Curcumin in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Natural Approach to Modulating Metabolic Dysfunction

Abstract

A complex and multifaceted metabolic disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is becoming a significant public health concern. Due to their many biological characteristics, bioactive compounds from herbal medicine have been shown in multiple studies to have positive benefits on the prevention and control of type 2 diabetes. The scientific community is becoming more interested in curcumin, one of these therapeutic herbs. The plant Curcuma longa, often known as turmeric, has a bioactive compound called curcumin in its rhizome. Antioxidant, cardio-protective, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, nephro-protective, anti-neoplastic, hepato-protective, immunomodulatory, hypoglycemic, and anti-rheumatic effects are among the various pharmacological and biological effects of curcumin that have been reported by both in vitro and in vivo studies. Curcumin extract increases -cell functioning, delays the onset of diabetes, inhibits -cell death, and lowers insulin resistance in animal models. Recent preclinical studies and clinical trials have shown strong evidence of curcumin’s vital roles in preventing type 2 diabetes via a number of pathways. Thus, the antidiabetic action of curcumin and its many mechanisms are comprehensively summarized in this study. The findings indicated that curcumin’s anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, antihyperglycemic, antiapoptotic, and antihyperlipidemic properties, among others, account for its success in treating type 2 diabetes. These findings suggest that curcumin could be a potential option for T2DM prevention and management.

Keywords

curcumin - type 2 diabetes mellitus - antidiabetic activity - molecular mechanisms, antioxidant

Publication History

Received: 18 March 2025

Accepted: 06 May 2025

Article published online:
02 June 2025

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