The impact of curcumin on migraine: A comprehensive review

Biomed Pharmacother. 2023 Aug:164:114910. doi: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114910. Epub 2023 May 22.

Abstract

Migraine, a neurovascular condition, is a chronic and lifelong disease that affects about 15% of the population worldwide. Although the exact pathophysiology and etiology of migraine are still unclear, oxidative stress, inflammation, and neuroendocrine imbalances are identified as the critical risk factors for migraine attacks. Curcumin is an active component and a polyphenolic diketone compound extracted from turmeric. Curcumin is a promising candidate for preventing and controlling migraine due to its anti‑inflammatory, antioxidative, anti-protein aggregate, and analgesic effects. In the present review, we have evaluated experimental and clinical studies investigating the impact of liposomal curcumin and nano-curcumin on the frequency and severity of migraine attacks in patients. Although the results are promising, more studies should be conducted in this area to show the exact efficacies of curcumin on clinical symptoms of migraine and investigate its potential mechanisms.

Keywords: Curcumin; Inflammation; Migraine; Oxidative stress.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antioxidants / pharmacology
  • Antioxidants / therapeutic use
  • Curcumin* / pharmacology
  • Curcumin* / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Inflammation
  • Migraine Disorders* / drug therapy
  • Oxidative Stress

Substances

  • Curcumin
  • Antioxidants