Curcumin Improves Cytokines and HDL in Diabetic Wistar Rats

In type 2 diabetes mellitus, lipid profile is often found in the form of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) decrease. TNFa and IL-6 are proinflammatory cytokines that are elevated in the blood in many patients with diabetes mellitus. Turmeric is one of the natural ingredients that has anti-cholesterol and anti-inflammatory effects through the work of its active substance, curcumin. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of turmeric extract combined with metformin on HDL, TNFa, and IL-6 levels in diabetic rats. Twenty-four Wistar rats were injected intraperitoneally with streptozotocin and niacinamide. The diabetic rats then were divided into four groups; control group, metformin group, turmeric group, and combination group. The dose of metformin and turmeric which were given, respectively, 45mg/KgBW/day and 200 mg/KgBW/day. While the combo group was given half dose of each. Blood serum was taken to examine the HDL, IL-6, and TNFa levels. The levels of HDL, IL-6, TNFa on diabetic rats that received the combination of metformin and turmeric extract (p0.05) were the best among of all the groups. This means that the combination of metformin and turmeric is better in increasing HDL, reducing IL-6, and TNFa levels better than metformin or turmeric extract alone.