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Volume 4, Issue 4 (11-2026)

Iran J Health Res Dev 2026, 4(4): 56-77

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Modulatory Effects of Curcumin on Microglia, B and T Lymphocytes in Multiple Sclerosis: A Comprehensive Review of Findings from In vitro, In vivo and Human Studies

Jamshid Gholizadeh¹

, Arezoo Gowhari Shabgah¹

, Hamidreza Majidiani²

, Saeed Mohammadian Haftcheshmeh ^*³

1- School of Medicine, Bam University of Medical Sciences, Bam, Iran.
2- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neyshabur University of Medical Sciences, Neyshabur, Iran.
3- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neyshabur University of Medical Sciences, Neyshabur, Iran. , mohammadians@nums.ac.ir

Abstract: (22 Views)

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease of the central nervous system, which is characterized by chronic inflammation. Evidence indicates that dysfunction of microglia, B cells, and T cells plays crucial roles in the pathogenesis of disease. Curcumin, the bioactive compound derived from turmeric (Curcuma longa), has gained attention due to its anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties. This study aimed to explore the modulatory microglia, B cells, and T cells in MS.

Methods: This narrative review was conducted through a systematic search in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases up to 2026, with no time restriction and limited to English-language publications. Experimental, animal, and human studies investigating the modulatory effects of curcumin on T cells in MS were selected based on predefined inclusion criteria.

Results: The findings demonstrate that curcumin could suppress the inflammatory responses of microglia cells. On the one hand, curcumin decreases the function of inflammatory B cells and increases the activity of regulatory B cells. Also, curcumin inhibits the differentiation and function of TH1 and TH17 cells and subsequently reduces the production of inflammatory cytokines. In contrast, curcumin enhances the differentiation and function of Treg cells. These effects led to the correction of the TH17/Treg imbalance and subsequently reduced neuroinflammation.

Conclusion: Curcumin shows considerable potential as a supplementary therapeutic agent in MS by modulating both pro-inflammatory and regulatory immune pathways. However, further research in human studies IS required to confirm its clinical efficacy and long-term safety.

Keywords: B cells, Curcumin, Immune modulation, Microglia, Multiple sclerosis, T cells

Acknowledgments: None.

Data and Materials Availability: This is a narrative review article and does not constitute original research; therefore, no primary data are available for sharing. Responsibility for data availability rests with the corresponding author.

Conflict of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Publication Consent: Not applicable.

Ethics Approval and Consent to Participate: This article was conducted as a narrative review and did not involve human participants or animal subjects. The study was conducted in accordance with the ethical principles outlined in the Declaration of Helsinki. Confidentiality of all information and data was maintained throughout the research process.

Funding Disclosure: No funding was received from any organization or institution for this article.

Author Contributions: All authors have read and approved the final version of the manuscript and accept responsibility for the accuracy and integrity of its content.

Full-Text [PDF 1371 kb] (1 Downloads)

Type of Study: Review | Subject: Special

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Gholizadeh J, Gowhari Shabgah A, Majidiani H, Mohammadian Haftcheshmeh S. Modulatory Effects of Curcumin on Microglia, B and T Lymphocytes in Multiple Sclerosis: A Comprehensive Review of Findings from In vitro, In vivo and Human Studies. Iran J Health Res Dev 2026; 4 (4) :56-77
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