The Multifaceted Actions of Curcumin in Obesity

Adv Exp Med Biol. 2021:1328:81-97. doi: 10.1007/978-3-030-73234-9_6.

Abstract

Obesity remains a pervasive health concern worldwide with concomitant comorbidities such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, inflammation, and other metabolic disorders. A wealth of data validates dietary and lifestyle modifications such as restricting caloric intake and increasing physical activity to slow the obesity development. Recently, the advent of phytochemicals such as curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, has attracted considerable research interest in tracking down their possible effects in protection against obesity and obesity-related comorbidities. According to the existing literature, curcumin may regulate lipid metabolism and suppress chronic inflammation interacting with white adipose tissue, which plays a central role in the complications associated with obesity. Curcumin also inhibits the differentiation of adipocyte and improves antioxidant properties. In the present review, we sought to deliberate the possible effects of curcumin in downregulating obesity and curtailing the adverse health effects of obesity.

Keywords: Adiposity; Curcumin; Inflammation; Metabolism.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adipocytes
  • Adipose Tissue, White
  • Curcumin* / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Inflammation / drug therapy
  • Obesity / drug therapy

Substances

  • Curcumin