Open Access

Anti‑inflammatory role of curcumin in retinal disorders (Review)

  • Authors:
    • Federica Franzone
    • Marcella Nebbioso
    • Tiziano Pergolizzi
    • Giuseppe Attanasio
    • Angela Musacchio
    • Antonio Greco
    • Paolo Giuseppe Limoli
    • Marco Artico
    • Demetrios A. Spandidos
    • Samanta Taurone
    • Enzo Agostinelli
  • View Affiliations

  • Published online on: May 21, 2021     https://doi.org/10.3892/etm.2021.10222
  • Article Number: 790
  • Copyright: © Franzone et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of Creative Commons Attribution License.

Metrics: Total Views: 0 (Spandidos Publications: | PMC Statistics: )
Total PDF Downloads: 0 (Spandidos Publications: | PMC Statistics: )


Abstract

Curcumin [1,7‑bis‑(4‑hydroxy‑3‑methoxyphenyl)‑hepta‑1,6‑diene‑3,5‑dione], the main component of turmeric (Curcuma longa, a flowering plant of the ginger family, Zingiberaceae), is known to possess different pharmacological activities, particularly anti‑inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Since an underlying inflammatory process exists in several ocular conditions, such as anterior uveitis, glaucoma, age‑related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic retinopathy (DR), the aim of the present review was to summarize the pleiotropic effects exerted by this molecule, focusing in particular on its beneficial role in retinal diseases. The anti‑inflammatory activity of curcumin has also been described in numerous systemic inflammatory pathologies and tumors. Specifically, the biological, pharmaceutical and nutraceutical properties of curcumin are associated with its ability to downregulate the expression of the following genes: IκBα, cyclooxygenase 2, prostaglandin E2, interleukin (IL)‑1, IL‑6, IL‑8 and tumor necrosis factor‑α. According to this finding, curcumin may be useful in the treatment of some retinal disorders. In DR, proliferative vitreoretinopathy and AMD, beneficial effects have been observed following treatment with curcumin, including slowing down of the inflammatory process. Despite the aforementioned evidence, the main disadvantage of this substance is that it possesses a low solubility, as well as poor oral bioavailability due to its reduced absorption, rapid metabolism and rapid elimination. Therefore, several curcumin analogues have been synthesized and tested over the years, in order to improve the possible obtainable therapeutic effects. The purpose of the present review was to identify new aspects that could guide future research on this important traditional medicine, which is a well‑tolerated natural product, and is widely considered safe and economical.
View Figures
View References

Related Articles

Journal Cover

July-2021
Volume 22 Issue 1

Print ISSN: 1792-0981
Online ISSN:1792-1015

Sign up for eToc alerts

Recommend to Library

Copy and paste a formatted citation
x
Spandidos Publications style
Franzone F, Nebbioso M, Pergolizzi T, Attanasio G, Musacchio A, Greco A, Limoli PG, Artico M, Spandidos DA, Taurone S, Taurone S, et al: Anti‑inflammatory role of curcumin in retinal disorders (Review). Exp Ther Med 22: 790, 2021
APA
Franzone, F., Nebbioso, M., Pergolizzi, T., Attanasio, G., Musacchio, A., Greco, A. ... Agostinelli, E. (2021). Anti‑inflammatory role of curcumin in retinal disorders (Review). Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine, 22, 790. https://doi.org/10.3892/etm.2021.10222
MLA
Franzone, F., Nebbioso, M., Pergolizzi, T., Attanasio, G., Musacchio, A., Greco, A., Limoli, P. G., Artico, M., Spandidos, D. A., Taurone, S., Agostinelli, E."Anti‑inflammatory role of curcumin in retinal disorders (Review)". Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine 22.1 (2021): 790.
Chicago
Franzone, F., Nebbioso, M., Pergolizzi, T., Attanasio, G., Musacchio, A., Greco, A., Limoli, P. G., Artico, M., Spandidos, D. A., Taurone, S., Agostinelli, E."Anti‑inflammatory role of curcumin in retinal disorders (Review)". Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine 22, no. 1 (2021): 790. https://doi.org/10.3892/etm.2021.10222