Abstract Summary
Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of curcumin and nano-curcumin in alleviating chronic pain in both clinical and preclinical settings.
Context: Chronic pain presents significant treatment challenges. Curcumin, a natural compound in the Curcuma genus, is known for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective properties.
Methods Used
Approach: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to assess the analgesic effects of curcumin and nano-curcumin.
Data Collection: Comprehensive searches were performed across PubMed, SCOPUS, Web of Science Core Collection, Cochrane, and Google Scholar up to April 1, 2023. Studies meeting the inclusion criteria were analyzed using mean difference (MD) or standardized mean difference (SMD) in random or fixed-effects models.
Researchers' Summary of Findings
The analysis included 59 studies and demonstrated that both curcumin and nano-curcumin significantly reduced chronic pain levels in clinical and preclinical models. Nano-curcumin formulations showed enhanced efficacy, likely due to improved bioavailability. The findings highlight curcumin's potential to alleviate pain and positively impact overall health by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, which are linked to various chronic conditions. These results suggest significant health implications, positioning curcumin as a promising therapeutic option for managing chronic pain and improving quality of life, particularly in conditions associated with inflammation and neurodegeneration.
DOI: 10.1007/s00210-024-03369-0
