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Potential therapeutic effects of curcumin, the anti-inflammatory agent, against neurodegenerative, cardiovascular, pulmonary, metabolic, autoimmune and neoplastic diseases.
- Source :
-
The international journal of biochemistry & cell biology [Int J Biochem Cell Biol] 2009 Jan; Vol. 41 (1), pp. 40-59. Date of Electronic Publication: 2008 Jul 09. - Publication Year :
- 2009
-
Abstract
- Although safe in most cases, ancient treatments are ignored because neither their active component nor their molecular targets are well defined. This is not the case, however, with curcumin, a yellow-pigment substance and component of turmeric (Curcuma longa), which was identified more than a century ago. For centuries it has been known that turmeric exhibits anti-inflammatory activity, but extensive research performed within the past two decades has shown that this activity of turmeric is due to curcumin (diferuloylmethane). This agent has been shown to regulate numerous transcription factors, cytokines, protein kinases, adhesion molecules, redox status and enzymes that have been linked to inflammation. The process of inflammation has been shown to play a major role in most chronic illnesses, including neurodegenerative, cardiovascular, pulmonary, metabolic, autoimmune and neoplastic diseases. In the current review, we provide evidence for the potential role of curcumin in the prevention and treatment of various proinflammatory chronic diseases. These features, combined with the pharmacological safety and negligible cost, render curcumin an attractive agent to explore further.
- Subjects :
- Animals
Anti-Inflammatory Agents pharmacology
Antineoplastic Agents pharmacology
Antineoplastic Agents therapeutic use
Autoimmune Diseases drug therapy
Cardiovascular Diseases drug therapy
Curcuma
Curcumin pharmacology
Cytokines metabolism
Humans
Inflammation drug therapy
Inflammation metabolism
Lung Diseases drug therapy
Metabolic Diseases drug therapy
Neoplasms drug therapy
Neoplasms metabolism
Neurodegenerative Diseases drug therapy
Plant Extracts pharmacology
Plant Extracts therapeutic use
Anti-Inflammatory Agents therapeutic use
Curcumin therapeutic use
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 1357-2725
- Volume :
- 41
- Issue :
- 1
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- The international journal of biochemistry & cell biology
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 18662800
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocel.2008.06.010