Curcumin and its Role in Management of Inflammatory Conditions
USMAN, Sarah
DOI: http://doi.org/10.34614/2022IYRC60
Category: STEM
Abstract – Curcumin, a bioactive compound derived from turmeric, has shown potential as treatment for inflammatory conditions, such as arthritis, hyperlipidemia, hepatic disorders, diabetic wounds, sinusitis, and rheumatoid arthritis. Curcumin is cultivated in south tropical Asia and has been used both orally and topically in Ayurvedic medicine. As ingesting curcumin alone fails to provide health benefits due to poor absorption, the usage of enhancing agents combined with curcumin increases absorption and metabolism of curcumin. The purpose of this review was to provide a synopsis of five publications regarding curcumin and its benefits as an anti-inflammatory agent. A total of 10 studies were reviewed but 3 did not have sufficient outcome data and 2 were of very small sample sizes (n=10). All 5 studies showed that curcumin ingestion resulted in significant anti-inflammatory benefits. Further studies are needed to prove if these benefits directly result in positive outcomes in disease states where inflammation plays an active role.