Curcumin's therapeutic properties in disease prevention

Curcumin is the active functional component in turmeric, which has been primarily used for centuries as a culinary spice. Recent scientific evidence have indicated that curcumin may possess anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, antidiabetic, and antimicrobial properties. Turmeric contains three curcuminoids, namely, diferuloylmethane, demethoxycurcumin, and bisdemethoxycurcumin. Of these three, diferuloylmethane is the primary curcuminoid and is responsible for the distinct yellow colour seen in turmeric. Several clinical trials have indicated that curcumin may have therapeutic properties especially in the treatment of diseases including but not limited to certain cancers, atherosclerosis, and diabetes. The purpose of this review article is to report the known therapeutic benefits of curcumin and to provide a deeper understanding of the underlying mechanisms involved in risk reduction for chronic diseases by this phytochemical.