The Beneficial Effects of Curcumin on Cardiovascular Diseases and Their Risk Factors

Abstract

Curcumin (diferuloylmethane) is a yellow, active substance of an herbal origin, which is mainly derived from turmeric of the ginger family. Extensive research has been focused on the therapeutic effects of this substance on diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases, and the hepatoprotective properties have attracted the attention of researchers. In addition, curcumin significantly improves oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and inflammation. It could also modulate various cell signals in cytokines, chemokines, growth factors, and enzymes. Curcumin attenuates the blood glucose by increasing insulin levels. According to findings, consuming one gram of curcumin per day for one month could decrease total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglyceride, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Moreover, it contributes to the control of some of the main parameters associated with the metabolic syndrome, which is an important risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Hepatic cholesterol metabolism is also regulated by curcumin, which has a similar function to lovastatin in the long run. Curcumin has been reported to prevent the enlargement of solid tumours. Several have confirmed the therapeutic role of curcumin in the management of the metabolic syndromes and cardiovascular diseases. The present study aimed to review the therapeutic effects of curcumin.