فهرست نشریات علمی دسترسی آزاد ایران

Introduction : Carbohydrates, popularly known as sugars, are one of three major macromolecules essential for the functioning of living organisms. Altered carbohydrate metabolism can lead to the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Uncontrolled blood glucose in T2DM is a risk factor for several serious complications, including cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease, nephropathy, retinopathy, and neuropathy. Synthetic pharmaceuticals are often used by subjects with T2DM to reduce these risks. However, natural compounds from plants might be good candidates for enhancing carbohydrate metabolism and for the improvement of glycemic control. Discussion : The present study was aimed at assessing the biochemical and biological properties of curcumin with special reference to carbohydrate metabolism. Results : Curcumin is the yellow pigment and the most important bioactive component of turmeric, which is obtained from the rhizomes of this medicinal plant. It has unique biological and structural features and variable bioavailability. The positive physiological effects of curcumin depend on the dose and the time of administration. Recently, curcumin nanoformulations have been proposed as novel therapeutic modalities to improve their bioavailability and clinical efficacy. Curcumin has structural properties that allow it to penetrate cells easily and exert beneficial metabolic effects by improving insulin secretion and sensitivity via modulation of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), lipid metabolism, and inflammatory signaling pathways. Preclinical studies and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have shown that curcumin is significantly associated with pathways involved in carbohydrate metabolism. Conclusion : The available evidence suggests that curcumin may significantly improve carbohydrate metabolism and glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Curcumin, with its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and insulin-sensitizing properties, may be a promising natural therapeutic agent for the management of impaired glucose metabolism. But we need large clinical trials to prove that it works in the long run, at the right dose, and is safe