Curcumin has bright prospects for the treatment of multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease of the central nervous system (CNS). It is associated with a variety of pathophysiological features, including breakdown of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), autoimmune attack, injury of axons and myelin sheaths. Th17 cells are considered as a key immunological player for the pathophysiological process of MS. Neuroprotective approaches work best prior to the initiation of damage, suggesting that some safe and effective prophylaxis would be highly desirable. Curcumin, a dietary spice from turmeric, has outstanding anti-inflammation and neuroprotective effects. Herein, we review key features of curcumin involved biology, pharmacology, and medicinal chemistry and discuss its potential relevance to pathophysiological progress of MS. (c) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.