The concept of using phytochemicals has ushered in a new revolution in pharmaceuticals.
Naturally occurring polyphenols (like curcumin, morin, resveratrol, etc.) have gained
importance because of their minimal side effects, low cost and abundance. Curcumin
(diferuloylmethane) is a component of turmeric isolated from the rhizome of Curcuma
longa. Research for more than two decades has revealed the pleiotropic nature of the
biological effects of this molecule. More than 7000 published articles have shed light
on the various aspects of curcumin including its antioxidant, hypoglycemic, anti-inflammatory
and anti-cancer activities. Apart from these well-known activities, this natural polyphenolic
compound also exerts its beneficial effects by modulating different signalling molecules
including transcription factors, chemokines, cytokines, tumour suppressor genes, adhesion
molecules, microRNAs, etc. Oxidative stress and inflammation play a pivotal role in
various diseases like diabetes, cancer, arthritis, Alzheimer's disease and cardiovascular
diseases. Curcumin, therefore, could be a therapeutic option for the treatment of
these diseases, provided limitations in its oral bioavailability can be overcome.
The current review provides an updated overview of the metabolism and mechanism of
action of curcumin in various organ pathophysiologies. The review also discusses the
potential for multifunctional therapeutic application of curcumin and its recent progress
in clinical biology.