A Review of Curcumin in Chronic Disease Management: Anti-Inflammatory Pathways, Antioxidant Activity, and Therapeutic Advances.

Abstract

The medicinal properties of Curcuma longa L. (turmeric) have long been recognized, especially in traditional medicine, where it has been used to treat diverse ailments for thousands of years. The bioactive polyphenol responsible for the health benefits associated with C. longa is curcumin, which offers a variety of health advantages, particularly, anti-inflammatory properties. This review discusses the molecular mechanisms underlying the anti-inflammatory properties of curcumin, focusing on its interaction with significant inflammatory signaling pathways, modulation of the gut microbiota, and antioxidant activity. The therapeutic potential of curcumin is rooted in its ability to reduce enzymes such as COX-2 and LOX, downregulate proinflammatory cytokines, and block the NF-κB pathway. In addition to its ability to decrease oxidative stress, a primary mediator of inflammation, curcumin also functions in scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS) and activating antioxidant defense systems. This review further highlights the clinical relevance of curcumin in chronic inflammatory conditions including rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and cardiovascular disorders. Despite its encouraging therapeutic potential, curcumin bioavailability remains a major problem, prompting advancements in drug administration methods. Further research is needed to improve its formulations, study how curcumin synergizes with other treatments, and conduct clinical studies.