Anti obesity mechanism of Curcuma longa L.: An Over view

Abstract

Chronic low grade inflammation is one important reason for the development of obesity and the inflammation is initiated by excess nutrient from metabolic cell and is characterized by increasing TNFα, interlukins, cytokinines, etc. Besides this, genetic, social, behavioural and environmental factors alone or interaction with each other influences diet, physical activity by affecting complex hypothalamic neuro-circuitry. These increase leptin level, inflammatory mediators and reactive oxygen species (ROS), which positively correlate with obesity. Curcuma longa L., commonly known as Haridra have been used for treatment of obesity and diabetes since ancient time in Ayurveda, the Indian traditional system of medicine. From current research, it has been observed that C. longa inhibit secretion of leptin, pro-inflammatory mediators and over production of ROS, whereas it increases secretion of insulin, adiponectin in plasma. Increased serum adiponectin insulin and decreased production of ROS negatively correlate with obesity. In addition to these, C. longa inhibit early growth response (Egr-1) gene, which is related to development of obesity. It is clear that by affecting leptin, adiponectin, inflammatory mediators, ROS, regulating nutritional environment and Egr-1 gene, lipogenic gene and ob gene, C. longa may be affirmative for management of obesity.