Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a type of
retinal microangiopathy caused by
diabetes mellitus. It has become the leading cause of
blindness among working individuals worldwide. DR is becoming increasingly common among younger diabetic patients and there is a need for lifelong treatment. The pathogenic mechanisms of DR are influenced by a number of factors, such as
hyperglycemia,
hyperlipidemia, inflammatory response and oxidative stress, among others. Currently, the treatment methods for DR mainly include
retinal photocoagulation,
vitrectomy, or anti‑vascular
endothelial growth factor (
VEGF)
therapy. However, these methods have some disadvantages and limitations. Therefore, it is a matter of great interest and urgency to discover drugs that can target the pathogenesis of DR. Since ancient times,
traditional Chinese medicine practitioners have accumulated extensive experiences in the use of Chinese herbal medicine for the prevention and treatment of diseases. In the theory of
traditional Chinese medicine,
curcumin has the effects of promoting blood circulation and relieving
pain. A number of studies have also demonstrated that
curcumin has multiple
biological activities, including exerting anti‑apoptotic, anti‑inflammatory,
antioxidant and antitumor properties. In recent years, studies have also confirmed that
curcumin can prevent a variety of
diabetic complications, including
diabetic nephropathy (DN). However, the preventive and curative effects of
curcumin on DR and its mechanisms of action have not yet been fully elucidated. The present review aimed to explore the therapeutic potential of
curcumin in
diabetes mellitus and DR.