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Curcumin, the golden nutraceutical: multitargeting for multiple chronic diseases
Ajaikumar B Kunnumakkara1, Devivasha Bordoloi1, Ganesan Padmavathi1
1Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Assam, India.
British Journal of Pharmacology
|September 18, 2016
Summary
Curcumin, derived from turmeric, demonstrates anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Clinical trials confirm its safety and effectiveness against chronic diseases, though further research is needed.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Nutraceutical Research
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Curcumin, a pigment from Turmeric (Curcuma longa), was isolated in 1815.
- Early research focused on its antibacterial activity (1949) and clinical trials (1937).
- Publication on curcumin surged post-1990, with over 9000 studies currently available.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review lessons learned from clinical trials on curcumin.
- To highlight curcumin's molecular mechanisms and therapeutic potential.
- To assess curcumin's safety, tolerability, and effectiveness in humans.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature and clinical trial data on curcumin.
- Analysis of molecular pathways targeted by curcumin, including NF-κB, STAT3, Nrf2, ROS, and COX-2.
- Examination of curcumin's synergistic effects with other nutraceuticals.
Main Results:
- Curcumin exhibits multitargeted anti-inflammatory activity by suppressing key cell signaling pathways.
- Curcumin demonstrates potent antimicrobial properties and efficacy against various chronic diseases like cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular conditions.
- Over 100 clinical trials indicate curcumin's safety, tolerability, and effectiveness in humans.
Conclusions:
- Curcumin is a safe and effective nutraceutical with broad therapeutic potential for chronic diseases.
- Further clinical trials in diverse populations are essential to fully establish curcumin's efficacy.
- Curcumin's synergistic effects with other compounds warrant further investigation.
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