Effect of curcumin on endothelial function in humans and their proposed physiological mechanism: Insights in formulating curcumin products supplementation

Background

Curcumin, a polyphenolic curcuminoid from Curcuma longa L. root and rhizome, presents a positive effect on cardiovascular disease. Since endothelial dysfunction precedes cardiovascular disease, many studies have suggested curcumin supplementation to improve endothelial function. However, the mechanisms by which curcumin can enhance endothelial function are poorly explored. Furthermore, formulated curcumin products have been utilized to improve curcumin bioavailability, which can have an additional impact on human health. Therefore, this narrative review aims to discuss the current evidence showing the effect of curcumin on endothelial function in humans, exploring the mechanisms by which curcumin can improve endothelial function. In addition, we discuss whether formulated curcumin products could generate a more robust impact on endothelial function than non-formulated curcumin.

Methods

Research articles were retrieved based on a search of the following databases: PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar using the following keywords and synonyms combined: (“curcumin” or “turmeric” or “curcuma” or “Curcuma longa” or “curcuma domestica”) AND (“endothelial function” or “vascular function” or “nitric oxide”).

Results

Curcumin supplementation seems to improve endothelial function in humans. Such effects can be attributed to curcumin's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and the regulation of adhesion molecule levels, all of which can increase NO bioavailability.

Conclusion

Curcumin supplementation has been demonstrated to improve endothelial function, but the current data is insufficient to determine whether the delivery methods enhance such effects. Therefore, future studies investigating the impact of curcumin formulations on endothelial function are warranted.