Curcumin as a novel agent targeting adipose tissue, lipid metabolism,and inflammatory pathways in obesity: a narrative review

Abstract: Obesity is considered a major public health concern that is increasing around the world. It is characterized by chronic low-grade inflammation contributing to metabolic dysfunction. Compelling evidence shows potential protective and anti-inflammatory effects of curcumin in obesity and metabolic disorder. Curcumin, the active component of turmeric, interacts with white adipose tissue and suppresses inflammatory responses through multiple biochemical and cellular mechanisms. It also can inhibit adipocyte differentiation, enhance fatty acid oxidation, improve lipid profile, and has a role in increased basal metabolic rate and weight control. Hence, curcumin may be helpful as an adjuvant therapy for obesity and inflammatory process. The present review will focus on all recent studies on potential anti-inflammatory roles of curcumin in obesity. The review is presented in several parts. The first part explains the inflammatory pathogenesis of obesity; the second reviews the role of curcumin in inflammatory pathways; the third summarized the mechanisms of action of curcumin in adipose tissue; and, finally, there is a review of evidence from animal and human studies on the potentially beneficial effects of curcumin in obesity.