Curcumin as a modulator of drug metabolism and gene expression: Implications for pharmacogenomics

Abstract

Curcumin, a polyphenolic chemical derived from Curcuma longa, has long been used as a culinary ingredient and in traditional medicine because of its unique orange--yellow color. Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, and chemopreventive qualities are only a few of its many pharmacological activities. The increasing relevance of curcumin in pharmacogenomics is examined in this review, with particular attention given to how it affects gene expression and drug metabolism. Curcumin alters important enzymes and pathways, including drug transporters and cytochrome P450s, which impacts how the body breaks down medications. Additionally, it controls transcription factors such as Nrf2 and NF-κB, which affect genes related to inflammation and detoxification. Curcumin is a promising adjuvant in personalized medicine since it can improve therapeutic efficacy and decrease adverse drug reactions through these mechanisms. Its potential application in precision treatment procedures is supported by its capacity to fine-tune metabolic and signalling pathways. This review aims to investigate the possible function of curcumin in pharmacogenomics, namely, in modifying individual reactions to medications depending on genetic variants, as well as how it affects drug metabolism and gene expression.