Therapeutic potential of curcumin on the cognitive decline in animal models of Alzheimer's disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis

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#curcumin #alzheimer-disease #animals #disease-models-animal #humans

Therapeutic potential of curcumin on the cognitive decline in animal models of Alzheimer's disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Fan et al., 2024 | Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol | Meta Analysis

Citation

Fan Longmin, Zhang Zheyu. Therapeutic potential of curcumin on the cognitive decline in animal models of Alzheimer's disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol. 2024-Jul;397(7):4499-4509. doi:10.1007/s00210-024-02946-7

Abstract

Curcumin, a polyphenol derived from the herb turmeric, has emerged as a prospective potential therapy in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, the efficacy of curcumin treatment in improving cognitive decline caused controversy recently. We aimed to systematically review the effect of curcumin on cognitive impairment in an animal model of AD. We conducted an exhaustive database search of related studies. Two investigators identified studies and independently extracted data. Stratified meta-analyses and meta-regression analyses were carried out to explore the sources of heterogeneity. Publication bias was assessed using funnel plots and Egger's test. Our systematic review included 33 articles. A meta-analysis of 29 publications showed that curcumin exerts significant positive effects on cognitive performance. For acquisition, the global estimated effect of curcumin was - 2.027 (95% CI - 2.435 to - 1.619, p < 0.001); for retention, the global estimated effect of curcumin was 1.606 (95% CI 1.101 to 2.111, p < 0.001). The stratified meta-analysis demonstrated that an increased effect size depended on diverse study characteristics. Additionally, publication bias was detected. We conclude that curcumin may reduce cognitive deficits in experimental AD. Furthermore, we emphasize that additional well-designed and well-reported animal studies are needed to inform further clinical studies.

Key Findings

Furthermore, we emphasize that additional well-designed and well-reported animal studies are needed to inform further clinical studies.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size 33
Age Range See abstract
Condition cognitive

MeSH Terms

  • Curcumin
  • Alzheimer Disease
  • Animals
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Humans
  • Cognition
  • Cognition Disorders

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Systematic Review, Journal Article, Meta-Analysis, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Vertical: curcumin-cognitive

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09