Curcumin-treated Group Research Articles

Curcumin extract improves beta cell functions in obese patients with type 2 diabetes: a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundType 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic condition characterized by insulin resistance and impaired insulin production, leading to elevated blood glucose levels. Curcumin, a polyphenolic compound from Curcuma longa, has shown potential in improving insulin sensitivity and reducing blood glucose levels, which may help mitigate type 2 diabetes progression.ObjectiveTo assess the efficacy of improving type 2 diabetes (T2DM).Study designThis randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial included subjects (n = 272) with criteria for type 2 diabetes.MethodsAll subjects were randomly assigned to receive curcumin (1500 mg/day) or placebo with blind labels for 12 months. To assess the improvement of T2DM after curcumin treatments body weight and body mass index, fasting plasma glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin A1c, β-cell function (homeostasis model assessment [HOMA-β]), insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), insulin, adiponectin, and leptin were monitored at the baseline and at 3-, 6-, 9-, and 12-month visits during the course of intervention.ResultsAfter 12 months of treatment, the curcumin-treated group showed a significant decrease in fasting blood glucose (115.49 vs.130.71; P < 0.05), HbA1c (6.12 vs. 6.47; P < 0.05). In addition, the curcumin-treated group showed a better overall function of β-cells, with higher HOMA-β (136.20 vs. 105.19; P < 0.01) The curcumin-treated group showed a lower level of HOMA-IR (4.86 vs. 6.04; P < 0.001) and higher adiponectin (14.51 vs. 10.36; P < 0.001) when compared to the placebo group. The curcumin-treated group also showed a lower level of leptin (9.42 vs. 20.66; P < 0.001). Additionally, body mass index was lowered (25.9 4 vs.29.34), with a P value of 0.001.ConclusionsA 12-month curcumin intervention in type 2 diabetes patients shows a significant glucose-lowering effect. Curcumin treatment appeared to improve the overall function of β-cells and reduce both insulin resistance and body weight, with very minor adverse effects. Curcumin intervention in obese patients with type 2 diabetes may be beneficial.Trial registrationThai clinical trials regentrify no.20140303003.

Exploratory Metabolomics and Lipidomics Profiling Contributes to Understanding How Curcumin Improves Quality of Goat Semen Stored at 16 °C in Tropical Areas.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) exert a vital role in sperm quality during semen preservation, where excessive ROS leads to oxidative damage and undermines sperm integrity. Curcumin, a botanical extract, is capable of neutralizing ROS and enhancing the activity of antioxidant enzymes. This study was aimed at evaluating the effects of curcumin on sperm viability, acrosome integrity, and antioxidant levels, as well as metabolomic and lipidomic profiles. The results demonstrated that curcumin at 25 µmol/L significantly enhanced sperm motility, plasma membrane, and acrosome integrity, elevated the levels of antioxidant enzymes (T-AOC, CAT, SOD), and decreased ROS production (p < 0.05). Metabolomic analysis identified 93 distinct metabolites that showed significant differences between the control and curcumin-treated groups. KEGG pathways emphasized the participation of these metabolites in key metabolic processes such as the citric acid cycle, cholesterol metabolism, and fatty acid metabolism. Curcumin treatment brought about notable variations in lipid profiles, including increased levels of phosphatidylcholine, acylcarnitine, and triglyceride over the storage time, suggesting enhanced lipid anabolic activity. Overall, the supplementation of curcumin at 25 µmol/L effectively mitigates oxidative stress and prolongs the viability of semen storage at 16 °C by modulating specific metabolic and lipid profiles.

Curcumin suppresses colorectal tumorigenesis through restoring the gut microbiota and metabolites

BackgroundCurcumin has been reported to have activity for prevention and therapy of CRC, yet its underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown. Recently, emerging evidence suggests that the gut microbiota and its metabolites contribute to the causation and progression of Colorectal cancer (CRC). In this study, we aimed to investigate if curcumin affects the tumorigenesis of CRC by modulating gut microbiota and its metabolites.MethodsForty male C57BL/6JGpt mice were randomly divided into four groups: negative control (NC), curcumin control, CRC model, and curcumin treatment (CRC-Cur) groups. CRC mouse model was induced by using azoxymethane (AOM) and dextran sodium sulfate (DSS), and the mice in CRC model and curcumin treatment groups received oral PBS or curcumin (150 mg/kg/day), respectively. Additionally, fecal samples were collected. 16 S rRNA sequencing and Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS)-based untargeted metabolomics were used to observe the changes of intestinal flora and intestinal metabolites.ResultsCurcumin treatment restored colon length and structural morphology, and significantly inhibited tumor formation in AOM/DSS-induced CRC model mice. The 16S rRNA sequencing analysis indicated that the diversity and richness of core and total species of intestinal microflora in the CRC group were significantly lower than those in the NC group, which were substantially restored in the curcumin treatment group. Curcumin reduced harmful bacteria, including Ileibacterium, Monoglobus and Desulfovibrio, which were elevated in CRC model mice. Moreover, curcumin increased the abundance of Clostridia_UCG-014, Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus, which were decreased in CRC model mice. In addition, 13 different metabolites were identified. Compared to the NC group, ethosuximide, xanthosine, and 17-beta-estradiol 3-sulfate-17-(beta-D-glucuronide) were elevated in the CRC model group, whereas curcumin treatment significantly reduced their levels. Conversely, glutamylleucine, gamma-Glutamylleucine, liquiritin, ubenimex, 5’-deoxy-5’-fluorouridine, 7,8-Dihydropteroic acid, neobyakangelicol, libenzapril, xenognosin A, and 7,4’-dihydroxy-8-methylflavan were decreased in the CRC group but notably upregulated by curcumin. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genome (KEGG) pathway analysis revealed enrichment in seven pathways, including folate biosynthesis (P < 0.05).ConclusionsThe gut microecological balance was disrupted in AOM/DSS-induced CRC mice, accompanied by metabolite dysbiosis. Curcumin restored the equilibrium of the microbiota and regulated metabolites, highly indicating that curcumin may alleviate the development of AOM/DSS induced colorectal cancer in mice by regulating intestinal flora homeostasis and intestinal metabolites.

Curcumin’s effects on growth indices, histological scores, blood metabolites, redox state, immunity, and antioxidant-related genes of red tilapia (Oreochromis sp.)

Curcumin, a polyphenol, targets multiple signaling molecules and shows activity at the cellular level, supporting its various health benefits. Thereafter, the present study examines the effects of different doses of dietary curcumin on growth indices, feed efficiency, serum metabolites, redox (oxidation) status, immunity, histological assessment, and antioxidant-related genes in red tilapia (Oreochromis sp, Oreochromis aureus x O. mossambicus). A total of 1200 red tilapia with an average weight of 19.1±0.03 g were distributed in 12 cement ponds (3×3.5×1m). Each treatment was assigned three pounds (n=100 replicates). For 60 days, fish were fed baseline diets containing 0, 0.4, 0.6, and 0.8 g of curcumin/kg of diet. The treated fish showed increased body weight and SGR (specific growth rate) compared to the T0 group (P<0.05). Curcumin in the diet significantly improved weight gain, percentages, and FCR (feed conversion ratio), with a dose-dependent effect (P < 0.05). Curcumin supplementation showed no influence on feed intake, fish mortality, or survival rate (P >0.05). The curcumin-treated fish groups improved tissue structure in hepatocytes, pancreatic lumens, hepatic blood sinusoids, and intestine tissue layers, particularly the mucosal layer. The T0.8 group had reduced liver enzymes (AST and ALT) and greater total protein and albumin levels (P<0.05). The T0.6 and T0.8 groups showed significantly lower MDA levels than the other groups (P < 0.05). Curcumin groups demonstrated significantly higher antioxidant indices (CAT, GPx, and SOD) compared to the basal diet (P<0.05). Curcumin administration resulted in significant improvements in IgM and lysosome levels (P<0.05). All supplemented groups had considerably (P<0.05) higher levels of SOD, CAT, and GPx mRNA than the control group. Consequently, administering 0.6–0.8 g/kg of curcumin to red tilapia (Oreochromis sp.) diets may improve the fish’s growth, health, tissue composition, and antioxidant response.

Abstract PO4-28-04: Curcumin inhibits breast cancer cell proliferation by regulating ciRS-7/miR-7-5p/CKS2 axis

Abstract Background Breast cancer (BC) is the most common cancer in women worldwide. Curcumin is a polyphenolic turmeric-derived compound that has anti-proliferative and anti-tumor properties in different cancer types by acting on multiple molecules. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are non-coding, single-stranded, covalently closed RNA molecules that act as regulators of the microRNA (miRNA) activity. Recent studies show that circRNAs are potential contributors to the onset and progression of many cancer types. CircRNA ciRS-7 acts as an oncogene and accelerates tumor progression by competitively suppressing miR-7-5p in BC. However, whether curcumin can regulate ciRS-7 to inhibit BC progression is still unclear. Method Breast Cancer cell lines (MCF-7 and T47D) and normal epithelial cell line (MCF-10A) were cultivated and treated with Curcumin (5μM, 10 μM, 20 μM) or DMSO as a control. Also, the cell lines were transfected with ciRS-7 siRNA, miR-7-5p mimic, and their non-targeted controls. The cell viability was detected by Cell Viability Detection Kit-8 (CVDK-8) using an ELISA plate reader. To detect cell migration, scratch assay was performed after 24hs of transfection and a phase contrast microscope was used to acquire images. The effect on apoptosis was detected by Annexin V-FITC Apoptosis Detection Kit using flow cytometry. Potential target genes of miR-7-5p were identified by searching for the overlapping genes in miRNet and miRTarBase v8 with the overexpressed genes in BC patient tissue samples in the TCGA database. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to detect the expression of ciRS-7, miR-7-5p, and the selected genes. qRT-PCR experiments were performed in duplicate and the 2−ΔΔCt method was used for relative quantitation analysis. Results Curcumin treatment, depending on the increased doses, decreased cell proliferation through inducing apoptosis in MCF-7 and T47D cancer cells. Curcumin's anti-proliferative effect was shown to be quite restricted on normal MCF-10A cells, as compared to MCF-7 and T47D cancer cells. In MCF-7 and T47D cells treated with curcumin, cell migration was dramatically inhibited. Curcumin has very little influence on the migration of MCF-10A cells. In both cancer cell group that was transfected with ciRS-7 siRNA and miR-7-5p mimic, it was observed that apoptosis was increased, proliferation was suppressed, and migration was decreased compared to its control groups. Moreover, the expression of ciRS-7 was found to be significantly decreased in the curcumin-treated group, while miR-7-5p was shown to be significantly higher. CKS2 gene one of the possible target genes of miR-7-5p that was identified by using in silico approaches, was also downregulated in curcumin-treated BC cell lines compared to its control group. ciRS-7 and CKS2 expression levels were found to be downregulated, whereas miR-7-5p expression level was found to be elevated in MCF-7 and T47D cells that were transfected with ciRS-7 siRNA. Additionally, CKS2 gene expression was found to be downregulated in miR-7-5p mimic transfected cells. Conclusion Curcumin is derived from the turmeric plant (Curcuma longa) and has been used since 3000 B.C. as a food additive. Nowadays, curcumin is one of the most essential anti-cancer substances that was examined. However, investigations on the influence of curcumin on the circRNA-miRNA-mRNA axis are scarce. Curcumin has been demonstrated to inhibit proliferation and induce apoptosis of BC cells via the ciRS-7/miR-7-5p/CKS2 axis in the present study. Keywords Breast Cancer, Curcumin, ciRS-7, miR-7-5p, CKS2 Citation Format: Asmaa Abuaisha, Murat Kaya, Ilknur Suer, Selman Emiroglu, Fahrunnisa Abanoz, Mustafa Tukenmez, Neslihan Cabıoğlu, Mahmut Muslumanoglu, Kivanc Cefle, Sukru Palanduz, Sukru Ozturk. Curcumin inhibits breast cancer cell proliferation by regulating ciRS-7/miR-7-5p/CKS2 axis [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2023 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2023 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(9 Suppl):Abstract nr PO4-28-04.

Effect of curcumin on inflammatory and oxidative stress markers in Lipopolysaccharide induced animal models of pre-eclampsia

Introduction: A substantial percentage of fetal, maternal, and neonatal morbidity and mortality is traced to Pre-eclampsia, a life threatening disease. Typical symptoms of the disease include de novo hypertension, proteinuria, renal failure, neurological problems, elevated liver enzymes, and uteroplacental dysfunction. It is estimated that almost 8-10% of all pregnancies are affected by preeclampsia in India. Pre-eclampsia incidentally also involves immune system changes on similar lines as a typical pregnancy. Immune cells like CD4+ T-helper 1 (TH1) cells, cytotoxic NK cells, and autoreactive B cells secrete substances that cause an increase in innate immune activation and inflammation in the maternal circulation and uteroplacental unit, instead of immune changes that promote tolerance and inhibit reactivity to the fetus and placenta. Placental and systemic oxidative stress are the key factors in the emergence of preeclampsia. A number of physiological changes, mineral shortages, and increased oxygen use during pregnancy can all be considered potential causes of oxidative stress. There is yet no effective and secure pharmaceutical treatment for preeclampsia. Pregnancy related safety concerns and the complex aetiology are two significant barriers to the development of pre-eclampsia medications. Medicinal plants and derived products have long been recognized as valuable assets in the treatment of a variety of diseases. Curcumin is a naturally occurring substance with significant in vitro therapeutic promise. The objective of this study was to develop LPS (lipopolysaccharide) induced animal model of Pre-eclampsia and to estimate and compare the hemodynamic parameters, inflammatory markers, oxidative stress markers and proteinuria in pregnant control, LPS-induced Pre-eclampsia, and curcumin-treated Pre-eclampsia in experimental rats. Material and methods: Pre-eclampsia was induced by single dose of 0.5μg/kg LPS. Wistar rats were divided into 8 groups of 8 animals. Female wistar rats were placed with male rats overnight and examined the next morning for the presence of sperm in vaginal smears. The day on which sperm was detected was designated as gestational day 0. After confirmation of pregnancy, each rat was weighed and randomized into groups. Pregnant Wistar rats were given 0.5 μg /kg of body weight LPS intraperitoneally on gestational day 5 for developing Pre-eclampsia models. Protein estimation in urine was done after 24 hours. On 19th or 20th gestation day animals were anesthetized and blood pressure was measured through a non-invasive tail-cuff method using the AD instrument and also through invasive method by inserting a arterial catheter in either of the carotid arteries towards the heart. ECG recording was done through surface ECG recording. Blood was collected by cardiac puncture, centrifuged, and stored at -80ºC on 19th or 20th gestation day. Inflammatory markers were estimated through ELISA reader. Oxidative stress markers were estimated. Pregnancy outcome was assessed through placental weight, number of pup’s delivered and pup’s weight. Statistical analysis was done using one way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by post hoc Tukey‘s test for intergroup comparisons. Results: In LPS induced model of pre-eclampsia, single-dose treatment with LPS (0.5ug/kg) induced marked pre-eclampsia in rats. Treatment with curcumin significantly decreased the level of proteinuria, hemodynamic parameters, inflammatory markers and oxidative stress markers in pregnant LPS+ curcumin-treated group when compared with the pregnant LPS group. Treatment with curcumin significantly increases pup’s weight and number of pups. Conclusion: On the basis of this experimental study, it is proposed that curcumin appears to be a potential therapeutic agent as measured by effect on hemodynamic changes, proteinuria, inflammatory markers, oxidative stress markers and pregnancy outcomes in LPS-induced pre- eclampsia. This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2024 meeting and is only available in HTML format. There are no additional versions or additional content available for this abstract. Physiology was not involved in the peer review process.

Preservative Effects of Curcumin on Semen of Hu Sheep.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are important factors that lead to a decline in sperm quality during semen preservation. Excessive ROS accumulation disrupts the balance of the antioxidant system in sperm and causes lipid oxidative damage, destroying its structure and function. Curcumin is a natural plant extract that neutralizes ROS and enhances the function of endogenous antioxidant enzymes. The effect of curcumin on the preservation of sheep semen has not been reported. This study aims to determine the effects of curcumin on refrigerated sperm (4 °C) and analyze the effects of curcumin on sperm metabolism from a Chinese native sheep (Hu sheep). The results showed that adding curcumin significantly improved (p < 0.05) the viability of refrigerated sperm at an optimal concentration of 20 µmol/L, and the plasma membrane and acrosome integrity in semen were significantly improved (p < 0.05). Adding curcumin to refrigerated semen significantly increased (p < 0.05) the levels of antioxidant enzymes (T-AOC, CAT, and SOD) and significantly decreased (p < 0.05) ROS production. A total of 13,796 metabolites in sperm and 20,581 metabolites in negative groups and curcumin-supplemented groups were identified using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. The proportion of lipids and lipid-like molecules among all metabolites in the sperm was the highest, regardless of treatment. We identified 50 differentially expressed metabolites (DEMs) in sperm between the negative control and curcumin-treated groups. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis revealed that DEMs were mainly enriched in the calcium signaling pathway, phospholipase D signaling pathway, sphingolipid metabolism, steroid hormone biosynthesis, 2-oxocarboxylic acid metabolism, and other metabolic pathways. The findings indicate that the addition of an appropriate concentration (20 µm/L) of curcumin to sheep semen can effectively suppress reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and extend the duration of cryopreservation (4 °C) by modulating the expression of sphingosine-1-phosphate, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, phytosphingosine, and other metabolites of semen. This discovery offers a novel approach to enhancing the cryogenic preservation of sheep semen.

Therapeutic Effects of Esomeprazole, Curcumin, Chitosan, and Curcumin-Chitosan Mixture on Ethanol-Induced Gastric Ulcer in Female Rats

Introduction: Gastric ulcer (GU) is a prevalent health issue linked to alcohol consumption, smoking, and physiological stress. This study aims to assess the therapeutic effects of esomeprazole (40 mg), curcumin (40 mg/kg), chitosan (150 mg/kg), and a mixture of curcumin (40 mg/kg) and chitosan (150 mg/kg) on ethanol-induced gastric ulcers in female rats. Method: The study involved 30 female rats with an average weight ranging from 179.1 to 180.3 gm. Rats were divided into two control groups and four treated groups (esomeprazole, curcumin, chitosan, and mixture), each containing 5 rats. Gastric ulcers were induced by orally administering 2 ml of absolute ethanol to All groups, except the negative control, after a 19-hour fasting period. Therapeutic effects were evaluated by assessing gastric juice volume and pH, ulcer index, curative index, and through morphological and histological examination of the stomach. Results: The study revealed a significant decrease (p≤0.05) in body weight percentage change in the curcumin-treated group compared to the positive control. Esomeprazole, chitosan, and the mixture showed mixture showed no significant change (p&gt;0.05). Additionally, esomeprazole, curcumin, chitosan, and the mixture demonstrated a significant decrease (p≤0.05) in ulcer index and gastric juice volume, with a significant increase (p≤0.05) in pH compared to the positive control. Conclusion: In conclusion, esomeprazole, chitosan, and the mixture demonstrated notable protective effects and therapeutic effects by reducing ulcer index and gastric juice volume in ethanol-induced gastric ulcers in female rats.

Curcumin Mitigates the High-Fat High-Sugar Diet-Induced Impairment of Spatial Memory, Hepatic Metabolism, and the Alteration of the Gut Microbiome in Alzheimer's Disease-Induced (3xTg-AD) Mice.

The escalating prevalence of metabolic diseases and an aging demographic has been correlated with a concerning rise in Alzheimer's disease (AD) incidence. This study aimed to access the protective effects of curcumin, a bioactive flavonoid from turmeric, on spatial memory, metabolic functions, and the regulation of the gut microbiome in AD-induced (3xTg-AD) mice fed with either a normal chow diet (NCD) or a high-fat high-sugar diet (HFHSD). Our findings revealed an augmented susceptibility of the HFHSD-fed 3xTg-AD mice for weight gain and memory impairment, while curcumin supplementation demonstrated a protective effect against these changes. This was evidenced by significantly reduced body weight gain and improved behavioral and cognitive function in the curcumin-treated group. These improvements were substantiated by diminished fatty acid synthesis, altered cholesterol metabolism, and suppressed adipogenesis-related pathways in the liver, along with modified synaptic plasticity-related pathways in the brain. Moreover, curcumin enriched beneficial gut microbiota, including Oscillospiraceae and Rikenellaceae at the family level, and Oscillibacter, Alistipes, Pseudoflavonifractor, Duncaniella, and Flintibacter at the genus level. The observed alteration in these gut microbiota profiles suggests a potential crosswalk in the liver and brain for regulating metabolic and cognitive functions, particularly in the context of obesity-associated cognitive disfunction, notably AD.

Evaluation of The Genoprotective Effect of Curcumin Against Methotrexate in Bone Marrow and Spleen Cells in Mice

Curcumin is a yellow pigment produced from the rhizomes of the Curcuma longa plant and a primary chemo preventive component of turmeric is used as a spice and food coloring ingredient. Curcumin has a large number of pharmacological activities, such as anticancer, anti-diabetic, antioxidant, anti-infectious, and anti-inflammatory properties.Investigation of the geno-protective effect of curcumin on methotrexate induces chromosomal aberrations of spleen and bone marrow cells. In this study, 32 mice were used and divided into four groups (eight mice at each group) as follows: Group1 (negative control): Dimethyl sulfoxide was given intraperitoneally to mice every day for ten days.Group2 (positive control): Mice were received a single dose (20mg/kg) of methotrexate intraperitoneally Group3: Mice were received (200mg/kg) of curcumin solution intraperitoneally for ten successive days.Group4: Mice were received (200mg/kg) of curcumin solution intraperitoneally for ten successive days and on the day 11, a single dose of methotrexate ( 20 mg/kg ) was injected intraperitoneally . In animals treated with methotrexate, significant elevations of the chromosomal aberrations were observed along with a decline in the mitotic index. Meanwhile, there was a considerable elevation of the mitotic index and no detectable chromosomal changes in the curcumin-supplemented mice. The number of abnormal cells was reduced significantly in the curcumin-treated group in comparison with the methotrexate-treated group. The ability of curcumin to inhibit methotrexate's cytotoxic effects was shown by the compound's ability to raise the mitotic index. According to this finding, curcumin approved to be a protective agent against genotoxic effects of methotrexate. Keywords: Curcumin, Chromosomal aberrations, Methotrexate, Mitotic index, Mice

Therapeutic Potential of Curcumin, a Bioactive Compound of Turmeric, in Prevention of Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetes through the Modulation of Oxidative Stress and Inflammation.

This study evaluates the anti-diabetic potential and underlying mechanisms of curcumin in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) rats. The rats were randomly divided into four groups: normal control, negative control (diabetic group), diabetic group receiving glibenclamide (positive control group), and curcumin plus STZ (treatment group). The anti-diabetic activities of curcumin were examined at a dose of 50 mg/kg body weight through physiological, biochemical, and histopathological analysis. Compared to the normal control group rats, elevated levels of glucose, creatinine, urea, triglycerides (TG), and total cholesterol (TC) and low levels of insulin were found in the negative control rats. Curcumin treatment showed a significant decrease in these parameters and an increase in insulin level as compared to negative control rats. In negative control rats, a reduced level of antioxidant enzymes and an increased level of lipid peroxidation and inflammatory marker levels were noticed. Oral administration of curcumin significantly ameliorated such changes. From histopathological findings, it was noted that diabetic rats showed changes in the kidney tissue architecture, including the infiltration of inflammatory cells, congestion, and fibrosis, while oral administration of curcumin significantly reduced these changes. Expression of IL-6 and TNF-α protein was high in diabetic rats as compared to the curcumin treatment groups. Hence, based on biochemical and histopathological findings, this study delivers a scientific suggestion that curcumin could be a suitable remedy in the management of diabetes mellitus.

Residual Level Of Deltamethrin Induced Gastritis And Preventive Role Of Curcumin On Stomach Mucosa.

Benefits of Curcumin for health have been explained by different experimental models and clinical trials. It is a very potent antioxidant. Curcumin was found to play a preventive and curative role in both acute and chronic gastritis. Deltamethrin is a useful pesticide when applied with caution to crops. However, it also has noxious effects on gastric mucosa once ingested with sprayed crops. Its maximum permissible limit, MRL (Maximum Residual Level) as pesticide food residues is 5 mg/kg body weight as defined by WHO. However, there is still a potential to cause harm at these levels and maybe a serious potential health hazard. The present study aimed to: (a) determine the prevalence and severity of gastritis induced by deltamethrin when administered at MRL doses and (b) To observe the preventive effect on gastric mucosa against the action of Deltamethrin present as a residual pesticide in different vegetables and fruits. In this two-phase subacute toxicity study of seven weeks, forty Sprague Dawley rats were divided into eight subgroups. Control groups were kept on a normal diet and sesame oil. Out of the two treatment groups, one group was given deltamethrin (5 mg/kg body weight) orally along with curcumin 100 mg/kg body weight. The second group was first given deltamethrin (5mg/kg body weight) and curcumin (200mg/kg). All were culled at its end. The stomach samples were collected and processed to obtain histology slides for analysis via microscopy and micrometry. Grading was done to look for changes according to the "Visual Analogue Scale and Operative Link on Gastritis Assessment (OLGA)". The experimental deltamethrin group when compared to control groups, revealed mild changes in stomach histomorphology while curcumin-treated both groups; Group D (100 mg/kg) and Group E (200 mg/kg) showed no changes. Administration of Deltamethrin even in maximum residual dose (permissible) is proven to be toxic. Curcumin is hence proven to protect the gastric mucosa against the toxic effects of deltamethrin ingested in residual form.

The effects of curcumin on hepatic T2*MRI and liver enzymes in patients with β-thalassemia major: a double-blind randomized controlled clinical trial.

Background: Curcumin present in turmeric has been considered due to its cancer-preventive features, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This double-blind, randomized, controlled clinical trial with a reasonable sample size and longer intervention period was conducted to investigate how oral curcumin affected cardiac and hepatic T2*MRI and liver enzymes in patients with β-thalassemia major. Method: This clinical trial study was conducted on 171 patients over 5 years old. The subjects were randomly divided into a curcumin-treatment group and a placebo group to receive either curcumin capsules twice daily or placebo for 6 months. Patients were examined once a month for 6 months to receive capsules and measure the levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate transferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), direct and total bilirubin, ferritin and cardiac and hepatic T2*MRI. Result: There was a significant decrease in levels of AST, ALT, ALP, and bilirubin (direct and total) in the curcumin group compared with the placebo group by the end of the study (p < 0.05). The levels of serum ferritin remained unchanged in both groups at the end of the follow-up period (p > 0.05). No significant differences were observed between the curcumin and placebo groups at baseline values or at the end of the study of cardiac and hepatic T2*MRI and serum magnesium. Conclusion: Administration of curcumin has some beneficial effects on liver function by reducing liver enzymes in patients with beta-thalassemia major.

Topical curcumin gel accelerates healing of II A – degree burns on male wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus)

Background: Burns can happen to anyone at any time, so they require wound care, which is essential to speed up wound healing. Curcumin gel is suspected to help this process, which is administered topically. Besides being cheap, easy to find, and minimal side effects, the content of curcumin helps a series of biological processes that accelerate the recovery of II A – degree burns, which have not been studied extensively recently. Aim: The study aims to prove that topical curcumin gel can accelerate the healing of II A-degree burns in male Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus). Methods: This true experimental study with a post-test control group design involved 28 male Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus), which were initially intervened by inducing a heat probe that stimulated the formation of an area of II A – degree burns. Wound profile analysis was conducted in the control and treatment groups within 7 and 14 days, respectively. After the wound biopsy, the significance of the parametric test results on the average velocity of epithelialization, number of fibroblasts, and collagen density was assessed. Results: Epithelialization rate (p&lt;0.001), fibroblast cell count (p=0.007), and collagen density (p=0.011) after curcumin administration were higher than controls. The curcumin treatment group at 14 days showed the greatest significance among the other comparisons (p&lt;0.05). The higher the speed of epithelialization, the higher the number of fibroblasts or collagen, respectively, in the control and treatment groups (r &gt; 0.65; p &lt;0.05). Conclusion: Topical administration of curcumin gel has the potential to be a hope for future remedies that initiate the improvement of the healing process of II A – degree burns properly.

An antioxidant ameliorates allergic airway inflammation by inhibiting HDAC 1 via HIF-1α/VEGF axis suppression in mice

Histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) are novel class of drugs as they are involved in post translational modification of several proteins involved in signaling pathways related to asthma. HDACi have been reported to elicit protective effects on asthma but the signaling pathways associated with it have not been investigated much. Recently, we have demonstrated that intranasal administrations of Pan-HDAC inhibitors, sodium butyrate and curcumin, which have effectively reduced asthma severity via HDAC1 inhibition in Ovalbumin induced mouse model. Present study aimed to investigate possible pathways by which curcumin and sodium butyrate may minimize asthma pathogenesis via HDAC 1 inhibition. Balb/c mice were exposed (sensitized and challenged) with Ovalbumin to establish allergic asthma model followed by pretreatment of curcumin (5 mg/kg) and sodium butyrate (50 mg/kg) through intranasal route. Effects of curcumin and sodium butyrate on HIF-1α/VEGF signaling through activation of PI3K/Akt axis has been investigated using protein expressions followed by chromatin immunoprecipitation of BCL2 and CCL2 against HDAC1. Molecular docking analysis was also performed to investigate effects of curcumin and butyrate on mucus hypersecretion, goblet cell hyperplasia and airway hyperresponsiveness. Augmented expressions of HDAC-1, HIF-1α, VEGF, p-Akt and p-PI3K were observed in asthmatic group which was suppressed in both the treatments. NRF-2 level was significantly restored by curcumin and butyrate treatments. Protein expressions of p-p38, IL-5 and mRNA expressions of GATA-3 were also reduced in curcumin and butyrate treatment groups. Our findings suggest that curcumin and sodium butyrate may attenuate airway inflammation via down regulation of p-Akt/p-PI3K/HIF-1α/VEGF axis.

The dosage of curcumin to alleviate movement symptoms in a 6-hydroxydopamine-induced Parkinson's disease rat model

BackgroundCurcumin is a natural compound with extensive pharmacological effects. This research is to verify the optimal dose and administration duration efficacy of curcumin in alleviating the movement symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD). MethodsWistar rats were divided into six groups including control, model, levodopa treatment and low/middle/high (40/80/160 mg/kg/d) curcumin treatment groups. After stereotactic brain injection of 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA), curcumin was given by intragastric administration for 2 weeks. To evaluate the drug effect, the rats received behavioral tests including apomorphine (APO)-induced rotation test, rotarod test and open field test. Then the rats were sacrificed and the brain slices including substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) were used for immunofluorescence staining. ResultsAfter 6-OHDA injection, the model group showed typical movement symptoms including the severe APO-induced rotation to the healthy side, decreased latency in the rotarod with constant or accelerative mode, and decreased total distance and average speed in the open field test. In the results of immunofluorescence staining, the 6-OHDA induced a severe damage of dopaminergic neurons in SNc. The 160 mg/kg/d treatment of curcumin to intervene for 2 weeks alleviated most of the behavioral disorders but the 40/80 mg/kg/d treatment showed limitations. Then, we compared the effect of 1 week intervention to the 2 weeks with 160 mg/kg/d treatment of curcumin to intervene and results indicated that the treatment of 2 weeks could better alleviate the symptoms. ConclusionsCurcumin alleviated 6-OHDA-induced movement symptoms in a PD rat model. Additionally, the effect of curcumin against PD indicated dose and duration dependent and the intervention of 160 mg/kg/d for 2 weeks showed optimally therapeutic effect.

Curcumin-mediated gene expression changes in Drosophila melanogaster

Background: Curcumin has been suggested to be useful in the treatment of numerous diseases, including autoinflammation, that has been implicated in some pathological conditions. Experimentally, autoinflammatory phenotypes were observed in the short-lived Peptidoglycan recognition protein LB (PGRP-LB) mutant of Drosophila melanogaster. Objective: This study aimed to determine the effect of curcumin on the expression of ageing-related genes in the autoinflammatory model of D. melanogaster. Method: This study was performed using five test groups including untreated control, solvent control, and three groups given a series of curcumin concentrations: 10 µM, 50 µM, and 250 µM, separately. Survival assay and gene expression studies were carried out on these test groups. Result: The results revealed that the lifespan of the curcumin-treated groups was significantly improved in comparison to the control groups. Such phenotype was accompanied by the increased expression of srl and hsp22 genes in most, if not all, of the curcumin-treated groups and elevated expression of tom40, pepck, and cat genes was specifically detectable only in groups treated with 250 µM curcumin. On the contrary, the expression of indy was significantly reduced upon the administration of curcumin at all given concentrations. Conclusion: Based on these results, it can be inferred that supplementation of curcumin can improve the lifespan of the PGRP-LB mutant flies and this might be related to the changes in the expression of ageing-related genes.

Identification of the antibacterial action mechanism of curcumin on Streptococcus mutans through transcriptome profiling

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to explore the effect and mechanism responsible for how curcumin affects the biofilm formation by Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans). DesignThe antibacterial activity of curcumin was evaluated by measuring the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC). The mass of the biofilm was measured by crystal violet staining. Transcriptome sequencing was used to obtain all the transcript information associated with the biological activity of curcumin-treated S. mutans. Real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) was performed to examine the expression levels of related biofilm formation genes. ResultsThe MIC value for curcumin was 64 μM. Curcumin inhibited the formation of a biofilm by S. mutans and degraded mature biofilms. A gene ontology enrichment analysis showed that the DEGs were significantly relevant to biofilm formation. In addition, 17 significantly enriched Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathways (p ≤ 0.01) were identified and were potentially associated with the biochemical metabolic processes of S. mutans. DEGs associated with the biofilm formation of S. mutants, including gtfB, gtfC, rgpG, spaP, spxA1, spxA2, bacA, lrgB, and gshAB. The qRT-PCR results were consistent with transcriptome sequencing that the expression levels of gtfB, gtfC, rgpG, and spaP significantly decreased in the curcumin-treated group, whereas the expression levels of spx1, spx2, bacA, lrgB, and gshAB were up-regulated. ConclusionsCurcumin showed marked inhibitory effects against the formation of biofilms by S. mutans and degradation of formed biofilms.

Exploring new therapeutic potentials of curcumin against post-surgical adhesion bands

BackgroundAdhesion band formation is a common cause of morbidity for patients undergoing surgeries. Anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic properties of curcumin, a pharmacologically active component of Curcuma longa, have been investigated in several studies. The aim of this study is to explore the therapeutic potential of curcumin in attenuating post-operative adhesion band (PSAB) formation in both peritoneal and peritendinous surgeries in animal models.MethodsBio-mechanical, histological and quantitative evaluation of inflammation, and total fibrosis scores were graded and measured in the presence and absence of phytosomal curcumin.ResultsResults showed that phytosomal curcumin significantly decreased severity, length, density and tolerance of mobility of peritendinous adhesions as well as incidence and severity of abdominal fibrotic bands post-surgery. Curcumin may decrease inflammation by attenuating recruitment of inflammatory cells and regulating oxidant/anti-oxidant balance in post-operative tissue samples. Moreover, markedly lower fibrosis scores were obtained in the adhesive tissues of phytosomal curcumin-treated groups which correlated with a significant decrease in quantity, quality and grading of fibers, and collagen deposition in animal models.ConclusionThese results suggest that protective effects of phytosomal curcumin against PSAB formation is partially mediated by decreasing inflammation and fibrosis at site of surgery. Further studies are needed to investigate the therapeutic potential of this molecule in preventing PSAB.

Histopathological examination of the hepatoprotective effect of curcumin with piperine on thioacetamide induced hepatotoxicity in rats

Piperine possesses bio-enhancer characteristics, while curcumin has a long history of traditional use in reviving the liver and treating illnesses and dysfunction of the liver. Thus, the goal of the current investigation was to ascertain the hepatoprotective potential of curcumin and piperine after oral administration on albino rat liver damage caused by thioacetamide. In this study, the animals were divided into five groups, each containing four rats. Groups II (received thioacetamide on the eighth day), III (received curcumin orally for seven days), IV, and V received a single dose of thioacetamide on the eighth day of the experiment. For seven days, a group I received normal saline as a control. For seven days, Group III received 200 mg of curcumin per kg of body weight. Groups IV and V received piperine for 7 days combined with curcumin at doses of 200 and 400 mg per kg of body weight, respectively. Rats of all the groups were sacrificed on the 10th day of the study. The thioacetamide treated group showed severe necrosis, hemosiderosis, and mononuclear cell infiltration around the central vein. The curcumin-treated group showed minimal hepatic necrosis and mild degenerative changes indicating restoration of normal architecture due to the hepatoprotective property of respective treatments against thioacetamide. The histo-architecture of the kidney treated with thioacetamide showed pathological changes as evidenced by tubular degeneration and distorted architecture. Treatment groups showed improvement in renal pathology. Hence, the study concluded that curcumin provided hepatoprotection against thioacetamide-induced hepatotoxicity and in combination with piperine hepatoprotective activity of curcumin was observed to be reduced.