Curcumin as a multi-target therapeutic strategy in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease: integrating preclinical evidence with traditional chinese medicine perspectives

Pharmacological Research - Modern Chinese Medicine · Published 2026-07-25 · DOI 10.1016/j.prmcm.2026.100850

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Authors (2)

Mohit Kumar, Tejaswi

Abstract

Background: Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) represents a critical global health burden. Given its multi-hit pathogenesis involving inflammation, lipotoxicity, and oxidative stress, single-target therapies remain insufficient. Curcumin exhibits multi-target efficacy that conceptually mirrors Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) hepatoprotective properties. Methods: Electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, CNKI, Wanfang Data) were systematically searched up to May 2026. Out of 412 initially retrieved records, 53 high-quality in vivo studies emphasizing molecular mechanism pathways were included after strict dual-reviewer screening. Results: Preclinical evidence demonstrates that curcumin downregulates NF-κB inflammatory cascades, activates Nrf2-mediated antioxidant defenses, and modulates lipid homeostasis via the AMPK/SIRT1 axis. Furthermore, it reinforces gut-liver barrier integrity and mitigates progressive hepatic fibrosis. In TCM frameworks, Curcuma species are vital multi-component elements that act synergistically within composite formulas to modulate systemic metabolic networks. Discussion: While conventional curcumin displays broad multi-target potential, therapeutic implementation is constrained by low bioavailability. Advanced nanoformulation strategies significantly enhance delivery and metabolic outcomes. Future multi-component paradigms leveraging network pharmacology will optimize clinical translation.

Abstract from DOAJ. Public domain (CC0 1.0).

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Publication details

Year
2026

Citation

Kumar, M., Tejaswi (2026). Curcumin as a multi-target therapeutic strategy in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease: integrating preclinical evidence with traditional chinese medicine perspectives. Pharmacological Research - Modern Chinese Medicine. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.prmcm.2026.100850

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