Curcumin and Endothelial Function: Evidence and Mechanisms of Protective Effects

Curr Pharm Des. 2017;23(17):2462-2473. doi: 10.2174/1381612823666170222122822.

Abstract

Background: The endothelium is a large paracrine organ regulating cell growth, vascular tone and thrombogenicity as well as platelet and leukocyte interactions. Endothelial function can be assessed by noninvasive techniques [e.g. flow-mediated vasodilation, nitroglycerin-mediated dilation and pulse wave velocity] and measuring specific circulating biomarkers [cell adhesion molecules, endothelial microparticles and endothelial progenitor cells]. Impaired endothelial function plays a key role in the development of atherosclerosis, arterial hypertension, heart failure, ischemia-reperfusion injury, Alzheimer's disease and other conditions. Endothelial function is also involved in growth and proliferation of tumor cells.

Methods: We performed a literature review and assessed the role of the natural polyphenol, curcumin, as a potential inexpensive, well-tolerated, and safe agent for improving endothelial function.

Results: Curcumin exerts several positive pharmacological effects; these include anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-hypertensive, anti-cancer, antiviral, anti-infective and wound-healing properties. Specifically, curcumin's anti-inflammatory effects are thought to be caused by reducing trans-endothelial monocyte migration by reduction of mRNA and protein expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 and P-selectin and by modulating NFκB, JNK, p38 and STAT-3 in endothelial cells. Dietary curcumin supplementation can also increase antioxidant activity through the induction of heme oxygenase-1, a scavenger of free radicals, and by reduction of reactive oxygen species and Nox-2.

Conclusions: Curcumin appears to improve endothelial function but additional research is needed to determine the precise mechanism(s) and biomarkers involved in curcumin's therapeutic effects on endothelial dysfunction.

Keywords: Curcumin; adhesion molecules; endothelial function; flow-mediated vasodilation; nitroglycerin-mediated dilation; pulse wave velocity.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors / pharmacology
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / pharmacology
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / prevention & control
  • Curcumin / pharmacology*
  • Endothelium, Vascular / drug effects*
  • Humans

Substances

  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal
  • Curcumin