Understanding Benefits of Curcumin on Cognitive Function from Molecular Aspect: A Review
A. A. A. Putri Laksmidewi
*
Department of Neurology, Division of Neurobehavior, Faculty of Medicine, Udayana University, Sanglah Hospital, Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia.
Richard Suherlim
Department of Neurology, Neurology Resident, Faculty of Medicine, Udayana University, Sanglah Hospital, Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Cognitive function has a significant impact on individuals’ quality of life. Over time, human cognitive function tends to decline. The importance of cognitive function in everyday life has led many researchers to seek alternative treatments to maintain and improve cognitive function. Some studies show that curcumin can improve cognitive function and prevent cognitive decline in humans. This review focuses on the benefits of curcumin on cognitive function and the mechanism of how it works from molecular aspect. According to some studies, one of the factors leading to cognitive decline is chronic low-grade systemic inflammation. This review will focus on antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective effects, and β amyloid aggregation inhibition properties of curcumin that can improve cognitive function or delay cognitive decline. It is important to understand the basic reasons why curcumin can have benefits on cognitive function, this can be seen from the mechanisms that are reflected in the biomolecular aspect.
Keywords: Curcumin, alternative, molecular aspect, cognitive function