Inflammation, a common part of several pathological conditions, is involved
in the development of a growing number of human diseases. Numerous investigations
have been conducted in the past several years which have resulted in the introduction
of anti-inflammatory drugs such as corticosteroids, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory
drugs (NSAIDs) as the old anti-inflammatory agents, as well as newly developed drugs
like monoclonal antibodies, which specifically target different mediators of
inflammatory pathways. Yet, the clinical results obtained by these agents are not
conclusive enough, motivating researchers to seek for better options with higher
efficacy, and lower adverse effects. Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) and its major
ingredients, curcuminoids, are the well-known natural products used for the
management of several inflammatory conditions including inflammatory bowel
diseases, irritable bowel syndrome, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, renal diseases,
oral lichen planus, gingivitis and periodontitis, radiation-induced oral mucositis and
dermatitis, psoriasis, and respiratory problems. Main inflammatory markers in chronic
inflammation include C-reactive protein, tumor necrosis factor-α, and different
interleukins which are assessed in the clinical trials. Turmeric and curcumin have
demonstrated significant effect in some clinical trials; however, small sample size and
short follow-up periods makes future clinical studies necessary for further clarification
about the effective dosage of these agents. In this chapter, current clinical studies
assessing the effect of turmeric and/ or curcumin in different inflammatory diseases are
reviewed, and commented.
Keywords: Anti-Inflammatory, Curcumin, Herbal Medicine, Inflammation,
Medicinal Plants, Turmeric.
