of squamous cell carcinoma by suppressing STAT3 signaling pathway in A431 cells (Wu, Lu, and Cui 2015). Curcumin induced the opening of mitochondrial permeability transition pore and melanoma cell death in WM-115 melanoma cells (Qiu et al. 2014). Curcumin inhibited NF-jB pro-survival pathway, upregulated the p53 tumor suppressor protein and downregulated Bcl-2 expression resulting in apoptosis and reversal of skin cancer (Chinembiri et al. 2014).
Effect of Curcumin on Brain Cancer | Curcumin was shown to have inhibitory effects on telomerase and induced telomere shortening and apoptosis in brain tumor cells. Curcumin induced growth inhibition and cell cycle arrest at G2/M in medulloblastoma and glioblastoma cells. In various types of cancers, curcumin was shown to selectively target cells that express telomerase enzyme making these cells more vulnerable to curcumin-induced cytotoxicity of cancer cells. Importantly, the above-mentioned study revealed that the complex and diverse action of curcumin, and its efficacy could depend on the cell types used. The long-term studies on brain tumor cells highlighted the use of curcumin as an adjuvant for cancer therapy. Telomere shortening drives renal cell senescence and leads to renal aging. Khaw and co-workers have demonstrated that curcumin suppresses telomerase activity in brain tumor cells which is associated with reduction in hTERT levels. Treatment with curcumin induces a significant telomere shortening in brain tumor cells suggesting its potential clinical application as telomerase inhibitor and use of curcumin in adjuvant cancer therapy. By contrast, in normal cells curcumin improves viability by acting on telomerase when the cells have been stimulated with toxic molecules. A study conducted on SK-N-SH cells treated with curcumin improved cell viability. Normally, hTERT was inhibited by Aβ1–42; shortened telomere could not restore length, and then, there were plenty of apoptotic cells. Treatment with curcumin could bind to Aβ1–42 and antagonize neurotoxicity; thus, the expression of hTERT was upregulated, shortened telomere restored length and the numbers of cells were increased. Long-term studies on brain tumor cells underscore the use of curcumin in adjuvant cancer therapy. Curcumin against brain cancer in vivo model of Human glioma U-87 cells in athymic mice on intraperitoneal dose of curcumin (120 mg/kg/day) showed less than 50% decrease in median tumor volume in subcutaneous xenograft while in the orthotopic model, the average life span of group receiving similar dose increased by 12% as compared to the control group. In Female SCID mice xenograft model, human primary medulloblastoma cells (DAOY) were subcutaneously injected and after 30 days, the animals were given oral gavage of curcumin (1 mg/kg) dissolved in corn oil. The tumor growth inhibition in curcumin treated group was significantly noticeable as compared to the control group. The group of Smo/Smo transgenic medulloblastoma mice receiving oral dose of curcumin was reported to have a median survival time of 192 days as compared to the control group, which had a median survival time of 144 days. This observation is in agreement with earlier claims of ability of curcumin to cross Blood Brain Barrier. Mechanistic insights in xenografted human medulloblastom D425 cells in athymic mice showed overexpression of p65 subunit of NF-κB and the curcumin treated group showed tumor growth inhibition which can be partially attributed to down regulation of p65 subunit. In another in vivo investigation, human glioblastoma U87-MG cells-inoculated nude mice were administered with 100 mg/kg per day of curcumin in DMSO in Phosphate Buffer Saline through intra-tumoral injections. After seven days, significant decrease in tumor size was observed in curcumin treated group. Microscopic examination post Acridine Orange staining showed increased acidic vesicular organelles in curcumin treated cells with intact nuclei, pointing towards curcumin-induced autophagy being responsible for cell deaths.
Effect of Curcumin on Medulloblastoma and Neuroblastoma

Medulloblastoma is the common malignant brain tumor in pediatrics. In animal model, curcumin inhibited tumor growth and increased the survival rate in Smo/Smo transgenic medulloblastoma mice (Lee et al. 2011). In cell line studies, curcumin treatment arrested G2/M phase of cell-cycle, activated GSK-3band suppressed Wnt/b-catenin path- way resulting in inhibition of proliferation in DAOY medul- loblastoma cell line (He et al. 2014). Curcumin treatment upregulated the PTEN gene expression and downregulated the expression of E2F1, CDK2 and cyclin E1 gene resulting in growth arrest at G2/M phase in medulloblastoma cells. In addition, curcumin treatment increased caspase-3/7 activity, overexpressed Bax while downregulated Bcl-2, Bcl-Xl and surviving expression, which leads induced apoptosis of human medulloblastoma cells (Bangaru et al. 2010). Curcumin treatment inhibits telomerase activity and gene expression of hTERT resulting in telomere shortening in medulloblastoma cell lines (A172, KNS60, U251MG and ONS76) (Khaw et al. 2013). Curcumin phosphorylates Cdc27, a component of the anaphase promoting complex/ cyclosome, which is known to ubiquitinate securing and cyclin B, resulting in proteolysis and apoptosis of DAOY medulloblastoma cell (Lee and Langhans 2012). Further, it was reported that, curcumin treatment induced apoptosis and cell cycle arrest possibly through downregulation his- tone deacetylase 4 and enhanced tubulin acetylation. Curcumin treatment inhibited the sonic hedgehog-glioma associated oncogene-1 pathway via downregulating the protein expression of sonic hedgehog ligand, and its most important downstream targets glioma associated oncogene-1 and patched-1 receptor. Furthermore, curcumin reduced the levels of b-catenin, N-myc, C-myc, cyclin D1 and induced apoptosis in DAOY medulloblastoma cells (Elamin et al. 2010).
Effect of Curcumin on Ovarian Cancer | Curcumin exhibits the important anti-cancer activity in ovarian cancer via the pro-apoptotic function. Curcumin inhibited ovarian cancer cell proliferation and promoted apoptosis, and first confirmed it was associated with the regulatory network of circ-PLEKHM3/miR-320a/SMG1. Liu et al. reported that curcumin could constrain ovarian cancer cell proliferation and facilitate apoptosis by inhibiting autophagy and AKT/mTOR/p70S6 pathway. Yen et al. suggested that curcumin could suppress ovarian cancer cell colony formation via blocking the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. These reports indicated the anti-cancer property of curcumin in ovarian cancer treatment. In the past research, curcumin had been found to improve the radiosensitization of nasopharyngeal carcinoma through regulating the circRNA network. Xu et al. suggested that curcumin could suppress non-small cell lung cancer progression by regulating circ-PRKCA. Circ-PLEKHM3 was downregulated in ovarian cancer, and its expression could be promoted by curcumin. Function analysis showed that circ-PLEKHM3 overexpression could aggravate curcumin function by suppressing cell proliferation, triggering apoptosis and reducing tumorigenesis in ovarian cancer. These data revealed that curcumin might regulate ovarian cancer progression by promoting circ-PLEKHM3. In addition, the anti-cancer role of circ-PLEKHM3 was confirmed in study, which was consistent with the previous study. A previous report displayed the circ-PLEKHM3 acted as miR-9 sponge to regulate ovarian cancer progression. MiR-320a mimic reversed the regulation of circ-PLEKHM3 on curcumin-mediated ovarian cancer cell proliferation and apoptosis, further confirming that circ-PLEKHM3 sponged miR-320a to participate in ovarian cancer progression. The study also validated the carcinogenic role of miR-320a in ovarian cancer, which was consistent with previous reports. These data indicated the importance of circ-PLEKHM3/miR-320a axis for curcumin in ovarian cancer development. Curcumin could up-regulate SMG1 expression via modulating circ-PLEKHM3/miR-320a axis. Curcumin could suppress proliferation and promote apoptosis in ovarian cancer, possibly via regulating circ-PLEKHM3/miR-320a/SMG1 axis. This research might propose a novel mechanism for understanding the function of curcumin in ovarian cancer.
Effect of Curcumin on Liver Cancer | Yu and his colleagues evaluated the role of curcumin in inhibiting the human hepatoma SMMC-7721 cells significantly by promoting apoptosis via modulation of Bax/bcl-2 (Yu et al., 2011). Apoptosis was associated with increases in p53 levels as well as its DNA-binding ability, along with protein expression of Bax. Phosphorylation of CDC27 (cell division cycle 27) is the main mechanism of anticancer efficacy of curcumin by obstructing cell growth and proliferation in an apoptotic pathway, leading to the death of the cells (Lee and Langhans, 2012). According to Li and his colleagues, in human hepatoma cell lines such as HepG2 and HCCLM3, suppression of miR-21 improved anticancer action of curcumin like cell growth suppression, apoptosis via upregulated target gene, and TIMP3 expression, and the mechanism may refer to TGF-β1/smad3 signaling pathway inhibition (Li J. et al., 2020). Curcumin inhibits cancer through modulating several signaling pathways and molecular targets, including TGF-β1/smad3, IGF, PI3K/Akt, Wnt/β-catenin, and vascular endothelial growth fact (VEGF) (Figure 7) (Mohebbati et al., 2017).
Effect of Curcumin on Other Cancer | Curcumin treatment significantly inhibited gastric carcinoma. Curcumin therapy of Burkitt’s lymphoma cell lines in combination with ionizing radiation shows that it boosts lymphoma cells’ susceptibility to ionizing radiation-induced apoptosis and improves cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase. Curcumin and L-ASP show synergism in patients with blood and bone marrow malignancy (Jiang et al., 2015). Curcumin also hinders the cellular growth of uterine leiomyosarcoma and reduces the spread of castrate-resistant disease and human leiomyosarcoma cells via modulating the AKT-mammalian target of rapamycin pathway for inhibition (Wong et al., 2011). Curcumin extract’s potential in decreasing tumors induced chemically was investigated. It was documented that curcumin is useful in reducing papilloma development throughout carcinogenesis and progression. Dietary curcumin can reduce the number of papilloma that promoted skin tumor, which was explored by Limtrakul et al. (2001) as ras-p21 and fos-p62 oncogene expression was decreased dose-dependently by curcumin.  In addition, curcumin prevents the proliferation of uterine leiomyosarcoma via induction of apoptosis, autophagy, ERK 1/2 activity and fragmentation of DNA in gastric carcinoma cells (Imran et al. 2016). Curcumin treatment suppressed JAK-STAT signaling thus reducing tumor cell growth in ovarian (OVCA 420 and OVCA 429) and endometrial (RL95-2 and Ishikawa) cancer cell lines (Saydmohammed, Joseph, and Syed 2010). Curcumin down-regulated the expression of IL-6, IL-11 and NF-kB which leads to induce apoptosis of fibrosarcoma cells resulting in anticancer activity against bone cancer (Kondo et al. 2001; Kwak et al. 2006). Curcumin induced cell cycle arrest in G2/ M phase, apoptosis and cytotoxicity in squamous carcinoma cells as well as reduced tumor volume in head and neck cancer (Borges et al. 2017). Curcumin treatment reversed the migration and proliferation of hepatic carcinoma by downregulating the expression of HIF-1a. In addition, curcumin reduced the level of MMP-2 and MMP-9 as well as decreased the phosphorylation of p38, which is associated with suppression of cancer invasion and migration in hepatic carcinoma. Additionally, curcumin treatment exhibited anti-proliferative effect in MHCC97H liver cancer cells through generation of ROS, apoptosis and activating toll like receptor -4/MyD-88 pathway (Imran et al. 2016; Liang et al. 2014). Curcumin treatment significantly upregulated the expression of p21/CIP1 and p27/KIP1 CDK, and downregulated the expression of cyclin D1 resulting in decreased proliferation of pancreatic cancer cells. Apart from this, curcumin induced apoptosis via downregulating the ratio of Bcl-2/Bax and increasing the activation of caspase-9/3 in pancreatic cancer cells. Curcumin treatment inhibited PI3K/ Akt pathway and induced forkhead box O1 in Panc-1 pancreatic cancer cells leading to apoptosis (Zhao et al. 2015). Curcumin suppressed the oral tumor volume, numbers of dysplasic lesions, papillomas and squamous cell carcinoma (Imran et al. 2016). Interestingly, curcumin treatment has potential for many cancer types like esophagus cancer, testicular cancer, sarcoma and lymphoma (Kunnumakkara et al. 2017). Curcumin has been reported to have pharmacological efficiency towards multiple other cancer types like gastric, colorectal, liver, and osteosarcoma. Xiang Zhou et al. reported that curcumin, in combination with oxaliplatin and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), exhibited synergistic inhibitory effect in xenograft gastric tumor (BGC-823 cancer cells) via downregulation of Bcl-2 and cleavage of caspase-3 and PARP through upregulation of BAX [81]. Gizem Calibasi-Kocal et al. reported the dose-dependent chemopreventive role of curcumin in HCT-116 and LoVo cells (human colon cancer cell lines) possibly through inhibition of NF-κB and/or activation of caspase-3 and caspase-9. Biqiong Ren et al. demonstrated the antiproliferative role of curcumin on liver cancer and reported its mechanism of action through inhibition of the heat shock protein 70-toll like receptor 4 (HSP70-TLR4) signaling pathway. Duk Su Lee DS et al. demonstrated curcumin-induced p53 upregulation, cell cycle arrest at gap-1/synthesis (G1/S) and G2/S phase, and caspase-3 activation in human osteosarcoma cells. Curcumin has been reported to possess antiproliferative activity towards fibrosarcoma, a rare malignant tumor of the fibrous connective tissue around the bones. MR Guimarães et al. reported that curcumin was able to inhibit cytokine gene expression in diseased periodontal tissue. They discovered curcumin-induced inactivation of IL-6, and IL-11 in a dose-dependent manner.
 
How may Curcumin work against Rheumatoid arthritis and Osteoarthritis?

The potential of curcumin against arthritis was first reported in 1980 in a short-term, double-blind, crossover study involving 18 young patients with rheumatoid arthritis. In this study, curcumin’s efficacy was compared with that of the prescription drug phenylbutazone. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either curcumin (1.2 g/day) or phenylbutazone (0.3 g/day) for 2 weeks. Curcumin was well-tolerated, had no adverse effects, and exerted an anti-rheumatic activity identical to that of phenylbutazone as shown by improvement in joint swelling, morning stiffness, and walking time. Curcumin can reduce joint inflammation and alleviate pain symptoms, mainly due to its anti-inflammatory and cartilaginous protective effects. In primary cultured chondrocytes, curcumin inhibited the mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory mediators IL-1β and TNF-α, MMPs 1.3 and 13, and ADAMTS5, and upregulated the chondroprotective transcriptional regulator Cbp/p300 interacting transactivator with ED-rich tail 2. Curcumin reduces the synthesis of inflammatory mediators, such as TNF-α, IL-17, IL-1β, transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), and cyclooxygenase-2 and reduces the cartilage and synovial inflammation of rat models of arthritis induced by lipopolysaccharide, Collagen II and Monoiodoacetic acid. Curcumin exerts an anti-inflammatory effect by inhibiting TLR4 pathway and its downstream NF-κB signaling pathway. Activation of NF-κB pathway not only down-regulates pro-inflammatory factors, but also inhibits the expression of matrix degrading enzymes. Curcumin inhibited IL-1β-induced MMP-1 and MMP-3 production by inhibiting AP-1 and NF-κB signaling Pathway activation. Arthritis is an inflammatory autoimmune disease characterized by chronic inflammation of the synovial joint that can lead to severe joint injury. IL-10 plays an important role in the development of rheumatoid arthritis. Curcumin has anti-inflammatory effect and can regulate TLR-4 receptor and its downstream pathway.65 Curcumin can down-regulate the levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-12, IL-15, and IL-8 in macrophages, and up-regulate the level of IL-10. Curcumin effectively alleviates MSU-induced inflammatory response by inhibiting TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway and NLRP3 inflammasome activity. Curcumin is a natural anti-inflammatory drug. Numerous preclinical studies have demonstrated its beneficial effect on arthritis. Clinical trials focused on the treatment of knee osteoarthritis. In a clinical trial of turmeric extract in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis, turmeric extract inhibited inflammation and improved clinical symptoms, as well as reduced IL-1β and oxidative stress. Turmeric extract was more effective than placebo for knee pain. Motahar Heidari-Beni et al produced an herbal formulation consisting of turmeric extract, black pepper and ginger. In patients with knee osteoarthritis, this compound raises prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) levels similar to naproxen. In a randomized, pilot study, 45 patients diagnosed with arthritis were randomized into three groups with patients receiving curcumin (500 mg) and diclofenac sodium (50 mg) alone or their combination. Results show that curcumin administration showed the significantly improvement in overall Disease Activity Score and American College of Rheumatology compare with diclofenac sodium. Clinical trials of curcumin in the treatment of arthritis have produced promising results.  Currently curcumin-containing dietary supplements are widely used for joint health.
In another recent study, curcumin alone (0.5 g) and in combination with diclofenac sodium (0.05 g) was found to be safe and effective in 45 patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Furthermore, the level of CRP was suppressed in these patients after curcumin administration. Several studies have shown the anti-arthritic effects of curcumin in humans with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial, 40 subjects with mild-to-moderate degree knee osteoarthritis were randomly assigned to receive either curcuminoid (500 mg/day in three divided doses; n = 19) with 5 mg piperine added to each 500-mg dose or a matched placebo (n = 21) for six weeks. There were significantly greater reductions in the visual analog scale (VAS) (p < 0.001), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) scores (p = 0.001), and Lequesne’s pain functional index (LPFI) (p = 0.013) scores in the treatment group compared with the placebo group.  This suggests that curcumin may offer an alternative to NSAIDS for patients with osteoarthritis seeking treatment but experiencing negative side effects. This was supported by results from a pilot study showing that a dose of 2 grams of curcumin had an analgesic effect in subjects with acute pain but without a diagnosis of osteoarthritis . At this dose, the activity was higher than that associated with 500 mg of acetaminophen, while a lower dose (1.5 g, 300 mg of curcumin) gave only transient and often inadequate relief of pain, indicative of suboptimal therapeutic plasma concentrations.  This supports the use of 2 g (higher than needed for inflammation) curcumin for relief of pain as a potential alternative to NSAIDS. Regardless of the mechanism by which curcumin elicits its effects, it does appear to be beneficial to several aspects of osteoarthritis , as suggested by a recent systematic review and meta-analysis that concluded: “This systematic review and meta-analysis provided scientific evidence that 8–12 weeks of standardized turmeric extracts (typically 1000 mg/day of curcumin) treatment can reduce arthritis symptoms (mainly pain and inflammation-related symptoms) and result in similar improvements in the symptoms as ibuprofen and diclofenac sodium. Therefore, turmeric extracts and curcumin can be recommended for alleviating the symptoms of arthritis, especially osteoarthritis”. A recent study out of Japan evaluated its relationship with the inflammatory cytokine known to be involved in in the
rheumatoid arthritis process. Scientists discovered that curcumin “significantly reduced” these inflammatory markers. In fact its anti-inflammatory qualities are so strong a 2007 study compared curcumin and cortisone and found they were equal in potency. A few studies have found that curcumin can reduce pain from rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis, sometimes as much as anti-inflammatory drugs. An Iranian clinical trial in Phytotherapy Research in 2014 found that curcumin taken for six weeks, improved symptoms of knee osteoarthritis, compared to a placebo. Most pharmaceutical anti-inflammatories are contraindicated to use over the long-term, but turmeric is not only safe but beneficial for your overall wellbeing. Curcumin's anti-inflammatory properties also make it a strong candidate for treating inflammatory diseases such as osteoarthritis. A 2014 study in the Clinical Interventions in Aging found that curcumin extracts "were as effective as ibuprofen for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis." All current drugs approved for arthritis have anti-inflammatory activity. Anti-TNF (tumor necrosis factor) therapy has been approved for this disease. Curcumin has been shown to both suppress the TNF production, block the action of TNF, and have activity against arthritis.
When inflammation is reduced, the added benefit is pain relief. A double-blind, crossover study showed that Curcumin may be  effective in relieving pain and improvements in morning stiffness, walking time, and joint swelling. A preliminary intervention trial that compared curcumin with a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) in 18 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) found that improvements in morning stiffness, walking time, and joint swelling after two weeks of curcumin supplementation (1.2 g/day) were comparable to those experienced after two weeks of phenylbutazone (NSAID) therapy (300 mg/day). In a more recent randomized, open-label study in 45 RA patients, supplementation with a mixture of all three major curcuminoids (0.5 g/day for eight weeks) was found to be as effective as diclofenac (NSAID; 50 mg/day) in reducing measures of disease activity, tenderness, and swelling joints. Several studies have shown curcumin’s ability to reduce pain, stiffness, and swelling in joints afflicted by arthritis. The Arthritis Foundation suggests that those with arthritis who wish to seek relief take capsules of curcumin powder, between 400 mg to 600 mg, three times a day. Given that curcumin is a potent anti-inflammatory compound, it makes sense that it may help with arthritis. Several studies show this to be true. In a study in people with rheumatoid arthritis, curcumin was even more effective than an anti-inflammatory drug (42). Many other studies have looked at the effects of curcumin on arthritis and noted improvements in various symptoms.  An in vitro and ex vivo study found that curcumin has anti-platelet and prostacyclin modulating effects compared to aspirin, indicating it may have value in patients prone to vascular thrombosis and requiring anti-arthritis therapy. In a randomized, pilot study, curcumin administration (500 mg, b.i.d., p.o., for 8 weeks) reduced Disease Activity Score in rheumatoid arthritis without any adverse events. In addition, the effect of curcumin was better than the patients receiving diclofenac sodium (Chandran and Goel 2012). In animal model, curcumin administration (100 mg/kg orally for two weeks) showed anti-arthritic activity by augmenting the generation of somatostatin in the small intestine of Freund’s complete adjuvant induced arthritic rats (Yang et al. 2015). Curcumin (50 mg/kg, i.p.) attenuated the severity and progression of collagen induced arthritis in DBA/1 J mice by decreasing the production of B cell-activating factor belonging to the TNF family in spleen cells and serum as well as reduction of serum IL-6 and IFNc(Huang et al. 2013). It reduced the pannus formation process that produced through articular cartilage of collagen induced arthritic rats (Kamarudin et al. 2012). In in vitro studies, curcumin treatment (2.5–10 mmol for 14 days) inhibited the osteoclastogenic potential of peripheral blood mononuclear cells obtained from patients with rheumatoid arthritis by decreasing stimulation of ERK 1/2, c-Jun N-terminal kinase, p38 and downregulating nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFATc1), receptor activator of NF-jB and c-Fos expression, and reduce bone deterioration during rheumatoid arthritis (Shang et al. 2016b). Curcumin treatment efficiently blocked phorbol 12-myristate 13 acetate and IL-1b-induced upregulation of IL-6 expression in MH7A cells and Fibroblast-like synoviocytes. In addition, it inhibited NF-jB activation, induced ERK1/2 dephosphorylation, exerted strong anti-inflammatory activity and induced apoptosis in fibroblast-like synoviocytes, which might use as a natural remedy for the management of rheumatoid arthritis (Kloesch et al. 2013). Mechanistically, curcumin blocks certain cytokines and enzymes that lead to inflammation, and this sheds light on the possibility of curcumin for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis, which is characterized by pain, tenderness, bone spurs, stiffness, and loss of function in the joints (Farzaei et al. 2015). In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled prospective study, chronic administration of curcumin (180 mg/day, p.o., for 8 weeks) significantly reduced knee pain in osteoarthritic patients as compared to the placebo group (Nakagawa et al. 2014). Curcumin treatment showed protection against osteoarthritis by inhibiting the release of inflammasome NLRP3, followed by downregulation of IL-1b, TNF-a and cleaved caspase-1 in surgical mouse osteoarthritis model (Sun et al. 2017). Mechanistically, curcumin reduced MMP-2, MCP-1, L-selectin, advanced oxidation protein product levels, suppressed the release of proteoglycans, expression of cyclooxygenase, prostaglandin E2 and inflammatory cytokines while increased CD47 levels in chondrocytes (Liu et al. 2016; Chin 2016).
How may Curcumin work against Gastrointestinal and Inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn's disease, Ulcerative Colitis, Irritable bowel syndrome, gastritis, dyspepsia, gastric and peptic ulcers?
Six hundred milligrams of curcumin five times a day for 12 weeks to individuals with peptic ulcers could prevent ulcer development. Abdominal pain along with other symptoms has greatly decreased with curcumin within 1–2 weeks. Kim et al. (2005) found that orally administered ethanolic C. longa extract decreased stomach acid, gastric juice secretion, and ulcer initiation in male rats by inhibiting H2 histamine receptors, which is similar to the effects of ranitidine. Similarly, the antiulcer action of C. longa ethanolic extract was seen as it lowers ulcer index in addition to stomach acidity significantly. C. longa extract also suppressed hypothermic-restraint stress depletion of stomach wall mucus and diminished the severity of necrotizing agent-induced lesions. Curcumin significantly protects against severe colitis by inhibiting activation of NLRP3 inflammasomes and production of IL-1β, resulting in improved weight loss, reduced disease activity index and increased colon length. Curcumin can inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory factors which is beneficial to improve intestinal inflammation in patients with IBD. Curcumin can effectively induce and maintain symptom relief in patients with ulcerative colitis, reduce inflammatory markers and improve the quality of life of patients. Curcumin is derived from natural products, with high safety, has the capacity for anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and regulating autophagy and gut microbiota. Curcumin is a safe and effective adjuvant agent in the treatment of IBD. In patients with IBD, curcumin has a beneficial effect on clinical symptoms, endoscopic relief, reduction of oxidative stress or inflammatory markers. Alternatively, curcumin can also play a beneficial role in a more common intestinal disease. Irritable bowel syndrome is a functional bowel disorder that classically presents with symptoms of abdominal pain, bloating, and altered bowel habits of diarrhea or constipation. The Irritable Bowel Syndrome- symptom severity score (IBS-SSS) was used to evaluate the effect of curcumin on patients with IBS. Curcumin can effectively improve IBS-SSS, abdominal pain and other symptoms, and improve the quality of life of patients. Research suggest that the beneficial effects of curcumin on IBS may be due to its anti-inflammatory effect. Because of its scientifically evidenced characteristics to interfere with a variety of signal transduction pathways, transcription factors, and cellular processes, curcumin can potentially be applied in the treatment of many diseases (inflammatory disorders in particular). In this context, curcumin has been used to treat gastrointestinal diseases such as indigestion, flatulence diarrhea, and even gastric and duodenal ulcers. Kwiecien and colleagues summarize in their review curcumin’s protective effects against esophageal and gastric disorders. In addition, curcumin is potentially efficacious against intestinal inflammatory diseases. Burge and colleagues discuss the beneficial effects of curcumin on the microbiome, its antimicrobial properties, changes in cytokine profiles, and alterations to immune cell maturation and differentiation. The combination of all these molecular actions makes curcumin a promising candidate to treat intestinal inflammatory diseases like necrotizing enterocolitis, Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis. Crohn’s disease is a pro-inflammatory disease. All current drugs approved for this disease have anti-inflammatory activity. Anti-TNF therapy has been approved for this disease. Curcumin has been shown to both suppress the TNF production and the TNF action. Several clinical trials suggest that curcumin can help people with this inflammatory bowel disease. Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology featured a study in 2015 which found that in people with mild to moderate ulcerative colitis who took standard medication (mesalamine), the addition of a high-dose curcumin supplement helped half of them achieve remission after four weeks; none of those given a placebo benefited. Curcumin taken orally has been shown to have activity against inflammatory bowel disease. Study results suggest that Curcumin could have a protective role in ulcerative colitis via regulation of oxidant/anti-oxidant balance and modulation of the release of some inflammatory endocoids, namely TNF-alpha and NO. Curcumin maintenance therapy for ulcerative colitis: randomized, multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.  The development of DSS-induced colitis was significantly attenuated by curcumin. Inhibition of p38 MAPK signaling by curcumin could explain the reduced COX-2 and iNOS immunosignals and the nitrite production in colonic mucosa, reducing the development of chronic experimental colitis. In addition, Curcumin seems promising with regards to remission in patients with quiescent Ulcerative Colitis. Preliminary evidence suggests that curcumin might be useful as an add-on therapy to control disease activity. One multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study has examined the efficacy of curcumin enema (2 g/day) in the prevention of relapse in 82 patients with quiescent UC . Six-month treatment with curcumin significantly reduced measures of disease activity and severity and resulted in a lower relapse rate than with placebo in subjects on standard-of-care medication (sulfasalazine or mesalamine). In another randomized controlled trial in active UC patients treated with mesalamine, the percentage of patients in clinical remission was significantly higher after a one-month treatment with oral curcumin (3 g/day) than with placebo. Curcumin in Combination With Mesalamine Induces Remission in Patients With Mild-to-Moderate Ulcerative Colitis in a Randomized Controlled Trial. Another study conducted in the UK revealed that those with IBS who took two capsules of turmeric every day over the course of eight weeks experienced less abdominal pain and had more consistent bowel movements. A recent study from the American Gastroenterological Association suggests that curcumin may help ease ulcerative colitis, a form of inflammatory bowel disease that causes ulcers in the digestive tract. Turmeric has been known for a long time to help with digestive problems. For example, it helps very well with bad digestion of fats. But even if you suffer from irritable bowel syndrome or Crohn’s disease, turmeric can mean a great deal to you. This is partly because it prevents inflammation in the intestinal wall. Curcumin can also be a solution for people with a stomach ulcer. Curcumin has a significant role in cases of gastric ulcers. An open, phase II trial was performed on 25 patients with endoscopically diagnosed gastric ulcer. Participants were provided 600 mg powdered turmeric, five times daily. After 4 weeks, ulcers had completely healed in 48% patients. The success rate increased over time, with 76% being ulcer free after 12 weeks of treatment. No significant adverse reactions or blood abnormalities were noted. In a clinical study, five patients with a stomach ulcer were given five times 600 mg of curcumin every day for 12 weeks. Almost half of them had no stomach ulcers after four weeks, and by the end of the study, the gastric ulcer had disappeared by 76%. In a multi-centered, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, curcumin treatment (1 g after breakfast and 1 g after the evening meal with mesalamine or sulfasalazine for 6 months) appeared to be a safe and promising drug candidate for maintaining remission in ulcerative colitis patients (Hanai et al. 2006). Holt et al. (2005) carried out a pilot study to see how curcumin therapy affected IBD patients who had earlier received standard UC or CD therapy. Curcumin with standard treatment exerts more beneficial effects than placebo plus conventional UC treatment in maintaining recovery, according to Hanai et al. (2006). Bundy et al. (2004) examined that abdominal pain or discomfort score was lowered significantly by 22% and 25% in the one- and two-tablet group volunteers, respectively, and revealed the role of C. longa on IBS pathology. In animal study, curcumin administration reversed inflammation of the colonic mucosa, restored colonic length, and reduced colonic weight and colonic damage. In addition, curcumin increased the number of T regulator (Treg) cells while suppressed the secretion of IL (2, 6, 12 and 17) and TNF-a. Curcumin is known to downregulate the expression of co-stimulatory molecules CD254 [RANKL], CD54 [ICAM-1], CD205, CD256 [RANK], TLR4 and CD252[OX40 L] against 2, 4, 6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid induced colitis in mice (Zhao et al. 2016b). In a recent experimental study, curcumin administration demonstrated therapeutic potential through downregulation of colonic TNF-a, myeloperoxidase (MPO), p-38MAPK and p-p38MAPK expressions in mouse murine ulcerative colitis model (Khoury et al. 2015). Curcumin treatment is known to reduce interferon (IFN)-c, COX-1, COX-2, TNF-a, NF-jB and iNOS expression. Further, it was reported that curcumin treatment reduces inflammation of colon due to inhibition of chemokinesis and neutrophil chemotaxis (Wan et al. 2014). Moreover, curcumin mitigated inflammatory bowel disease via influencing MAPK, ERK pathways, increasing antioxidants, inducing free radical scavenging and MPO inhibition (Baliga et al. 2012). Mechanistically, curcumin treatment reduced ulcerative colitis by inhibiting neutrophil chemotaxis, suppressing the secretion of inflammatory cytokines and inducing antioxidant effects. In a pilot study, administration of curcumin (350 mg, t.i.d. for 1 month followed by 350 mg q.i.d. for another 2 month) reduced the inflammatory response in Crohn’s disease condition. In addition, it reduced the erythrocyte sedimentation rates and Crohn’s Disease Activity Index in patients (Holt, Katz, and Kirshoff 2005). Oral administration of curcumin (40 mg/kg, for 21 days) reversed the visceral nociceptive response to graded intensity of colorectal distension and pellet output associated with chronic acute combined stress mediated depressive and anxiety like behaviors in rats. Mechanistically, curcumin treatment increased the levels of serotonin, BDNF and pCREB in the hippocampus, while these levels were reduced in the colonic of chronic acute combined stressed rats (Yu et al. 2015). The 5-HT1A receptor is known to be involved in the mode of action of curcumin for the management of visceral hypersensitivity in rats with irritable bowel syndrome. In addition, curcumin administration causes remarkable decrease in visceromotor response to colorectal distension in rats (Farzaei et al. 2016b). Adjunctive therapy of curcumin (500 mg/day for 4 weeks) with anti-helicobacter regimen ameliorated the symptoms of dyspepsia in peptic ulcer patients (Khonche et al. 2016). In animal study, curcumin administration reduced the restraint stress and water immersion stress-induced gastric lesions by increasing gastric blood flow and attenuating pentagastrin or histamine-stimulated secretion of gastric acid. In addition, the expression levels of iNOS, COX-2 and TNF-awas significantly downregulated in gastric mucosa of curcumin administered rats exposed to restraint stress and water immersion stress, resulting in gastroprotective effect (Czekaj et al. 2016). Curcumin (10, 50 or 100 mg/kg orally for three days) dose dependently reduced LPO and gastric ulcer area and restored GPx, CAT and SOD levels in gastric mucosa of naproxen treated rats (Kim et al. 2016b). Curcumin treatment reversed stress mediated gastric ulceration in rats by reducing the hemorrhage of gastric mucosa, increasing gastric pH values and attenuating ulcer index which is associated with downregulation of histone H3 acetylation at H þ , K þ -ATPase promoter gene (He et al. 2015a). Curcumin treatment decreased pepsin activity, total acid output and ulcer index alongside reduced MDA level, ameliorated mucin, CAT, NO and SOD in gastric mucosa of indomethacin-induced ulcer in rats (Morsy and El-Moselhy 2013). Additionally, curcumin ameliorated indomethacin-induced gastric ulcer by inducing angiogenesis and collagenization of gastric tissue via upregulation of TGF-b, MMP-2, membrane type 1-MMP and VEGF expressions in ulcerated tissues (Sharma et al. 2012). The biological mechanism of curcumin to combat peptic ulcer is mainly due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. The gastroprotective effect is also due to inhibition of acid release, amelioration of blood flow, angiogenesis and collagenization of gastric tissue (Sharma et al. 2012; Yadav et al. 2013).  Clinically, curcumin administration (40 mg orally, three times a day, for four weeks) reduced the production of IL-1b, IL-8, COX-2 and TNF-ain gastric mucosa, and attenuated inflammation in gastritis patients infected with H. pylori bacteria (Koosirirat et al. 2010). In a randomized clinical trial, administration of curcumin (700 mg orally, three times a day, for 4 weeks) reduced the level of MDA, DNA oxidative damage, endoscopic and chronic inflammation scores and glutathione peroxides in gastritis patients (Judaki et al. 2017). In animal model, curcumin treatment downregulated the expression of chemokines such as CXCL1, CCL5, CXCL10, CXCL11, CCL20 and Chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 25 in stomach of mice bearing Helicobacter pylori induced gastric inflammation. In addition, curcumin decreased secretion of IL-1b, IL-6 and TNF-aduring H. pylori infection. Further, curcumin supplementation reduced the macromolecular leakage, MyD88 expression and NF-jB activation in gastric cells (Santos et al. 2015). Study suggested that antimicrobial activity of curcumin against H. pylori is responsible for the management of gastritis in mice (De et al. 2009). The biological effect of dietary polyphenol curcumin to reduce chronic gastritis is mainly due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial activities (Yadav et al. 2013), therefore, it can be recommended as a novel drug for management of gastritis. One open-label study evaluated the efficacy of curcumin in five patients with ulcerative proctitis and in five patients with Crohn disease.  Significant decrease in symptoms as well as in inflammatory indices (erythrocyte sedimentation rate and CRP) were observed in all patients with proctitis This study suggests the efficacy of curcumin against IBD. Another study evaluated the efficacy of curcumin as maintenance therapy in 89 patients with quiescent ulcerative colitis. The relapse rates were 4.65% in the curcumin-treated group and 20.51% in the placebo group. In another recent study, ingestion of oral curcumin at 500 mg/day along with prednisone was associated with clinical and endoscopic remission in a 60-year-old woman with a 17-year history of left-sided ulcerative colitis and enteropathic arthropathy (34). The patient had been examined for persistently active colitis in December 2009. Both a clinical and endoscopic evaluation confirmed the diagnosis. Previously, multiple mesalamine preparations, sulfasalazine, and steroid enemas had not been effective, and the patient had required multiple courses of steroids for disease exacerbation. She refused azathioprine/6-mercaptopurine and anti-TNF treatment because of possible adverse effects. In addition to 40 mg of prednisone, 500 mg of curcumin per day was given to the patient. After receiving curcumin and prednisone treatment for 1 year, the patient’s bowel movements had gone to two per day without blood, she was no longer taking steroids, and she was feeling well. She remained in clinical remission at further clinical evaluations in April, July, and December 2010. A colonoscopy performed in September 2010 showed no ulceration and biopsies consistent with chronic inactive ulcerative colitis (34). Thus, based on this case study, curcumin represents a viable treatment alternative or adjunctive therapy in the management of chronic ulcerative colitis. A recent study assessed the effect of curcumin on the levels of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK), IL-1β, IL-10, and matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3) in the gut of children and adults with IBD. Results indicated suppression in p38 MAPK activation, reduction in IL-1β, and enhancement in IL-10 levels in curcumin-treated mucosal biopsies. Furthermore, dose-dependent suppression of MMP-3 in colonic myofibroblasts was observed after curcumin treatment. Another study conducted with eight healthy participants reported that turmeric has the potential to increase bowel motility and to activate hydrogen-producing bacterial flora in the colon.
How may Curcumin work against metabolic diseases such as polycystic ovary syndrome, metabolic syndrome, and obesity?
Effect of Curcumin on Metabolic Syndrome | The role of curcumin in reducing oxidative stress and inflammation has far-reaching implications when it comes to overall metabolic health. The idea that curcumin can attenuate systemic inflammation has implications for metabolic syndrome (MetS), which includes insulin resistance, hyperglycemia, hypertension, low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), elevated triglyceride levels, and obesity, especially visceral obesity. Curcumin has been shown to attenuate several aspects of metabolic syndrome by improving insulin sensitivity, suppressing adipogenesis, and reducing elevated blood pressure, inflammation, and oxidative stress. In addition, there is evidence that curcuminoids modulate the expression of genes and the activity of enzymes involved in lipoprotein metabolism that lead to a reduction in plasma triglycerides and cholesterol and elevate HDL-C concentrations. Curcumin has been shown to have a role in decreasing angiogenesis and adipogenesis by suppressing CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein alpha and PPAR expression and by lowering cholesterol levels. Moreover, curcumin has the ability to upregulate the gene expression of pancreatic glucose transporter 2 (GLUT2), GLUT3, and GLUT4, thus stimulating insulin secretion. In a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial with a parallel-group design, 117 subjects with metabolic syndrome received either 1 g curcumin plus 10 mg piperine to increase absorption or a placebo. Analysis revealed significant reductions in serum concentrations of TNF-α, IL-6, transforming growth factor beta (TGF-b), and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 ( MCP-1) following curcumin piperine supplementation. The results of this study suggest that curcumin piperine supplementation significantly decreases serum concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines in subjects with metabolic syndrome. In addition, the study looked at the cholesterol-lowering properties and found that curcuminoids were more effective than the placebo in reducing serum LDL-C, non-HDL-C, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and lipoprotein a (Lp(a)), in addition to elevating HDL-C concentrations. The effects of curcuminoids on triglycerides, non-HDL-C, total cholesterol, and Lp(a) remained significant after adjustment for baseline values of lipids and body mass index. From the same study, the authors also reported markers of oxidative stress. There was a significant improvement in serum SOD activities (p < 0.001) and reduced MDA (p < 0.001) and C-reactive protein (CRP) (p < 0.001) concentrations in the group receiving the curcumin with piperine compared to the placebo group. Quantitative data synthesis revealed a significant effect of curcuminoids vs. placebo in reducing circulating CRP concentrations. The authors concluded that short-term supplementation with a curcuminoid-piperine combination significantly improves oxidative and inflammatory status in patients with metabolic syndrome. Curcuminoids with piperine could therefore be regarded as natural, safe, and effective CRP-lowering agents. Inflammatory cytokines were also measured in the above study. Mean serum IL-1β (p = 0.042), IL-4 (p = 0.008), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) (p = 0.01) were found to be significantly reduced by curcumin piperine therapy. The authors suggest that the findings indicate that curcumin piperine may exert immunomodulatory effects via altering the circulating concentrations of IL-1β, IL-4, and VEGF. In a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled crossover trial, 36 obese adults received either 1 g curcumin and 10 mg piperine or a placebo for 30 days followed by a two-week washout period, after which they received the other treatment. A significant reduction in serum triglyceride concentrations was observed.
Effect of Curcumin on Obesity | Obesity is Inflammatory Disease. Studies have suggested that properties in curcumin may have a positive effect on blood sugar and blood pressure and may also promote weight loss and prevent obesity. Scientists led by Dr David Fairlie from the University of Queensland, Australia, have found abnormal amounts of an inflammatory protein called PAR2 in the fat tissues of overweight and obese rats and humans. PAR2 is also increased on the surfaces of human immune cells by common fatty acids in the diet. When obese rats on a diet high in sugar and fat were given a new oral drug that binds to PAR2, the inflammation-causing properties of this protein were blocked, as were other effects of the high-fat and high-sugar diet, including obesity itself. In the prevention and treatment of obesity and metabolic syndrome, Curcumin has been reported to modulate numerous targets that have been linked to obesity and insulin resistance. 1) Curcumin has been shown to downregulate the expression of TNF in various tissues. 2) Curcumin can suppress NF-κB activation induced by a wide variety of inflammatory agents through inhibition of degradation of IκBα. 3) Curcumin can inhibit the activation of IKK linked to the activation of NF-κB, and this leads to the suppression of expression of inflammatory biomarkers such as cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and vascular endothelial growth factor. 4) Curcumin has been shown to downregulate the expression of various NF-κB-regulated proinflammatory adipocytokines including chemokines (such as MCP-1, MCP-4, and eotaxin)  and interleukins (IL-1, IL-6, and IL-8). Curcumin also suppressed the expression of plasminogen activator inhibitor type-1 through the inhibition of the transcription factor early growth response (Egr)-1 gene product that has been closely linked with insulin resistance and obesity. 5) Curcumin has been reported to mimic most antidiabetic drugs in that it activates PPAR-γ in hepatic stellate cells. 6) Curcumin has been shown to downregulate activation of c-Jun NH2 terminal kinase. 7) Curcumin has been shown to inhibit the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, which is closely linked to obesity. Later studies have indicated that Curcumin inhibits Wnt pathway signaling through downregulation of the transcription coactivator p300. Another potential mechanism by which Curcumin could inhibit β-catenin signaling is through inhibition of glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)-3β, which directly causes the phosphorylation of β-catenin. Curcumin was found to inhibit GSK-3β with as little as 66 nM IC50 (
32). 8) Curcumin has been shown to induce the expression of hemeoxygenase (HO)-1 through the activation of Nrf2 in pancreatic cells and thus mediate the survival of these cells. 9) Curcumin downregulates the secretion of insulin-like growth factor-1 but induces the expression of insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3. 10) Curcumin interrupts leptin signaling by reducing phosphorylation levels of the leptin receptor (Ob-R) and its downstream targets. 11) Curcumin suppresses gene expression of Ob-R in HSCs. 12) Curcumin has been reported to increase the expression of adiponectin, which negatively controls obesity. A study conducted by researchers at Tufts University found that curcumin, the predominant polyphenol in turmeric, suppressed the growth of fat tissue in mice and cell models and ultimately reduce weight gain. Two groups of mice were fed high-fat diets—one supplemented with 500 mg of curcumin per kilogram of weight. The curcumin group did not gain weight as the high-fat-only group.  Clinically, chronic administration of curcuminoids (comprising curcumin, bisdemethoxycurcumin and demethoxycurcumin) significantly decreased serum pro-oxidant-antioxidant balance, oxidative stress burden (Sahebkar et al. 2013), serum triglycerides (Mohammadi et al. 2013), VEGF, IL-1band IL-4 in obese patients (Ganjali et al. 2014). In animal study, curcumin treatment reduced the level of triglyceride and LDL-cholesterol along- side increased HDL-cholesterol, which is known to ameliorate lipoprotein metabolism. Curcumin administration (0.05% w/w of diet) markedly decreased the plasma level of free fatty acid and triglyceride in the hamsters fed with high-fat diet (10% coconut oil and 0.2% cholesterol w/w) (Ganjali et al. 2017). Curcumin administration (200 mg/kg, dissolved in 0.1% carboxy methyl cellulose, for 10 weeks) significantly decreased body weight, adipose weight, liver weight, plasma levels of triacylglycerol, lipid ratios, hepatic fat accumulation while increased HDL in fructose-fed rats (Maithilikarpagaselvi et al. 2016). Curcumin administration alone (80 mg/kg/day, p.o., for 12 weeks) significantly down-regulated the hepatic expression of sterol regulatory element-binding proteins-1, sterol regulatory element-binding proteins-2, 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase, mevalonate kinase, 24-dehydrocholesterol reductase, 7-dehydrocholesterol reductase, lanosterol synthase, sterol- C4-methyl oxidase-like (Sc4mol), squalene synthase, proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9, LDL-receptor, acetyl- coenzyme A carboxylase-1, ATP citrate lyase, acyl-CoA syn- thetase, fatty acid synthase, fatty acid desaturase-1, fatty acid desaturase-2, stearoyl-coenzyme A desaturase-1, glycerol-3- phosphate acyltransferase, glucose-6-phosphatase and phos- phoenolpyruvate carboxykinase-1 in high fat diet-induced obese mice. In addition, curcumin administration upregulated the hepatic phosphorylation of IRS-1, IRS-2 and Akt at serine 473 resulting in reversal of obesity in mice (Ding et al. 2016). Curcumin administration (200 mg/kg body weight) with high fat diet for 10 weeks significantly decreased the hepatic ERK and p38 signaling pathway activation as well as reduced body weight in rats (Maithili Karpaga Selvi et al. 2015). Curcumin (1 g/kg) along with high fat diet containing 60% of total calories from fat (5.1 kcal/g diet) administration for 16 weeks significantly decreased hepatic lipids levels, lipid peroxidation. Curcumin (100 or 400 mg/kg) along with high fat diet for 8 weeks effectively reduced serum fetuin-A levels and hepatic triglycerides level in obese rats. Curcumin is known to inhibit NF-jB activation and macrophage infiltration in adipose tissue. In addition, curcumin downregulated the expression of the plasminogen activator inhibitor type-1, TNF-aand MCP-1 while upregulated the expression of adiponectin in adipocytes (Bradford 2013). In in vitro assay, curcumin downregulated the expression of axin, GSK-3b, CK1-a, AP-2 (mature adipocyte marker) and upregulated the expression of Fz2 (Wnt direct receptor), Wnt10b, LRP5 (Wnt co-receptor), c-Myc and cyclin D1 in 3T3-L1 cells. In addition, curcumin inhibited the phosphorylation of MAPK, JNK, p38 and ERK thereby rescue the differentiation of 3T3-L1 cells into adipocytes (Ahn et al. 2010). Curcumin treatment inhibited mitotic clonal expansion process and downregulated the expression of PPAR-c, kruppel-like factor 5 and C/EBParesulting in reduced adipocyte differentiation (Kim et al. 2011). Mechanistically, curcumin administration inhibits NF-jB activation and macrophage infiltration, reduces the expression of  plasminogen activator inhibitor type-1, MCP-1, TNFa, very low density lipoprotein (VLDL), cytokines and leptin alongside induced HO-1, fatty acid oxidation, APO-A1 and adiponectin level. In addition, curcumin treatment reduces the incidence of obesity and its associated risk factors, mainly due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities (Alappat and Awad 2010).
Effect of Curcumin on Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) | The latest systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized-control trials investigated a significant improvement in fasting glucose, fasting insulin, the homeostasis model assessment measuring insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and the quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI) in women with PCOS who took curcumin in comparison with a placebo group.  Jamilian et al. found that administration of curcumin for 12 weeks in women with PCOS had beneficial effects on glycemic control, among other things. The researchers reported that reduced fasting glucose (p = 0.002) significantly increased insulin sensitivity (p = 0.02), and positive alterations in serum lipids (i.e., a decrease in total cholesterol (p = 0.001) and LDL cholesterol (p = 0.001) and an increase in HDL cholesterol levels (p = 0.01)) in comparison to patients taking a placebo; in addition, curcumin supplements decreased the weight of women suffering from PCOS. Other researchers who have looked at the effects of curcumin on glycemic status, lipid profile, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels in overweight/obese women with PCOS found that serum insulin, QUICKI (p < 0.05), and HOMA-IR (p = 0.067) were significantly improved in the group treated with curcumin. In contrast, the differences in lipid parameters and hs-CRP levels were not statistically significant in the curcumin-treated group. Curcumin may stimulate insulin-mediated glucose uptake through the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinsase (PI3K)/Akt pathway, which, in turn, upregulates glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) in the adipocyte and skeletal muscle, leading to an increase in glucose levels. Additionally, curcumin may also enhance GLUT4 and glucose uptake in adipocytes. Curcumin has been shown to inhibit liver gluconeogenesis through modulation of 5’AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), thus reducing blood glucose levels. Moreover, the lipid-lowering potential of curcumin may be a consequence of curcumin’s ability to decrease the circulatory levels of lipid peroxides and total serum cholesterol (TC), or to increase the levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL). There are some potential mechanisms that may be responsible for the beneficial influence of curcumin on lipid profile; for example, curcumin may suppress the expression of Niemen-Pick C1-like (NPC1) protein in the intestine, which mediates the cholesterol absorption of hepatocytes. Curcumin also ameliorates dyslipidemia and activates the lipid metabolism pathway, which elevates lipoprotein lipase activity to decrease triglyceride levels. The hypothesis about the beneficial impact of curcumin supplementation on women with PCOS is because curcumin may support the improvement in complications of PCOS by regulating gene expression—that is, by increasing the gene expression of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase enzymes (GPx)—and cellular signaling. One of the first studies on the effects of curcumin on postprandial glucose and insulin response, which was conducted in 2010 by Wickenberg et al. showed the possible effects of curcumin on postprandial insulin levels. Curcumin is generally assumed to improve the body’s antioxidant enzymes by impacting related gene expression in patients with PCOS. In a randomized and double-blinded clinical trial involving 67 overweight or obese female patients with PCOS, the effects of curcumin on gene expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α) (p = 0.011) and silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1) were reported. SIRT1 contributes to the deacetylation of the PGC-1α gene, thereby increasing the rate of thermogenesis and oxidation of lipids, and is also an NAD+-dependent histone deacetylase in the pathway of insulin secretion [15]. These results would seem to suggest that curcumin may improve hormonal profiles in patients with PCOS due to its support of ovarian function by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress. Interestingly, Sohrevardi et al. reported that the hormonal parameter of total testosterone levels and the biochemical parameters of triglycerides, HDL, and total cholesterol were significantly improved in the group taking curcumin together with metformin after three months in comparison to the group treated with only metformin. The anti-inflammatory properties of curcumin may mitigate hyperandrogenism due to its possible role in glucose and lipid metabolism. Moreover, curcumin has the ability to lower circulating tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) concentration. Proinflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α have been found to be significantly higher in PCOS patients [25]. Moreover, curcumin may exert anti-diabetic effects by increasing the gene expression of PPAR-γ, which has a pleiotropic impact on glucose homeostasis and insulin sensitivity and controls gene expression in lipid and glucose metabolism. Heshmati et al. [28] reported not only reduced glucose and insulin plasma levels, but also significantly reduced serum dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) levels (−26.53 μg/dL; p = 0.035) in patients with PCOS who took curcumin supplements for 12 weeks in doses of 1500 mg per day in comparison to the placebo patients. To date, there are few studies that have assessed the influence of curcumin on the sex hormones in women with PCOS. Regarding proinflammatory cytokines, Mohammadi et al. [31] investigated the therapeutic effects of curcumin on TNF-α, IL-6, and C-reactive protein (CRP) in rats with PCOS. The difference between the curcumin-treated group and the non-curcumin-treated rats with PCOS was significant. The results showed decreased IL-6 and CRP, and interestingly, they observed decreased expression of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) in the granulosa layer and follicular fluid of follicles and ovarian cysts in the PCOS group treated with curcumin.
How may Curcumin work against liver diseaseS such as Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) or metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), cirrhosis, and hepatitis?
Effect of Curcumin on Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) or Metabolic-Associated Fatty Liver Disease (MAFLD) | Curcumin and related phenolics have been linked with the inhibition of lipid peroxidation, free radical formation (e.g., neutralization of superoxide, peroxyl, and hydroxyl radicals (ROSs), nitric oxide, and peroxynitrite (RNS)) and DNA damage. Despite obesity and hyperlipidemia, it is also known that patients with type 2 diabetes have a high prevalence of NAFLD (up to 70%). The above diseases share multiple cardiometabolic risk factors and proinflammatory pathways. Różański et al. analyzed databases and publications that have described the effects of using curcumin supplementation on biochemical parameters in MAFLD. They concluded that curcumin may have therapeutic potential in MAFLD patients. Jalali et al. included nine relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in their meta-analysis in order to study the effects of curcumin supplements on metabolic markers and anthropometric parameters in patients with NAFLD. As shown in Table 3, the study reported a significant decrease not only in alanine transaminase (ALT) (p = 0.049) and aspartate transaminase (AST) (p = 0.032) activity, but also in serum total cholesterol (TC), LDL, FBS (p = 0.027), HOMA-IR (p = 0.031), serum insulin, and waist circumference (WC). After a meta-regression analysis of the duration and a dosage-based analysis, a significant change in BMI was indicated, and a subgroup analysis (age-based and TC-based) also indicated a significant decrease in TG. The study investigated changes in two-month and three-month supplementation with curcumin. The authors concluded that the use of curcumin in the analyzed studies had a beneficial effect on both metabolic and anthropometric parameters in patients with NAFLD. Curcumin administration (60 mg/kg for 4 weeks) inhibited the bio- synthesis of unsaturated fatty acids and fatty acids synthesis in ethanol treated mice. In addition, ethanol induced hepatic steatosis was reversed by curcumin treatment (Guo et al. 2017). Animal studies have shown that curcumin administration reduced the ethanol-induced increase in MDA content, decreases the levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and increases the GSH levels. In addition, it is known to reduce fatty liver, oxidative stress, inflammation and necrosis (Nabavi et al. 2014; Nanji et al. 1999; Ghorbani, Hajizadeh, and Hekmatdoost 2016). Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is an umbrella term for a variety of pathological conditions including steatosis, fibrosis, cirrhosis and steatohepatitis, caused by accumulation of fat in the liver. It is closely correlated with metabolic syndrome, obesity, overweight and type 2 diabetes in pediatric and adult individuals (Nabavi et al. 2014). In randomized placebo-controlled trial, curcumin administration (70 mg/day for two months) significantly reduced the liver fat content, triglycerides, LDL-cholesterol, serum levels of total cholesterol, body mass index, ALT, AST, glycated hemoglobin and glucose in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease as compared to placebo group (Rahmani et al. 2016). Additionally, curcumin upregulated the expression of adiponectin precursor and reduced its methylation in experimental model of fatty liver disease (Park et al. 2016). In methionine and choline feed deficient mouse model, curcumin administration inhibited the activation of NF-kB and reduced the inflammatory recruitment in steatohepatitis (Leclercq et al. 2004). Curcumin administration downregulated the intrahepatic expression of procollagen type I, CD11b, tissue inhibitor of metalloprotease (TIMP)-1, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and a-smooth muscle-actin in methionine and choline feed deficient mouse model of steatohepatitis alongside reduced the oxidative stress in cultured stellate cells (Vizzutti et al. 2010).  Curcumin administration reduced the serum hepatic markers viz., AST, ALT and MDA thereby attenuated lipopolysaccharide/d-galactosamine induced liver damage in rats. In the same study, curcumin administration reduced the NF-jB activation and TNF-a level in liver and serum. Furthermore, curcumin upregulated Nrf-2-dependent antioxidant defense genes like quinone (NQO-1), NAD(P)H dehydrogenase, glutamate-cysteine ligase and heme oxygenase-1 which is responsible for the hepatoprotective activity (Xie et al. 2017). Curcumin administration ameliorated the barrier integrity of intestine, reduced ectopic fat deposition in liver and modulated the gut microbiota which in turn reversed hepatic steatosis in high fat diet fed rats (Feng et al. 2017). Curcumin administration elicited hepatoprotective effect via reversal of reduced GPx, CAT and SOD levels in tartrazine induced liver injury. In addition, it reduced the intracellular vacuolization, dilation of central vein and sinusoids as well as necrosis in hepatotoxic rats (El-Desoky et al. 2017). Recent experimental evidence suggests that curcumin administration reduced Gr1hi monocytes infiltration in liver, downregulated the expression of MCP-1, TNF-aand TGF-b1 in mouse model of CCl 4 induced liver fibrosis (Huang et al. 2016b).
Effect of Curcumin on Cirrhosis |  It was reported that curcumin administration prevents bile duct ligation induced cirrhosis in rats via inhibition of oxidative stress and downregulation of TGF-b(Reyes-Gordillo et al. 2008). Curcumin administration ameliorated the functional properties of hepatocytes and downregulated the expression of NF-jB and iNOS in liver of biliary duct ligated rats (Barta et al. 2015). 
Effect of Curcumin on Hepatotoxic Ailments | Curcumin is said to increase apoptosis in injured hepatocytes while also reducing inflammatory effects, hepatic fibrogenesis, and substantially liver injury. The hepatoprotective attribute of curcumin might be due to direct free radical scavenging mechanisms, boosting glutathione levels, and assisting in liver detoxification. Curcumin has hepatoprotective activity similar to that of silymarin. From studies, it can be concluded that curcumin  has hepatoprotective potential in various including carbon tetrachloride (CCl4), acetaminophen (paracetamol) and galactosamine. This hepatoprotective effect is mainly a observed due to the antioxidant activity of curcumin along with its ability to decrease the formation of proinflammatory cytokines. Administration of curcumin is resulted in decrease of liver injury. Aflatoxin-induced biliary hyperplasia, lipid alterations, and necrosis were likewise cured by curcumin. Sodium curcuminate is a salt of curcumin that has choleretic effects, boosting biliary excretion of bile salts, cholesterol, bilirubin, and bile solubility, thus helping to prevent and treat cholelithiasis. This could be related to the antioxidant capacity of curcumin’s phenolic groups. Tacrine is well-known for its hepatotoxic and T-cell-destructive properties. Curcumin was over ten times more efficient than standard therapy, ascorbic acid, in research involving human hepatocytes cells that had been disrupted by tacrine (Song et al., 2001).
Effect of Curcumin on Hepatitis | A recent in vitro study demonstrated that curcumin treatment time and dose dependently reduce the expressions of hepatitis B virus surface antigen and e-antigen in hepatitis B virus transfected HepG2.2.15 cell line. In addition, curcumin inhibited replication of hepatitis B virus gene via down-regulation of cccDNA-bound histone acetylation (Wei et al. 2017). Study revealed that curcumin treatment inhibits hepatitis B virus via downregulation of the metabolic coactivator peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC-1a). It has been reported that combination of nucleotide/nucleoside analog with curcumin can synergistically reduce the replication of hepatitis B virus (Nabavi et al. 2014; Mouler Rechtman et al. 2010). It was reported that co-incubation of hepatitis C virus with curcumin and its derivatives potently inhibits the entry of all major hepatitis C virus genotypes. Curcumin affects the membrane fluidity resulting in impairment of viral binding and fusion thereby inhibits cell-to-cell transmission in human liver cells (Colpitts et al. 2014). Co-administration of curcumin and IFN-a profoundly inhibited hepatitis C virus replication in Huh7 cells and found to be effective against hepatitis C virus infections (Kim et al. 2010). Moreover, curcumin exhibited anti-HCV activity by inducing HO-1 and modulating ERK and NF-jB activities in Huh7.5 cells expressing the hepatitis C virus genotype 1 b subgenomic replicon (Chen et al. 2012). Mechanistically, curcumin shows hepatoprotective action due to its antioxidant effects and inhibitory activity against NF-jB that is known to regulate different pro-fibrotic and pro-inflammatory cytokines. Additionally, curcumin supple- mentation reduced liver marker enzymes, cholesterol levels and replication of hepatitis B and C viruses (Nabavi et al. 2014).
How may Curcumin work as an antimicrobial, Antibacterial, Antiviral, antiparasitic, and Antifungal?
Curcumin has antiviral potential (von Rhein et al., 2016) even for HIV; inhibiting HIV-1 LTR promoter directed gene expression with no effect on cell viability (Ashraf, 2018). Curcumin had moderate effectiveness towards Plasmodium falciparum and Leishmania organisms. The ethanol extracts exhibit anti-Entamoeba histolytica activity while curcumin has anti-P. falciparum and anti-Leishmania effect in vitro. Curcumin seems to have its antiviral activity for Epstein–Barr virus and HIV (Taher et al., 2003). An extract of C. longa in both aqueous and ethanol is used in aquaculture as a treatment for bacterial infections (Sahu et al., 2005). Curcumin exerts anti-parasitic action against African trypanosomes, has schistosomicidal activities against Schistosoma mansoni adult worms, and has anti-malarial in addition to nematocidal effects. Curcumin has shown a wide range of antiviral activity against different viral models. Similar to these reports, our findings indicated that curcumin inhibits SARS-CoV-2 D614G strain which contains the most widespread amino acid change (D614G in the spike protein) carried by more than 99% of the prevalent variants since the beginning of 2020. According to previous reports, curcumin exhibited moderate selectivity for pre-infection and post-infection treatment strategies. Contrarily, low selectivity was obtained for pre–post infection treatment and co-treatment strategies. Curcumin inhibited SARS-CoV-2 D614G strain by pre-infection treatment of Vero E6 cells. This effect has also been observed with other enveloped viruses such as Influenza, Dengue, Zika, Chikungunya, Japanese encephalitis, Pseudorabies, and Vesicular stomatitis virus, showing that curcumin treatment affects the early stages of the replicative cycle, such as viral attachment, internalization, fusion, or decapsidation. With regard to SARS-CoV-2, spike protein binds to its human receptor ACE2 (angiotensin-converting enzyme 2) through its receptor-binding domain. Previous studies have reported a favorable binding affinity of curcumin to the spike protein and its cell receptor, ACE2 (angiotensin-converting enzyme). According to the above, it could be suggested that curcumin prevents the recognition of the target cell and subsequent SARS-CoV-2 entry by direct interaction with cell factors or viral proteins. This effect could be related to our results obtained by co-treatment which suggest a possible virucidal activity of curcumin against SARS-CoV-2 D614G strain. It has been demonstrated that curcumin as a plant derivative has a wide range of antiviral activity against a variety of viruses including parainfluenza virus type 3 (PIV-3), feline infectious peritonitis virus (FIPV), vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV), herpes simplex virus (HSV), flock house virus (FHV), and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) assessed by MTT test showed the potent antiviral activity of curcumin and its bioconjugates against different viral pathogens for further studies. Curcumin showed the anti-influenza activity against influenza viruses PR8, H1N1, and H6N1. The results showed more than 90% reduction in virus yield in cell culture using 30 μM of curcumin. In H1N1 and also H6N1 subtypes, the inhibition of haemagglutinin interaction reflected the direct effect of curcumin on infectivity of viral particles and this has proved by time of drug addiction experiment. Additionally, unlike amantadine, viruses developed no resistance to curcumin.  There are several studies illustrate that curcumin can impede viral replication and prevent injuries caused by several virus infectious diseases in particular, for RNA virus infections. In vitro and in vivo results have shown that curcumin effectively moderates infections and symptoms caused by the hepatitis virus, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV/AIDS),  Zika virus, Chikungunya virus, Epstein Barr virus, papilloma virus (HPV), enterovirus (enterovirus), Japanese encephalitis virus, influenza virus, dengue virus, and coronavirus (such as SARS-COVID 19) In recent studies that have calculated and simulated molecular docking models for viral infections, the results showed that the curcumin molecule can directly interact with proteins of Ebola virus, influenza virus, AIDS Viruses, dengue virus, and human papillomavirus (HPV), etc. The combination of curcumin with viral coat proteins, virus-specific enzymes, or RNA polymerase can affect and abolish virus replication, infection, and damage to cells. Current research results show that turmeric can inhibit SARS and COVID 19 infections via molecular binding, and currently curcumin is also applied in clinical trial on COVID 19 infection. Antimicrobial activities for curcumin and rhizome extract of C. longa against different bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites have been reported. The promising results for antimicrobial activity of curcumin made it a good candidate to enhance the inhibitory effect of existing antimicrobial agents. Curcumin has shown antibacterial activity effectively against Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella paratyphi, Trichophyton gypseum, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The antibacterial activity of the aqueous extracts from turmeric is believed to be due to the anionic constituents like nitrate, sulphates, chlorides, and thiocyanate. Antibacterial activity of curcumin was also studied in endodontic bacteria Streptococcus mutans, Actinomyces viscosus, Lactobacillus casei, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Prevotella intermedia, and Enterococcus faecalis, and a significant inhibition of bacterial growth was observed. Many studies have revealed that curcumin and turmeric extracts inhibit the growth of microorganisms. Curcumin has antibacterial effects on both gram-positive and -negative bacteria, such as: Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Salmonella, Escherichia coli, Helicobacter pylori, etc., which often cause human infectious diseases. In preclinical and clinical studies for sepsis treatment, i.e. systemic bacterial infections, curcumin can act on PI3K/AKT, NFκB, TNF-α and TGF-β1 pathways to attenuate the toxicity of LPS on sepsis and curcumin also exerts the protective role in the lungs, liver, and kidneys while reducing the sequelae of tissue fibrosis after sepsis.  Curcumin is very effective against several pathogenic Gram +ve bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis and Enterococcus species that cause many infections such as skin problems, pneumonia, meningitis, and urinary tract infection. The study of curcumin against 14 strains of Candida including 4 ATCC strains and 10 clinical isolates showed that curcumin is a potent fungicide compound against Candida species with MIC values range from 250 to 2000 μg/mL. In another study, anti-Candida activity of curcumin was demonstrated against 38 different strains of Candida. A recent study revealed that, curcumin exhibited in vitro antibacterial activity against most prevalent organisms like Enterococcus faecalis, Prevotella intermedia, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Actinomyces viscosus, Lactobacillus casei, Streptococcus mutans and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (Mandroli and Bhat 2013). Moreover, curcumin demonstrated its effectiveness against Bacillus subtilis, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Escherichia coli, Helicobacter pylori, Staphylococcus intermedius, Sarcina lutea, Sarcina lutea and Neiserria gonorrhoeae (Tyagi et al. 2015; Marathe et al. 2011). Curcumin treatment reduced growth of gut microbiota like Bifidobacterium, E. faecalis, Bifidobacterium. pseudocatenulatum G4, Bifidobacterium. longum BB536,E. coli K-12, Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus casei thereby inducing the susceptibility to infectious disease (Marathe et al. 2011). Curcumin inhibited the growth of both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. Curcumin effectively reduced the infectious disease caused by various species of Staphylococcus aureus (Tong et al. 2015;Teowetal.2016). Mechanistically, curcumin interfere with quorum sensing, virulence and biofilm initiation, and inhibits bacterial cell by suppressing its dynamic assembly. Curcumin demonstrated its effectiveness against parasites like Trypanosoma, Plasmodium and Giardia. In parasites culture, curcumin treatment induced DNA damage via its prooxidant activity and inhibited histone acetyltransferases in Plasmodium falciparum resulted in cytotoxicity, which can be targeted for treatment of malaria (Cui, Miao, and Cui 2007), revealing its therapeutic potential against cerebral malaria as adjunctive therapy (Mimche, Taramelli, and Vivas 2011). Curcumin induced DNA damage and apoptosis and effectively inhibited the growth of Giardia lamblia (Perez-Arriaga et al. 2006). Moreover, curcumin administration mediates anti-parasitic activity against Trypanosoma, a parasite which is responsible for sleeping sickness and Chagas disease (Marathe et al. 2011). The biological effect of curcumin to reduce these infections is mainly due to its pro-oxidant and apoptotic activities, therefore, it can be recommended as a novel drug for management of giardia, trypanosoma and plasmodium infections. Curcumin treatment upregulated the transcription of chitin synthase-1, chitin synthase-3 and PKC in Sporothrix schenckii thus reduced virulence in infected mice (Huang et al. 2016a). Curcumin induced photodynamic inactivation of the fungus Candida albicans in murine model of oral candidiasis (Dovigo et al. 2013). Also, curcumin exhibited therapeutic potential against oropharyngeal candidiasis in a mouse model (Karaman et al. 2011). In fungal cell cultures, curcumin inhibited the growth of wide range of pathogenic fungus that includes Aspergillus clavatus, Aspergillus terreus, Aspergillus tamarii, Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus flavus IMI190443,  Aspergillus nomius ATCC 15546, Aspergillus fumigatus ATCC 16913, Paracoccidioides brasiliensis B339, Paracoccidioides brasiliensis MG04, Paracoccidioides brasiliensis 17, Paracoccidioides brasiliensis 608, Paracoccidioides brasiliensis Pb18, Paracoccidioides brasiliensis Pb01, Paracoccidioides brasiliensis MG05, Sporothrix schenckii ATCC 10212, Cryptococcus neoformans ATCC 32608, Candida dubliniensis (Cd28), Candida dubliniensis (Cd22), Candida glabrata ATCC 2001, Candida parapsilosis ATCC 20019, Candida krusei ATCC 20298, Candida tropicalis ATCC 750 and Candida albicans ATCC 18804 (Martins et al. 2008). Curcumin (500 mg/L) also exhibited antifungal effects against Phytophthora infestans, Pu. Recondite and Rhizoctonia solani (Kim, Choi, and Lee 2003). Curcumin demonstrated fungicidal activity against the clinical isolates of Candida species like Candida tropicalis, Candida kefyr, Candida krusei, Candida guilliermondii, Candida glabrata, Candida parapsilosis and Candida albicans at MIC value of 32–128 mg/mL (Zorofchian Moghadamtousi et al. 2014). The suggested anti-fungal mechanisms of curcumin includes the leakage of intracellular component through the flappy membrane, disruption of fungal plasma membrane, generation of oxidative stress, induction of early apoptosis, inhibition hyphae development, upregulation of chitin synthase and PKC etc. (Lee and Lee 2014; Sharma et al. 2010). These evidences on the mechanistic action of curcumin could be employed in improving the treatment strategies for fungal infections. A recent study has shown that the anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects conferred by curcumin protect from human cytomegalovirus infection in Balb/c mice (Lv et al. 2014). Among various phytochemicals evaluated for antiviral activity against norovirus, curcumin exhibited most potent anti-noroviral effects. In a cell culture infection model, curcumin exposure for 3 days was found to reduce norovirus infectivity by 91%. Thus, curcumin might be a promising anti-noroviral candidate to prevent foodborne illness (Yang et al. 2016).  Curcumin demonstrated promising anti-influenza activity against influenza viruses PR8, H1N1 and H6N1 by interfering with viral hemagglutination activity (Chen et al. 2010; Dao et al. 2012; Ou et al. 2013). In dengue infected BHK-21 cells, curcumin administration reduced the number of plaques produced, intracellular accumulation of viral proteins and increased the level of Lys48 ubiquitin-conjugated proteins in dengue virus (Padilla-S et al. 2014). In in vitro assays, curcumin demonstrated potent antiviral effect against Human enterovirus 71 (EV71). Curcumin inhibited viral RNA synthesis and expression of viral protein, thereby decreasing production of viral progeny (Qin et al. 2014). Proteomics analysis indicated that curcumin (15–240 lM) pretreatment exert antiviral activity by downregulating heat shock cognate 71 and inhibited the replication of viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus (Jeong et al. 2015). On the other hand, curcumin exhibited remarkable antiviral effects against herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) by blocking the recruitment of RNA polymerase II and expression of viral immediate-early genes (Kutluay et al. 2008). In another study, curcumin and its metallo derivatives, viz. gallium-curcumin and Cu-curcumin also exhibited remarkable anti-HSV-1 activity in vitro (Zandi et al. 2010). Moreover, curcumin administration conferred significant protection against intra-vaginal HSV-2 infection (Bourne et al. 1999). Curcumin inhibited both HIV-1 (IC 50 -100mM) and HIV-2 protease (IC 50 -250mM) thereby suppressed the replication of viral genes and prevent multiplicity of HIV (Sui et al. 1993). Curcumin mediated inhibition of HIV protease and integrase (IC 50 40 mM) resulted in anti-retroviral activity (Mazumder et al. 1997; Mazumder et al. 1995). Curcumin induced anti-HIV activity can be attributed to degradation of Tat via proteosomal pathway and inhibition of Tat protein acetylation by p300/CREB-binding protein thereby sup- pressed HIV-1 multiplication (Ali and Banerjea 2016; Balasubramanyam et al. 2004). Curcumin demonstrated strong anti-HPV activity in cervical and oral cancer cells through downregulation of HPV oncogene expression (E6 and E7) of highly oncogenic HPV, HPV-16 and HPV-18 (Divya and Pillai 2006; Mishra and Das 2015; Prusty and Das 2005). Curcumin downregulated the transcription factor, AP-1 in HeLa cells which is critical for transcription of HPV-16 and HPV-18 (Prusty and Das 2005). Curcumin mediated downregulation of viral oncogenes is attributed to its ability to modulate apoptosis and prevent NFkB and AP- 1 translocation thereby suppressing the transcription of HPVs (Divya and Pillai 2006; Prusty and Das 2005). Curcumin exhibited potent antiviral effect against coxsackie virus by inhibiting viral replication, RNA expression and protein synthesis via ubiquitin-proteasome system mediated protein modification or degradation (Si et al. 2005; Si et al. 2007). Mechanistically, curcumin treatment downregulated JunD protein, reduced production of infective viral particles, downregulated genomic transcription and translation, inhibited viral oncoproteins E6 and E7 expressions, suppressed the Akt/sterol regulatory element-binding proteins (SREBP)- 1 pathway, increased p53 level, inhibited hemagglutination, inhibited proteases, integrase and Tat protein acetylation (Zorofchian Moghadamtousi et al. 2014; Mazumder et al. 1995; Balasubramanyam et al. 2004; Dutta, Ghosh, and Basu 2009). The extensive research on antiviral activities of curcumin against different viral pathogens nominates this compound as a potent antiviral drug candidate.
Effect of Curcumin on COVID-19 | Curcumin, a natural compound with anti-inflammatory effect, could as an adjuvant drug in COVID-19 treatment. Curcumin has been revealed to be linked to the viral S1 protein, which is required for SARS-CoV-2 entry in an in silico approach; thus, it may inhibit cytokine storm in the severe stage of COVID-19 (Pawitan, 2020).  Curcumin can inhibit SARS-CoV replication. Several studies suggest that curcumin can inhibit SARS-CoV-2 replication. Evidence has already emerged regarding the action of curcumin in SARS-associated corona virus (SARS CO-V) by directly interacting with viral proteins, disrupting the viral envelope, inhibiting viral proteases and modulating NFKB, Nrf2 and high mobility group box 1(HMGB1) pathways in vitro. SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) has nearly 79% resemblance to SARS CO-V and hence the postulation. Curcumin can block the interaction between the spike glycoprotein and angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and inhibit the Nsp15 protein, therefore blocking replication of the virus or inhibiting viral protease. These observations were supported by a study by Han et al. who demonstrated that curcumin strongly inhibited TGEV proliferation and viral protein expression in a dose and time-dependent manner, and treatment with curcumin caused a reduction in both viral particles (IC50 of 8.6 μM) and protein levels in porcine kidney cells. This study suggested that curcumin may inhibit the adsorption of TGEV or that it possesses excellent virucidal activity.  Compared to the placebo group, curcumin could reduce the frequency of Th17 cells, Treg and their related inflammatory factors in both mild and severe COVID‐19 patients. In addition to anti-inflammatory effect, curcumin can also play an antiviral role by inhibiting SARS-CoV-2 entry into cells and inhibiting viral proliferation. Curcumin has a variety of pharmacological effects and high safety, which makes it an adjunctive drug for the treatment of COVID-19. In a clinical trial, orally administered curcumin with piperine as adjuvant therapy in COVID-19 treatment could substantially reduce morbidity and mortality, and improve clinical symptoms.  Curcumin effectively neutralized SARS-CoV-2 at subtoxic concentrations in Vero E6 and human Calu-3 cells. Furthermore, curcumin treatment significantly reduced SARS-CoV-2 RNA levels in cell culture supernatants. This data uncovers curcumin as a promising compound for complementary COVID-19 treatment. Curcumin concentrations contained in turmeric root or capsules used as nutritional supplements completely neutralized SARS-CoV-2 in vitro. Due to the antiviral as well as anti-inflammatory effect of curcumin, the compound might have a positive effect on COVID-19 progression. Curcumin potently neutralizes SARS-CoV-2 in vitro at low subtoxic concentrations. The good safety profile of curcumin and its immunomodulatory as well as the antiviral effect make curcumin a promising candidate for complementary treatment of COVID-19.
How may Curcumin work against depression, major depressive disorder, and anxiety?

Curcumin has a wide range of characteristics that are important to depression pathogenesis. The extract prevented the decrease in serotonin, noradrenalin, and dopamine concentrations while increasing serotonin turnover, cortisol levels, and serum corticotrophin-releasing factor levels (Xia et al., 2007). The consequences of orally administered curcumin seem on behavior under chronic stress or depression condition in the rat model. Curcumin administration showed a similar impact to imipramine, a known antidepressant drug, and it has been indicated by various authors to be a feasible alternative source in depression condition (Mohammed et al., 2019; Qi et al., 2020). Curcumin has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and neurotrophic properties, suggesting it has strong potential for relieving depression. Curcumin’s anti-inflammatory effect is one reason for its improvement in depression. In addition to its anti-inflammatory properties, curcumin also inhibits the release of monoamine oxidase, serotonin and dopamine, and regulates the hypothalamus pituitary adrenal axis, neurotrophic factors, and hippocampal neurogenesis and neuroplasticity. Administration of curcumin decrease mRNA expression of proinflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α, through down-regulation IL-1β/NF-κB signaling,105 inhibit the NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Curcumin improves IL-1β-induced neuronal apoptosis by inhibiting the P38 pathway In a meta-analysis of nine clinical trials, curcumin may improve symptoms of depression and anxiety in patients with depression. In randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, adjuvant curcumin (doses increased from 500 mg/day to 1500 mg/day) showed a significant difference between curcumin and placebo at weeks 12 and 16. The core issue of depression has been identified as inflammation, and curcumin has been found to be comparable to prescription antidepressant drugs. In one  study published in Phytotherapy Research, scientists studied 60 patients with serious depression over a six-week trial and found that turmeric was as effective at treating depression as Prozac.  This randomized control trial took 60 volunteers diagnosed with major depressive disorder and compared the effect of curcumin to fluoxetine (Prozac). Researchers discovered that the principal curcuminoid in turmeric is not only as effective as Prozac in managing depression, but it doesn’t carry with it all the dangerous side effects as anti-depressive drugs do. One-third of the participants in the study were given 20 mg of fluoxetine (which is sold under the prescription names Prozac and Sarafem), one-third were given 1,000 mg of curcumin (the active ingredient in turmeric), and one one-third were given a combination of both.  "Curcumin, an active ingredient of Curcuma longa (Zingiberaceae), has shown potential antidepressant-like activity in animal studies,” the researchers wrote. “The objectives of this trial were to compare the efficacy and safety of curcumin with fluoxetine in patients with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD).” They concluded that curcumin was “well tolerated” by all the patients. All three groups showed approximately equal improvement in their depression, whether they were taking the turmeric, the antidepressant or a combination of both.“This study provides first clinical evidence that curcumin may be used as an effective and safe modality for treatment in patients with MDD without concurrent suicidal ideation or other psychotic disorders. Curcumin, a natural compound derived from the herb Curcuma longa, exhibits a wide range of pharmacological properties and thus has been considered as a potent antidepressant drug. Curcumin may exhibit multiple antidepressant activities: (a) modulating the neurotransmitter levels including DA, NE, 5‐HIAA and inhibiting the expression of monoamine oxidase enzymes; (b) reducing the inflammatory response by regulating the production of pro‐inflammatory markers; (c) repairing neurodegeneration and enhancing neurogenesis and neuronal plasticity typically increased BDNF levels; (d) improving the activities of antioxidant enzymes; (e) decreasing the nitric oxide levels; (f) regulating mitochondrial disturbances; and (g) moderating hypothalamus‐pituitary‐adrenal (HPA) disturbances. The multiple mechanisms of curcumin provide a unique advantage in the medication of depression, especially in the term of adverse effects. A new study, published online ahead of print in the Journal of Affective Disorders, finds that the spice curcumin, a derivative of turmeric, may be an effective treatment for depression. The study was a randomized, placebo-controlled trial (the gold standard methodology for medication studies). The researchers found that curcumin was better than a placebo treatment, and those with atypical depression were far more likely to improve. The use of curcumin appeared especially effective for those with atypical depression. Atypical depression, despite its name, is relatively common (around 40% of MDD cases). The “atypical” moniker refers to its particular features: excessive sleep, weight gain, mood improvement in response to positive events, heavy, immovable feelings in the limbs, and interpersonal rejection sensitivity. Atypical depression is considered to have a more chronic course, with worse outcomes overall, so the potential for a viable treatment with fewer side effects than current medications provides hope for an improved prognosis. Previous studies have shown evidence that curcumin could be an effective treatment for depression and found minimal side effects. This study adds to the literature by comparing several doses of curcumin as well as a curcumin/saffron combination treatment. A study published in Brain Research examined the effects of curcumin administration to laboratory rats after exposure to a chronic stress protocol. Researchers found that curcumin supplementation had a beneficial effect on reducing stress-related symptoms of depression. A study in Psychopharmacology showed curcumin increased serotonin production and had an antidepressant effect on laboratory mice exposed to several lab tests. In a six-week, randomized, single-blinded, placebo-controlled study in 60 MDD patients, supplemental curcumin (~880 mg/day of curcuminoids) alone yielded a similar response rate to the antidepressant, fluoxetine (a serotonin reuptake inhibitor [Prozac]; 20 mg/day) in terms of depressive symptoms. A 2009 review published in Scientific World Journal hypothesizes that curcumin from turmeric may provide benefits for depression by assisting with the regulation of brain neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin and inhibiting the monoamine oxidase enzyme, which plays a role in breaking down these neurotransmitters.  The neurotransmitters are also what Prozac treats, helping serotonin be used effectively by the brain.  Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a neuropsychiatric disorder associated with abnormal neurotransmission; it is primarily treated with drugs that improve the bioavailability of neurotransmitters like serotonin, noradrenaline, and dopamine in the brain. Characteristics of MDD also include alterations in the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis, increased neuroinflammation, defective neurogenesis, and neuronal death. A few clinical studies have examined the effect of curcumin alone or with conventional antidepressant drugs in MDD patients. A recent meta-analysis of six randomized controlled trials found that supplementation with curcumin significantly reduced depression symptoms. Moreover, in a randomized controlled study in 100 participants taking escitalopram (a serotonin reuptake inhibitor [Lexapro]; 5 to 15 mg/week), supplemental curcumin (1,000 mg/day) for six weeks increased the antidepressant effect of the medication. Curcumin also induced a reduction in plasma concentrations of inflammatory markers and an increase in plasma concentrations of brain-derived neurotrophic factor compared to placebo (antidepressant drug alone). A study involving 56 people with major depressive disorder revealed that 500 mg of curcumin taken twice a day for eight weeks could ease mood-related symptoms.  In a controlled trial, 60 people with depression were randomized into three groups. One group took Prozac, another group one gram of curcumin and the third group both Prozac and curcumin. After 6 weeks, curcumin had led to improvements that were similar to Prozac. The group that took both Prozac and curcumin fared best. According to this small study, curcumin is as effective as an antidepressant. Depression is also linked to reduced levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and a shrinking hippocampus, a brain area with a role in learning and memory. Curcumin boosts BDNF levels, potentially reversing some of these changes. There is also some evidence that curcumin can boost the brain neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine. A study published in the journal Acta Poloniae Pharmaceutica found that curcumin compared favorably to both drugs in reducing depressive behavior in an animal model. Depression and anxiety are different neurological disorders, but depressive patients often experience symptoms like anxiety disorder, such as irritability, nervousness, and problems in concentrating and sleeping. Depression and anxiety disorders have its own pathophysiology as well as behavioral and emotional symptoms. In a double blind, cross-over clinical trial, curcumin administration (1 g/day for 30 days) significantly reduced anxiety like behavior. Chronic curcumin administration (500 mg, twice daily for eight weeks) is associated with elevated urinary level of substance P and thromboxane B2 as compared to the placebo group. In addition, curcumin administration ameliorated the plasma endothelin-1 and leptin which is associated with greater reductions in IDS-SR30, a major depressive episode (Lopresti et al. 2015). In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, curcumin treatment (500 mg twice daily) for 4 to 8 week provides partial improvement in people with major depressive disorder (Lopresti et al. 2014). A recent meta-analysis data suggest that, curcumin supplementation appears to be efficacious, safe and well-tolerated anti-depressant and anxiolytic in patients (Ng et al. 2017). In animal study, curcumin treatment is reported to attenuate depressive phenotype during chronically stressed condition via several mechanisms viz., reduction in adrenal gland to body weight ratio, reduction in serum corticosterone level, reduction in adrenal cortex thickness as well as upregulation of BDNF and COX-2 expression and reduction in (pCREB/ CREB) levels in brain. Curcumin administration increased the level of synaptophysin and BDNF in amygdala alongside reduced depressive like behavior in chronically stressed rats (Zhang et al. 2014). Curcumin treatment is known to inhibit the release of glutamate in synaptosome and induce activation of GluN2B N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) subunits resulting in antidepressant like action (Zhang et al. 2013c; Lin et al.). Curcumin administration significantly reduced anxiety like effect in ovariectomized (Morrone et al. 2016) and stressed rats (Haider et al. 2015). The general mechanism of action of curcumin treatment includes, inhibition of brain monoamine oxidase (MAO)-A/ B activity, modulation of serotonin receptor, amelioration of brain dopamine, serotonin and noradrenaline levels, increase the neurotrophic factor, enhance neuronal growth, increase neuroprotection, reduce neuroinflammation, apoptosis and oxidative stress (Lopresti 2017; Choi et al. 2017).
How may Curcumin work as an antioxidant?
The chemical structure of curcumin gives it a powerful antioxidant capacity, which is 2.75 times that of vitamin C and 1.6 times that of vitamin E.  Curcumin can help the body rid itself of hydroxyl radicals, singlet oxygen, superoxide radicals, nitrogen dioxide, and NO. Curcumin pretreatment was proven to reduce ischemia-induced mutations in the heart (Dikshit et al.). The efficiency of curcumin on endothelial heme oxygenase-1 (inducible stress protein) employing bovine aortic endothelial cells was discovered in an in vitro investigation that resulted in increased cellular resistance to oxidative stress. Curcumin can also help Caenorhabditis elegans live longer by lowering intracellular ROS and lipofuscin levels during aging (Liao et al., 2011). Previous research into the potential of C. longa to sustain hippocampal cells of male Wistar rats from lead-induced damage and reduces lipid peroxidation caused by toxic heavy metals. Resveratrol and curcumin alleviate and synergistically repair oxidative stress to the tissues by enhancing antioxidant response through free radical scavenging (Al-Basher et al., 2020). In one of the earlier studies, the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant capability of curcumin was detected to be synergistically enhanced with quercetin, and a synergistic protective effect was also demonstrated in diazinon-induced rats (Abdel-Diam et al., 2019). The anti-inflammatory impact of berberine and curcumin may decrease oxidative stress, liver inflammation, and lipid metabolism (Feng et al., 2018), and the berberine combination also reduced inflammatory and oxidative stress responses in the cortex and hippocampus of rats (Lin et al., 2020). Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties are the two primary mechanisms that explain the majority of the effects of curcumin on the various conditions. The anti-oxidative action of curcumin is mediated through inhibition of stress-induced elevated levels of 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine and 8-nitroguanine, regulating the activity of mitochondrial respiratory complexes and upregulation of Nrf2 (nuclear factor erythroid-derived 2-related factor 2) that induces haemoxygenase-1 (HO-1) The anti-oxidant activity of curcumin is predominantly due to the hydroxyl group. Curcumin (5,10,20 and 30 µM) stimulates the expression of Nrf2 in a concentration- and time-dependent manner, which in turn increases HO-1 expression and HO-1 activity, which is a redox-sensitive inducible protein that protects from various forms of stress in cultured renal epithelial cells from rats. It stimulates ARE (antioxidant responsive elements) binding activity in NRK cells from rat kidney. Sreejayan et al. showed that curcumin at a dose of 25 µM reduced nitrite production from incubated solution of sodium nitroprusside in phosphate-buffered saline. The scavenging of nitric oxide (NO) by curcumin was concentration-dependent (50% at 20.4 and 100% at 50 µM). Curcumin was shown not to interact with nitrite detection assay or directly interact with nitrite. All forms of curcumin—demethoxy curcumin, bisdemethoxy curcumin and diacetyl curcumin—had NO scavenging property irrespective of the methoxy or the phenolic group.Curcumin has also been shown to improve systemic markers of oxidative stress. There is evidence that it can increase serum activities of antioxidants such as superoxide dismutase (SOD). A recent systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized control data related to the efficacy of supplementation with purified curcuminoids on oxidative stress parameters—indicated a significant effect of curcuminoids supplementation on all investigated parameters of oxidative stress including plasma activities of SOD and catalase, as well as serum concentrations of glutathione peroxidase (GSH) and lipid peroxides. It is noteworthy to point out that all of the studies included in the meta-analysis utilized some sort of formulation to overcome bioavailability challenges, and four out of the six used piperine. Curcumin’s effect on free radicals is carried out by several different mechanisms. It can scavenge different forms of free radicals, such as reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS and RNS, respectively); it can modulate the activity of GSH, catalase, and SOD enzymes active in the neutralization of free radicals; also, it can inhibit ROS-generating enzymes such as lipoxygenase/cyclooxygenase and xanthine hydrogenase/oxidase. In addition, curcumin is a lipophilic compound, which makes it an efficient scavenger of peroxyl radicals, therefore, like vitamin E, curcumin is also considered as a chain-breaking antioxidant. Curcumin can be served as a free radical scavenger in the body and also promotes the endogenous antioxidant glutathione (GSH) synthesis to protect cells or tissues from free radical injury. In vitro cell and animal experiments also show that curcumin can enhance the activity of superoxidase dismutase (SOD) and increase GSH levels in cells and serum as well. In preclinical studies and clinical trial, when the body organs or tissues become ischemia due to the temporary interruption of blood circulation, such as stroke, myocardial infarction, surgery, or transplantation, etc.. After restoring blood flow, those ischemic reperfusion tissues often produce excessive free radicals and cause oxidative stress and injury. Administration of curcumin can scavenge free radicals; thereby, reducing the damage of free radicals to tissue cells, which also reduces damage caused by excessive inflammation of tissues. Remarkably, investigating the role of natural substances such as curcumin or derivatives with high antioxidant potential that counteract oxidative stress seems to be an effective preventive measure against free radical-linked aging. Due to its chemical structure, curcumin has proved to be an excellent scavenger of ROS and reactive nitrogen species and is able to attenuate or prevent the exercise-induced oxidative stress and inflammation, by modulation of GSH, catalase, and SOD enzymes and inhibiting of ROS-generating enzymes such as lipoxygenase / cyclooxygenase and xanthine hydrogenase/oxidase. This has strengthened our conviction that curcumin is the golden nutraceutical with proven potential in preventing/delaying the onset of age-related diseases. Curcumin displays potent biological and pharmacological effects on renal health. Aging is an independent risk factor increasing the likelihood of developing cardiovascular diseases which is due primarily to the arteries remodeling and the development of vascular endothelial dysfunction. Another promising anti-aging potential of curcumin supplementation was shown in healthy middle-aged older men and postmenopausal women. Indeed, 12 weeks curcumin administration has improved resistance artery endothelial function by increasing NO bioavailability and reducing vascular oxidative stress. This suggests the critical role of curcumin to maintain health vascular endothelium with aging, a fundamental element in the prevention of atherosclerosis and arterial diseases. Another study provides additional support about the role of curcumin associated with aging in patients at risk of cardiovascular diseases through reducing serum LDL-cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Determining the long-term benefits of curcumin in patients with cardiovascular diseases or at risk to develop cardiovascular disorders seems like a promising research avenue. The accelerated aging induced by oxidative stress results in sex-specific differences in longevity and susceptibility to age-related neurodegeneration. In a previous research, curcumin was shown to prolong lifespan of fruit fly model (Drosophila melanogaster) through enhancing SOD activity. These findings were corroborated by other data where curcumin induced sex-specific in vivo responses to oxidative stress. This includes protection from hydrogen peroxide and alterations in behavior of Drosophila melanogaster. This may rely on gene expression and support the anti-aging role of curcumin in gender-dependent manner. Curcumin belongs to the class of hormetic agents that stabilize Nrf2 and enhance expression of HO-1. Curcumin triggers Nrf2 pathway, which has a pivotal role in activating antioxidant enzymes, such as thioredoxin reductase, Hsp70, sirtuins. Furthermore, another study finding reported that curcumin increased the activity of several antioxidant enzymes including protein thiol, non-protein thiol, GPx, and SOD in dogs fed with curcumin on day 30 compared with control dogs. In addition, curcumin consumption stimulated the antioxidant capacity in the serum of dogs and consequently reducing ROS levels. Curcumin improved animal health, with particular emphasis on the stimulation of the antioxidant system and evidence of an anti-inflammatory effect. This suggested that curcumin exerts beneficial effect on both growth, health and consequently slowing down aging. Curcumin supplementation accompanied with regular physical exercise could potentially slowing down aging and/or preventing oxidative stress-induced age-related functional and structural changes and the age-related disorders. Collectively, these findings reinforce the antioxidant potential of curcumin on organ health function in the context of aging. Further investigations are warranted to unravel the exact molecular targets and signaling pathways responsible for the antioxidant effects of curcumin in different human populations.
How may Curcumin work against retinal diseases such as uveitis, Diabetic retinopathy, and Age-related macular degeneration?

Effect of Curcumin on Uveitis | Curcumin administration attenuated the degenerative and inflammatory conditions associated with eye like uveitis.  Corticosteroids are normally used for treatment of uveitis. However, the adverse effects associated with these drugs limit their use. One study evaluated the efficacy of curcumin against chronic anterior uveitis. Curcumin was administered orally to patients with chronic anterior uveitis at a dose of 375 mg three times a day for 12 weeks.  All patients who received curcumin alone exhibited improvement, the group receiving anti-tubercular therapy along with curcumin had a response rate of 86%. Furthermore, follow-up of all patients for the next 3 years found recurrence rates of 55% for the first group and 36% for the second group.  The efficacy of curcumin on recurrences after treatment was comparable to that of corticosteroid therapy. Furthermore, lack of any adverse effects with curcumin was an advantage over corticosteroid therapy. Thus, the study demonstrated the therapeutic role of curcumin and its efficacy against recurrent anterior uveitis.
Effect of Curcumin on Diabetic Retinopathy | Retina, because of its high content of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), high oxygen and glucose uptake is, vulnerable to oxidative stress. Inflammation is another underlying factor in the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy . Oxidative stress leads to formation of ROS, which is hypothesized to cause the development of neuropathy, nephropathy, myocardial infarction and retinopathy. Autooxidation of glucose, shift in redox balance, decrease in the concentration of reduced glutathione (GSH–ROS scavenger), vitamin C, Beta carotene and vitamin E and impairment of antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase and catalase are considered as the possible sources of oxidative stress in diabetes. Retina of diabetic rats shows elevated superoxide and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) levels along with lipid peroxidation and oxidative damage to DNA because of ROS. The other pathways that lead to diabetic retinopathy are polyol pathway that depletes nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) essential for regeneration of GSH, advanced glycosylation end product (AGE) and its receptor RAGE that get deposited in the retinal capillary cells leading to more ROS and activation of NFKB and caspase-3-induced apoptosis and damage to cellular constituents, protein kinase C (PKC) pathway, which gets activated by increased ROS and diacylglycerol as a result of hyperglycaemia that increase vessel permeability and blood flow, stimulate neovascularization, endothelial proliferation and apoptosis by regulating the action of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β). ROS also activates hexosamine pathway by inhibiting glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), which further activates AGE pathway and the damage thereafter. ROS causes dysfunction of mitochondria, which leads to superoxide production and free radical damage and mutations in mitochondrial DNA that leads to mitochondrial DNA damage in retina in diabetes. Also, ROS-induced damage to mitochondria suppresses antioxidant-mediated effective scavenging of ROS. Exposure of pericytes and endothelial cells shows an increase in caspase-3 activity, oxidative stress and transcription factors that leads to capillary cell death. Photoreceptors, Muller cells, ganglion cells and astrocytes are affected and are involved in the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy.
Effect of Curcumin on Age-related Macular Degeneration | Curcumin protected against H2O2-induced cell death in a concentration of 10 µM when pre-treatment time was less than 8–12 h. Curcumin reduced and maintained intracellular ROS levels in age-related macular degeneration-RPE cells at varied concentrations (0.1, 1, 10 µM) for 12 h in H2O2-exposed cells. Treatment with curcumin showed increase of anti-oxidant genes HO-1, SOD2 (superoxide dismutase 2) and GPX1 (glutathione peroxidase 1) and reduces the expression of VEGF, PDGF (platelet-derived growth factor) and IGFBP 2 (insulin-like growth factor binding protein 2) using RTPCR in RPE-age-related macular degeneration cells. Pre-treatment with curcumin inhibited JNK pathway that involves a series of inflammatory pathways leading to cell death in RPE-age-related macular degenerationcells. Thus, curcumin may potentially be an ideal drug in restoring the function in age-related macular degeneration patient-derived RPE cells. Park et al. studied the protective effects of curcumin in A2E-accumulated ARPE-19 cells that were exposed to blue light to induce cytotoxicity. A2E and iso-A2E are main pigments of lipofuscin that accumulate in RPE and cause RPE cell death in age-related macular degeneration.
How may Curcumin work as an Anti-inflammatory?

Chronic inflammation may be the engine that drives many of the most feared illnesses of middle and old age. This concept suggests a new and possibly much simpler way of warding off disease. Instead of different treatments for, say, heart disease, Alzheimer's and colon cancer, there might be a single, inflammation-reducing remedy that would prevent all three. Curcumin activity for inflammation after giving oral administration was comparable to that of cortisone or phenylbutazone. Curcumin reduced inflammatory swelling, this effect resulted from inhibiting biosynthesis of inflammatory prostaglandins from arachidonic acid and neutrophil function during inflammatory states. A large number of studies have proved that curcumin has a variety of biological activities, among which anti-inflammatory effect is a significant feature of it. The physiological and pathological mechanisms of inflammatory bowel disease, psoriasis, atherosclerosis, COVID-19 and other research focus diseases are not clear yet, and they are considered to be related to inflammation. The anti-inflammatory effect of curcumin can effectively improve the symptoms of these diseases. The anti-inflammatory property of curcumin is by inhibition of TNF-dependent NFkB (tumour necrosis factor-dependent transcriptional nuclear factor kappa B) and pathways that produce reactive oxygen intermediates. Curcumin downregulates COX-2 (cyclooxygenase-2) that are predominantly seen at the sites of inflammation that mediate pain and inflammatory process. Curcumin is effective against inflammation and edema. Curcumin is acceptable at large doses (12 g/day) in humans, according to phase I clinical studies and has been shown to have medicinal potential against a variety of human ailments, particularly diabetes, cancer, arthritis, cardiovascular disease, Crohn’s disease, and neurological disease.  Curcumin was evaluated for its anti-inflammatory potential in a rat model for the treatment of osteoarthritis. Results suggested that curcumin significantly reduced the expression of cytokine levels in synovial fluid targeting the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway. The effect of curcumin on inflammatory indices was evaluated in a randomized control study. Results of the study indicated an outstanding reduction in inflammation through reduction in TNF-α, concluding that curcumin plays a key role in inflammation suppression in hepatic patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disorders. The findings of another study revealed that curcumin reduced the expression of IL-6, TNF-α, and the NF-κB signaling pathway and reduced the rate of cell apoptosis resulting in the healing of injured kidney cells. Apart from individual therapy, curcumin in combination therapy has shown significant anti-inflammatory action. In this regard, hyperlipidemia-induced inflammation was targeted by the combined delivery of curcumin and rutin in Wistar rats. Results of the study showed an increase in HDL and a decrease in triglyceride level after treatment with curcumin and rutin combined therapy. It is concluded that curcumin has potential in treating inflammation and can be used as a therapeutic medicament. Curcumin inhibits pro-inflammatory enzyme 5-LOX (5-lipoxygenase) that are involved in the biosynthesis of leukotrienes and lipid mediators of inflammation. It also downregulates inflammatory cytokines like TNF, IL-1 (interleukin-1), IL-6, IL-8, iNOS (inducible nitric oxide synthase) and interferon-ϒ. Curcumin at a dose of 360 mg/dose for 3–4 months in humans reduced clinical relapse in those with quiescent inflammatory bowel disease and decreased the use of concomitant medications. This inflammation theory explains how immune-system errors are linked to more illnesses. Medical researchers are becoming increasingly convinced that the most primitive part of the immune system (inflammation), may play a crucial role in some of the most devastating afflictions of modern humans, including heart disease, cancer, diabetes and possibly Alzheimer's. Study findings suggest that in the past, gene variants rose in frequency in the human population to help protect us against viruses, bacteria and other pathogens. But now in our modern world, the environment and exposure to pathogens has changed, and the genetic variants that were originally meant to protect us, now make an autoimmune reaction more likely. These results are consistent with the hygiene hypothesis in which our cleaner environment is thought to contribute to the increasing prevalence of inflammatory diseases.  While short-term inflammation in the body is a necessary component of a functioning system, helping to fight off pathogenic invasion and repairing tissue and muscle damage, chronic inflammation is widely attributed with almost every disease known to the Western world. This includes heart disease, cancer and a whole host of neurological disorders. Curcumin reduces inflammation by lowering histamine levels and by increasing the production of natural cortisone by the adrenal glands. Extensive research over the past 30 years has shown that curcumin plays an important role in the prevention and treatment of various pro-inflammatory chronic diseases including neurodegenerative, cardiovascular, pulmonary, metabolic, autoimmune and malignant diseases. Oral administration of curcumin in instances of acute inflammation was found to be as effective as cortisone or phenylbutazone, and half as effective in cases of chronic inflammation. Its anti-inflammatory properties may be attributed to its ability to inhibit both biosyntheis of inflammatory prostaglandins from arachidonic acid and neutrophil function during inflammatory states. Oxidative stress has been implicated in many chronic diseases, and its pathological processes are closely related to those of inflammation, in that one can be easily induced by another. In fact, it is known that inflammatory cells liberate a number of reactive species at the site of inflammation leading to oxidative stress, which demonstrates the relationship between oxidative stress and inflammation. In addition, a number of reactive oxygen/nitrogen species can initiate an intracellular signaling cascade that enhances pro-inflammatory gene expression. Inflammation has been identified in the development of many chronic diseases and conditions. These diseases include Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, cerebral injury, cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, cancer, allergy, asthma, bronchitis, colitis, arthritis, renal ischemia, psoriasis, diabetes, obesity, depression, fatigue, and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Clinical trials have also shown that curcumin can reduce inflammatory mediators. The regulatory effect of curcumin on immune cells is beneficial to its treatment of inflammatory diseases. Curcumin mainly acts on dendritic cells, T helper 17 cell, T regulatory cell. Curcumin inhibits Th17 differentiation, and regulate Treg/Th17 rebalance is by inhibit the IL‑23/Th17 pathway.29,30 Oxidative stress is closely related to inflammatory processes. Curcumin reduces ROS production due to its effect on nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase and increasing the activity of antioxidant enzymes, and is related to Nrf2-Keap1 pathway. Curcumin reduces inflammation through its antioxidant activity. Curcumin has significant anti-inflammatory effects, and a large number of preclinical or clinical researches have studied its effect on inflammatory diseases, among them, inflammatory bowel disease, arthritis, psoriasis, depression, atherosclerosis and COVID-19 are the focus of research hotspots. Current evidences suggest that curcumin is effective in reducing levels of inflammatory mediators, and that curcumin’s anti-inflammatory properties may have a beneficial effect on these diseases. Tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) is a major mediator of inflammation in most diseases, and this effect is regulated by the activation of a transcription factor, nuclear factor (NF)-κB. Whereas TNF-α is said to be the most potent NF-κB activator, the expression of TNF-α is also regulated by NF-κB. In addition to TNF-α, NF-κB is also activated by most inflammatory cytokines; gram-negative bacteria; various disease-causing viruses; environmental pollutants; chemical, physical, mechanical, and psychological stress; high glucose; fatty acids; ultraviolet radiation; cigarette smoke; and other disease-causing factors. Therefore, agents that downregulate NF-κB and NF-κB–regulated gene products have potential efficacy against several of these diseases. Curcumin has been shown to block NF-κB activation increased by several different inflammatory stimuli. Curcumin has also been shown to suppress inflammation through many different mechanisms beyond the scope of this review, thereby supporting its mechanism of action as a potential anti-inflammatory agent. The high concentrations of curcumin contained in turmeric act to target multiple steps in the inflammatory pathway, blocking inflammatory markers at the molecular level and thereby significantly lowering long-term inflammation in your body. Whether we are healing from an injury or an autoimmune disease, inflammation is a common health challenge. Nutritionists, functional medicine GP’s and physiotherapists commonly use curcumin for it’s anti-inflammatory qualities. And it’s no wonder considering six major scientific trials all found curcumin to possess a potent anti-inflammatory action, which is completely non-toxic in nature. Recent findings suggest dietary interventions, including curcumin supplementation, as a strategy to combat inflammaging. Interestingly, the age-modulatory properties and healthful effects of curcumin have been illustrated in different cellular and animal models, including C. elegans, Drosophila, and mice. As it was clearly discussed above, curcumin was found to extend both healthspan and lifespan, mainly blocking the most relevant proinflammatory pathway NF-kB. In addition to the well-documented evidence supporting the numerous biological properties of curcumin in inhibiting NF-κB signaling dependent inflammation. Indeed, curcumin was shown to modulate the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), which characterizes senescent cells and contributes to fuel the inflammaging. Interestingly, the short-term treatment of cells with low concentrations of curcumin decreased the level of secreted pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-8 in normal young cells. Moreover, lower doses of curcumin have increased the production of sirtuin, i.e., NAD-dependent deacetylases, and sirtuin 1 reduced inflammation by inhibiting NF-κB signaling. Curcumin inhibits and regulates tissue production and secretions of pro-inflammatory cytokine, such as interleukin-4 (IL-4) tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α). Conversely, curcumin can increase anti-inflammatory cytokine production, such as IL-10 and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (sCAM-1). In preclinical studies, curcumin can reduce the degree of inflammation of animal skin and prevent or reduce the respiratory tract inflammation caused by viral or bacterial infections. In clinical trials, the curcumin treatment improves pain symptoms caused by osteoarthritis and tissue inflammation and delays the degradation of articular cartilage, which improves the mobility and quality of life in patient. Furthermore, curcumin also recovers the effect of nicotine, acetylcholine, serotonin, barium chloride, and histamine on the reduction of intestinal peristalsis. It is believed that curcumin exerts its effect in dose-dependent and cell-context manner on the protein activity involved SASP. Particularly, increasing evidence suggests that repeated stimulation of innate immune responses over time results in the development of inflammaging. In these settings, both an increased burden of senescent cells during aging and a hyper-stimulation of macrophages over time can play key roles of inflammaging process. Recent reports of randomized controlled trials conducted from 2008–2020 have demonstrated that curcumin was able not only to modulate the antioxidant status but also restore quantity, quality, and functional-metabolic status of immune cells. This lends support to other data showing partial anti-inflammatory, immunotropic and antioxidant activity of turmeric extract in vitro and in vivo. Further implication of curcumin in modulating aging-related inflammation through lowering CRP level in dose-dependent manner in rats’ model was reported. Moreover, MDA and NO levels were increased significantly in animals fed with curcumin. This has strengthened our belief that curcumin slows down the aging process by suppressing age-related inflammatory indices. A study evaluating several pharmaceutical anti-inflammatories found that aspirin and ibuprofen are the least potent, while curcumin is among the most potent anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative agents available. Inflammation is thought to be one of the major factors in all kinds of diseases, and turmeric contains loads of curcumin, a powerful anti-inflammatory substance. It's been shown to alleviate joint pain, and can even help with heartburn and indigestion. Researchers are also looking at curcumin for its anti-aging properties. Turmeric is safe and non-toxic and has been studied for anti-inflammatory properties, inhibiting various molecules that contribute to inflammation such as lipooxygenase, COX-2, leukotrienes, prostaglandins, nitric oxide, interferon-inducible protein, tumor necrosis factor (TNF), and interleukin-12 (IL-12).  One study compared the effectiveness of Curcumin – the active ingredient in turmeric – and a popular non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) called phenylbutazone. At the end of the six days, those taking the Curcumin and the NSAID enjoyed a significantly better anti-inflammatory response than placebo. Curcumin in inflamed organs (liver, lung, brain and kidneys) reduces the expression levels of NLRP3, IL‐1β, IL‐18 and caspase‐1 and inhibits the inflammasome. Curcumin activated Nrf2 and inhibited NF‐kB. In the liver, curcumin directly targets 3'UTR‐rTXNIP with the help of miR200a and inhibits NLRP3 inflammasome. Curcumin reduces the severity of neurotoxicity by inhibiting the formation of TXNIP/NLRP3 complex associated with ER stress through the regulation of AMPK. Curcumin in LPS‐stimulated mouse macrophages inhibits the activity of NLRP3 inflammasome by inhibiting potassium excretion, mitochondrial instability, ASC oligomerization and speckle formation. In addition to the above, ROS, autophagy, Sirtuin‐2 and acetylated alpha‐tubulin are the targets used by curcumin in inhibiting the inflammasome. In the lungs, curcumin effectively prevented the increasing Notch1. In addition to inflammasome components, curcumin effectively inhibits TLR4 and MyD88 expression and IBB phosphorylation. Curcumin has a regulatory effect on several molecules in the intracellular signal transduction pathways involved in inflammation.

According to Sandur et al. (2007), curcumin, demethoxycurcumin, and bisdemethoxycurcumin are the active compounds in C. longa that inhibit TNF-induced NF-κB activation. Researchers discovered that curcumin has anti-inflammatory properties by inhibiting the pro-inflammatory transcription factor (NF-κB). Curcumin also inhibits the binding of activator protein 1 (AP-1) binding factors, but the Sp1 binding factor remained unaffected. Curcumin inhibits the activation of NF-κB by phorbol ester and hydrogen peroxide, in addition to TNF-α. Furthermore, curcumin suppresses the NF-κB activation pathway after the convergence of multiple stimuli but before human I kappa B alpha phosphorylation.  Curcumin is equally efficacious as cortisone or phenylbutazone when given orally in acute inflammation. Curcumin’s therapeutic effect in sepsis appears to be achieved by activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ), which leads to inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokine along with expression and release of TNF-α (Jacob et al., 2008).  Majority of the benefits seemed to be due to the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of curcumin, while the quercetin in the molecule was negligible. Interestingly, anti-inflammatory effects of curcumin have been shown to encompass the inhibition of MCP-1. Other anti-inflammatory effects involved the downregulation of inflammatory mediators such as COX-2 activity, lipoxygenase, iNOS, MAPK, JAK and inhibition of TNF-α production, IL-1, -2, -6, -8, and -12, macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF). A recent study has shown that curcumin not only stimulated the antioxidant system and reduced oxidative reactions in dogs but also reduced leukocyte counts, which suggests mild anti-inflammatory effects achieved in dogs fed with at a dose of 30 mg of curcumin/dog/day, These substantiate previous findings, where it was observed that nursing lambs fed with curcumin had lower total leukocytes, neutrophils, and lymphocytes. A similar effect was reported in rats treated with 50 and 400 mg/kg curcumin, indicating a remarkable improving effect on health and the immune response. This points toward the importance of curcumin in reversing the inflammatory responses and enhancing the immune system performance, both playing a critical role in ameliorating health and consequently slowing down aging (see Figure 2).Curcumin has also been shown to inhibit mediators of the inflammatory response, including cytokines, chemokines, adhesion molecules, growth factors, and enzymes like cyclooxygenase (COX), lipoxygenase (LOX), and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). Nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) is a transcription factor that binds DNA and induces the transcription of the COX-2 gene, other pro-inflammatory genes, and genes involved in cell proliferation, adhesion, survival, and differentiation. The anti-inflammatory effects of curcumin result from its ability to inhibit the NF-κB pathway, as well as other pro-inflammatory pathways like the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)- and the Janus kinase (JAK)/Signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)-dependent signaling pathways. Inhibition of dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis by curcumin in mice has been associated with a downregulation of the expression of p38-MAPK and pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-α and a reduction of myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, a marker of neutrophil infiltration in intestinal mucosa. Curcumin has also been shown to improve colitis by preventing STAT3 activation and STAT3-dependent induction of cell proliferation in mouse colon. Moreover, curcumin was shown to attenuate the immune response triggered by collagen injections in a mouse model of rheumatoid arthritis, partly by blocking the proliferation of T lymphocytes in mouse splenocytes. In addition, curcumin has been found to reduce the secretion of TNF-α and IL-1β and the production of COX-2-induced prostaglandin G2. In one study, curcumin inhibited the secretion of matrix metalloproteins (MMPs) — responsible for the degradation of the synovial joints — in human fibroblast-like synoviocytes and in human articular chondrocytes. Curcumin has also been found to alleviate neuro-inflammation in a mouse model of traumatic brain injury, reducing macrophage and microglial activation and increasing neuronal survival. A placebo-controlled trial in 40 men who had surgery to repair an inguinal hernia or hydrocele found that oral curcumin supplementation (1.2 g/day) for five days was more effective than placebo in reducing post-surgical edema, tenderness and pain, and was comparable to phenylbutazone therapy (300 mg/day). Scientists now believe that chronic, low-level inflammation plays a major role in almost every chronic, Western disease. This includes heart disease, cancer, metabolic syndrome, Alzheimer's and various degenerative conditions. Therefore, anything that can help fight chronic inflammation is of potential importance in preventing and even treating these diseases. Curcumin is strongly anti-inflammatory. In fact, it’s so powerful that it matches the effectiveness of some anti-inflammatory drugs, without the side effects. It blocks NF-kB, a molecule that travels into the nuclei of your cells and turns on genes related to inflammation. NF-kB is believed to play a major role in many chronic diseases. The key takeaway is that curcumin is a bioactive substance that fights inflammation at the molecular level.  A 1999 study published in the journal Phytotherapy Research found that the primary polyphenol in turmeric, the saffron colored pigment known as curcumin, compared favorably to steroids in the management of chronic anterior uveitis, an inflammatory eye disease. A 2008 study published in Critical Care Medicine found that curcumin compared favorably to the corticosteroid drug dexamethasone in the animal model as an alternative therapy for protecting lung transplantation-associated injury by down-regulating inflammatory genes. An earlier 2003 study published in Cancer Letters found the same drug also compared favorably to dexamethasone in a lung ischaemia-repurfusion injury model. A 2004 study published in the journal Oncogene found that curcumin (as well as resveratrol) were effective alternatives to the drugs aspirin, ibuprofen, sulindac, phenylbutazone, naproxen, indomethacin, diclofenac, dexamethasone, celecoxib, and tamoxifen in exerting anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative activity against tumor cells. Curcumin down‐regulates the expression of inflammatory enzymes, such as COX2 and iNOS, inhibits the expression of the 5‐LOX pro‐inflammatory enzyme and chemokines and reduces the expression of CRP and inflammatory cytokines of TNF‐α, IL‐6 and IL‐8. Oral curcumin supplementation may potentially play a role in inhibiting the COVID‐19 inflammation along with other drug regimens by affecting these pathways and molecules and due to applying anti‐inflammatory, antioxidant and anti‐apoptotic properties without specific side effects. The spice worked as well as the drug, but without the negative side effects. Because of the crucial role of inflammation in most chronic diseases, the potential of Curcumin has been examined in neoplastic, neurological, cardiovascular, pulmonary and metabolic diseases. The pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of Curcumin have been examined in animals and in humans.  Clinically, chronic curcumin administration (375 mg, t.i.d., p.o., for 6–22 months) reduced the symptoms associated with idiopathic inflammatory orbital pseudo-tumors in patients (Lal et al. 2000). In a study of curcumin’s anti-inflammatory properties, Satoskar et al.  evaluated the effects of this polyphenol on spermatic cord edema and tenderness in 46 men (15–68 years old) who had just undergone surgical repair of an inguinal hernia and/or hydrocele. After surgery, patients were randomly assigned to receive curcumin (400 mg), placebo (250 mg lactose powder), or phenylbutazone (100 mg) three times a day for 6 days. Curcumin proved to be superior by reducing all four measures of inflammation. Curcumin binds to Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and regulates downstream nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB), Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK), Activator Protein 1(AP-1) and other signaling pathways. Curcumin can down-regulate NF-κB through acting on Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ). Curcumin can also play anti-inflammatory effects by regulating The Janus kinase/Signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT) inflammatory signaling pathway. Curcumin could directly restrain the assembly of NLRP3 inflammasome, or inhibits the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome by inhibition of NF-κB pathway, which may be one of the mechanisms of curcumin for the treatment of inflammatory diseases. In the studies of inflammatory cells and animals, curcumin decreased levels of pro-inflammatory mediators such as Interleukin-1, Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), Inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), NO, Regulated upon activation normal T cell expressed and secreted factor(RANTES), Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G‐CSF), and Monocyte chemotactic protein‐1 (MCP-1).
How may Curcumin work against CARDIOVASCULAR HEART Disease like coronary atherosclerosis, hypertension, stroke, elevated ldl cholesterol and triglyceride levels?
Effect of Curcumin on Cholesterol and Triglyceride Levels | Curcumin's protective effects on the cardiovascular system include lowering cholesterol and triglyceride levels, decreasing susceptibility of low density lipoprotein (LDL) to lipid peroxidation, and inhibiting platelet aggregation. In clinical researches, curcumin is demonstrated to have the antihypertensive effects while lowering blood pressure it can also increase myocardial trophic blood flow. Curcumin increases VLDL cholesterol trans-protein plasma, causing increased levels and mobilization of α-tocopherol from adipose tissue that protects against oxidative stress that occurs during atherosclerosis. It was suggested that oral intake of 500 mg/day curcumin for a week leads to a significant reduction in serum lipid peroxide (33%) and total serum cholesterol (12%) levels while increasing HDL cholesterol (29%). One study evaluated the effects of curcumin in reducing the serum levels of cholesterol and lipid peroxides in ten healthy human volunteers. Curcumin (at 0.5 g/day) administered to the volunteers for 7 days reduced serum lipid peroxides by 33% and total serum cholesterol levels by 11.63%, and increased HDL cholesterol by 29%. Because of these properties, curcumin was suggested to act as a chemopreventive agent against atherosclerosis. Curcumin can reduce the viscosity of blood and thrombosis formation via hindering the synthesis of thromboxane A2 (TXA2) and regulating calcium signals to prevent platelet activation and aggregation. Curcumin may affect bleeding during menstruation and in repair of the endometrium, because it can inhibit platelet aggregation. Therefore, it is not proper to use during menstruation as it may cause excessive menstrual blood volume and prolonged menstruation. In addition, curcumin can inhibit the activation of NF-κB, AKT, and ERK to protect and activate vascular endothelial cell from incapacitation, which reduces arterial sclerosis, thrombosis, and abnormal blood pressure. Clinical studies have shown that curcumin reduces the recurrence rate in patients with coronary artery obstruction disease and who have had installed vascular stents within coronary artery.  Turmeric extract demonstrated decreased susceptibility of LDL to lipid peroxidation in addition to lower plasma cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Higher doses decreased lipid peroxidation of cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Curcumin's effect on cholesterol levels may be due to decreased cholesterol uptake in the intestines and increase conversion of cholesterol to bile acids in the liver. Curcumin may help reverse many steps in the heart disease process. Perhaps the main benefit of curcumin when it comes to heart disease is improving the function of the endothelium, which is the lining of your blood vessels. It’s well known that endothelial dysfunction is a major driver of heart disease and involves an inability of your endothelium to regulate blood pressure, blood clotting and various other factors. Several studies suggest that curcumin leads to improvements in endothelial function. One study found that it’s as effective as exercise while another shows that it works as well as the drug Atorvastatin. In addition, curcumin reduces inflammation and oxidation (as discussed above), which play a role in heart disease as well. One study randomly assigned 121 people, who were undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery, either a placebo or 4 grams of curcumin per day, a few days before and after the surgery. The curcumin group had a 65% decreased risk of experiencing a heart attack in the hospital. A study in Nutrition Research in 2012, postmenopausal women who took curcumin for eight weeks had an improvement in arterial function, comparable to that seen in women who engaged in aerobic exercise. Another study in Phytotherapy Research in 2013 found that curcumin reduced triglycerides, while a study in 2014 found that curcumin significantly reduced LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and triglycerides in people with metabolic syndrome. Curcumin also helps the endothelium (the lining of blood vessels) to function at its optimum level, similar to the effect found during intense exercise.
Effect of Curcumin on Hypertension |  Hypertension is a condition in which the pressure on blood vessels is greater than the normal pressure. A clinical study demonstrated that turmeric (standardized to 22.1 mg of active curcumin) supplementation (3 capsules daily for three months) attenuated hematuria, proteinuria and systolic blood pressure associated with refractory or relapsing nephritis in patients without any adverse events (Khajehdehi et al. 2012). In animal study, curcumin administration downregulated the expression angiotensin I receptor in vascular smooth muscle cells. In addition, curcumin reduced angiotensin II-induced high blood pressure in C57Bl/6J mice associated with downregulated expression of angiotensin I receptor and decreased vasoconstriction in the mesenteric artery (Yao et al. 2016). Further, curcumin administration upregulated eNOS expression, decreased superoxide enzyme level and downregulated p47phox NADPH oxidase expression in vascular tissues, which is known to be responsible for 2kidney-1clip induced hypertension in rats (Boonla et al. 2014). In another study, curcumin treatment increased the expression of eNOS, decreased oxidative stress, restored glutathione redox ratio in aortic tissues along with decrease in plasma protein carbonyls, MDA and urinary nitrate/ nitrite levels in cadmium intoxicated mice resulting in anti- hypertensive effect (Kukongviriyapan et al. 2014). In conclusion, curcumin supplementation effectively reduce hypertension via blocking angiotensin I receptor, reducing circulating angiotensin-converting enzyme, inducing vasodilation and mediating nephroprotection. Stroke, sometimes called a “brain attack”, occurs when blood circulation to a part of the brain is blocked or ruptured. In animal studies, curcumin pre- and post-treatment significantly improved CAT, glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and SOD, while reduced TNF-a, IL-6, MDA and xanthine dehydrogenase levels in forebrain tissue. In addition, curcumin treatment significantly reduced apoptotic index induced by bilateral common carotid artery occlusion/reperfusion in rats (Altinay et al. 2017), increased the numbers of BrdU-positive cells, BrdU/doublecortin-positive cells, activated notch signaling pathway and stimulated neurogenesis during stroke (Liu et al. 2016). Curcumin pretreatment (200 mg/kg, i.p., for 7 days) significantly decreased MDA, NO, TNF-a, IL-1b, caspase-3, while increased SOD and GPx levels in the spinal cord of ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats. Further, curcumin administration reduced oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis in spinal cord as well as reversed locomotor deficit in rats (Gokce et al. 2016). Curcumin administration upregulated eukaryotic initiation factor 4 A, adenosylhomocysteinase, isocitrate dehydrogenase, ubiquitin carboxyterminal hydrolase L1, while downregulated pyridoxal phosphate phosphatase expressions in the cerebral cortex of rat (Shah et al. 2016a). Curcumin treatment (50 mg/kg, i.p., for five days) downregulated TNF-a, IL-6, Ac-p53 and Bax, while upregulated Bcl-2 and SIRT1 expression in brain. In addition, curcumin increased mitochondrial cytochrome clevels, mitochondrial complex I activity, mitochondrial membrane potential, while decreased cytosolic cytochrome clevels in brain resulting in reversal of mitochondrial dysfunction in transient middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion stroke model of rat (Miao et al. 2016).
Effect of Curcumin on Atherosclerosis | Curcumin has an anti-atherosclerosis effect, possibly through its anti-inflammatory properties.  Anti-hypercholesterolemic, anti-atherosclerotic (Gao et al., 2019), and protective capabilities against cardiac ischemia and reperfusion (Wang et al., 2018) of curcumin have been proven in preclinical and clinical trials. Curcumin has anti-CVD potential by improving the lipid profile of patients, and it might be administered alone or as a dietary supplement to traditional CV medicines (Qin et al., 2017). Curcumin is also seen in many studies to protect against coronary heart disease (Li H. et al., 2020) and also possesses anticoagulant properties. Curcumin limits the risk of lipid peroxidation, which triggers inflammatory responses that may lead to cardiovascular disease (CVD) and atherosclerosis, due to its ability to scavenge reactive oxygen forms. Moreover, curcumin and statins influence the same mediators of plasma lipid changes. Experimental studies on atherosclerosis concluded that the positive effects of curcumin on atherosclerosis were associated with the dose of curcumin. Additionally, curcumin has the ability to prevent endothelial dysfunction and smooth muscle cell proliferation and migration. These properties of curcumin are responsible for skewing macrophage polarization from M1 to M2, regulating TLR4/MAPK/NF-κB pathways in macrophages (which induce M2 polarization) and secreting interleukins (IL-4 and/or IL-13). Moreover, curcumin may indirectly maintain cell homeostasis by regulating the expression and activity of lipid transporter, which is responsible for cholesterol uptake and efflux. Zhou et al. suggested that curcumin could be used as a therapeutic supplement in atherosclerosis due to its ability to modulate macrophage polarization through the inhibition of the toll-like receptor (TL4)-mediated signaling pathway. This indicates that curcumin is related to anti-inflammatory and atheroprotective effects. Zhang et al. investigated the potential suppression of atherosclerosis development by curcumin in ApoE-knockout mice by inhibiting TLR4 expression in an animal model. Mice were fed a high-fat diet supplemented with curcumin for 16 weeks and compared to a control group (without curcumin supplementation). The results indicated that, in vitro, curcumin at least partially inhibited TLR4 expression, inhibited NF-κB activation in macrophages, and, indeed, influenced the inflammatory reaction. The causal role of curcumin in inhibiting TLR4 expression was also demonstrated by Meng et al. [46], who indicated that its mechanism may be related to the blocking of NADPH-mediated intra-cellular ROS production. Comprehensively, the treatment of atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular diseases with curcumin was shown to be effective in many studies. Curcumin reduces the activation of M1 macrophages. Curcumin regulates the polarization and plasticity of macrophages by affecting TLR4/MAPK/NF-κB pathway, which is beneficial to reduce atherosclerosis. In ApoE−/− mice fed a high-fat diet supplemented with 0.1% curcumin significantly decreased TLR4 expression in atherosclerotic plaques and reduced the development of atherosclerosis. In addition, curcumin supplementation can inhibit the activation of NF-κB in aorta and the levels of IL-1β and TNF-α in aorta and serum.122 Activation of the NF-κB pathway leads to activation of NLRP3 inflammasome. Inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome improves atherosclerotic lesions in ApoE−/− rats,123 and anti-inflammatory therapy targeting IL-1β reduces the recurrence rate of cardiovascular events. Curcumin can inhibit NF-κB-mediated NLRP3 expression, thereby inhibiting vascular smooth muscle cell migration, and alleviating hypertension, vascular inflammation and vascular remodeling in spontaneously hypertensive rats, which is beneficial to cardiovascular diseases including atherosclerosis.125 In ApoE−/− mice, atorvastatin calcium and curcumin synergistically inhibited adhesion molecules and plasma lipid levels, reducing foam cell formation and inflammatory cytokines secretion by blocking monocyte migration to the intima. Curcumin has significant efficacy in the treatment of atherosclerosis in animal models. Clinical evidence in non-atherosclerotic populations suggests that curcumin can reduce lipid levels and inflammatory responses, as it did in a mouse model. A meta-analysis of 20 randomized controlled trials with 1427 participants suggested a significant decrease in plasma concentrations of triglycerides and an elevation in plasma high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels.   In another randomized controlled trial, administration of curcumin for 6 months increased the level of adiponectin in serum, decreased pulse wave velocity and reduced the level of leptin, uric acid, triglyceride, total body fat, visceral fat and insulin resistance alongside lowered the atherogenic risks in type 2 diabetic population (Chuengsamarn et al. 2014). In animal study, curcumin administration reported to possess anti-atherosclerotic activity by downregulating the expression of lipocalin-2 in apolipoprotein E knockout mice (Wan et al. 2016). Curcumin supplementation downregulated monocyte chemotactic protein-1, P-selectin, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, intracellular adhesion molecule-1 and MMP (1, 2 and 9) expressions, exerting anti-atherosclerotic activity. It oxidized LDL and lowered lipid levels in the serum of hypercholesterolemic rabbits (Um et al. 2014). Another mechanistic study revealed that curcumin supplementation suppresses the expression of CD36 and aP2 in macrophages of atherosclerotic mice (Hasan et al. 2014). In murine macrophage line RAW264.7, curcumin reduced ox-LDL- induced TNF-a, IL-1b, IL-6 production and apoptosis along with upregulation of ATP-binding cassette transporter (ABCA1) and CD36 expressions, thereby inducing lipid disposal and removal. Studies have shown that endothelial dysfunction is a common cause of heart disease, occurring when the endothelium is no longer able to regulate blood pressure, clotting and a number of other factors. Therefore, by improving endothelial function, curcumin lowers your risk of heart disease. In addition to helping out the endothelium, curcumin also reduces inflammation and oxidative damage, two factors that are also common contributors to heart disease. One study on 121 people—all of whom were undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery—found that the group taking 4 grams of curcumin for a few days before and after the surgery were much less likely to experience a heart attack. Other studies have revealed that the anti-inflammatory action of turmeric helps prevent artery disease. Valdez points out that recent studies suggest curcumin can protect the heart from ischemia—an inadequate blood supply to an organ or part of the body, particularly the muscles within the heart. A study published in the journal Drugs in R & D found that a standardized preparation of curcuminoids from Turmeric compared favorably to the drug atorvastatin (trade name Lipitor) on endothelial dysfunction, the underlying pathology of the blood vessels that drives atherosclerosis, in association with reductions in inflammation and oxidative stress in type 2 diabetic patients. Curcumin capsules were found to enhance the functioning of endothelium lining in the heart’s blood vessels. Any abnormality in the endothelial functioning can cause blood pressure or cause blood clotting. This dysregulation then leads to heart disease. Recent research literature on Curcumin supplement intake suggest its treatment potential on par with the drug Atorvastatin or regular moderate exercise. Moreover, the already proven benefits of Curcumin/Turmeric in terms of their anti-inflammation and anti-oxidation properties has a benign influence on the heart as well. Even coronary artery bypass surgery patients were found to have a significant decreased risk of suffering a relapse heart attack upon starting a Curcumin capsule regimen. curcumin administration (4 g/day beginning from 3 days before the surgery and continued up to 5 days after surgery) significantly attenuated myocardial infarction associated with coronary artery bypass grafting via antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects (Wongcharoen et al. 2012). In animal study, curcumin sup- plementation (10, 20 or 30 mg/kg) significantly reduced oxidative stress, apoptosis and infract size via stimulating janus kinase 2/signal transducer and activator 3 of transcription (JAK2/STAT3) signaling pathway thus protects myocardium in ischemia reperfusion rats (Liu et al. 2017). In another study, curcumin administration (150 mg/kg) downregulated the NF-jB expression, upregulated PPAR-cand Bcl-2 expression, thereby attenuated apoptosis and inflammation in rats with myocardial infarction injury (Lv et al. 2016). Curcumin is reported to protect hypoxia-induced cardiomyocytes apoptosis via downregulation of specific protein 1 (SP1) and upregulation of miR-7a/b expression in mice (Geng et al. 2016). It is known to reduce fibrosis by activating cardiac NAD-dependent deacetylase sirtuin (SIRT)-1 expression during myocardial infarction in mice (Xiao et al. 2016). Curcumin treatment inhibited the activity of MMPs, reduced MDA level, restored extracellular matrix degradation and decreased deposition of collagen in ischemic/ reperfused myocardium of rats. In addition, curcumin supplementation downregulated phospho-Smad2/3 and TGFb1 expression while upregulated mothers against decapentaplegic homolog 7 expression in the infarcted myocardium, which might prove to be effective for the management of heart attack (Wang et al. 2012). In in vitro study, curcumin attenuated apoptosis and induce autophagy by upregulating Bcl-2 and downregulating the expression levels of beclin-1, Bax, SIRT1 and Bcl2/adenovirus E1B 19 kDa protein-interacting protein 3 (BNIP3) in hypoxia reoxygenation-induced H9c2 myocytes (Huang et al. 2015b). These findings revealed that curcumin reverses myocardial infarction and heart attack via its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic properties.
How may Curcumin work against kidney disease?
Kidney disease is a condition in which the kidneys lose the ability to balance fluids and eliminate waste. In animal model, curcumin treatment significantly reduced plasma MPO activity, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) level, superoxide anion generation while increased GSH levels in rat ischemia reperfusion model of acute kidney injury. In addition, curcumin reduced plasma potassium level, plasma uric acid level, microproteinuria and blood urea nitrogen along with induced NMDA receptor antagonism during acute kidney injury resulting in nephroprotective effect (Kaur et al. 2016). Curcumin administration (200 mg/ kg, p.o.) significantly reduced the level of MPO, IL-1b, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-a, MDA and caspase-3 resulting in protective effect against cisplatin induced renal dysfunction in male Wistar albino rats (Topcu-Tarladacalisir, Sapmaz-Metin, and Karaca 2016). Curcumin administration downregulated the expression of NAD(P)H oxidase subunits (p22phox, p47phox and p67phox), cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) and nitrotyrosine renal protein. In addition, curcumin decreased inflammatory cytokine like IFNc, IL-1band TNF- a. Besides, the expression of glucose regulated protein 78, MAPKs, p-ERK1/2, p-JNK and C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) were downregulated. In the same study, curcumin administration reduced apoptosis signaling proteins (cleaved caspase-12 and cleaved caspase-3) in low-dose streptozotocin with high-fat diet induced nonalcoholic steatohepatitis kidney disease in mice (Afrin et al. 2017). Curcumin ameliorated kidney function via reducing plasma adiponectin, plasma sclerostin, plasma cystatin C while increasing renal CAT, SOD, Nrf2, GSH in adenine induced chronic kidney Figure 4. Modulation of growth factor pathways and intracellular signaling components by curcumin in its anticancer effects. Curcumin treatment blocked the effect of Shh-Gli1, Wnt/b-catenin, ATKs and AR pathways as well as its downstream signaling components which lead to reduce cancer incidence, cancer progression, treatment resistance and disease relapse (Ali et al. 2018). Moreover, curcumin administration reduced renal mesangial matrix expansion, reduced renal hypertrophy, downregulated fibronectin and collagen IV expressions, decreased the levels of NLRP3 protein, cleaved caspase-1 and IL-1bin the renal cortices of db/db mice (Lu et al. 2017). Curcumin treatment reduced fibrosis of kidney by decreasing the methylation of CpG in the klotho promoter, resulting in induction of klotho expression and inhibition of TGF-bsignaling in cyclosporine A induced mouse model of kidney disease (Hu et al. 2016). In earlier study, curcumin administration reduced superoxide production, nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase 4 level, carbonylation of protein, nitrotyrosine -protein level, autophagy and mitochondrial fission while increased GSH/ GSSG ratio which leads to reversal of nephrotoxicity induced by maleate treatment in rats (Molina-Jij on et al. 2016). Experimental data have conclusively proved that, curcumin treatment reduces fibronectin and collagen IV expressions, suppresses TGF-bsignaling and exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic potential thereby ameliorating kidney functions.
How may Curcumin work against skin disorders such as Psoriasis and Dermatitis?
Curcumin has anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative and immunomodulatory effects, and can inhibit T cell activation, proliferation and production of pro-inflammatory factors by acting on MAPKs, AP-1, NF-κB pathways.  In peripheral blood mononuclear cells of psoriasis stimulated in vitro, curcumin can effectively inhibit T cell proliferation, proinflammatory cytokines and multifunction, and inhibit T cell production of IFN-γ, IL-17, Granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) and IL-22. Curcumin down-regulation pro-inflammatory cytokines then inhibits the proliferation of imiquimod-induced differentiated HaCaT cells. Vascular endothelial growth factor transgenic mice can be used as a model to study psoriasis. Because in the transgenic rat model of keratin (K) 14-VEGF, the inflammatory skin condition has psoriasis-like cellular and molecular characteristics, including characteristic vascular changes and epidermal changes. Cytokine levels of TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-12, IL-22 and IL-23 were reduced to normal level after curcumin treatment. This may be due to the curcumin inhibits currents of Kv1.3 channel and thus inhibits proliferation of T cells, or curcumin influence MAPKs, AP-1 and NF-κB signaling pathways in the psoriasis mice. Furthermore, research shows that curcumin is capable of relieving TPA-induced inflammation by directly down-regulating IFN-γ production. In an imiquimod-induced psoriasis model,  curcumin could alleviate inflammation symptoms; lower TNF-α, IL-17A, IL-17F, IL-22, and IL-1β mRNA levels; and lower CC Chemokine receptor 6(CCR6) protein expression.  Curcumin has a variety of mechanisms for psoriasis, curcumin can keep dendritic cells in immaturity, to accelerate the anti-inflammatory macrophage phenotype polarization, inhibiting proinflammatory factor and T cell, restrain the vascular endothelial growth factor, effect on psoriasis susceptibility genes, and so on, has great potential. Curcumin is derived from natural plant ingredients, which has good safety and can be used for a long time without causing serious toxic and side effects.  Considerable evidence, both in animals and humans, indicates that curcumin may be effective against psoriasis. One study investigated whether the anti-psoriatic activity of curcumin in patients is due to suppression of PhK activity. The authors of this study concluded that drug-induced suppression of PhK activity is associated with resolution of psoriatic activity and that the anti-psoriatic activity of curcumin may be achieved through modulation of PhK activity was also found to reduce wound-healing time, increase collagen growth and increase blood flow to the skin. Curcumin effectively reduced the level of phosphorylase kinase in the skin of psoriatic subjects. In addition, the effectiveness of curcumin to reduce phosphorylase kinase level was more pronounced than calcipotriol (Thangapazham, Sharma, and Maheshwari 2007). Clinically, oral curcumin administration (20 mg, p.o., b.i.d.) reduced the level of serum IL-22 and alleviated psoriasis vulgaris (Antiga et al. 2015). In animal study, curcumin administration (40 mg/kg, for 20 day) exhibited significant reduction in ear thickness, ear weight, ear redness and lymph node weight in the keratin 14-VEGF transgenic mouse model of psoriasis. Furthermore, curcumin treatment downregulated the serum levels of IL-2, IL-12, IL-22, IL-23, IFN-cand TNF-ain psoriatic mice. Curcumin administration inhibited Kv1.3 channel and suppressed the cytokines expression and T cells proliferation resulting in reduction of psoriasis phenotype (Kang et al. 2016). Curcumin treatment decreased incrassation and skin inflammation in mouse ear induced by imiquimod. Curcumin application promoted epidermal TCR cd-cell proliferation and downregulated C-C chemokine receptor type 6 expression in the ear skin of imiquimod-induced psoriasis (Sun, Zhao, and Hu 2013). Curcumin reduces psoriasis-associated inflammation as well as hyper- proliferation of keratinocyte that suggest its role in development of antipsoriatic drug (Aggarwal, Surh, and Shishodia 2007). This study on curcumin and skin found it is highly beneficial for scleroderma, psoriasis and skin cancer.  Dermatitis, also called as eczema, is a group of disease that describes the inflammation of skin. The polyphenol curcumin has been traditionally used by Asian countries to manage dermatitis (Gupta, Kismali, and Aggarwal 2013a). In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, curcumin administration (6g/day, p.o., t.i.d, during radiotherapy) was reported to reduce the dermatitis severity in breast cancer patients (Ryan et al. 2013). In animal model, curcumin treatment reduces the inflammation of mouse epidermis by reducing the activity of epidermal COX and lipoxygenase (LOX). The biological effect of curcumin to reduce dermatitis is mainly due to inhibition of COX and LOX activities. A phase II, open-label, Simon’s two-stage clinical trial sought to determine the safety and efficacy of oral curcumin in patients with moderate to severe psoriasis. Twelve patients with chronic plaque psoriasis were enrolled in the study and were given 4.5-g curcumin capsules every day for 12 weeks, followed by a 4-week observation period. Curcumin was well-tolerated, and all participants completed the study. Patients who responded to the treatment showed 83% to 88% improvement at 12 weeks of treatment.
How may Curcumin work against Endocrine disorders such as Osteoporosis, Hypothyroidism, and Hyperthyroidism?
Curcumin administration ameliorated microarchitecture of tibia bone through down-regulation of MMP-9 expression, inhibition of osteoprotegerin (OPG)/RANK ligand/RANK signaling and the activation of microRNA-365 in dexamethasone treated mice (Li et al. 2015a). It has been indicated that MiR-365 act as an upstream regulator of MMP-9 during osteoporosis. Mechanistically curcumin treatment ameliorated bone deteriorations through the activation of miR-365 via suppressing MMP-9 (Li et al. 2015a). One study revealed that, curcumin administration increased the ratio of osteoprotegerin to receptor activator for NF-kB ligand, ameliorated the proliferation of osteoblasts and activated the Wnt signaling thereby alleviated osteoporotic symptoms induced by glucocorticoid in rats (Chen et al. 2016). Curcumin treatment (100 mg/kg for 2 month) increased bone mineral density, downregulated the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2, downregulated cleaved poly-ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) and cleaved caspase-3, upregulated p-ERK1/2 expression as well as reduced femoral osteoblast apoptosis in glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis rat model (Chen et al. 2016). Recently, report suggests that curcumin reversed hind-limb suspension-induced bone loss in rats via upregulation of vitamin D receptor expression and attenuation of oxidative stress (Xin et al. 2015). In in vitro studies, curcumin treatment ameliorates the viability of Saos-2 cells, reduces apoptosis, improves the mitochondrial membrane functions and its potential, upregulates GSK3b and protein kinase B (Akt) phosphorylation. These evidences of curcumin administration supporting its potential for management of osteoporosis (Dai et al. 2017). Curcumin reduce the risk of osteoporosis via several mechanisms including reduction of apoptosis, amelioration of mitochondrial membrane function, PKB phosphorylation, microRNA-365 activation and osteoblasts proliferation. upregulated expression of hepatic glutathione reductase, GPx-1 and CAT were mitigated by concomitant administration of curcumin and vitamin E in 6-propyl-thio-uracil induced hypothyroid rats. In addition, curcumin and vitamin E supplementation reduced the enhanced activity of MnSOD-2, GPx-1 and suppressed activity of glutathione reductase in mitochondrial fraction. It was concluded that curcumin and vitamin E supplementation modulate hepatic antioxidant gene expression during hypothyroidism (Subudhi and Chainy 2012). Curcumin administration significantly reduced the level of LPO in cerebellum and cerebral cortex of 6-propyl-2-thiouracil-induced hypothyroidism in rats. In addition, curcumin reversed the decreased level of translated products SOD1 and SOD2 in rats with hypothyroidism (Jena et al. 2012). Interestingly, an earlier study suggested that, vitamin E and curcumin administration restore the activity of serum transaminase, altered rectal temperature and hepatic histoarchitecture in rats with hypothyroidism induced by 6-n-propyl-2-thiouracil (Subudhi et al. 2009). Hyperthyroidism In animal study, curcumin administration reduced lipid peroxidation in the cerebral cortex of l-thyroxine induced hyperthyroid rats. Interestingly, curcumin reduced the activity of SOD, SOD1 and SOD2 in cerebral cortex, while enhanced the SOD and SOD1 activity in the cerebellum of hyperthyroid rat (Jena, Dandapat, and Chainy 2013). In another study, curcumin and vitamin E administration reversed the reduced levels of hepatic SOD and CAT. Besides, curcumin administration upregulated the expression of glutathione peroxidase-1 and glutathione reductase in rat liver. In the same study, co-treatment of curcumin along with vitamin E alleviated oxidative stress and liver damage in l-thyroxine induced hyperthyroid rats (Subudhi and Chainy 2010). Further, l-thyroxine induced hyperthyroidism and its associated increase in activity of ALT and AST in rat serum were reduced by curcumin and vitamin E treatment resulting in hepatoprotection (Subudhi et al. 2008). These finding suggest that, curcumin administration exerts neuromodulatory and hepatoprotective activity during hyperthyroidism mainly due to its antioxidant effect.
How may Curcumin work against Respiratory disorders such as asthma, pulmonary disease, Pneumonia, and allergies?
Curcumin inhibited the degranulation and release of histamine from rat peritoneal mast cells caused by compound 48/80. In an animal model, curcumin dramatically reduced the mast cell-mediated passive cutaneous anaphylactoid reaction. Curcumin enhanced intracellular cAMP levels and inhibited both nonspecific and selective mast cell-mediated allergy reactions (Choi et al., 2010). Curcumin significantly reduced IgE/Ag-induced PSA (passive systemic anaphylaxis), as measured by serum-dependent leukotriene C4, dependent prostaglandin D2, and histamine levels, indicating that it might be useful to produce drugs for allergic inflammatory illnesses (Li et al., 2014). Curcumin can suppress expression of CD80, CD86, and class II antigens by dendritic cells and blocks the release of inflammatory cytokines like IL1β, IL-6, and TNF-α from LPS-stimulated dendritic cells. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive airflow limitation disease associated with persistent inflammation of respiratory system, especially in the airways and lungs. COPD is caused by long-term exposure with noxious particles, gases, such as air pollutants or smoke. The preclinical studies in animal model, there are anti-inflammatory effects of curcumin can reduce and alleviate respiratory inflammation and oxidative stress caused by exposure to soot or other air pollutants. Curcumin also reduces allergic asthma by inhibiting the PPARγ/NF-κB signaling pathway in respiratory mucosa to prevent COPD. When lower airways and lung parenchyma with severe acute lung injury or inflammation by drugs or infection may cause plasma extravasation, which leads to lung infiltration filled with interstitial fluid and leukocytes. During the recovery from severe lung infiltration, some patients will develop fibrous tissue hyperplasia and pulmonary fibrosis, resulting in a significant reduction in lung gas exchange area and efficiency. For example, clinical application of chemotherapeutic drugs or radiotherapy can cause acute lung injury and lead to pulmonary fibrosis and curcumin treatment can attenuate the severity of pulmonary fibrosis. There are several inflammatory cytokines related with pulmonary fibrosis, include TNF-α, TNF-β1, IL-6, and IL-4, ROS, MMPs, and TGF-β, and treated with curcumin can inhibit those cytokine expressions. Today's most famous coronavirus, patients with SARS virus and COVID-19 infection will often have sequelae of severe pulmonary fibrosis after healing from viral infection, and curcumin also can act on the spike protein to interrupt the covid-19 infection. Many clinical studies on pulmonary fibrosis have pointed out that curcumin or turmeric can significantly reduce the expression of inflammation-related factors in cells and tissues, effectively moderates excessive inflammation in the acute phase of lung injury or infection, and prevents pulmonary fibrosis in the later stage. Asthma is a chronic lung disease involving the inflamed, swell and narrowed airways that produce extra mucus, which causes breathing difficulties. Clinically, curcumin administration (500 mg/day for 30 days) ameliorated the mean forced expiratory volume one second values resulting in alleviation of airway obstruction alongside improved haematological parameters in asthmatics (Kunnumakkara et al. 2017). In animal study, intranasal curcumin administration attenuated the pulmonary fibrosis and inflammation of airway by downregulation of MMP-9, eotaxin, TIMP-1 and a-smooth muscle actin expressions in the lung tissue of ovalbumin-induced chronically asthmatic mice (Chauhan, Dash, and Singh 2017). In another study, curcumin administration reduced inflammatory markers like IL-4 and INF-c levels in lung tissue alongside reduced asthma symptoms by activation of Wnt/b-catenin signaling pathway in ovalbumin challenged mice (Yang et al. 2017c). Further, curcumin administration suppressed the activation of JNK54/ 56, ERK 42/44 and p38 MAPK resulting in inhibition of COX-2 expression and prostaglandin (PG) D2 release, which is known to reduce airway obstruction, inflammation and asthma progression in ovalbumin challenged mouse model of asthma (Chauhan et al. 2016). Evidence suggested that lipopolysaccharide exposure causes increase in level of IgE, IL-4, IL-5, histamine and MPO resulting in exacerbation of airway inflammation in rats and these effects were efficiently reversed by curcumin administration (Kumari, Dash, and Singh 2015). Curcumin treatment is reported to attenuate the production of IgE, accumulation of inflammatory cells and hyperplasia of goblet cell alongside ameliorated the secretion of mucus and hyper-responsiveness of airway in asthmatic mice. In addition, curcumin administration increased the activity of HO-1 and Nrf-2 while reduced p-IjB and NF-jB levels in the lung tissue of ovalbumin challenged female specific pathogen-free BALB/c mice (Liu et al. 2015). Their mechanism of action is associated essentially due to its anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory activities in asthma. At molecular and cellular levels, curcumin treatment reduces asthma symptoms mainly due to inhibition of histamine release, attenuation of IgE, inhibition of COX-2 enzyme and suppression of JNK54/56, ERK 42/44 and p38 MAPK activation (Chauhan et al. 2016;He et al. 2015c).  Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive inflammatory lung disease that causes obstruction in airflow and difficulty in breathing. In animal study, curcumin administration is known to ameliorate right ventricular hypertrophy index and right ventricular systolic pressure via activation of suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS) 3/ JAK2/STAT signal transduction in lung tissue of rat with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (Lin, Chen, and Liu 2016). Curcumin treatment downregulated macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-2a, IL-8 and MCP-1 expressions while upregulated histone deacetylase 2 expression, ameliorated methylation of H3K9 and reduced H3/H4 acetylation in type II alveolar epithelial cells during cigarette smoke exposure induced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in rats (Gan et al. 2016). Further, it was reported that, curcumin administration reduce TNF-a, IL-6, IL-8 level, macrophages count, neutrophil numbers and total cell numbers alongside reversed ultrastructural damage and emphysema in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of cigarette smoke exposure combined intratracheally administered lipopolysaccharide induced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in rats. Additionally, curcumin downregulated alveolar epithelia p66Shc and p-p66Shc expression, which is associated with protection of alveolar epithelial injury (Zhang et al. 2016c). We conclude that curcumin suppresses the progression of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease by inhibiting the inflammation of airways. These findings suggest that curcumin could be used to protect chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in human and animals. Pneumonia is an inflammatory condition caused by bacteria, viruses or fungi in one or both lungs. In animal model, curcumin treatment reduced pneumonia in female C57BL/6J mice caused by Staphylococcus aureus via inhibiting the pore-forming activity of a-hemolysin, an extracellular protein secreted by bacteria that is known to induce the lung infection (Wang et al. 2016a). Further, curcumin significantly reduced S. aureus-mediated lung edema, barrier disruption, vascular leakage and pneumonia. In addition, curcumin administration significantly reduced neutrophils infiltration and attenuates plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 activation, resulting in reduction of chemokines and cytokines in staphylococcus aureus-infected mouse model of pneumonia (Xu et al. 2015). Thus, continued studies of the potent anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-oxidant agent, curcumin, will likely use to reverse or slow the progression of pneumonia, ultimately, leading to novel treatments for pulmonary dysfunction in critically ill patients (Avasarala et al. 2013). Allergies, also known as allergic diseases, are a number of conditions in which the immune system reacts abnormally to a foreign substance. In a randomized, double-blind study, chronic curcumin administration (500 mg/day, p.o., for consecutive 2 months) significantly alleviated rhinorrhoea, sneezing and nasal congestion in patients by reducing nasal airflow resistance. In addition, curcumin administration suppressed TNF-a, IL-4 and IL-8, while increased the production of soluble intercellular adhesion molecule and IL-10 (Wu and Xiao 2016). Curcumin administration (2.5 or 5 mg/kg, for four days) suppressed the level of IgE in the serum of asthmatic mice. Further, it reduced the level of secretory phospholipase A2, COX-2, nitric oxide, IL-4 and IL-6 in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. In addition, curcumin administration downregulated the expression of p38, COX-2, p-ERK and p-JNK in the lungs tissue of ovalbumin challenged mice (Chauhan et al. 2016). Study revealed that curcumin treatment significantly reduce histamine release and downregulate TNF-a, IL-1b, IL-6, IL- 8, p-ERK, p-p38, p-JNK, p-IkBaand NF-kB p65 expressions in mast cells. Besides it decreased the levels of IgE, histamine, TNF-a, Src kinases, Fyn, Lyn and Syk in the serum of mice with allergic rhinitis induced by ovalbumin (Zhang et al. 2015b). Curcumin supplementation significantly attenuated lipopolysaccharide induced allergic asthma by reducing airway inflammation and decreasing IgE level, histamine release and oxidative stress in mice (Kumari, Dash, and Singh 2015). Further, curcumin administration inhibited intestinal mastocytosis, expression of Th2 cytokines, intestinal anaphylaxis and activation of NF-jB in ovalbumin. These findings suggest that, the anti-allergic mechanism of curcumin is essentially due to its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative activities. At cellular and molecular levels, curcumin treatment reduces allergic symptoms mainly due to attenuation of IgE, inhibition of histamine release, inhibition of COX-2 enzyme, stimulation of Nrf- 2/ HO-1 pathway etc. (Chong et al. 2014; Kurup and Barrios 2008; Lee et al. 2008).
What are the scientific properties of Curcumin?
Chemical Name Diferuloylmethane
Definition A β-diketone that is methane in which two of the hydrogens are substituted by feruloyl groups
Systemic Name (1E,6E)-1,7-bis(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-1,6-heptadiene-3,5-dione)
Empirical Formula C21H20O6
Linear Formula [HOC6H3(OCH3)CH=CHCO]2CH2
Molecular Weight 368.38 g/mol
Appearance Bright yellow-orange powder
Melting Point 183 °C, 361 °F
PubChem 969516
Biofunction Enzyme cofactor
Chemical Taxonomy Organic Chemicals / Hydrocarbons / Aromatic Compounds /  Phenols / Catechols / Curcuminoids
Chemical Structure
Taxonomic hierarchy Kingdom
Subkingdom
Superdivision
Division
Class
Subclass
Order
Family
Genus
Species
Plantae (Plants) 
Tracheobionta (Vascular plants)
Spermatophyta  (Seed plants) 
Magnoliophyta  (Flowering plants)
Liliopsida  (Monocotyledons) 
Zingiberidae
Zingiberales
Zingiberaceae  (Ginger family) 
Curcuma (Curcuma)
Curcuma longa  (Turmeric)

Why may curcumin extracted from Turmeric root provide health benefits?

Natural plant products have been used throughout human history for various purposes. Having co-evolved with animal life, many of the plants from which these natural products are derived are billions of years old. Natural polyphenol compounds derived from these plants, such as curcumin, have many favorable biological properties. Plants manufacture chemicals that repel predators, herbivores, parasites and diseases, and these chemicals are produced as secondary metabolites as a natural defense mechanism. In particular, curcumin, a polyphenolic compound, is synthesized in the rhizome root of Curcuma longa, or turmeric. This process involves several enzymatic steps within the plant. It starts with phenylalanine ammonia-lyase converting phenylalanine into cinnamic acid, a critical step in the biosynthesis of phenylpropanoids, of which curcumin is a part. Cinnamic acid then undergoes a series of enzymatic reactions in which p-coumaric acid acts as a key intermediate compound, forming curcumin precursors known as curcuminoids. These precursors, including curcumin, demethoxycurcumin, and bis-demethoxycurcumin, are further modified through a series of enzymatic reactions. These reactions lead to the formation of molecules commonly known as curcumin, the main active compound responsible for turmeric’s therapeutic activity and characteristic yellow-orange color. This biosynthesis and accumulation process occurs in the rhizomes of the turmeric plant, where it serves various functions, including protection against oxidative stress and defense against pathogens. Many of these natural chemicals have pharmacological or biological activity, and these medicinal plants have played a pivotal role in the health care of many cultures, both ancient and modern. Medicinal plants and their bioactive ingredients, in particular polyphenols, have been implicated in various biological activities, including, but not limited to, immunomodulation, anti-inflammatory, cardiovascular protection, antioxidant, and anticancer potential. Like most of these pharmacologically-active metabolites, curcumin is involved in self-defense. Over time, plants with higher levels of organic compounds that deter attackers become more successful, because of their advanced protection. In nature's never-ending interaction between predator and prey, insects evolve the ability to digest plant toxins, while plants evolve stronger chemicals to deter their enemies. Monitoring this evolution between plants and insects represents an important field of ecological research. Scientists have discovered that many phytochemicals manufactured in plants and roots not only prevent insect attack or fight plant infections, but also provide human health benefits. Many cultures create their own botanical pharmacies as the lore of medicinal plants and remedies is handed down through generations of healers. Medicinal plants have been used as a traditional treatment agent for numerous human diseases since ages in many parts of the world. In rural areas of the developing countries, they continue to be used as the primary source of medicine. With the advent of sophisticated laboratory testing, biologists are finding that the many indigenous plants and roots from around the world provide medicinal value, and their metabolites are candidates for research. Pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, phytotherapeutics and herbal medicines are found thanks to ethnobotany and developed by researching and analyzing compounds derived from plants. Turmeric derived from the Curcuma longa plant contains the polyphenols curcumin, demethoxycurcumin, and bisdemethoxycurcumin, and it has caught the attention of researchers due to its extensive use as a culinary ingredient (the bright yellow color of curry is attributed to turmeric) in most Asian countries and the many reports of its antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. Curcumin (diferulolylmethane) is extensively utilized in a variety of settings including cosmetic and herbal supplementation, and its medicinal properties have been investigated for more than 50 years. Curcumin’s structure is similar to other natural polyphenolics (chemicals containing multiple "phenol" groups) produced by plants in response to infectious attack. These natural polyphenols often have potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties as well as immune support health benefits. Every medicinal molecule in all of botany is made out of carbon dioxide. CO2 is the key source of carbon used by plants to synthesize everything from curcumin to resveratrol. Every healing nutrient in basil, oregano, cinnamon, turmeric, garlic and pomegranate fruit is made out of carbon dioxide. Curcumin, a powerful anti-cancer nutrient found in turmeric, is made from carbon dioxide, with 21 carbon molecules manufactured from atmospheric carbon dioxide. Curcumin has been studied for antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, and anticancer activities, mediated through the regulation of various transcription factors, growth factors, inflammatory cytokines, protein kinases, and other enzymes. Curcumin exhibits activities similar to recently discovered TNF blockers (humira, remicade and enbrel), vascular endothelial cell growth factor blocker (avastin), human epidermal growth factor receptor blockers (erbitux, erlotinib, and geftinib), and HER2 blocker (herceptin).  With antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antitumor properties, curcumin has received much attention in several neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s (AD), Huntington (HD) and Parkinson’s diseases (PD). Extensive research over several decades has sought to identify the mechanisms of molecular action of curcumin. It regulates inflammatory cytokines, growth factors, growth factor receptors, enzymes, adhesion molecules, proteins related to apoptosis and cell-cycle proteins, such as cyclin, and modulates its molecular targets by altering their gene expression, signaling pathways or through direct interaction. Considering the recent scientific bandwagon that multi-targeted therapy is better than mono-targeted therapy for most diseases, curcumin is a phytonutrient that can be considered an ideal "Spice for Life". More than 5000 papers published within the past two decades have revealed that curcumin has extraordinary potential in promoting health through modulation of numerous molecular targets. The importance of curcumin can be estimated by the fact that thirty-seven cases of clinical trials of curcumin  were completed by December 2017 and FDA (Food and Drug administration) clinical phase 4 trials have been completed.

Why hasn't the pharmaceutical industry patented Curcumin?
Pharmaceutical corporations tried registering patents for curcumin and turmeric because of the much heralded scientific evidence and the long history of its healing properties. However, that same evidence and history of curcumin being used medicinally for centuries was the reason the United States Patent and Trademark Office rejected and revoked the rights for turmeric patent 5401504 on the grounds that the claims were not new: "USPTO unequivocally rejected all six claims made on August 13, 2001 while ruling that Turmeric's medicinal properties were not patentable."  University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center states "in the case of curcumin, a natural compound, no company can reap the benefits if turmeric shows itself to be an effective anti-cancer drug."   And because curcumin is not economically interesting, "it is almost impossible to get financial support to conduct a clinical trial with a substance that cannot be patented. The greatest challenge will be to find sponsors for clinical research on curcumin, as this promising plant-derived compound cannot be exploited economically."

What is the history of Curcumin and Turmeric?

Turmeric | Turmeric boasts a rich history of use as an herbal medicine, spice, and coloring agent. Records dating back to 600 BC in an Assyrian herbal book, references by the renowned Greek physician Dioscorides, and mentions in Islamic traditional medicine contribute to its historical significance. Turmeric is integral to Chinese traditional medicine, Ayurveda, and various folk medicines worldwide. According to Sanskrit medical treatises and Ayurvedic and Unani systems, turmeric has a long history of medicinal use dating back to the Vedic period (ca. 1500–ca. 500 BC). It is featured in the Suśrutasaṃhitā, the foundational text of traditional Indian medicine, as an ingredient to alleviate the effects of poisoned food (Prasad, 2011). Curcuma Longa originated in India and has a history of 6000 years. The recorded use of turmeric dates back nearly 4000 years to the Vedic culture in India, where it was used as a culinary spice and had some religious significance. The use of turmeric is most salient in the various island cultures of the Pacific, where it spread with the Austronesian expansion there starting around 3000 BC, reaching as far as Polynesia and Fiji (McClatchey, 1993; Prance & Nesbitt, 2005; Sopher, 1964). Susruta’s Ayurvedic Compendium, dating back to 250 BC, recommends an ointment containing turmeric to relieve the effects of poisoned food. Researchers in India recently identified mineral remnants of turmeric on the cooking pots of ancient Indus River remains, one of the first urban civilizations. These ancient civilizations have vast trial and error experience with many different herbal remedies and food preparations and they selected curcumin for medicinal use based on efficacy. The name turmeric derives from the Latin word terra merita (meritorious earth), referring to the color of ground turmeric which resembles a mineral pigment. The Arabic word for turmeric is kurkum, which originally meant ‘saffron.’ The word kurkum in Hebrew is karkom as it is written in the Bible. Medieval Arabic literature called turmeric zaʿfarān hindī  which means "Indian saffron".  According to Nair (2019, p. 2), its maritime dispersion from India intensified in the Middle Ages, reaching the coast of China in the seventh century AD, East Africa a century later, West Africa by 1200, and Jamaica in the eighteenth century. In Chinese medicinal literature, turmeric first appears in the Xinxiu Bencao, and the Bencao Gangmu treats it as well (Feng et al., 2011). From its initial diffusion up to Vasco da Gama’s journey and landing in Kozhikode, it was Arab traders who were instrumental in the westward spread of turmeric, similarly to pepper and other spices of the time. In 1280, Marco Polo described turmeric in the China leg of his travels; "There is also a vegetable which has all the properties of the true saffron, as well the smell as the colour, and yet it is not reall saffron. It is held in great estimation, and being an ingredient in all their dishes, it bears, on that account, a high price." - The Travels of Marco Polo, the Venetian
Curcumin | Curcumin is a golden yellow compound found in turmeric root and was first isolated in 1815 by two German scientists, Vogel and Pelletier. They reported on the “yellow coloring-material” from the rhizomes of the East Indian plant Curcuma longa and named it curcumin. In 1842, they identified curcumin as the most abundant molecule and the primary curcuminoid in turmeric.shed a new analysis of a purer curcumin (melt ing-point 120?) ; but It was not till 1870 that curcumin was obtained essentially pure by Ivanow-Gajewsky; On Certain Substances Obtained from Turmeric. I. Curcumin | 1881. In 1910 the chemical structure of curcumin was established as a diferuloylmethane, specifically 1,7-bis(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-1,6-heptadiene-3,5-dione, by Miłobȩdzka J., Kostanecki S., Lampe V.
An early mention of curcumin in modern medical literature was its first clinical trial, appearing in the Lancet in 1937, one of the most prestigious medical journals: Turmeric (Curcumin) In Biliary Diseases. The article, describing curcumin applications to humans, was written by Albert Oppenheimer—then an assistant professor at the American University of Beirut, Lebanon, who applied curcumin orally for the treatment of 67 patients suffering from various forms of subacute, recurrent, or chronic cholecystitis. The positive therapeutic response recorded then, was the basis for future interest in curcumin and its healing properties, especially its anti-inflammatory properties, which were among the first studied. The first study on its biological activity as an antibacterial agent was published in 1949 in Nature. Curcumin's  biological properties were described as responsible for most of the therapeutic efficacy of turmeric in the 1970s when the first research on curcumin’s health benefits was carried out. In 1985, Kuttan et al first confirmed its anticancer effects; Potential anticancer activity of turmeric (Curcuma longa) | Cancer Letters. In these and in later studies it was shown that curcumin has multiple therapeutic potentialities (Di Mario et al., 2007; Adhvaryu et al., 2008; Chandran and Goel, 2012; Yanpanitch et al., 2015; Gera et al., 2017; Salehi et al., 2019a). Although the current database indicates over 12,000 publications on curcumin, until 1990 there were less than 100 papers published on this nutraceutical. In 2007, Payton et al showed that curcumin's form exists in solution as a keto−enol tautomer. Numerous studies have indicated that curcumin is a highly potent antimicrobial agent and has been shown to be active against various chronic diseases including various types of cancers, diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular, pulmonary, neurological and autoimmune diseases. Furthermore, this compound has also been shown to be synergistic with other nutraceuticals such as resveratrol, piperine, catechins, quercetin and genistein. Curcumin's
molecular identity is characterized by unique polyphenolic elements, specifically two feruloyl groups linked via a methylene chain. This molecular configuration plays a crucial role in its biological and chemical properties. For generations, curcumin has been a key component in the traditional medicinal practices of various Asian cultures. Its use in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine, along with other herbal systems, has been extensive. Curcumin has been applied to treat a wide range of ailments, from inflammation and pain to more specific conditions such as jaundice, menstrual issues, bleeding, dental pain, bruises, and cardiac pain. In the realm of contemporary science, curcumin has sparked considerable interest due to its potential health benefits. Studies have delved into its effectiveness against chronic illnesses like cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, heart diseases, and inflammatory conditions. This interest is fueled by its properties as an antioxidant and an anti-inflammatory, and its possible role in cancer prevention. Scientists are examining how curcumin influences various cellular processes by interacting with multiple signaling molecules, including growth factors, cytokines, and the genes involved in cell life cycle and division. The high degree of reverence is established by the fact that it is used in so many cultures: Arabic Kurkum, Uqdah safra. Armenian Toormerik, Turmerig. Assamese Halodhi. Bengali Halud. Bulgarian Kurkuma. Burmese Hsanwen, Sanwin, Sanae, Nanwin. Catalan Cúrcuma. Chinese yujin [yü-gold]Yu chin, Yu jin, Wohng geung, Geung wohng, Wat gam, Huang jiang, 薑黃 Jiang huang, Yu jin xiang gen. Croatian Indijski šafran, Kurkuma. Czech Kurkuma, Indický Šafrán, Žlutý kořen, Žlutý zázvor. Dhivehi Reen’dhoo. Danish Gurkemeje. Dutch Geelwortel, Kurkuma Tarmeriek, Koenjit, Koenir. English Turmeric, Curcumin, Indian saffron. Estonian Harilik kurkuma, Kurkum, Pikk kollajuur, Lŏhnav kollajuur, Harilik kurkuma, Kurkum, Pikk kollajuur, Lŏhnav kollajuur. Farsi Zardchubeh. Finnish Kurkuma, Keltajuuri. French Curcuma, Safran des Indes, Terre-mérite, Souchet des Indes. Galician Cúrcuma. German Curcuma, Sárga gyömbérgyökér. Greek Kitrinoriza, Kourkoumi, Kourkoumas Gujarati Halad, Haldar. Hebrew Kurkum, Kurkume. Hindi Haldi. Hungarian Kurkuma, Sárga gyömbérgyökér. Icelandic Túrmerik. Indonesian Kunyit, Kunir, Daun kunyit. Italian Curcuma. Japanese Ukon, Tamerikku Kannada Arishina, Arisina. Khmer Romiet, Lomiet, Lamiet. Korean Kang-hwang, Keolkuma Kolkuma, Sim-hwang, Teomerik, Tomerik, Tumerik, Ulgum, Ulgumun. Laotian Khi min khun, Khmin khÜn. Latvian Kurkuma. Lithuanian Ciberžole, Kurkuma, Dažine ciberžolé. Malay Kunyit basah. Malayalam Manjal Marathi Halad. Nepali Haldi, Hardi, Besar. Norwegian Gurkemeie Pahlavi Zard-choobag. Pashto Zarchoba. Polish Kurkuma, Ostryź długi, Szafran indyjski. Portuguese Açafrão da Índia, Curcuma. Punjabi Haldi. Romanian Curcumǎ. Russian Koren, kurkumy, Kurkuma. Sanskrit haldi. Singhalese Kaha. Slovak Kurkuma. Slovenian Kurkuma. Spanish Cúrcuma, Azafrán arabe. Swahili Manjano. Swedish Gurkmeja. Tagalog Dilaw. Tamil Manjal. Telugu Haridra, Pasupu. Thai Kha min chan, Kha min; Wanchakmadluk. Tibetan Gaser, Sga ser. Turkish Hint safrani, Sari boya, Zerdeçal, Safran kökü, Zerdali, Zerdeçöp, Zerdecube. Ukrainian Kurkuma. Urdu Haldi, Zard chub. Vietnamese Bot nghe, Cu nghe, Nghe, Uat kim, Khuong hoang.

What is Turmeric-Curcumin?

Turmeric-Curcumin is our company and website, dedicated for over twenty four years to researching, manufacturing and distributing the highest quality curcumin 95% extract. Since our establishment in 2000, we've been dedicated to offering the best customer service without the typical marketing hype, allowing us to maintain the lowest prices in the industry. Unlike merchants with numerous products and categories, we've remained focused on wholesaling and retailing the single most beneficial compound in botanical medicine; curcumin, standardized and purified to 95% extract. This extraordinary herbal extract of turmeric continues to generate interest in universities and medical centers around the world, with studies and clinical trials exploring the many health benefits of the curcumin 95% that we produce and supply. You will receive a 100% natural, additive-free product: no synthetics, starch, no sugars or sweeteners, no artificial colors or flavors, no sodium, no soy, no yeast, no wheat, no corn, no rice or other grains, no gluten, no dairy, no preservatives, no gums, no dyes, and no GMO. For questions or comments, please email service@turmeric-curcumin.com, call / text 206.339.7899 or mail TURMERIC-CURCUMIN 4031 Industrial Center Drive, North Las Vegas, NV 89031, USA.
  
 

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