This paper discusses the effects of
curcumin on patients with
Alzheimer's disease (AD).
Curcumin (Turmeric), an ancient Indian herb used in curry
powder, has been extensively studied in modern medicine and Indian systems of medicine for the treatment of various medical conditions, including
cystic fibrosis, haemorrhoids,
gastric ulcer,
colon cancer,
breast cancer,
atherosclerosis,
liver diseases and
arthritis. It has been used in various types of treatments for
dementia and
traumatic brain injury.
Curcumin also has a potential role in the prevention and treatment of AD.
Curcumin as an
antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and lipophilic action improves the cognitive functions in patients with AD. A growing body of evidence indicates that oxidative stress,
free radicals,
beta amyloid, cerebral deregulation caused by bio-
metal toxicity and abnormal inflammatory reactions contribute to the key event in
Alzheimer's disease pathology. Due to various effects of
curcumin, such as decreased
Beta-amyloid plaques, delayed degradation of neurons,
metal-chelation, anti-inflammatory,
antioxidant and decreased microglia formation, the overall memory in patients with AD has improved. This paper reviews the various mechanisms of actions of
curcumin in AD and pathology.