Modulatory effects of curcumin and resveratrol on lung carcinogenesis in mice

The aim of the present study is to explore the chemopreventive potential of curcumin and resveratrol during promotional phase of benzo(a)pyrene (BP) induced lung carcinogenesis in mice. The mice were segregated into five groups which included normal control, BP‐treated, BP+curcumin‐treated, BP+resveratrol‐treated and BP+curcumin+resveratrol‐treated groups. The BP treatment resulted in a significant increase in the levels of lipid peroxidation (LPO). On the other hand, reduced glutathione (GSH) levels and the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) were found to be significantly decreased following BP treatment. Administration of curcumin to BP‐treated mice decreased the levels of LPO significantly. Further, treatment of resveratrol to BP‐treated mice significantly elevated the activities of SOD. Combined treatment of curcumin and resveratrol, kowever, showed significant improvement in LPO and GSH levels as well as in the activities of SOD. Histo‐architectural studies showed well‐differentiated signs of lung carcinogenesis following BP administration to mice. Although treatments with resveratrol and curcumin given separately to BP‐treated mice showed appreciable improvement in the histo‐architecture of the lung, combined treatment resulted in a noticeable improvement in the lung histo‐architecture. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Role of alpha class glutathione transferases (GSTs) in chemoprevention: GSTA1 and A4 overexpressing human leukemia (HL60) cells resist sulforaphane and curcumin induced toxicity

Alpha‐class glutathione transferases (α‐GSTs) have been shown to protect cells from the harmful effects of reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced lipid peroxidation (LPO) during oxidative stress caused by various physico‐chemical agents. While GSTA1‐1/A2‐2 isozymes exhibit high activity towards lipid and fatty acid hydroperoxides through their selenium independent glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity, the GSTA4‐4 isozyme efficiently metabolizes the LPO product 4‐hydroxynonenal (4‐HNE) by conjugating it with glutathione (GSH). Because of the fact that ROS generated by the chemopreventive agents, sulforaphane (SFN) and curcumin (Cur), are implicated in the mechanisms of cancer cell killing, the present studies were designed to investigate the contribution of ROS induced LPO in the cytotoxic effects of these agents and the role of α‐class GSTs in modulating their toxicity. Human erythroleukemic (HL60) cells were stably transfected with the cDNA encoding the hGSTA1‐1 and mGsta4‐4 isozymes. After analysing the expression and activities of the respective GST isozymes, the effects of SFN and Cur on the extent of LPO, cytotoxicity and apoptosis were compared in empty vector (VT), hGSTA1‐1 and mGsta4‐4 expressing HL60 cells. These studies demonstrate that when compared with SFN, Cur was relatively more cytotoxic to HL60 cells. The ectopic expression of hGSTA1‐1 and mGsta4‐4 isozymes provided resistance to SFN and Cur induced cytotoxicity and apoptosis through a significant suppression of LPO in these cells. Overall, the results suggest that the expression of α‐class GSTs in cancer cells can modulate the therapeutic efficacy of chemopreventive agents. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Protective role of curcumin in ethanol toxicity

The effect of curcumin on ethanol induced liver toxicity was evaluated. The increased levels of aspartate transaminase and alkaline phosphatase induced by ethanol were significantly lowered by curcumin. Elevated serum cholesterol, phospholipids and free fatty acids were observed in ethanol fed rats, but on curcumin treatment they decreased. We have also observed a marked decrease in the levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances in serum of alcoholic rats fed curcumin. Thus this study shows that curcumin offers protection against ethanol induced toxicity. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Antioxidant activities of curcumin and combinations of this curcuminoid with other phytochemicals

Biomedical investigations of curcumin (and curcuminoids) have provided evidence of a wide range of molecular and cellular activities, most related to redox reactions and signal transduction. The main goal of the present study was to compare antioxidant activities of curcumin with those of resveratrol, a polyphenol present in some dietary plants such as Vitis vinifera (L.) and Arachis hypogaea (L.) and many other, non‐dietary plants. Combinations of the two were also examined for potential synergism in a heme‐enhanced oxidation reaction. Curcumin exhibited antioxidant effects at all time points (1–5 min; 10 μM), e.g., 30.5 ± 11.9% (SEM) oxidation relative to controls without phytochemicals (p < 0.01) at 3 min, a time chosen for comparisons. The same concentration of resveratrol exhibited about half of curcumin's activity. Curcumin and resveratrol together (5 μM each) resulted in a synergistic antioxidant effect: 15.5 ± 1.7% greater than an average of individual activities. This synergy was significantly greater (p < 0.05; about 4‐fold) than that of curcumin together with the flavonol quercetin. In conclusion, curcumin is a potent antioxidant in a reaction that may be relevant to in vivo toxicity. In relation to two other well‐known antioxidants, curcumin shows significantly greater synergism with resveratrol than with quercetin. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

姜黄素对糖尿病大鼠血抗氧化酶和丙二醛含量的影响

目的:观察姜黄素对糖尿病大鼠血清超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、过氧化氢酶(CAT)活性及丙二醛(MDA)含量的影响.方法:链脲佐菌素(STZ)诱导糖尿病大鼠模型,治疗组灌胃给予姜黄素200mg/kg,为期8周.采血检测血清SOD和CAT活性及MDA含量.结果:糖尿病组大鼠血清SOD和CAT活性显著降低,MDA含量明显增加(均 P<0.01).姜黄素治疗组血清SOD和CAT活性明显高于糖尿病组,MDA含量明显低于糖尿病组.结论:姜黄素能有效改善糖尿病大鼠血清抗氧化酶活性,降低MDA水平.     

Therapeutic role of Cuminum cyminum on ethanol and thermally oxidized sunflower oil induced toxicity

Ethanol is one of the most widely used and abused drugs, increasing lipid levels in humans and experimental animals. Heating of oil rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) produces various lipid peroxidative end products that can aggravate the pathological changes produced by ethanol. In the present communication, the effect of Cuminum cyminum was investigated on alcohol and thermally oxidized oil induced hyperlipidaemia. The results showed increased activity of aspartate transaminase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) and increased levels of cholesterol, triglycerides and phospholipids in the plasma of rats given alcohol, thermally oxidized oil and alcohol+thermally oxidized oil when compared with the normal control group. The levels of tissue (liver and kidney) cholesterol and triglycerides were increased significantly in rats groups given alcohol, thermally oxidized oil and alcohol+thermally oxidized oil when compared with the normal control rats. The levels were decreased when cumin was given along with alcohol and thermally oxidized oil. The level of phospholipids decreased significantly in the liver and kidney of groups given alcohol, thermally oxidized oil and alcohol+thermally oridized oil when compared with the normal control rats. The level increased when cumin was administered along with alcohol and thermally oxidized oil. The activity of phospholipase A and C increased significantly in the liver of groups given alcohol, thermally oxidized oil and alcohol+thermally oxidized oil when compared with the normal control rats, whereas the activity was decreased with the cumin treatment. The results obtained indicate that cumin can decrease the lipid levels in alcohol and thermally oxidized oil induced hepatotoxicity.     

Protection of liver cells from ethanol cytotoxicity by curcumin in liver slice culture in vitro

Curcumin, a widely used spice and colouring agent in food has been shown to have a broad spectrum of biological activities such as anti-inflammatory, anti-neoplastic, antimutagenic and antioxidant. We have used liver slice culture model to demonstrate hepatoprotective activity of curcumin in vitro. Ethanol has been used as a hepatotoxin and the cytotoxicity of ethanol is estimated by quantitating the release of LDH. Ethanol induces 3.5 times more release of LDH from the liver cells and twice the amount of lipid peroxidation as compared to the cells from untreated liver tissue and this was significantly reduced in presence of curcumin (5 microM). We measured the activity of antioxidant enzymes (AOEs) namely superoxide dismutase, catalase and peroxidase and found that in ethanol treated cells activity of all three enzymes was elevated. However, when curcumin was added along with ethanol their levels were kept low. The fact that release of LDH is significantly reduced along with lipid peroxidation and the activity of AOEs is kept low indicates that curcumin by its antioxidant activity reduced the oxidative stress induced by ethanol and protected the liver cells in vitro.     

姜黄素对醛固酮诱导肾间质纤维化的保护作用

目的探讨姜黄素对醛固酮诱导肾纤维化的保护作用和机制。方法雄性SD大鼠行左侧单肾切除后给予醛固酮处理诱导肾间质纤维化,同时分别给予姜黄素、安体舒通以及姜黄素和安体舒通联合处理。留取24 h尿采用ELISA法检测尿糖皮质激素诱导蛋白激酶(SGK1)、转化生长因子-β1(TGF-β1)、IL-6和TNF-α排泄情况;组织病理切片采用Masson染色观察肾组织纤维化程度,免疫组化和RT-PCR观察各组TGF-β1、结缔组织生长因子(CTGF)和血清糖皮质激素诱导蛋白激酶(SGK1)的表达情况。结果醛固酮能显著增加尿TGF-β1、IL-6和TNF-α水平(P<0.01),姜黄素和安体舒通均能显著减少上述因子的排泄水平(P<0.01),二者合用具有协调作用。病理组织学结果显示,醛固酮可明显促进肾小管间质纤维化以及TGF-β1、CTGF和SGK1等致炎致纤维化因子表达,姜黄素和安体舒通能显著拮抗醛固酮的促炎促纤维化效应,二者合用有协同效应。结论姜黄素能通过抑制致炎致纤维化因子表达而有效拮抗醛固酮诱导的肾间质纤维化。     

姜黄素灌胃对顺铂所致小鼠肝损伤的防护效应

目的探讨姜黄素对顺铂所致小鼠肝损伤的防护效应。方法 30只SD雄性小鼠被随机分为对照组、顺铂组、联合用药组3组。顺铂组给予顺铂腹腔注射;联合用药组先给予姜黄素液灌胃10 d,而后给予顺铂腹腔注射。末次注射24 h后,检测各组小鼠肝/体质量比,血清中丙氨酸氨基转移酶(ALT)、天冬氨酸氨基转移酶(AST)和肝匀浆中的琥珀酸脱氢酶(SDH)、Na+,K+-ATP酶活性,并观察比较肝组织的形态学变化。结果顺铂组小鼠血清中ALT和AST活性显著增高;肝匀浆中的SDH和Na+,K+-ATP酶活性明显降低,肝细胞呈现气球样变。联合用药组小鼠注射顺铂后上述变化均明显减轻(P0.01或P0.05)。结论口服姜黄素对顺铂所致小鼠肝损伤有防护效应。     

Antioxidative effects of curcumin and its analogues against the free‐radical‐induced peroxidation of linoleic acid in micelles

Curcumin (1,7‐bis(4‐hydroxy‐3‐methoxyphenyl)‐1,6‐heptadiene‐3,5‐dione, 1) is a yellow ingredient isolated from turmeric (curcumin longa). Many health benefits have been claimed for curcumin, and these have generally been ascribed to its radical‐trapping antioxidant properties. In order to find more active antioxidants with 1 as the lead compound, we synthesized curcumin analogues, i.e., 1,7‐bis(3,4‐dihydroxyphenyl)‐1,6‐heptadiene‐3,5‐dione (2), 1‐(3,4‐dihydroxyphenyl)‐7‐(4‐hydroxy‐3‐methoxyphenyl)‐1,6‐heptadiene‐3,5‐dione (3), 1‐(4‐hydroxy‐3‐methoxyphenyl)‐7‐(4‐hydroxyphenyl)‐1,6‐heptadiene‐3,5‐dione (4), 1,7‐bis (4‐hydroxyphenyl)‐1,6‐heptadiene‐3,5‐dione (5), 1,7‐bis(3,4‐dimethoxyphenyl)‐1,6‐heptadiene‐3,5‐dione (6), 1,7‐bis(4‐methoxyphenyl)‐1,6‐heptadiene‐3,5‐dione (7), and 1,7‐diphenyl‐1,6‐heptadiene‐3,5‐dione (8). Antioxidative effects of curcumin and these analogues against the peroxidation of linoleic acid were studied in sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) micelles. The peroxidation was initiated thermally by a water‐soluble initiator 2,2′‐azobis(2‐amidinopropane hydrochloride) (AAPH), and reaction kinetics were monitored by the formation of linoleic acid hydroperoxides. Kinetic analysis of the antioxidation process demonstrates that these compounds, except 6, 7 and 8, are effective antioxidants in micelles by H‐atom abstraction from the phenolic groups. Compounds 2 and 3, which bear ortho‐diphenoxyl functionality, possess significantly higher antioxidant activity than curcumin and other analogues, and the 4‐hydroxy‐3‐methoxyphenyl group also plays an important role in the antioxidative activity. In addition, the synergistic antioxidant effect of these compounds with α‐tocopherol (vitamin E) in micelles was also studied by following the formation of linoleic acid hydroperoxides and the consumption of α‐tocopherol. It was found that these compounds could not synergistically interact with α‐tocopherol in micelles. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Effect of different curcuminoid supplement dosages on total in vivo antioxidant capacity and cholesterol levels of healthy human subjects

The impact of consuming curcuminoids containing curcumin at 500 mg/day and 6 g/day for 7 days on plasma antioxidant capacity and serum cholesterol level were determined by using vitamin E 200 IU/day consumption as a comparison. Group A and group B subjects consumed 500 mg and 6 g curcumin, respectively, but group C subjects consumed vitamin E 200 IU. By using the oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) assay, it was found that plasma antioxidant capacity of group A rose from a baseline of 13% to 24% on day 1 and day 7, as against a 19–20% increase for group B. Serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels were significantly decreased after curcumin treatment at 500 mg/day. By consuming vitamin E, both ORAC values and plasma α‐tocopherol concentrations were significantly increased, but only very slight responses on serum cholesterol or triglyceride levels were observed. It is therefore suggested that curcumin supplement would not be appropriate for healthy people except for reducing serum cholesterol or triglyceride levels. The dosage of a daily curcumin supplement at 500 mg is more effective than 6 g, although vitamin E is also considered to be an effective antioxidant supplement. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

复方丹参注射液对慢性肺心病患者血中脂质过氧化物及抗氧化物酶活性的影响

本课题研究了复方丹参液对３０例慢性肺心病患者血浆脂质过氧化物（ＬＰＯ）、红细胞超氧化物歧化酶（ＳＯＤ）、全血谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶（ＧＳＨ－ｐｘ）和过氧化氢酶（ＣＡＴ）活性的影响。结果：治疗前３０例患者的ＬＰＯ和ＳＯＤ明显高于对照组（Ｐ＜０．００１和Ｐ＜０．０５），ＧＳＨ－ｐｘ、ＣＡＴ明显低于健康对照组；治疗后丹参组４项指标均恢复到正常，而常规治疗组未能恢复正常；丹参组ＧＳＨ－ｐｘ和ＣＡＴ的增加及ＬＰＯ的降低明显大于常规组。说明丹参能明显降低慢性肺心病患者增强的脂质过氧化反应，纠正失衡的抗氧化物酶。     

姜黄素对血管损伤后内膜增生的影响

目的　观察姜黄素对家兔髂动脉球囊损伤后血管内膜增生的影响。方法　取新西兰大白兔 3 0只 ,随机分为对照组 (G1)、阿托伐他汀组 (G2 )和姜黄素组 (G3 ) ,每组 10只。所有实验动物在高脂饮食的基础上分别予生理盐水 5mL/d、阿托伐他汀 2 .5mg/(kg·d)、姜黄素10 0mg/(kg·d)灌胃给药 ,1周后制做髂动脉内膜球囊损伤模型。实验第 5周检测血脂并取目的血管 ,经HE、弹力纤维染色观察血管内膜增生情况。结果　G3及G2组血甘油三酯 (TC)、胆固醇 (TG)及低密度脂蛋白 (LDL)均明显降低 (P均 <0 .0 1) ,高密度脂蛋白 (HDL)升高 ,病理切片显示姜黄素可显著抑制血管内膜增生。结论　姜黄素能降低高脂饮食家兔TC ,TG及LDL ,升高HDL ,同时具有减轻髂动脉球囊损伤后内膜增生作用 ,其机制可能与姜黄素的调脂作用有关     

姜黄素对人淋巴细胞低密度脂蛋白受体表达影响的研究

 目的建立一种简便的直接检测人类低密度脂蛋白受体(lowdensitylipoproteinrecepor,LDL-R)活性并筛选降脂中药的细胞模型:人B淋巴细胞永生化细胞系研究不同浓度姜黄素对人类LDL-R在人淋巴细胞中表达的影响,在细胞和受体水平上探讨姜黄素的作用机制。方法EBV转化技术建立的人B淋巴细胞永生化细胞系;以荧光试剂标记配体法,利用流式细胞仪技术和激光扫描共聚焦显微镜技术研究姜黄素对人淋巴细胞LDL-R表达的影响。结果姜黄素在5～50μmol·L^-1内可以增强人淋巴细胞LDL-R的表达,并且具有明显的量效关系。结论利用荧光试剂标记配体法检测人淋巴细胞LDL-R活性是一个简单有效的方法;姜黄素是一个非常强的LDL-R基因表达促进剂,可能通过增加人淋巴细胞LDL-R的表达起到降血脂和抗动脉粥样硬化的作用。     

姜黄素对骨关节炎软骨细胞增殖及分泌MMP-13,IL-6的影响

目的研究姜黄素对骨关节炎(OA)患者软骨细胞增殖、细胞因子MMP-13和IL-6分泌的影响。方法收集4例OA患者关节软骨作为实验组,3例股骨头骨折的关节软骨为对照组,分离软骨细胞进行体外培养。使用浓度为0,10,40,80,120μmol/L的姜黄素溶液共培养软骨细胞48 h,MTT检测姜黄素对软骨细胞增殖的作用,ELISA检测共培养细胞上清液中MMP-13和IL-6含量。结果姜黄素在40μmol/L浓度以上对OA软骨细胞增殖具有明显抑制作用(P<0.05),120μmol/L浓度对正常软骨细胞有明显抑制作用(P<0.05);80μmol/L以上浓度对OA软骨细胞和正常软骨细胞分泌MMP-13具有抑制作用(P<0.05);80μmol/L以上浓度对OA软骨细胞分泌IL-6具有抑制作用(P<0.05),120μmol/L浓度时对正常软骨细胞分泌IL-6具有抑制作用(P<0.05)。结论姜黄素能够抑制软骨细胞的细胞增殖,抑制软骨细胞释放MMP-13和IL-6,减轻炎症反应,保护软骨细胞,延缓软骨退变。     

Anti‐microbial activity of curcumin nanoformulations: New trends and future perspectives

Curcumin has been used in numerous anti‐microbial research because of its low side effects and extensive traditional applications. Despite having a wide range of effects, the intrinsic physicochemical characteristics such as low bioavailability, poor water solubility, photodegradation, chemical instability, short half‐life and fast metabolism of curcumin derivatives limit their pharmaceutical importance. To overcome these drawbacks and improve the therapeutic ability of curcuminoids, novel approaches have been attempted recently. Nanoparticulate drug delivery systems can increase the efficiency of curcumin in several diseases, especially infectious diseases. These innovative strategies include polymeric nanoparticles, hydrogels, nanoemulsion, nanocomposite, nanofibers, liposome, nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs), polymeric micelles, quantum dots, polymeric blend films and nanomaterial‐based combination of curcumin with other anti‐bacterial agents. Integration of curcumin in these delivery systems has displayed to improve their solubility, bioavailability, transmembrane permeability, prolong plasma half‐life, long‐term stability, target‐specific delivery and upgraded the therapeutic effects. In this review paper, a range of in vitro and in vivo studies have been critically discussed to explore the therapeutic viability and pharmaceutical significance of the nano‐formulated delivery systems to elevate the anti‐bacterial activities of curcumin and its derivatives.     

姜黄素类似物抑制炎症反应缓解1型糖尿病肾损伤实验研究

目的研究单羰基姜黄素类似物(WZ35)对1型糖尿病小鼠糖尿病肾病(DN)的缓解作用。方法采用ip链脲佐菌素(STZ)100 mg/kg方法制备1型糖尿病小鼠模型,模型成功后分别ig给予姜黄素及WZ35(20 mg/kg),连续给药9周。每周检测各组小鼠体质量和血糖,实验结束时生化分析仪检测血清中肌酐(Cr)和尿素氮(BUN)水平,HE染色观察肾组织病理性损伤,采用RT-qPCR检测肾脏组织中炎症因子和趋化因子基因表达;CD68免疫组化染色检测肾脏组织巨噬细胞浸润情况。结果与对照组比较,模型组小鼠体质量明显下降,血糖明显升高,肾脏指数明显增加,血清中Cr和BUN水平明显升高,肾脏病理性损伤明显,肾脏组织中炎症因子和趋化因子基因表达明显增加,肾脏组织巨噬细胞浸润增加。姜黄素及其类似物WZ35对模型小鼠体质量、血糖和肾脏指数无明显影响,显著降低模型小鼠血清中Cr和BUN水平,明显缓解糖尿病引起的肾组织损伤;显著抑制肾脏组织中炎症因子和趋化因子的基因表达及巨噬细胞浸润,且WZ35作用更显著。结论姜黄素类似物WZ35能够通过抑制炎症反应缓解1型糖尿病小鼠DN进程。     

A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials investigating the effect of the curcumin and piperine combination on lipid profile in patients with metabolic syndrome and related disorders

Metabolic syndrome is characterized by multiple metabolic disorders. Several studies indicated that curcumin plus piperine could affect lipids profiles in various diseases. The present meta-analysis aims to assess the effect of curcumin plus piperine on lipid profiles in patients with MetS and associated disorders using a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Trials were searched by several electronic databases up to May 2022. The Comprehensive Meta-Analysis (CMA) version3 software carried out this systematic review and meta-analysis. Random-effects model and the inverse variance method were used to conduct the meta-analysis. We evaluated the publication bias and heterogeneity of all eligible studies. In addition, subgroup analyses and sensitivity assessments were performed to assess potential sources of heterogeneity. The combined results by the random-effects model demonstrated that curcumin plus piperine significantly decreased total cholesterol and LDL-C in patients suffering from metabolic syndrome. In comparison, the results of the overall effect size did not show any significant change in triglyceride concentrations. Our results were robust in sensitivity analysis and were not dependent on the dose of curcumin, the dose of piperine, and the duration of treatment. Our results showed that co-administration of piperine and curcumin supplementation improves the lipid profile in metabolic syndrome. However, further long-term RCTs are required to ascertain their clinical benefit.     

The effects of curcumin‐containing supplements on biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials

Besides other benefits, curcumin is getting more recognized for its antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory properties, highlighting the importance of curcumin application for chronic disease prevention. This systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted to assess the influence of curcumin‐containing supplements on biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress. MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched till January 2018 for eligible studies. The selected studies were evaluated for their quality using the Cochrane risk of bias tool and relevant data were extracted from included studies. Data were pooled using the inverse variance method and expressed as standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Fifteen RCTs were included in the final analysis. The meta‐analysis indicated that curcumin supplementation significantly decreased interleukin 6 (IL‐6) (SMD ?2.08; 95% CI [?3.90, ?0.25]; p = 0.02), high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP) (SMD ?0.65; 95% CI [?1.20, ?0.10], p = 0.02), and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations (SMD ?3.14; 95% CI [‐4.76, ?1.53], p < 0.001). Though, curcumin supplementation had no significant effect on tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (SMD ?1.62; 95% CI [?3.60, 0.36]; p = 0.10) and superoxide dismutase levels (SMD 0.34; 95% CI [?1.06, 1.74], p = 0.63). Overall, this meta‐analysis suggests that taking curcumin‐containing supplements may exert anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant properties through a significant reduction in IL‐6, hs‐CRP, and MDA levels.     

Curcumin improves the effect of a reduced insulin dose on glycemic control and oxidative stress in streptozotocin‐diabetic rats

Insulin with natural antioxidants is emerging as a combination treatment for diabetes mellitus that attempts to exert effective glycemic control without adverse effects. The present study aimed to investigate the additive effects on metabolic disturbances, oxidative damage, and antioxidant defenses in streptozotocin‐diabetic rats treated with curcumin and a reduced insulin dose. The best results were obtained in the treatment of diabetic rats with 4‐U/day insulin; however, the glycemia levels in these rats were lower than those in normal rats, indicating a risk of hypoglycemia. Isolated treatments using curcumin or insulin in a reduced dose (1 U/day) decreased glycemia, dyslipidemia, and biomarkers of liver and kidney damage and increased the activity of hepatic antioxidants (superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase), however, only to a lesser extent than 4‐U/day insulin, without improvements in catalase activity or plasma lipid peroxidation. Decreases in glycemia, dyslipidemia, and tissue damage markers were more evident in the curcumin + 1‐U/day insulin treatment than those seen in isolated treatments. The activity of hepatic antioxidants, including catalase, was further increased, and biomarkers of oxidative damage were decreased. Curcumin with a reduced insulin dose appears to be a promising strategy for combating the complications associated with diabetes and oxidative stress.