Therapeutic potential of curcumin against pancreatitis

Pancreatitis is a serious inflammatory disorder marked by a disruption between protective enzymes and stress signals released through various processes. The key features of both acute and chronic pancreatitis include oxidative stress and damage to acinar cells, which are indicative of these inflammatory conditions. The advancement of acute pancreatitis (AP) to chronic pancreatitis (CP) occurs due to the development of fibrosis and atrophy due to chronic inflammation and autodigestion. Various factors contribute to the pathological characteristics of these diseases. The severity of pancreatitis is influenced by the levels of activated inflammatory mediators such as interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), chemokines, and cytokines. Additionally, the activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway and the opening of the mitochondrial membrane transition pore in the pancreas have been linked to the onset of pancreatitis. Increasing experimental evidence suggests that certain phytochemical compounds found in natural plants may have a positive impact on AP. Curcumin, the bioactive phytochemical from turmeric, exhibits potent anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties. In the current review, we focus on curcumin's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can contribute to the prevention and treatment of pancreatitis.