A importância do uso da cúrcuma longa na doença de Alzheimer

Abstract

The plant Curcuma longa, popularly known as turmeric of the earth, which has as main elements: essential oil rich in oxygenated sesquiterpenes; curcuminoid compounds: curcumin, demethoxycurcumin and bisdemethoxycurcumin; carbinol, resin, polysaccharides and potassium salts. Curcumin, the most active component of the plant, is responsible for the anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative, pro-apoptotic, antiviral, antifungal, antibacterial, anticarcinogenic, anti-amyloidogenic, antidiabetic, antioxidant and neuroprotective effects, making it a likely alternative means for the treatment of inflammatory, infectious and neurodegenerative diseases. Because Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a type of dementia caused by the abnormal accumulation of β-amyloid proteins in the brain, which form plaques that interfere with communication between neurons, affecting memory and behavior, verifying the importance of Curcuma longa on this disease became the objective of this work. Through a narrative review involving exploratory research through bibliographic and electronic information sources, it was observed the characteristics of Curcuma longa with its potential medicinal actions, its relationship with AD, whose etiological expression comes from environmental, epigenetic and genetic aspects, obtaining as a conclusion that, the plant has a positive effect on the brain, but does not necessarily guarantee efficacy and efficiency to eliminate the problems of AD. The inclusion of Curcuma longa in the control and diet may be beneficial for the prevention and management of AD symptoms.