Exploring the Potentials of Curcumin as a Single Agent in the Management of Metabolic Syndrome

Abstract

Despite the rising global prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS), a collection of cardio-metabolic risk factors that predispose individuals who have them to the development of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus, its management is still based on the treatment of the different risk factors. There is currently no single therapeutic agent that is used for the concurrent treatment of all the risk factors. The current push for the use of natural products in the management of diseases has inspired research into the beneficial effects of many plant products. Curcumin is a bioactive curcuminoid from the rhizomes of turmeric (Curcuma longa) that has been shown to possess anti-obesity, anti-diabetic, hypolipidaemic and anti-hypertensive properties amongst others. These properties are closely linked to the ability of curcumin to act on several molecular targets in the body to bring about its effects. Considering these anti-MetS activities of curcumin, it holds promise as a potential therapeutic agent for the holistic treatment of the syndrome.