Curcumin-Mediated Regulation of the IKK/NF-κB Inflammatory Pathway in Diabetes Mellitus: Mechanisms and Therapeutic Implications

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is one of the fastest-growing diseases around the globe, affecting millions of people each year. In addition to blood glucose levels, this disease is largely driven by chronic inflammation. Although inflammation is vital to the body’s immune system, chronic inflammation can lead to the development of diabetes-related complications, such as insulin resistance and damaged pancreatic beta cells. A common inflammatory process, the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) pathway, regulates the synthesis of inflammatory proteins, which contribute to the pathogenesis of DM. Various bioactive compounds are currently under scientific investigation as a natural remedy for chronic inflammation triggered by prolonged activation of the NF-κB pathway. One of the most researched bioactive compounds is curcumin, extracted from turmeric (Curcuma longa), known for its inhibitory effects on the NF-κB pathway. Curcumin is known for its potent anti-inflammatory properties, which can improve health conditions by reducing inflammation in the body via suppression of the IκB kinase (IKK)/NF-κB pathway. Consequently, the synthesis of inflammatory proteins would be better regulated, while blood sugar regulation and insulin activity would be enhanced. In this article, we examine the impact of curcumin administration on the regulation of the IKK/NF-κB pathway in patients with DM. We discuss the biological mechanisms, laboratory and clinical trials, and therapeutic implications of curcumin on the NF-κB pathway. Additionally, we address the current gaps and limitations, highlighting the need for future research on curcumin.