Journal of Basic Research in Medical Sciences

en Biochemical and Biological Properties of Curcumin and its Association with Carbohydrate Metabolism: A Review Article Clinical Biochemistry Clinical Biochemistry مقالات مروری Narrative review Introduction: Carbohydrates, popularly known as sugars, are one of three major macromolecules essential for the functioning of living organisms. Altered carbohydrate metabolism can lead to the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Uncontrolled blood glucose in T2DM is a risk factor for several serious complications, including cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease, nephropathy, retinopathy, and neuropathy. Synthetic pharmaceuticals are often used by subjects with T2DM to reduce these risks. However, natural compounds from plants might be good candidates for enhancing carbohydrate metabolism and for the improvement of glycemic control. Discussion: The present study was aimed at assessing the biochemical and biological properties of curcumin with special reference to carbohydrate metabolism. Results:  Curcumin is the yellow pigment and the most important bioactive component of turmeric, which is obtained from the rhizomes of this medicinal plant. It has unique biological and structural features and variable bioavailability. The positive physiological effects of curcumin depend on the dose and the time of administration. Recently, curcumin nanoformulations have been proposed as novel therapeutic modalities to improve their bioavailability and clinical efficacy. Curcumin has structural properties that allow it to penetrate cells easily and exert beneficial metabolic effects by improving insulin secretion and sensitivity via modulation of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), lipid metabolism, and inflammatory signaling pathways. Preclinical studies and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have shown that curcumin is significantly associated with pathways involved in carbohydrate metabolism. Conclusion:  The available evidence suggests that curcumin may significantly improve carbohydrate metabolism and glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Curcumin, with its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and insulin-sensitizing properties, may be a promising natural therapeutic agent for the management of impaired glucose metabolism. But we need large clinical trials to prove that it works in the long run, at the right dose, and is safe Curcumin, Turmeric, Carbohydrate, Glycemic, T2DM, Preclinical, RCT 60 72 http://jbrms.medilam.ac.ir/browse.php?a_code=A-10-1308-1&slc_lang=en&sid=1 Ali Nosrati Andevari nosrati.ali70@gmail.com 10031947532846008430 10031947532846008430 No Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Afzalipour Faculty of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran Najmeh Ebrahimzadeh Shahandashti najme8287@gmail.com 10031947532846008431 0009-0008-9410-7496 No Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Babol Branch, Islamic Azad University, Babol, Iran Mohsen Koolivand mkoolivand14@gmail.com 10031947532846008432 10031947532846008432 No Royan Stem Cell Technology Company, Tehran, Iran Faegheh Bahri faegheh.bahri9797@gmail.com 10031947532846008433 10031947532846008433 No Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Afzalipour Faculty of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran Rana Douseh ranadooseh@gmail.com 10031947532846008434 0009-0004-7523-153X No Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran Durdi Qujeq dqujeq@gmail.com 10031947532846008435 10031947532846008435 Yes Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran