Turmeric and its bioactive constituents trigger cell signaling mechanisms that protect against diabetes and cardiovascular diseases
Authors
Huiying Zhang
Food, Nutrition and Health, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
David Kitts
Food, Nutrition and Health, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
Keywords:
Curcumin, Curcuminoids, Turmeric oil, Diabetes, Cardiovascular diseases, Human clinical trials
Abstract
Turmeric, the rhizome of Curcuma longa plant belonging to the ginger family Zingiberaceae, has a history in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine for treatment of chronic diseases, including metabolic and cardiovascular diseases (CVD). This parallels a prevalence of age- and lifestyle-related diseases, especially CVD and type 2 diabetes (T2D), and associated mortality which has occurred in recent decades. While the chemical composition of turmeric is complex, curcuminoids and essential oils are known as two major groups that display bioactive properties. Curcumin, the most predominant curcuminoid, can modulate several cell signaling pathways involved in the etiology and pathogenesis of CVD, T2D, and related morbidities. Lesser bioactivities have been reported from other curcuminoids and essential oils. This review examines the chemical compositions of turmeric, and related bioactive constituents. A focus was placed on the cellular and molecular mechanisms that underlie the protective effects of turmeric and turmeric-derived compounds against diabetes and CVD, compiled from the findings obtained with cell-based and animal models. Evidence from clinical trials is also presented to identify potential preventative and therapeutic efficacies. Clinical studies with longer intervention durations and specific endpoints for assessing health outcomes are warranted in order to fully evaluate the long-term protective efficacy of turmeric.
Keywords: Curcumin, Curcuminoids, Turmeric oil, Diabetes, Cardiovascular diseases, Human clinical trials
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