Relevance of the Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Curcumin in Neurodegenerative Diseases and Depression

Abstract

Abstract:This review is an attempt to summarize our current understanding of curcumin's potential as a neuroprotectant and an antidepressant. This dual property confers a unique advantage to this herbal medication, believed to be devoid of any major side effects, to combat commonly observed co-morbid conditions of a neurodegenerative and a neuropsychiatric disorder. Moreover, in line with the theme of this series, the role of inflammation and stress in these diseases and possible anti-inflammatory effects of curcumin, as well as its interaction with signal transduction proteins as a common denominator in its varied mechanisms of action, are also discussed. Thus, following a brief introduction of curcumin's pharmacology, we present research suggesting how its anti-inflammatory properties have therapeutic potential in treating a devastating neurological disorder (Parkinson's disease = PD) and a debilitating neuropsychiatric disorder (major depressive disorder = MDD). It is concluded that curcumin, or better yet, an analog with better and longer bioavailability could be of important therapeutic potential in PD and/or major depression. CurcuminCurcumin, a diarylheptanoid, is the principal curcuminoid of the popular South Asian spice turmeric (Curcuma longa), which is a member of the ginger family (Zingiberaceae). Curcumin and turmeric's other two curcuminoids, desmethoxycurcumin and bisdesmethoxycurcumin are natural phenols responsible for the yellow color of turmeric. Indeed, because of its bright-yellow color, curcumin is used as a food coloring as well as food additive. Curcumin can exist in several tautomeric forms, however, the enol form is more stable in the solid phase and in solution [1].Curcumin's antioxidant [2][3][4], hepato-and nephroprotectant [5][6][7], antimicrobial [8,9], anti-inflammatory [10-13] and potential anti-depressant properties [14][15][16][17][18][19] are well documented. Epidemiological studies have demonstrated that societies that widely use curcumin show reduced incidence of inflammation-influenced and cognitive function diseases such as Alzheimer's disease [20][21][22][23]. It has also been suggested that curcumin may reduce the incidence of Parkinson's disease (PD), as some studies have shown an absence of age-related changes in nigral dopaminergic neurons in Indian populations that consume large amounts of curcumin [24][25][26]. Moreover, as discussed below, numerous in vitro and in vivo studies provide substantial evidence for a protective effect of curcumin against insults that may precipitate PD-like symptoms. Depression General ConsiderationsMajor depression is a disorder with many definitions and manifestations and with a 12-month prevalence rate of 6.3% to 10.3% in Western societies [27]. Symptoms may vary, but often include anhedonia, disrupted sleep patterns, lack of motivation, or emotional distress (e.g., anxiety). Although a number of clinically effective treatments are available, a large segment of patients are non-responsive (i.e., exhibit treatment-resistance to first-...

Beneficial Effect of Chronic Treatment with Extracts from Rhodiola Rosea L. and Curcuma Longa L. on the Immunoreactivity of Animals Subjected to a Chronic Mild Stress Model

“…The data found in the literature that Curcuma longa L. and its active component curcumin have antidepressant, anti-infl ammatory and strong antioxidant properties supports our fi ndings that chronic administration of extract of Curcuma could be benefi cial in weight loss induced by chronic stress. 18,20 Moreover, possible synergic effect of Rhodiola and Curcuma was observed regarding the normalization in body weight gain as an aspect from the depressive-like symptoms of the CMS model.…”

“…Both extract used are extensively studied as herbal medicines in the treatment of depression and stress-induced disorders. 14,15,[17][18][19][20]24 The novelty of the study is the evaluation of their effi cacy in combination and testing possible synergic effects. In addition, data on the effect of these two plants on LPS-induced immunoreactivity in CMS was obtained.…”

“…It is thought that Curcuma extract leads to decrease in the level of TNF-α based on the regulation of the abnormalities in the HPA-axis as well as its antiinfl ammatory properties -acting as COX-2 and NF-kB inhibitor. [18][19][20]31 The infl uence of Rhodiola on the TNF-α levels could be explained with its strong antioxidant potential and anti-infl ammatory effect. Lee et al in their study observed decrease in the TNF-α levels after LPS challenge in mice treated orally with Rhodiola 500 mg/kg.…”

“…16,17 Curcuma longa L. (family Zingiberaceae) known as turmeric possesses wide range of benefi cial effects including anti-infl ammatory and neuroprotective. 18 The extracts of Curcuma has been shown to have a powerful antioxidant, anti-infl ammatory, lipid reducing, immunomodulatory and sedative actions. 19,20 …”

Protective Effects of Curcumin on Manganese-Induced BV-2 Microglial Cell Death

“…8,9) Curcumin (1,7-bis[4-hydroxy-3-methoxy phenyl]-1,6-heptadiene-3,5-dione), an active compound of dietary spice tumeric (Curcuma longa), has been shown to antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-mutagenic, and potential neuromodulatory properties. 10,11) Accumulating evidences have implicated that curcumin is easily crosses the BBB and may play a useful role in attenuating neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's disease (AD), PD, and stroke. 12,13) Further, curcumin effectively protected neurons and/or glial cells against various neurotoxins.…”