Corrigendum: Cardioprotective effect of Sanguisorba minor against isoprenaline-induced myocardial infarction in rats.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1305816.].

Protective Effects of Plant-Derived Compounds Against Traumatic Brain Injury.

Inflammation in the nervous system is one of the key features of many neurodegenerative diseases. It is increasingly being identified as a critical pathophysiological primitive mechanism associated with chronic neurodegenerative diseases following traumatic brain injury (TBI). Phytochemicals have a wide range of clinical properties due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Currently, there are few drugs available for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases other than symptomatic relief. Numerous studies have shown that plant-derived compounds, in particular polyphenols, protect against various neurodegenerative diseases and are safe for consumption. Polyphenols exert protective effects on TBI via restoration of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), toll-like receptor-4 (TLR4), and Nod-like receptor family proteins (NLRPs) pathways. In addition, these phytochemicals and their derivatives upregulate the phosphatidylinositol-3-Kinase/Protein Kinase B (PI3K/AKT) and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathways, which have critical functions in modulating TBI symptoms. There is supporting evidence that medicinal plants and phytochemicals are protective in different TBI models, though future clinical trials are needed to clarify the precise mechanisms and functions of different polyphenolic compounds in TBI.

The effect of oral supplementation of Paricalcitol on C-reactive protein levels in chronic kidney disease patients: GRADE-assessed systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of data from randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies investigating the effect of oral supplementation of paricalcitol on reactive protein levels in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients reported inconsistent findings. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we have analyzed and interpreted the results obtained from previous randomized clinical trials on the effect of paricalcitol on C-reactive protein in CKD patients in the literature. METHODS: MEDLINE, SciVerse Scopus, and Clarivate Analytics Web of Science databases were searched until January 2023 and related articles were obtained through a careful screening process allowing extraction of required data from selected articles. The effect size was calculated using a random effect model and weighted mean differences (WMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Heterogeneity among studies was evaluated using Cochran's Q test and I2. RESULTS: Amongst the 182 articles obtained from the initial search, 4 studies (6 arms) were finally included in the meta-analysis. Pooled analysis shows that C-reactive protein levels significantly decrease after oral supplementation with paricalcitol (WMD: -2.55 mg/L, 95% CI (-4.99 to -0.11; P = 0.04). The studies used in this meta-analysis showed significant heterogeneity (I2 = 66.3% and P = 0.01). CONCLUSION: Oral paricalcitol supplementation in CKD patients can significantly reduce C-reactive protein levels, which may prevent CKD progression.

Curcumin and Ferroptosis: a Promising Target for Disease Prevention and Treatment.

Ferroptosis is a recently identified form of cell death characterized by iron accumulation and lipid peroxidation. Unlike apoptosis, necrosis, and autophagy, ferroptosis operates through a distinct molecular pathway. Curcumin, derived from turmeric rhizomes, is a natural compound with diverse therapeutic benefits, including neuroprotective, anti-metabolic syndrome, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties. Growing evidence suggests that curcumin possesses both pro-oxidant and antioxidant properties, which can vary depending on the cell type. In this review, we explore the relationship between the effects of curcumin and the molecular mechanisms underlying the ferroptosis signaling pathway, drawing from current in vivo and in vitro research. Curcumin has been found to induce ferroptosis in cancer cells while acting as an inhibitor of ferroptosis in tissue injuries. Notably, curcumin treatment leads to alterations in key ferroptosis markers, underscoring its significant impact on this process. Nonetheless, further research focused on elucidating this important attribute of turmeric is crucial for advancing disease treatment.

Effects of Propolis-Based Herbal Toothpaste on Dentine Hypersensitivity.

INTRODUCTION: The objective of this in vitro study was to compare the effectiveness of a propolis-based herbal toothpaste with 5% sodium fluoride varnishin obstructing human dentinal tubules; Scanning electron microscopy was utilised to obtain quantitative and qulitative data on tubular obstruction. METHODS: Thirty-nine extracted human premolar teeth were collected. The cementum layer was removed using a water-cooled diamond bur and the smear layer using ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) 17%. Then, the samples were randomly divided into 3 groups (n = 13 each), as follows: group 1: dentin discs exposed to the propolis-based herbal toothpaste (Herbex); group 2: dentin discs exposed to 5% sodium fluoride varnish; and group 3: control. Then, all discs were observed and imaged in 4 non-overlapping fields by an electron microscope at 2000× magnification. The topography and number of open, closed, and semi-closed tubules were counted in all images. The data were analysed using Kruskal-Wallis test, Mann-Whitney U test, and Friedman test. The statistical analysis was performed with SPSS statistic 22.0 software, with a significance level of α = 0.05. RESULTS: In pairwise comparisons of the groups considering the percentage of open, closed, and semi-closed tubules, the difference was not statistically significant between the 5% sodium fluoride varnish and propolis groups in the closed and semi-closed tubules, but it was statistically significant with the control group. Additionally, the percentage of open tubules in the propolis-based herbal toothpaste group was significantly lower than in the 5% sodium fluoride varnish and control group. CONCLUSIONS: Both propolis-based herbal toothpaste and 5% sodium fluoride varnish is effective in blocking human dentin tubules to various extents.

Synthetic Curcumin Analogs in the Treatment of Cancer: A Literature Review.

Treatment of cancer, one of the most fatal diseases in the present century, has become a topic of global concern. Unfavorable unintentional effects of chemotherapy and radiation treatments have been the main reasons for the research on the discovery of drugs with a broader spectrum of effectiveness and efficiency, with minimal side effects. Curcumin (diferuloylmethane) is a naturally occurring phenolic structure with anticancer properties through its inhibition of cell multiplication, metastasis, and prolongation of cell cycle suppression of apoptosis in various tumor cells. The primary restriction regarding the use of curcumin in cancer treatment is related to poor bioavailability and unfavorable pharmacokinetic profiles of curcumin due to its poor absorption rate, fast metabolism, and systemic elimination. A variety of ways have been proposed to overcome these limitations. With this background, the present study focuses on providing a comprehensive overview of the anticancer properties of curcumin derivatives and the synthesis of curcumin analogs with application to different types of cancers. The regulation of various target and signaling pathways is considered in various cancers, including breast, gastrointestinal, pancreatic, prostate, skin, and lung cancers. A review of the literature indicates that modifying the structure of curcumin through the substitution of the phenyl group and unsaturated carbon branch around the two main sites of oxygen can result in the improvement of physical and chemical properties, as well as the enhancement of physiological activities of the curcumin molecule and the anti-cancer activities of this polyphenol. Curcumin analogs demonstrate anticancer properties at multiple targets at different cell stages and by various signaling biochemical pathways. These include cytokines, transcription factors, growth factors, and modulation of genes involved in cellular proliferation and apoptosis in breast, gastrointestinal, skin, prostate, and lung cancers, thereby mitigating tumor progression.

Therapeutic Role of HAT Therapy in Sepsis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine whether the combination of hydrocortisone, vitamin C (ascorbic acid), and thiamine (HAT therapy) diminishes the mortality and is effective in expediting the resolution of sepsis and septic shock or not. METHODS: The following databases of PubMed, Scopus, ISI Web of Science, and Google Scholar were explored until March 2021 for all existing literature related to this field. An automatic alert for all databases was also activated to update our search. Meta-analysis was performed on clinical trials and cohorts separately as well as on all the pooled populations. RESULTS: This study evaluated nine clinical trials (1358 participants) and nine cohorts (339,437 participants) and is the most comprehensive systematic review in this field. The results of our meta-analysis demonstrated a significant difference in the reduction of Sepsis-Related Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score changes (Δ-SOFA) over 72 h (Standard Mean Difference (SMD) = -0.429; 95% CI: -0.737, 0.120; P = 0.006), duration of vasopressor (VP) (SMD = -0.373; 95% CI: -0.619, -0.128; P = 0.003), and procalcitonin (PCT) clearance (SMD = 0.496; 95% CI: 0.061, 0.931%; P = 0.026). Considering the results of cohorts, HAT therapy was effective in the survival of intensive care units (ICUs) patients (OR = 0.641; 95% CI: 0.423-0.970, P = 0.035). However, no significant difference was observed between the intervention and control groups in hospital mortality (Odds Ratio (OR) = 0.811, 95% CI: 0.544-1.209, P = 0.304), 28- to 30-day mortality (OR = 1.000; 95% CI: 0.782-1.279, P = 0.998), new onset acute kidney injury requiring renal replacement therapy ((OR = 0.856, 95% CI: 0.526, 1.391; P = 0.529), in-hospital length of stay (LOS) (SMD = 0.090; 95% CI: -0.036, 0.216 days; P = 0.162), LOS in ICU (SMD = 0.016, 95% CI: -0.138, 0.170 days; P = 0.838), and mechanical ventilation-free days (SMD = 0.004; 95% CI: -0.154, 0.163 days; P = 0.956). CONCLUSION: Supplementation of septic and septic shock patients with HAT therapy has significant beneficial effects on SOFA score over 72 hours, duration of exogenous vasopressor infusion and procalcitonin clearance. Considering the results of cohort studies, supplementation with HAT is efficacious in reducing ICU mortality.

Omega-3 fatty acids and endothelial function: A GRADE-assessed systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: N-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) supplementation has been reported to have an impact on flow-mediated dilatation (FMD), a conventionally used clinical technique for estimating endothelial dysfunction. However, its proven effects on endothelial function are unclear. This systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to evaluate the effects of n-3 PUFAs supplementation on FMD of the brachial artery. METHOD: This study was performed following the PRISMA guidelines. To identify eligible RCTs, a systematic search was completed in PubMed/Medline, Scopus and Web of Science using relevant keywords. A fixed- or random-effects model was utilized to estimate the weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI). RESULTS: Thirty-two studies (with 35 arms) were included in this meta-analysis, involving 2385 subjects with intervention duration ranging from 4 to 48 weeks. The pooled meta-analysis demonstrated a significant effect of omega-3 on FMD (WMD = 0.8%, 95% CI = 0.3-1.3, p = .001) and heterogeneity was significant (I2 = 82.5%, p < .001). CONCLUSION: We found that n-3 PUFA supplementation improves endothelial function as estimated by flow-mediated dilatation of the brachial artery.

Regulatory effects of curcumin on nitric oxide signaling in the cardiovascular system.

The continuously rising prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) globally substantially impacts the economic growth of developing countries. Indeed, one of the leading causes of death worldwide is unfavorable cardiovascular events. Reduced nitric oxide (NO) generation is the pathogenic foundation of endothelial dysfunction, which is regarded as the first stage in the development of a number of CVDs. Nitric oxide exerts an array of biological effects, including vasodilation, the suppression of vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation and the functional control of cardiac cells. Numerous treatment strategies aim to increase NO synthesis or upregulate downstream NO signaling pathways. The major component of Curcuma longa, curcumin, has long been utilized in traditional medicine to treat various illnesses, especially CVDs. Curcumin improves CV function as well as having important pleiotropic effects, such as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, through its ability to increase the bioavailability of NO and to positively impact NO-related signaling pathways. In this review, we discuss the scientific literature relating to curcumin's positive effects on NO signaling and vascular endothelial function.

Effects of Iranian herbal Zofa® syrup for the management of clinical symptoms in patients with COVID-19: A randomized clinical trial.

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the role of Iranian herbal Zofa® syrup in improving the clinical symptoms of patients with COVID-19. Materials and Methods: This randomized clinical trial was conducted on 105 patients with COVID-19. Patients were randomly assigned to the intervention (n=35) group (received 10 ml of Zofa® syrup every 8 hours/seven days plus standard treatment) or the control (n=70) group (received only standard treatment). Assessments were performed before and after treatment. Results: The groups were comparable regarding age (p=0.980), gender (p=0.584), comorbidities (p=0.318), or drug history (p=0.771). There was no difference between patients' recovery status at the time of discharge (p=0.327) or two weeks post-discharge (p=0.165) in the intervention and control groups. No patient was hospitalized to the intensive care unit (ICU) for supplemental oxygen therapy and no patient died in the intervention group. However, in the control group, three (4.5%) patients were transferred to the ICU, and two (3.03%) patients died. Conclusion: Considering the better recovery status of the patients at the time of discharge and the absence of patient deaths in the intervention group, more additional studies are needed to confirm these findings and elucidate the role of Zofa® in COVID-19.

The effects of curcumin-piperine supplementation on inflammatory, oxidative stress and metabolic indices in patients with ischemic stroke in the rehabilitation phase: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Stroke is a leading cause of death worldwide, which is associated with a heavy economic and social burden. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of supplementation with curcumin-piperine combination in patients with ischemic stroke in the rehabilitation stage. METHODS: In this randomized controlled trial, 66 patients with stroke were randomized into two groups receiving curcumin-piperine tablets (500 mg curcumin + 5 mg piperine) and matched placebo tablets for 12 weeks. High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT), thrombosis, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), lipid profile, anthropometric indices, blood pressure, and quality of life were assessed before and after the intervention. Statistical data analysis was done using SPSS22 software. RESULTS: A total of 56 patients with a mean age of 59.80 ± 4.25 years completed the trial. Based on ANCOVA test, adjusted for baseline values, curcumin-piperine supplementation for 12 weeks resulted in significant reductions in serum levels of hs-CRP (p = 0.026), total cholesterol (TC) (p = 0.009), triglycerides (TG) (p = 0.001), CIMT (p = 0.002), weight (P = 0.001), waist circumference (p = 0.024), and systolic and diastolic blood pressure (p < 0.001), and a significant increase in TAC (p < 0.001) in comparison to the placebo. Pain score significantly increased in both groups; however, its increase was significantly higher in the placebo group compared with the intervention group (p = 0.007). No significant changes were observed between the two groups in terms of serum fibrinogen, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and quality of life indices. CONCLUSION: Curcumin-piperine supplementation had beneficial effects on CIMT, serum hs-CRP, TC, TG, TAC, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure in patients with ischemic stroke in the rehabilitation stage.

The Effect of Curcumin on the Gut-Brain Axis: Therapeutic Implications.

The gut-brain axis describes the bidirectional communication between the gut, the enteric nervous system, and the central nervous system. The gut-brain axis has attracted increasing attention owing to its regulatory effect on dysbiosis and a wide range of related diseases. Several types of nutrients, such as curcumin, have been proposed as regulators of the dysbiotic state, and preclinical experiments have suggested that curcumin is not only beneficial but also safe. This review focuses on the interplay between curcumin and the gut microbiota. Moreover, it provides a comprehensive review of the crosstalk between the gut-brain axis and disease, whilst also discussing curcumin-mediated gut-brain axis-dependent and -independent signaling about modulation of gut microbiota dysbiosis. This will help to define the utility of curcumin as a novel therapeutic agent to regulate intestinal microflora dysbiosis.

Effects of marine-derived n-3 PUFA supplementation on soluble adhesion molecules: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Long-chain n-3 poly unsaturated fatty acids have anti-inflammatory effects but their effects on serum levels of adhesion molecules are inconsistent and contradictory. In this updated systematic review and meta-analysis, marine sources of omega-3 fatty acids were pooled up to determine the effects of omega-3 supplementation on adhesion molecules. PubMed-Medline, SCOPUS, Web of Science and Google Scholar databases (from inception to April 2023) were searched and all RCTs investigating the effects of marine sources of omega-3, on blood concentrations of adhesion molecules were included and a meta-analysis undertaken. Forty-two RCTs were included involving 3555 participants aged from 18 to 75 years. Meta-analysis of 38 arms from 30 RCTs reporting serum concentrations of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) showed a significant reduction after omega-3 supplementation (WMD: -1.26, 95% CI: -1.88 to -0.64 ng/mL, P < 0.001). Meta-analysis of 40 arms from 30 RCTs reporting serum concentrations of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) revealed a reduction following omega-3 supplementation, although it was not significant (WMD: -1.76, 95%CI: -3.68 to 0.16 ng/mL, P = 0.07). Meta-analysis of 27 arms from 21 trials showed no effect on E-selectin (WMD: 0.01, 95%CI: -0.02 to 0.04 ng/mL, P = 0.62). Pooling 15 arms from 11 RCTs showed a marginally significant reducing effect on P-selectin concentrations (WMD: -2.67, 95%CI: -5.53 to 0.19 ng/mL, P = 0.06). A considerable decrease in VCAM concentration was observed after omega-3 supplementation in this meta-analysis with a trend to decreases in both ICAM and P-selectin levels, with effects that may be significant depending on study design, and there was no effect on E-selectin.

The Effects of Resveratrol Supplementation on the Metabolism of Lipids in Metabolic Disorders.

Lipids are stored energy sources in animals, and disturbance of lipid metabolism is associated with metabolic disorders, including cardiovascular diseases, obesity, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and diabetes. Modifying dysregulated lipid metabolism homeostasis can lead to enhanced therapeutic benefits, such as the use of statin therapy in cardiovascular disease. However, many natural compounds may have therapeutic utility to improve lipid metabolism. Resveratrol is a polyphenol extracted from dietary botanicals, including grapes and berries, which has been reported to affect many biological processes, including lipid metabolism. This review evaluates the effects of resveratrol on lipid metabolism dysregulation affecting atherosclerosis, diabetes, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). In addition, it details the mechanisms by which resveratrol may improve lipid metabolism homeostasis.

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) syrup as an adjunct to standard care in patients with mild to moderate COVID-19: An open-label, randomized, controlled clinical trial.

Objective: ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has been associated with clinical signs characterized by fever, fatigue and cough. Our study aimed to assess the efficacy of a Persian medicine formulation, lavender syrup, as an add-on to standard care in patients with mild to moderate COVID-19. Materials and Methods: In this clinical trial which was conducted in Gorgan (Iran), 84 male and female COVID-19 outpatients were randomly allocated to either lavender syrup receiving 9 ml/twice/day for 21 days with standard conventional care or control groups. The primary objectives were to assess the improvement of clinical symptoms, while the secondary objectives were treatment satisfaction and anxiety levels which were evaluated once a week for 3 weeks. Results: Out of 84 participants, 81 were analyzed (41 in the add-on group). The comparison between groups for cough severity and anosmia showed a higher reduction in the lavender group. The effect size was 0.6 for cough relief. Other symptoms and the Hamilton total score decreased in both groups with no statistically significant differences between the groups. The lavender group showed greater patients' satisfaction score. Conclusion: Adjunctive therapy with lavender syrup could reduce cough and improve the quality of life in patients with COVID-19 patients.

The effects of Quercetin supplementation on cardiometabolic outcomes: An umbrella review of meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: Quercetin is a bioactive flavonoid, but the effect of it on cardiometabolic factors has remained uncertain and previous findings from meta-analyses have been controversial. OBJECTIVE: To provide an overview of the effects of Quercetin on cardiometabolic factors based on meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). METHOD: MEDLINE, SciVerse Scopus, and Clarivate Analytics Web of Science databases were searched to identify eligible publications. As part of the umbrella review, we summarized pooled estimates, 95% CIs, heterogeneity, and publication bias. A GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation) approach was used to rate the certainty of evidence. RESULTS: Five meta-analyses including 18 eligible RCTs plus 5 RCTs that were not included in previous meta-analyses were found. The results indicated Quercetin does not affect diastolic blood pressure (DBP), lipid profile, inflammation, anthropometric indices, fasting plasma glucose (FBG), and homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). However, Quercetin supplementation could significantly reduce systolic blood pressure (SBP) (weighted mean difference (WMD): -1.9, 95% CI = -3.2 to -0.6, I2 = 88.3%) and insulin level (WMD: -1.07, 95% CI = -1.9 to -0.1, I2 = 75.0%). The certainty of evidence ranged from very low to moderate. CONCLUSION: Quercetin supplementation has reducing effects on SBP and insulin levels but not other cardiometabolic parameters. More high-quality trials with longer follow-up durations may be required to obtain a more robust conclusion.

Recent Advances in Curcumin-Based Combination Nanomedicines for Cancer Therapy.

Standard cancer chemotherapeutics often produce significant adverse effects and eventually lose their effectiveness due to the emergence of resistance mechanisms. As a result, patients with malignant tumors experience a poor quality of life and a short lifespan. Thus, combination medication regimens provide various advantages, including increased success rate, fewer side effects, and fewer occurrences of resistance. Curcumin (Cur), a potential phytochemical from turmeric, when coupled with traditional chemotherapeutics, has been established to improve the effectiveness of cancer treatment in clinical and preclinical investigations. Cur not only exerts multiple mechanisms resulting in apoptotic cancer cell death but also reduces the resistance to standard chemotherapy drugs, mainly through downregulating the multi-drug resistance (MDR) cargoes. Recent reports showed the beneficial outcomes of Cur combination with many chemotherapeutics in various malignancies. Nevertheless, owing to the limited bioavailability, devising co-delivery strategies for Cur and conventional pharmaceuticals appears to be required for clinical settings. This review summarized various Cur combinations with standard treatments as cancer therapeutics.

Neuroprotective Effects of Sesamum indicum, Sesamin and Sesamolin Against 6-OHDA-induced Apoptosis in PC12 Cells.

BACKGROUND: Sesamum indicum L. (sesame) is one of the most widely used herbs in the world. Sesame oil contains lignans such as sesamin and sesamolin, which are known to possess anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-apoptotic properties. Parkinson's disease (PD) is recognized as the most common neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer's disease; however, the exact molecular mechanism of the progression of neural death is not clear yet. In this study, the effect of sesame seed extracts and their main bioactive components (sesamin and sesamolin) on in vitro model of Parkinson's disease has been compared. METHODS: Cell viability, the number of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and apoptosis were determined using resazurin assay, ROS assay, propidium iodide (PI) staining and flow cytometry, and western blot analysis. RESULTS: 6-OHDA caused cellular death and apoptosis but pretreatment with sesame seed extracts, sesamin, and sesamolin significantly increased cell viability (p<0.001) and decreased ROS (p<0.001) and apoptosis. ERK1/2 is activated by 6-OHDA in PC12 cells, and the level of survivin decreased. Pretreatment with sesame significantly reversed the entire cell death induced by 6- OHDA. Sesame seed extracts at 5 and 10 µg/ml, sesamin and sesamolin at 5 and 10 µM increased surviving (p<0.01), and reduced P-ERK1/2/ERK1/2 (p<0.05) levels close to the control values. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, compounds in sesame seed extract and sesamin may assist as adjuvant therapeutics in PD. It seems sesame seeds have more potent protection effects against neural death compared with individual components, which might reflect the synergism among different phytochemicals present in the extract.

Impact of curcumin on p38 MAPK: therapeutic implications.

Curcumin (diferuloylmethane) is a herbal remedy which possesses numerous biological attributes including anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and anti-cancer properties. Curcumin has been shown to impact a number of signaling pathways including nuclear factor kappa B (NF-KB), reactive oxygen species (ROS), Wingless/Integrated (Wnt), Janus kinase-signal transducer and activator of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and transcription (JAK/STAT). P38 belongs to the MAPKs, is known as a stress-activated MAPK and is involved in diverse biological responses. P38 is activated in various signaling cascades. P38 plays a role in inflammation, cell differentiation, proliferation, motility and survival. This cascade can serve as a therapeutic target in many disorders. Extensive evidence confirms that curcumin impacts the P38 MAPK signaling pathway, through which it exerts anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and apoptotic effects. Hence, curcumin can positively affect inflammatory disorders and cancers, as well as to increase glucose uptake in cells. This review discusses the pharmacological and therapeutic effects of curcumin as effected through p38 MAPK.