Abstract

A REVIEW ON POTENTIAL CLINICAL VALUE OF CURCUMIN IN THE TREATMENT OF ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE

Sandeep Sarma S. S.*, Sowparnika Treasa Sabu and Shaiju S. Dharan

Abstract

Background: Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive disorder characterised by progressive cognitive deterioration along with declining activities of daily leaving and behavioural changes. It is the most common cause of dementia in older adult. In its early stages, memory loss is mild but with last stage of AD, individual loss the ability to carry on a conversation and response to their environment. Curcumin is an ayurvedic medicine. They are hydrophobic polyphenol obtained from the rhizome of the herb curcuma longa. They are also used treat many diseases like acute dermatitis, hepatitis, cancer, cardiovascular, respiratory infection and neuro-degenerative diseases. Methods: Previously published articles regarding the therapeutic application of curcumin in AD have been collected and reviewed. Observations: The hallmark of AD is the accumulation of β-amyloid (Aβ peptide) outside neurons that interferes with neuron to neuron communication at synapsis and possibly contributing to cell death. Curcumin play a crucial inhibitory role in pathophysiology of AD. Oral administration of curcumin or its metabolite helps in the inhibition of Aβ deposition, Aβ oligomerization and tau phosphorylation in the brain of AD. Further clinical trials are thus warranted for efficient use of curcumin in the treatment of curcumin.

Keywords: Curcumin, beta-amyloid, Alzheimer’s disease.