Due to the reported effects of curcumin on tumors, many clinical trials have been conducted to elucidate the effects of curcumin on cancers. Recent reports have suggested the therapeutic potential of curcumin in the pathophysiology of “ Alzheimer 's Disease” (AD).
AD is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by deterioration of cognitive functions and behavioral changes. Senile plaques, neurofibrillary tangles, and extensive neuronal loss are the main histological features observed in AD brains. The main approaches based on the mechanism of the disease depend on the involvement of two proteins; β-amyloid protein “Aβ” (toxic protein in neurons caused by cellular aging) and tau protein (functional protein inside neurons). Aβ is the main constituent of senile plaques and tau is the main component of neurofibrillary tangles. High levels of fibrillar Aβ are deposited in the AD brain which is associated with loss of synapses and neurons and impairment of neuronal functions.
Hamaguchi, T., Ono, K., Yamada, M, professors of neurology and neurobiology from Japan and Germany, in their book titled “ CNS Neuroscience & Therapeutics” , indicate that curcumin increases the functioning of the tau protein, inhibits aggregation of the Aβ protein and its inflammation.
In in vivo studies, oral administration of curcumin has resulted in the inhibition of Aβ deposition, Aβ oligomerization, and tau protein phosphorylation in the brains of AD animal models, and improvements in behavioral impairment in AD models. animals.
Curcumin has been shown to have the following properties: anti-Aβ aggregation, antioxidant and β-secretase inhibition, and Aβ-induced inflammation in vitro (worked in laboratories). Oral administration of curcumin inhibits Aβ agglomeration and tau phosphorylation in the brain.
Furthermore, 160–500 ppm (0.43–1.36 μmol/g) orally administered curcumin inhibits Aβ deposition in the brains of AD model mice. These findings suggest that curcumin may be one of the most promising compounds for the development of therapies for AD.
The full article: Hamaguchi, T., Ono, K., Yamada, M. (2010). Curcumin and Alzheimer's Disease. Magazine: CNS Neuroscience & Therapeutics.