Curcumin in the biochemistry of metabolic syndrome: A literature review

Abstract

Metabolic syndrome has been developing over the years, affecting a significant percentage of the population, thus increasing the probability of developing more severe pathologies. In this situation, curcumin, a compound belonging to turmeric, stands out for its health benefits, by counteracting the effects of metabolic syndrome by regulating key enzymes in related biochemical pathways, such as glycolysis, lipolysis, lipogenesis, among others; as well as, with the reduction of oxidative stress and inflammation. Together, these long-term benefits reduce or reverse the progress of metabolic syndrome towards a more serious condition. Multiple studies, including randomized clinical studies and other bibliographic reviews, have verified the effectiveness of curcumin against different alterations, having positive results. Furthermore, recent research, including clinical studies in humans and animals, have shown that curcumin is not toxic, since even at high doses it does not produce significant alterations. On the contrary, brings benefits to the human lifestyle. While more studies are needed to better understand the full effects of curcumin. Even so, it is promising as a chemopreventive agent against the development of metabolic syndrome and its sequelae, as long as, curcumin and its derivatives are integrated as part of the components of future medications or treatments in different diseases, especially metabolic syn.