Therapeutic potential of curcumin in diabetic complications

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus is an extremely prevalent endocrine disease and a major global public health concern. Diabetic complications, such as retinopathy, nephropathy, neuropathy and cardiovascular disease, are common and majorly impact a patient's quality of life. Curcumin, the major active component of turmeric, possesses extensive known pharmacological properties, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antitumor effects. Increasing evidence suggests that curcumin may offer protection against diabetic complications. The current review focuses on the possible molecular targets and pathways involved in diabetic complications and, in particular, the multi-target approach of curcumin in attenuating diabetic nephropathy, retinopathy, and neuropathy.

Keywords: Diabetic cardiomyopathy; Diabetic nephropathy; Diabetic neuropathy; Diabetic retinopathy.