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Curcumin (Turmeric)
Curcumin inhibits multiple inflammatory pathways and transcription factors, particularly NF-κB, reducing pro-inflammatory cytokine production and oxidative stress.
Curcumin inhibits multiple inflammatory pathways and transcription factors, particularly NF-κB, reducing pro-inflammatory cytokine production and oxidative stress. Used for Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis), Rheumatoid arthritis, Cancer chemoprevention and adjuvant therapy.
At a glance
| Generic name | Curcumin (Turmeric) |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Turmeric |
| Sponsor | Services Institute of Medical Sciences, Pakistan |
| Drug class | Natural polyphenol / anti-inflammatory agent |
| Target | NF-κB, multiple cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8), reactive oxygen species |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Inflammation, Oncology, Gastrointestinal, Rheumatology |
| Phase | Phase 3 |
Mechanism of action
Curcumin is a polyphenolic compound that acts as a pleiotropic inhibitor of inflammation and oxidative stress. It suppresses NF-κB signaling, downregulates TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-8, and exhibits antioxidant properties through free radical scavenging. These mechanisms underlie its potential therapeutic effects across multiple disease states characterized by chronic inflammation.
Approved indications
- Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis)
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Cancer chemoprevention and adjuvant therapy
- Chronic inflammation-related conditions
Common side effects
- Gastrointestinal upset (nausea, diarrhea)
- Headache
- Staining of skin/mucous membranes
- Allergic reactions (rare)
Key clinical trials
- The Assessment of Curcuma Longa Potentials for Soft and Hard Tissue Healing in Fresh (PHASE1)
- Adjuvant Curcumin to Assess Recurrence Free Survival in Patients Who Have Had a Radical Prostatectomy (PHASE3)
- Study of the Safety and Usefulness of Liposomal Curcumin in Multiple Myeloma (PHASE1)
- Curcumin in Critically Ill Patients With Sepsis (NA)
- Curcumin in Combination With 5FU for Colon Cancer (EARLY_PHASE1)
- Effect of Nutritional Supplementation With Turmeric on the Cognitive Performance of Subjects With Metabolic Syndrome (NA)
- Effect of Curcumin in Treatment of Squamous Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasias (CINs) (EARLY_PHASE1)
- The Effectiveness of a Herbal Supplement in Osteoarthritis. (NA)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- Curcumin (Turmeric) CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Curcumin (Turmeric) updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Services Institute of Medical Sciences, Pakistan portfolio CI