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Curcumin, the Unexpected Compound for Your Immune System
We usually think of inflammation as being something connected to joint pain, or possibly digestive disorders. But the fact is, inflammation makes immune system flare-ups worse, too.
Curcumin, the beneficial clinically studied compound from turmeric, can help mitigate inflammation throughout the body during times of illness and immune system challenges. A review found that while curcumin is associated with cancer-fighting immune actions, it may have broader applications for a variety of conditions.
Because the lungs, sinuses, and digestive system all deal with inflammatory reactions due to bacterial and viral invaders, this is positive news. The ability of curcumin to inhibit common markers that would otherwise increase the severity of symptoms mean that this botanical may be a powerful, if unexpected, line of defense.
Abstract:
Kahkhaie KR, Mirhosseini A, Aliabadi A, et al. Curcumin: a modulator of inflammatory signaling pathways in the immune system [published correction appears in Inflammopharmacology. 2019 Aug 19;:]. Inflammopharmacology. 2019;27(5):885-900
Curcumin is a natural compound derived from the spice, turmeric, that has been extensively reported for its efficacy in controlling or treatment of several inflammatory diseases. There is a growing body of literature that recognizes the anti-inflammatory effects of curcumin in the immune system. On the other hand, the role of inflammatory signaling pathways has been highlighted in the pathogenesis of several inflammatory diseases, and signaling molecules involved in these pathways are considered as valuable targets for new treatment approaches. We aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of the modulatory effects of curcumin on inflammatory signaling pathways which leads to inhibition of inflammation in different types of immune cells and animal models. In this comprehensive review, we elaborate on how curcumin can effectively inhibit multiple signaling molecules involved in inflammation including NF-κB, JAKs/STATs, MAPKs, β-catenin, and Notch-1.
Can Curcumin Stop Viruses?
When viruses are at a certain stage of development, they acquire an “envelope” made of the tissue of their infected host. This skin protects the virus from the host body’s own immune responses, and allows it to grow stronger and replicate more.
Scientific research has found that curcumin from turmeric (Curcuma longa) can inhibit the ability of these “enveloped viruses” to colonize. It does this by puncturing the protected envelope, weakening the structural integrity of the virus, and exposing it to the consequences of an alerted immune system.
Previous work has found that curcumin appears to be effective against a variety of types of viruses, although more studies need to be conducted to gauge its full antiviral activity and establish dosage levels.
Abstract:
Chen TY, Chen DY, Wen HW, et al. Inhibition of enveloped viruses infectivity by curcumin. PLoS One. 2013;8(5):e62482. Published 2013 May 1. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0062482
Curcumin, a natural compound and ingredient in curry, has antiinflammatory, antioxidant, and anticarcinogenic properties. Previously, we reported that curcumin abrogated influenza virus infectivity by inhibiting hemagglutination (HA) activity. This study demonstrates a novel mechanism by which curcumin inhibits the infectivity of enveloped viruses. In all analyzed enveloped viruses, including the influenza virus, curcumin inhibited plaque formation. In contrast, the nonenveloped enterovirus 71 remained unaffected by curcumin treatment. We evaluated the effects of curcumin on the membrane structure using fluorescent dye (sulforhodamine B; SRB)-containing liposomes that mimic the viral envelope. Curcumin treatment induced the leakage of SRB from these liposomes and the addition of the influenza virus reduced the leakage, indicating that curcumin disrupts the integrity of the membranes of viral envelopes and of liposomes. When testing liposomes of various diameters, we detected higher levels of SRB leakage from the smaller-sized liposomes than from the larger liposomes. Interestingly, the curcumin concentration required to reduce plaque formation was lower for the influenza virus (approximately 100 nm in diameter) than for the pseudorabies virus (approximately 180 nm) and the vaccinia virus (roughly 335 × 200 × 200 nm). These data provide insights on the molecular antiviral mechanisms of curcumin and its potential use as an antiviral agent for enveloped viruses.
Here is the link to the complete article: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3641039/
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), overgrowth of a species of Candida – a fungus – accounts for the second most common type of vaginal infection in America. Like anything that gets out of balance, Candida albicans (one of the most prevalent in situations of yeast overgrowth) can cause minor conditions to life-threatening diseases. In the case of vaginal infections, Candida is frustratingly difficult to control.
Research in China has found that curcumin, one of the major curative compounds from turmeric, may help provide an answer. In laboratory study, scientists found that curcumin inhibited the growth of different strains of C. albicans – in one case, by 90 percent.
This work points to ways in which curcumin, already known for its pain-relieving and potentially cancer-stopping effects, may prove to be a helpful natural medicine for women who suffer from yeast infections. Additionally, since Candida overgrowth can cause multiple diseases, this research underscores the importance of curcumin in natural medicine.
Abstract:
Ma J, Shi H, Sun H, Li J, Bai Y. Antifungal Effect of Photodynamic Therapy Mediated by Curcumin on Candida albicans Biofilms in Vitro. Photodiagnosis Photodyn Ther. 2019 Jun 21. pii: S1572-1000(19)30198-X.
BACKGROUND: Canida albicans can cause opportunistic infections ranging from superficial mucous membrane lesions to life-threatening diseases. The aim of this study is to investigate the antifungal effect of photodynamic therapy (PDT) mediated by curcumin (CUR) on C. albicans biofilms in vitro.
METHODS: One standard strain ATCC 90028 and two clinical isolates from HIV (CCA1) and oral lichen planus (CCA2) patients' oral cavities were used in this study. Biofilms were photosensitized with 60 μM CUR and irradiated by light emitting diode (LED) under the wavelength of 455 nm and energy densities of 2.64, 5.28, 7.92, 10.56, 13.2 J/cm2. Then the antifungal effects of CUR-PDT were evaluated by XTT reduction assay and confocal light scanning microscopy (CLSM) observations. The effects of CUR-PDT on the expression levels of hypha-specific and biofilm-related genes including EFG1, UME6, HGC1 and ECE1 were assessed by quantitative Real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) method.
RESULTS: The inhibition rates after CUR-PDT in three biofilms (ATCC 90028, CCA1, CCA2) were 90.87%, 66.44% and 86.74% respectively (p < 0.05). Relative gene expression levels of EFG1, UME6, HGC1 and ECE1 were all downregulated after CUR-PDT, with fold-decrease of 6.865, 3.382, 2.167 and 6.887 in ATCC 90028, 2.466, 2.146, 1.627 and 3.102 in CCA1, and 5.406, 2.347, 2.073and 3.711 in CCA2 (p < 0.05).
CONCLUSIONS: Curcumin-mediated PDT could effectively inactivate Candida albicans biofilms in vitro. Expression of genes involved in biofilms formation were downregulated after CUR-PDT.
PURPOSE:
Allergic conjunctivitis (AC) from an allergen-driven T helper 2 (Th2) response is characterized by conjunctival eosinophilic infiltration. Because curcumin has shown anti-allergic activity in an asthma and contact dermatitis laboratory models, we examined whether administration of curcumin could affect the severity of AC and modify the immune response to ovalbumin (OVA) allergen in an experimental AC model.
METHODS:
Mice were challenged with two doses of topical OVA via the conjunctival sac after systemic sensitization with OVA in aluminum hydroxide (ALUM). Curcumin was administered 1 h before OVA challenge. Several indicators for allergy such as serum immunoglubulin E (IgE) antibodies production, eosinophil infiltration into the conjunctiva and Th2 cytokine production were evaluated in mice with or without curcumin treatment.
RESULTS:
Mice challenged with OVA via the conjunctival sac following systemic sensitization with OVA in ALUM had severe AC. Curcumin administration markedly suppressed IgE-mediated and eosinophil-dependent conjunctival inflammation. In addition, mice administered curcumin had less interleukin-4 (IL-4) and interleukin-5 (IL-5) (Th2 type cytokine) production in conjunctiva, spleen, and cervical lymph nodes than mice in the non-curcumin-administered group. OVA challenge resulted in activation of the production of inducible nitric oxide (iNOS), and curcumin treatment inhibited iNOS production in the conjunctiva.
CONCLUSIONS:
We believe our findings are the first to demonstrate that curcumin treatment suppresses allergic conjunctival inflammation in an experimental AC model.
Source: Chung SH, Choi SH, Choi JA, Chuck RS, Joo CK. Mol Vis. 2012;18:1966-72. Epub 2012 Jul 18.
For complete article: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3413438/
Anti-asthmatic property of curcumin (diferuloylmethane), a natural product from the rhizomes of Curcuma longa, has been tested in a guinea pig model of airway hyperresponsiveness. We sensitized guinea pigs with ovalbumin (OVA) to develop certain characteristic features of asthma: allergen induced airway constriction and airway hyperreactivity to histamine. Guinea pigs were treated with curcumin during sensitization (to examine its preventive effect) or after developing impaired airways features (to examine its therapeutic effect). Status of airway constriction and airway hyperreactivity were determined by measuring specific airway conductance (SGaw) using a non-invasive technique, constant-volume body plethysmography. Curcumin (20 mg/kg body weight) treatment significantly inhibits OVA-induced airway constriction (p<0.0399) and airway hyperreactivity (p<0.0043). The results demonstrate that curcumin is effective in improving the impaired airways features in the OVA-sensitized guinea pigs.
Source: Ram A, Das M, Ghosh B. Biol Pharm Bull. 2003 Jul;26(7):1021-4.
Asthma is an inflammatory disease, in which eotaxin, MCP-1 and MCP-3 play a crucial role. These chemokines have been shown to be expressed and produced by IL-1beta-stimulated human airway smooth muscle cells (HASMC) in culture. In the present study we were interested to unravel the IL-1beta-induced signal transduction leading to chemokine production. Using Western blot, we observed an activation of p38 MAPK, JNK kinase and p42/p44 ERK when HASMC were stimulated with IL-1beta. We also observed a significant decrease in the expression and the release of eotaxin, MCP-1 and MCP-3 in the presence of SB203580, an inhibitor of p38 MAPK (71 +/- 6%, P < 0.05, n = 8 and 39 +/- 10% P < 0.01, n = 10 respectively), curcumin, an inhibitor of JNK kinase (83 +/- 4.9% and 88 +/- 3.4% respectively, P < 0.01, n = 4). U0126, an inhibitor of p42/p44 ERK, also produced a significant decrease in chemokine production (46.3 +/- 9%, P < 0.01 n = 10 and 67.8 +/- 12%, P < 0.01, n = 12). Pyrrolydine dithiocarbamate, an inhibitor of NF-kappaB was also able to reduce the eotaxin, MCP-1 and MCP-3 expression and production (50 +/- 13%, P < 0.05, n = 10 and 23 +/- 7%, P < 0.05, n = 12). We conclude that p38 MAPK, JNK kinase, ERK and NF-kappaB are involved in the IL-1beta-induced eotaxin, MCP-1, and MCP-3 expression and release in HASMC.
Source: Wuyts WA, Vanaudenaerde BM, Dupont LJ, Demedts MG, Verleden GM. Respir Med. 2003 Jul;97(7):811-7.
BACKGROUND:
There has been a worldwide increase in allergy and asthma over the last few decades, particularly in industrially developed nations. This resulted in a renewed interest to understand the pathogenesis of allergy in recent years. The progress made in the pathogenesis of allergic disease has led to the exploration of novel alternative therapies, which include herbal medicines as well. Curcumin, present in turmeric, a frequently used spice in Asia has been shown to have anti-allergic and inflammatory potential.
METHODS:
We used a murine model of latex allergy to investigate the role of curcumin as an immunomodulator. BALB/c mice were exposed to latex allergens and developed latex allergy with a Th2 type of immune response. These animals were treated with curcumin and the immunological and inflammatory responses were evaluated.
RESULTS:
Animals exposed to latex showed enhanced serum IgE, latex specific IgG1, IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, eosinophils and inflammation in the lungs. Intragastric treatment of latex-sensitized mice with curcumin demonstrated a diminished Th2 response with a concurrent reduction in lung inflammation. Eosinophilia in curcumin-treated mice was markedly reduced, co-stimulatory molecule expression (CD80, CD86, and OX40L) on antigen-presenting cells was decreased, and expression of MMP-9, OAT, and TSLP genes was also attenuated.
CONCLUSION:
These results suggest that curcumin has potential therapeutic value for controlling allergic responses resulting from exposure to allergens.
Source: Kurup VP, Barrios CS, Raju R, Johnson BD, Levy MB, Fink JN. Clin Mol Allergy. 2007 Jan 25;5:1.
For complete article: http://www.clinicalmolecularallergy.com/content/5/1/1
In recent years, considerable interest has been focused on curcumin a compound, isolated from turmeric. Curcumin is used as a coloring, flavoring agent and has been traditionally used in medicine and cuisine in India. The varied biological properties of curcumin and lack of toxicity even when administered at higher doses makes it attractive to explore its use in various disorders like tumors of skin, colon, duodenum, pancreas, breast and other skin diseases. This chapter reviews the data on the use of curcumin for the chemoprevention and treatment of various skin diseases like scleroderma, psoriasis and skin cancer. Curcumin protects skin by quenching free radicals and reducing inflammation through nuclear factor-KB inhibition. Curcumin treatment also reduced wound-healing time, improved collagen deposition and increased fibroblast and vascular density in wounds thereby enhancing both normal and impaired wound-healing. Curcumin has also been shown to have beneficial effect as a proangiogenic agent in wound-healing by inducing transforming growth factor-beta, which induces both angiogenesis and accumulation of extracellular matrix, which continues through the remodeling phase of wound repair. These studies suggest the beneficial effects of curcumin and the potential of this compound to be developed as a potent nontoxic agent for treating skin diseases.
Source: Thangapazham RL, Sharma A, Maheshwari RK. Adv Exp Med Biol. 2007;595:343-57.
Wound healing consists of an orderly progression of events that re-establish the integrity of the damaged tissue. Several natural products have been shown to accelerate the healing process. The present investigation was undertaken to determine the role of curcumin on changes in collagen characteristics and antioxidant property during cutaneous wound healing in rats. Full-thickness excision wounds were made on the back of rat and curcumin was administered topically. The wound tissues removed on 4th, 8th and 12th day (post-wound) were used to analyse biochemical and pathological changes. Curcumin increased cellular proliferation and collagen synthesis at the wound site, as evidenced by increase in DNA, total protein and type III collagen content of wound tissues. Curcumin treated wounds were found to heal much faster as indicated by improved rates of epithelialisation, wound contraction and increased tensile strength which were also confirmed by histopathological examinations. Curcumin treatment was shown to decrease the levels of lipid peroxides (LPs), while the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), activities were significantly increased exhibiting the antioxidant properties of curcumin in accelerating wound healing. Better maturation and cross linking of collagen were observed in the curcumin treated rats, by increased stability of acid-soluble collagen, aldehyde content, shrinkage temperature and tensile strength. The results clearly substantiate the beneficial effects of the topical application of curcumin in the acceleration of wound healing and its antioxidant effect.
Source: Panchatcharam M, Miriyala S, Gayathri VS, Suguna L. Mol Cell Biochem. 2006 Oct;290(1-2):87-96. Epub 2006 Jun 13.
The wound healing process involves extensive oxidative stress to the system, which generally inhibits tissue remodeling. In the present study, an improvement in the quality of wound healing was attempted by slow delivery of antioxidants like curcumin from collagen, which also acts as a supportive matrix for the regenerative tissue. Curcumin incorporated collagen matrix (CICM) treated groups were compared with control and collagen treated rats. Biochemical parameters and histological analysis revealed that increased wound reduction, enhanced cell proliferation and efficient free radical scavenging in CICM group. The higher shrinkage temperature of CICM films suggests increased hydrothermal stability when compared to normal collagen films. Spectroscopic studies revealed that curcumin was bound to the collagen without affecting its triple helicity. Further we adopted the antioxidant assay using 2,2'-azobisisobutyronitrile to assess in vitro antioxidant activity of CICM. The antioxidant studies indicated that CICM quenches free radicals more efficiently. This study provides a rationale for the topical application of CICM as a feasible and productive approach to support dermal wound healing.
Source: Gopinath D, Ahmed MR, Gomathi K, Chitra K, Sehgal PK, Jayakumar R. Biomaterials. 2004 May;25(10):1911-7.
Tissue repair and wound healing are complex processes that involve inflammation, granulation and tissue remodeling. Interactions of different cells, extracellular matrix proteins and their receptors are involved in wound healing, and are mediated by cytokines and growth factors. Previous studies from our laboratory have shown that curcumin (diferuloylmethane), a natural product obtained from the rhizomes of Curcuma longa, enhanced cutaneous wound healing in rats and guinea pigs. In this study, we have evaluated the efficacy of curcumin treatment by oral and topical applications on impaired wound healing in diabetic rats and genetically diabetic mice using a full thickness cutaneous punch wound model. Wounds of animals treated with curcumin showed earlier re-epithelialization, improved neovascularization, increased migration of various cells including dermal myofibroblasts, fibroblasts, and macrophages into the wound bed, and a higher collagen content. Immunohistochemical localization showed an increase in transforming growth factor-beta1 in curcumin-treated wounds compared to controls. Enhanced transforming growth factor-beta1 mRNA expression in treated wounds was confirmed by in situ hybridization, and laser scan cytometry. A delay in the apoptosis patterns was seen in diabetic wounds compared to curcumin treated wounds as shown by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridyl triphosphate nick end labeling analysis. Curcumin was effective both orally and topically. These results show that curcumin enhanced wound repair in diabetic impaired healing, and could be developed as a pharmacological agent in such clinical settings.
Source: Sidhu GS, Mani H, Gaddipati JP, Singh AK, Seth P, Banaudha KK, Patnaik GK, Maheshwari RK. Wound Repair Regen. 1999 Sep-Oct;7(5):362-74.
OBJECTIVE:
To study the effect on wound contraction of pretreatment with various doses of curcumin (the most important active ingredient of the spice turmeric) in mice exposed to 6 Gy whole-body gamma radiation.
METHOD:
A full-thickness skin wound was produced on the dorsum of Swiss albino mice treated with and without 25, 50, 100, 150 or 200 mg/kg body weight of curcumin before exposure to 6 Gy gamma radiation. Progression of wound contraction was monitored using video images of the wound at various days post-irradiation until full healing occurred. Mean wound healing times were also calculated.
RESULTS:
Irradiation caused significant delay in wound contraction and healing times. However, treatment with curcumin resulted in a dose-dependent increase in contraction when compared with a control. Greatest contraction was observed for 100 mg/kg curcumin, with statistically significant results at days three (p < 0.009), six (p < 0.05) and nine (p < 0.05) post-irradiation for this dose. Complete healing was achieved by day 23 post-irradiation in the curcumin-treated irradiation group.
CONCLUSION:
Pretreatment with curcumin has a conductive effect on irradiated wounds. It could be a substantial therapeutic agent for ameliorating radiation-induced delay in wound repair in cases of combined injuries.
Source: Jagetia GC, Rajanikant GK. J Wound Care. 2004 Mar;13(3):107-9.