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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
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Jamshid Gholizadeh1   , Arezoo Gowhari Shabgah1 , Hamidreza Majidiani2 , Saeed Mohammadian Haftcheshmeh *3 |
1- Bam University of Medical Sciences, Bam, Iran., School of Medicine, Bam University of Medical Sciences, Bam, Iran
2- Neyshabur University of Medical Sciences, Neyshabur, Iran, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neyshabur University of Medical Sciences, Neyshabur, Iran
3- Neyshabur University of Medical Sciences, Neyshabur, Iran, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neyshabur University of Medical Sciences, Neyshabur, Iran , mohammadians@nums.ac.ir |
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Abstract: (6 Views) |
Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease of the central nervous system, which is characterized by chronic inflammation. Evidence indicates that an imbalance in TH1, TH17, and regulatory 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 effects of curcumin on T-cell subsets 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 is capable of suppressing TH1 and TH17 differentiation and function, resulting in the reduced production of pro-inflammatory cytokines IFN-γ, TNF-α and IL-17. Conversely, curcumin enhances differentiation and function of Treg cells through upregulation of Foxp3 expression and increased production of anti-inflammatory cytokines, including IL-10 and TGF-β. The modulatory effects of curcumin contribute to the restoration of TH17/Treg imbalance and reduction of neuroinflammation.
Conclusion: Curcumin shows considerable potential as the supplementary therapeutic agent in MS by modulating both pro-inflammatory and regulatory immune pathways. However, further researches in human studies are required to confirm its clinical efficacy and long-term safety.
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| Keywords: B cells, Curcumin, Immune modulation, Microglia, Multiple sclerosis, T cells. |
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Type of Study: Review |
Subject:
Special
Received: 2026/05/2 | Accepted: 2026/07/16
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