Curcumin’s therapeutic story: Facts findings in the light of clinical studies

Abstract

Curcumin, a bright yellow phytochemical derived from Curcuma longa L., has been extensively studied for its health-promoting, disease-preventing, and treatment properties, and has been gaining popularity among medical researchers since its extraction. Unani and Ayurvedic medicine use it to treat a variety of conditions, including hepatic, lung, skin, and GIT disorders. It has diverse biological effects, including antimicrobial, antiproliferative, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and neuroprotective properties, make it a promising lead compound for the development of new derivatives to treat diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and Alzheimer's disease. Despite its low cost, extensive potency, and its multitargeted approach of pathways, available data on its efficacy in multiple studies is still questioning, and more studies are required for this potential gap. Clinical trials assessing its biological effects revealed significant disproportionality however this review provides a comprehensive overview of recent clinical studies of curcumin, and summarizes its efficacy, biological properties, therapeutic potential, and safety. Moreover, this review provides a more special focus on its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, and neuroprotective properties.