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International Ophthalmology

Published in:

01-03-2019 | Review

Therapeutic potential of curcumin in major retinal pathologies

Authors: Krishi V. Peddada, A’sha Brown, Vivek Verma, Marcella Nebbioso

Published in: International Ophthalmology | Issue 3/2019

Abstract

Purpose

The retina is continually exposed to free radicals from its rich blood supply, numerous mitochondria, and photons of light which strike its surface. Most pathological processes that take place in the retina, such as inflammation, cell apoptosis, or angiogenesis, can hence involve free radicals directly or indirectly. Since inflammatory and oxidative stress pathways underlie retinal pathology, compounds that address these factors are therefore natural choices for treatment. This review article summarizes and provides commentary on curcumin's therapeutic potential use in ophthalmology with principal focus on retinal dosorders.

Methods

Curcumin (diferuloylmethane) is a compound of the Indian spice turmeric (Curcuma longa) that has been found to be efficacious in preventing and treating a number of inflammatory diseases and neoplastic processes. Curcumin exerts anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, antioxidant, and VEGF inhibition properties through modulation of numerous biochemical mediators. This makes curcumin particularly effective in retinal disorders.

Results

Curcumin has found a role in slowing, and in some cases even reversing, age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, retinitis pigmentosa, proliferative vitreoretinopathy, and retinal cancers.

Conclusions

However, studies on curcumin’s efficacy have been limited mostly to animal studies. Moreover, the biomedical potential of curcumin is not easy to use, given its low solubility and oral bioavailability—more attention therefore has been given to nanoparticles and liposomes.

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Title: Therapeutic potential of curcumin in major retinal pathologies
Authors: Krishi V. Peddada
A’sha Brown
Vivek Verma
Marcella Nebbioso
Publication date: 01-03-2019
Publisher: Springer Netherlands
Published in: International Ophthalmology / Issue 3/2019
Print ISSN: 0165-5701
Electronic ISSN: 1573-2630
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10792-018-0845-y

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Therapeutic potential of curcumin in major retinal pathologies

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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