Benefits of Curcumin in the Vasculature: A Therapeutic Candidate for Vascular Remodeling in Arterial Hypertension and Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension?

Abstract

Growing evidence suggests that hypertension is one of the leading causes of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality since uncontrolled high blood pressure increases the risk of myocardial infarction, aortic dissection, hemorrhagic stroke, and chronic kidney disease. Impaired vascular homeostasis plays a critical role in the development of hypertension-induced vascular remodeling. Abnormal behaviors of vascular cells are not only a pathological hallmark of hypertensive vascular remodeling, but also an important pathological basis for maintaining reduced vascular compliance in hypertension. Targeting vascular remodeling represents a novel therapeutic approach in hypertension and its cardiovascular complications. Phytochemicals are emerging as candidates with therapeutic effects on numerous pathologies, including hypertension. An increasing number of studies have found that curcumin, a polyphenolic compound derived from dietary spice turmeric, holds a broad spectrum of pharmacological actions, such as antiplatelet, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiangiogenic effects. Curcumin has been shown to prevent or treat vascular remodeling in hypertensive rodents by modulating various signaling pathways. In the present review, we attempt to focus on the current findings and molecular mechanisms of curcumin in the treatment of hypertensive vascular remodeling. In particular, adverse and inconsistent effects of curcumin, as well as some favorable pharmacokinetics or pharmacodynamics profiles in arterial hypertension will be discussed. Moreover, the recent progress in the preparation of nano-curcumins and their therapeutic potential in hypertension will be briefly recapped. The future research directions and challenges of curcumin in hypertension-related vascular remodeling are also proposed. It is foreseeable that curcumin is likely to be a therapeutic agent for hypertension and vascular remodeling going forwards.

Effects of high-absorption curcumin for the prevention of hypertensive heart disease: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical study

“…Curcumin has been reported to exhibit vasodilating effects through the following possible mechanisms: (i) inhibition of angiotensin-converting enzyme via nuclear factor-kappa B activation and (ii) nitric oxide production via endothelial nitric oxide synthase activation. 24 The percentage change in systolic blood pressure from baseline to 6 months after initiating treatment was lower in the high-absorption curcumin group than in the placebo group ( P = 0.026). Therefore, the improvement in peripheral circulation by curcumin may be associated with the inhibition of an increase in BNP levels in patients with hypertension.…”

Natural Products for the Treatment of Pulmonary Hypertension: Mechanism, Progress, and Future Opportunities

“…A recent study showed that curcumin provides vascular protection against arterial hypertension and PH. It can also improve hypertension and vascular remodeling by suppressing vasoconstriction, inhibiting vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation and migration, and improving endothelial cell dysfunction [ 95 ]. Curcumin protects mitochondrial function and promotes PASMCs apoptosis, thereby effectively reducing PAP and reversing pulmonary artery remodeling [ 96 ].…”

Targeting Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Intervertebral Disc Degeneration: Therapeutic Perspectives of Phytochemicals

“…Curcumin (CUR)—an active polyphenol extracted from the dried rhizomes of Curcuma longa —has been traditionally used for dietary and medical purposes worldwide ( Li KX. et al, 2022 ; Jin et al, 2022 ; Ojo et al, 2022 ).…”