Effects of curcumin on metabolic syndrome components [Kurkuminin metabolik sendrom bileşenleri üzerine etkileri]

Curcumin is derived from the roots of the plant Curcuma longa known as turmeric. Curcumin mediates glucose homeostasis through activation of glycosis, inhibition of hepatic gluconeogenesis and reducing lipid metabolism. As a nuclear factor kappa B inhibitor, curcumin helps to alleviate insulin resistance; activates peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma and shows hypoglycemic effects and thus suppresses increases in blood glucose levels. There are studies showing that curcumin may have an effect on insulin secretion. By regulating the expression of the Ang II Type-1 receptor in the arteries, it can prevent the development of hypertension, an important component of the metabolic syndrome. The triglyceride-lowering effects of curcumin were confirmed in various experimental studies. In addition to the effects on the lipid metabolism, there is some evidence that curcumin can reduce body weight by increasing the basal metabolic rate and release of some cytokines. Curcumin was found to reduce hepatic fat accumulation and prevent steatosis by down-regulating lipogenic factors. In addition, it reduces the biomarkers of systemic inflammation, hepatocyte injury and oxidative stress, and improves insulin sensitivity and glycemic control. Curcumin reduces hepatic cholesterol and total cholesterol levels by inhibiting hepatic enzymes HMG-CoA reductase and acyl CoA cholesterol acyltransferase. In addition, it inhibits hepatic fatty acid synthase activity and increases beta oxidation of fatty acids. Curcumin is a promising agent in the treatment of metabolic syndrome by correcting the parameters caused by the metabolic syndrome and eliminating its negative effects. Copyright © 2019 by Türkiye Klinikleri.