Protective Effects of Curcumin Against Nephrotoxic Agents.

BACKGROUND: Curcumin is the one of the main phenolic ingredients in curcuma species rhizome. Curcuma species have traditionally been used for the treatment of diabetes, cardiovascular, and renal diseases.

METHODS: The present study was designed to review the scientific literature on the protective effects of curcumin against nephrotoxic agents.

RESULTS: Studies have shown the protective effects of curcumin against nephrotoxic agents such as gallic acid, glucose, tartrazine, streptozotocin, lead, cadmium, fluoride, maleate, malathion, nicotine, cisplatin, gentamicin, and methotrexate. However, further investigations are needed to determine the efficacy of curcumin as an antidote agent due to the lack of clinical trial studies. Therefore, it is recommended to conduct clinical trials in humans to confirm these effects.

CONCLUSION: The current review indicated that curcumin may be effective against nephrotoxicity by modulating oxidative stress and inflammatory responses.