Curcumin as a novel agent targeting adipose tissue, lipid metabolism,and inflammatory pathways in obesity: a narrative review

Abstract

The obesity considered a major public health concern that is increasing around the world. Obesity is characterized by chronic low-grade inflammation which contributes to metabolic dysfunction. Complelling evidence show potential protective and anti-inflammatory of Curcumin in obesity and metabolic disorder. Curcumin, the active metabolite of turmeric, interacts with white adipose tissue and suppress inflammatory responses through multiple biochemical and cellular mechanisms. Curcumin also can inhibit adipocyte differentiation, enhance fatty acid oxidation, improve lipid profile and has a role in increasing basal metabolic rate and weight control. Hence, curcumin can be considered as a therapeutic agent in modulating obesity and adverse health effects of that. Present review will focus on the all recent studies on potential anti-inflammatory roles of curcumin in obesity. This review is presented in several parts. The first explain inflammatory pathogenesis of obesity, the second the role of curcumin in inflammatory pathways, the third summarized the mechanisms of action of curcumin in adipose tissue and, finally, there is animal and human evidences of the potential beneficial effects of curcumin in obesity.