Curcumin - Nature's Remedy for Oral Diseases

Turmeric is a spice, used in India and other Asian countries for centuries because of its medicinal properties.1 It is derived from the roots of the plant Curcuma longa, which is a member of the Zingiberaceae family.1-4 Curcumin, the principal Curcuminoids found in Turmeric, is generally considered as the most active constituent responsible for its therapeutic benefits. In addition to Curcumin, the turmeric is also composed of other Curcuminoids like demethoxycurcumin, bisdemethoxycurcumin and essential oils that have been responsible for the therapeutic effects.1-3Recent, evidences suggested that Curcumin has multiple mechanisms of actions like anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial and anticancer activities. This, lead to the renewed scientific interest in this ancient spice to prevent and treat various oral diseases including oral cancer.1 The aim of this article is to review the pharmacological actions and therapeutic benefits of Curcumin in the treatment of oral diseases.