Curry Power

Curcumin is a compound found in curries. Of late it has attracted a great deal of interest because it demonstrates a range protective properties. Other studies have indicated that it can inhibit protein aggregation in the brain, commonly thought to be a key driver of dementias.

In this study, using a mouse model for diabetes, the researchers found a considerable protective effect on the retina that was independent of hyperglycemia. Given that diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in developed countries and the incidence of diabetes seems to growing month by month, curry consumption could play an important role in helping protect the retina.

Curry consumption is probably advisable for everyone, not just diabetics.

Effects of curcumin on retinal oxidative stress and inflammation in diabetes
Renu A Kowluru and Mamta Kanwar
Kresge Eye Institute, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
author email corresponding author email
Nutrition & Metabolism 2007, 4:8doi:10.1186/1743-7075-4-8
Published: 16 April 2007

Abstract
Background
Oxidative stress and inflammation are implicated in the pathogenesis of retinopathy in diabetes. The aim of this study is to examine the effect of curcumin, a polyphenol with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, on diabetes-induced oxidative stress and inflammation in the retina of rats.
Methods
A group of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats received powdered diet supplemented with 0.05% curcumin (w/w), and another group received diet without curcumin. The diets were initiated soon after induction of diabetes, and the rats were sacrificed 6 weeks after induction of diabetes. The retina was used to quantify oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory markers.
Results
Antioxidant capacity and the levels of intracellular antioxidant, GSH (reduced form of glutathione) levels were decreased by about 30–35%, and oxidatively modified DNA (8-OHdG) and nitrotyrosine were increased by 60–70% in the retina of diabetic rats. The levels of interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were elevated by 30% and 110% respectively, and the nuclear transcription factor (NF-kB) was activated by 2 fold. Curcumin administration prevented diabetes-induced decrease in the antioxidant capacity, and increase in 8-OHdG and nitrotyrosine; however, it had only partial beneficial effect on retinal GSH. Curcumin also inhibited diabetes-induced elevation in the levels of IL-1ß, VEGF and NF-kB. The effects of curcumin were achieved without amelioration of the severity of hyperglycemia.
Conclusion
Thus, the beneficial effects of curcumin on the metabolic abnormalities postulated to be important in the development of diabetic retinopathy suggest that curcumin could have potential benefits in inhibiting the development of retinopathy in diabetic patients.