Protective effects of curcumin against spinal cord injury

BackgroundIn parallel with population aging, the prevalence of neurological and neurodegenerative diseases has been dramatically increasing over the past few decades. Neurodegenerative diseases reduce the quality of life of patients and impose a high cost on the health system. These slowly progressive diseases can cause functional, perceptual, and behavioral deficits in patients. Therefore, neurodegenerative impairments have always been an interesting subject for scientists and clinicians. One of these diseases is spinal cord injury (SCI). SCI can lead to irreversible damage and is classified into two main subtypes: traumatic and non-traumatic, each with very different pathophysiological features.AimsThis review aims to gather relevant information about the beneficial effects of curcumin (Cur), with specific emphasis on its anti-inflammatory properties towards spinal cord injury (SCI) patients.Materials & MethodsThe review collates data from extensive in-vitro, in-vivo, and clinical trials documenting the effects of CUR on SCI. It examines the modulation of pathophysiological pathways and regulation of the inflammatory cascades after CUR administration.ResultsVarious pathophysiological processes involving the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kB), and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) signaling pathways have been suggested to exacerbate damages resulting from SCI. CUR administration showed to modulate these signaling pathways which lead to attenuation of SCI complications.DiscussionAnti-inflammatory compounds, particularly CUR, can modulate these pathophysiological pathways and regulate the inflammatory cascades. CUR, a well-known natural product with significant anti-inflammatory effects, has been extensively documented in experimental and clinical trials.ConclusionCurcumin's potential to alter key steps in the Nrf2, NF-kB, and TGF-beta signaling pathways suggests that it may play a role in attenuating SCI complications. Neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by slow progressive loss of neuronal cells in the central nervous system (CNS), which can affect different areas in the brain. Anti-inflammatory compounds, particularly phytochemicals, are able to modulate these biochemical pathways and regulate the inflammatory cascade. Curcumin (Cur) is a well-known natural product with significant anti-inflammatory effects, which has been documented in extensive experimental and clinical trials. Curcumin has inflammatory effects with specific emphasis on its therapeutic benefits for SCI patients and their quality of life. image