The Role of Curcumin in Inflammatory pathogenesis and the Benefits in Treatment of Osteoarthritis

Curcumin is a perennial herb that originated in India, and its scientific name is Curcuma longa that belongs to the Zingiberaceae family. The active ingredients in turmeric are demethoxycurcumin, bisdemethoxycurcumin, and the particularly important compound is curcumin polyphenols. Curcumin has been recognized as a polyphenolic compound that has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, anti-diabetic, immunomodulatory and anti-depressant abilities, and may counteract underlying cellular mechanisms which that frequently lead to oxidative stress and inflammation that plays a significant part in OA pathogenesis. The main factors responsible for cartilage degeneration are interleukin- one (IL-1) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha).13 These factors are responsible for amplifying the synthesis of MMP or prostanoid, and also causing chondrocyte apoptosis. In vitro studies demonstrated that curcumin could prevent the apoptosis of chondrocytes, suppress the release of proteoglycans and metal metalloproteases and expression of cyclooxygenase, prostaglandin E-2, and inflammatory cytokines in chondrocytes. Curcumin also was able to reduce the production of the basal IL-1 beta, prostaglandin E-2, IL-6, IL-8 and MMP-3 in the human chondrocytes in absorption dependent manner. The efficacy of Curcumin in comparison with Ibuprofen for pain relief was equal, yet Curcumin showed fewer side effects. Overall, scientific literature demonstrates that curcumin possesses anti-inflammatory effects and may be beneficial to mitigate complications and improve pain