Curcumin: A natural antiinflammatory agent

Abstract

The rhizome of turmeric is widely used in indigenous medicine. [1] A paste made from powdered rhizome of Curcuma longa Linn., mixed with slaked lime applied locally, is an ancient household remedy for sprains, muscular pain and inflamed joints. It is also applied in poultices to relieve pain and inflammation. [2] The volatile oil and curcumin obtained from C. longa exhibit potent antiinflammatory effect. [3] Curcumin is yellow coloured phenolic pigment, [4] obtained from powdered rhizome of C. longa Linn. (Family-Zingiberaceae). It is the major constituent of the oleoresin of turmeric. In the crude extract of rhizomes of C. longa about 70-76% curcumin is present along with about 16% demethoxycurcumin and 8% bisdemethoxycurcumin. It is extensively used for imparting colour and flavour to the food and in the traditional Indian medicine, turmeric powder is used to treat a wide variety of diseases. Extensive scientific research on curcumin have demonstrated a wide spectrum of therapeutic effects such as antiinflammatory, [5] antibacterial, [6] antiviral, [7] antifungal, [8] antitumor, [9] antispasmodic [10] and hepatoprotective. [11] Recently, its potential utility in autoimmune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) has been demonstrated. [12]-[14] In this review, the findings on curcumin's antiinflammatory activity and its mechanisms are presented. Preclinical studies Curcumin and antiinflammatory activity Arora et al reported antiinflammatory activity in different fractions of the petroleum ether extract of C. longa. [5] The total

Study of the Composition of Polycaprolactone/Poly (Ethylene Glycol)/Polycaprolactone Copolymer and Drug-to-Polymer Ratio on Drug Loading Efficiency of Curcumin to Nanoparticles

“…Curcumin, a chemical constituent of turmeric, has been applied in the treatment of inflammatory disorders and cancer for many years (1)(2)(3)(4). There is some data signifying that curcumin is a principle chemo sensitizer for chemotherapy and that it helps patients avoid the side effects of treatment (5,6).…”

Inhibition of glycogen synthase kinase by curcumin: Investigation by simulated molecular docking and subsequentin vitro/in vivoevaluation

“…In fact, curcumin has shown wide range of pharmacological activities including antiinflammatory [4,5], hypoglycemic [6,7], anti-oxidant [8], wound healing [9], anti-microbial effects [10], improvement of defects associated with cystic fibrosis [11] and reducing the destructive beta-amyloid in the brains of Alzheimer's disease animal models [12].…”

Critical Review on Ellumnishadi Lepa: An Ayurvedic Topical Applicant in Knee Joint Swellings Associated With Rheumatoid Arthritis

“…Therapeutic administration of antioxidants can mop up free radicals and reduce lipid per-oxidation which exacerbates inflammation and degeneration in RA. 27 Potent antioxidants like flavonoids and phenolic compounds from Cocus nucifera L. inflorescence 28 , Drynaria quercifolia J.Smith rhizome and Hemidesmus indicus (L.) R.Br root 29 , curcumin in Curcuma longa L. rhizome 30 , gamma tocopherols and lignins like sesaminol and sesamin from Sesamum indicum L.seeds 14 , tannins from Terminalia chebula Retz. fruit rind 31 present in the combination can provide protection from the deleterious effects of excessive ROS concentrations.…”