The Effect of Curcumin on Inflammation and Oxidative Stress Post Traumatic Brain Injury- A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) stands as a significant cause of mortality and impairment among young individuals. Its sophisticated pathophysiology intensifies this burden. Curcumin, a potent anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant agent, holds promise in enhancing brain function post-TBI. This systematic review and meta-analysis investigate curcumin's impact on oxidative stress and inflammation markers after TBI. Searches were conducted on several bibliographic databases. Studies involving curcumin in TBI subjects measuring oxidative stress and inflammation were included. StataSE 17 determined the overall pooled estimates, with heterogeneity assessed using I² statistics. Among 26 studies (2 human RCTs, 24 animal experiments), 16 were meta-analyzed. Combined analysis of antioxidant enzymes (Catalase, GPx, SOD) yielded an estimate of 1.98 (95% CI: 1.49, 2.47, p<0.001). Lipid peroxidation product MDA showed -1.57 (95% CI: -2.17, -0.97, p<0.001). TNF-a, IL-1b, IL-6 had an estimate of -4.30 (95% CI: -5.27, -3.33, P<0.001). BDNF analysis resulted in 0.27 (95% CI: 0.09, 0.45, p<0.001). This review and meta-analysis imply curcumin's potential in reducing post-TBI inflammation and oxidative stress. Interpretation should consider the limited human RCTs and the known limitations in the experimental studies and their methodological quality.