
Aim: Isoniazid (INH) is a first-line antituberculosis drug that can induce oxidative stress and tissue damage. Walnut (Juglans regia L.) septum extract contains high levels of antioxidant compounds with potential therapeutic applications. This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of walnut septum methanolic extract against isoniazid (INH)-induced pulmonary inflammation in rats.Material and Methods: Thirty-two adult male Wistar-Albino rats (250-300 g) were randomly divided into four groups (n=8): Control (saline), INH (400 mg/kg), INH + walnut septum extract 100 mg/kg, and INH + walnut septum extract 250 mg/kg. All treatments were administered orally for 7 consecutive days. Lung tissues were analyzed for lipid peroxidation (LPO), glutathione (GSH), and catalase (CAT) levels, accompanied by comprehensive histopathological examination.Results: INH administration significantly increased LPO levels and decreased GSH content and CAT activity in lung tissue compared to controls (p<0.05). Walnut septum extract dose-dependently reduced LPO levels and restored GSH content and CAT activity. Histopathologically, INH induced interalveolar cellular infiltration and peribronchial lymphoid tissue hyperplasia. Walnut septum extract, particularly at 250 mg/kg, significantly preserved normal pulmonary architecture and attenuated inflammatory changes.Conclusion: Walnut septum methanol extract exhibited significant protective effects against INH-induced pulmonary inflammation likely through its antioxidant properties, suggesting potential therapeutic value in preventing INH-associated pulmonary toxicity.
Aim: The use of traditional and complementary medicine (TCM) is common among patients with musculoskeletal complaints. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of TCM use among patients presenting with knee pain and to investigate its relationship with pain severity.Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study included 150 adult patients who presented with knee pain to an orthopedic outpatient clinic between March 1 and April 1, 2026. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire including demographic characteristics, clinical features, and TCM use. Pain severity was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Patients were divided into TCM users and non-users. Statistical analyses were performed using non-parametric tests and multivariable logistic regression.Results: A total of 23 patients (15.3%) reported using TCM products. There were no significant differences between TCM users and non-users in terms of demographic and clinical characteristics. However, VAS scores were significantly higher in TCM users compared to non-users (p = 0.001). Logistic regression analysis showed that higher pain severity was independently associated with TCM use (OR: 1.269, 95% CI: 1.068–1.509, p = 0.007). Among TCM users, a statistically significant shift toward lower pain scores was observed after TCM use (p = 0.003), although most patients reported only partial benefit. The most commonly used products were herbal and natural compounds, often applied in combination.Conclusion: TCM use among patients with knee pain was associated with higher pain severity. However, because of the cross-sectional design, no causal relationship can be inferred between pain severity and TCM use. Although a significant shift toward lower pain scores was observed among TCM users, the perceived benefit was generally partial. These findings highlight the importance of physician awareness regarding TCM use in routine clinical practice.
Aim: Postoperative peritoneal adhesions are driven by inflammatory and oxidative pathways, and effective prevention remains challenging. This study evaluated the comparative effects of intraperitoneal natural and biological agents on adhesion formation in a rat model.Material and methods: Fifty-six male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to eight groups (n=7 per group). A standardized cecal abrasion model was used to induce adhesions. Treatment groups received intraperitoneal synovial fluid, honey, water-extracted propolis, vitamin E, olive oil, or vitamin E plus olive oil. The alcohol group was excluded due to early mortality. On postoperative day 14, adhesions were evaluated macroscopically (Nair score), histopathologically (fibrosis, inflammation, vascular proliferation), and biochemically (IL-6, glutathione, HSP-70).Results: Macroscopic adhesion scores differed significantly among groups (p<0.001), with the lowest scores observed in the vitamin E plus olive oil group and the highest in the propolis group. Vitamin E plus olive oil and olive oil alone significantly reduced adhesion compared with control and propolis (p<0.001). Fibrosis scores were significantly lower in the vitamin E group compared with propolis (p=0.040). IL-6 levels were lower in the honey and synovial fluid groups compared with propolis (p=0.001), while glutathione levels were higher in the synovial fluid group (p=0.031). HSP-70 levels were lower in the honey group compared with control (p=0.011).Conclusion: Vitamin E and olive oil, particularly in combination, were associated with the greatest reduction in macroscopic adhesion formation. Honey and synovial fluid demonstrated favorable anti-inflammatory and antioxidant profiles, whereas water-extracted propolis did not provide protective benefit. Further studies are required to clarify optimal dosing and translational applicability.
Aim: Female infertility remains a major global health concern, and functional nutrition is increasingly being explored as a complementary management strategy. Elaeis guineensis mesocarp oil has been recognized for its nutritional and antioxidant properties; however, its effects on female reproductive physiology remain poorly understood. This study compared the effects of crude E. guineensis mesocarp oil (CEmO) and emulsified E. guineensis mesocarp oil (EEmO) on reproductive, biochemical, and oxidative stress parameters in immature female Wistar rats.Materials and Methods: Female Wistar rats (21–23 days old) were orally administered CEmO or EEmO at doses of 1 or 2 mL/100 g body weight for 20 days. Control groups received either distilled water or estradiol. Body weight, ovarian and uterine indices, serum reproductive hormone levels (FSH, LH, estradiol, and progesterone), lipid profile, ovarian oxidative stress markers (MDA, SOD, and CAT), and ovarian histology were evaluated.Results: High-dose EEmO reduced body weight gain, whereas CEmO increased it. Uterine mass and the number of primary follicles decreased, particularly in the group receiving EEmO at 1 mL/100 g. Both treatments reduced ovarian protein content and serum FSH levels while significantly increasing ovarian catalase activity, especially with EEmO. Ovarian cholesterol levels decreased, whereas progesterone, estradiol, and LH levels increased moderately. Only minimal adverse effects on the lipid and antioxidant profiles were observed, consisting mainly of increases in triglyceride and MDA levels in some treated animals. Ovarian architecture remained preserved, with follicular maturation varying according to dose and formulation.Conclusion: CEmO and EEmO exert dose- and formulation-dependent effects on female reproductive and oxidative stress parameters, with emulsified E. guineensis mesocarp oil exhibiting stronger antioxidant and endocrine regulatory activities.
Aim: Tobacco use remains a major global health concern. Despite pharmacological advances, many smokers seek non-invasive interventions due to side-effect concerns. This study evaluated the 1-year effectiveness of a standardized biophysical therapy, namely Bioresonance Therapy (BRT), for smoking cessation in a primary care setting.Material and Methods: In this prospective longitudinal study, 50 adult participants (mean age 44.3 ± 10.4) underwent a standardized BRT protocol. Nicotine dependence was assessed using the Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND). Smoking status was verified via exhaled carbon monoxide (CO) at baseline, 1 month, and 3 months. Continuous abstinence at 12 months was defined as self-reported non-smoking. Factors associated with early relapse, including withdrawal symptoms, were evaluated.Results: The continuous abstinence rate at the 12-month follow-up was 28.0% (n=14). Early relapse within the first month was significantly associated with depressive mood (p=0.012) and sleep disturbances (p=0.008). Baseline FTND scores were not significantly associated with cessation outcomes (p=0.358). No serious adverse events were reported.Conclusion: BRT may represent a potentially useful and feasible non-pharmacological option for smoking cessation in primary care settings. Neuropsychiatric withdrawal symptoms were significantly associated with early relapse, suggesting that additional psychological support may be beneficial for patients experiencing mood or sleep-related difficulties during the cessation process. Limitations include the absence of a control group and reliance on self-report at 12 months; randomized controlled trials are warranted.
Aim: Although the widespread use of unguided herbal remedies as alternative therapies is increasingly common, it poses significant risks of adverse drug interactions and side effects. This study aimed to investigate the patterns of herbal remedy use, particularly in the management of a common health complaint, headache.Material and Methods: Following ethics approval, this cross-sectional study evaluated sociodemographics, attitudes, recommendation sources, and side-effect awareness via face-to-face surveys with 133 participants (June 2022–December 2023), recording unanswered items as missing data.Results: Among the 133 participants, 96(72.2%) were female, 26(19.5%) were male, and 11(8.3%) chose not to disclose their gender due to privacy-related concerns. Herbal remedy use was reported by 35.3%(n=47) of participants, and garlic was identified as the most frequently used herbal remedy. It was determined that 35.3%(n=47) of the participants were consuming herbal remedies and the most commonly used herbal remedy was garlic. No statistically significant relationship was found between gender and education level according to herbal remedy use (p=0.222, p=0.189, respectively). Participants stated that they mostly used herbal remedies to support the effectiveness of prescription drugs they took for headaches. It was determined that the consumers most frequently received advice from doctors regarding herbal remedy use 42.6%(n=20) and only 46.8%(n=22) were informed about the possible side effects of herbal remedies.Conclusion: Gender and education level were not significantly associated with herbal remedy use among headache clinic patients. Given limited patient awareness of potential adverse effects, healthcare providers must understand herbal pharmacokinetics and drug interactions to ensure safe treatment.
Aim: There is a noticeable gap in the literature regarding a comprehensive, multidimensional, and up-to-date evaluation of scientific publications in the field of Traditional, Complementary, Alternative, and Integrative Medicine (TCAIM). This study aims to address this gap by analyzing the global scientific output on TCAIM in terms of volume, trends, topic diversity, and institutional contributions.Material and Methods: Frequency analyses were performed to examine the distribution of publications according to publication year, subject areas, document types, leading journals, institutions, countries, and funding agencies.Results: The findings revealed a marked increase in the number of publications after 2000, with publication output reaching its peak in 2022. Topics such as “Phytochemicals,” “Alternative Medicine,” and “Antioxidant Activity” emerged as leading themes, accompanied by a growing number of studies grounded in pharmacological, clinical, and public health perspectives. Institutions such as Harvard University, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, and Kyung Hee University stood out for their substantial contributions, while public funding from China and the United States was found to play a major role in shaping the literature. Moreover, the study highlights that TCAIM is not limited to traditional practices but has become a multidisciplinary research domain encompassing clinical medicine, molecular biology, pharmacology, public health, and education.Conclusion: This study presents a holistic overview of the scientific evolution of TCAIM and offers valuable insights to guide future academic directions and policy-making initiatives.
Aim: This study aimed to investigate the antifungal, cytotoxic, and wound healing activities of seven medicinal plants—Thymus cilicicus, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Lavandula angustifolia, Echinacea purpurea, Curcuma longa, Urtica dioica, and Achillea millefolium—commonly used in Turkish folk medicine. The study also sought to provide scientific validation for their traditional uses and to identify potential candidates for the development of novel antifungal and wound-healing therapies.Material and Methods: Aqueous and organic solvent extracts were prepared by maceration at room temperature for 24 h. Antifungal activity was assessed against Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Candida albicans, and Candida krusei using agar disc diffusion. Cytotoxicity was evaluated on human lung carcinoma (A549) and normal lung fibroblast (MRC-5) cells via the MTT assay. Wound healing potential was determined through an in vitro scratch assay using MRC-5 fibroblasts.Results: Aqueous extract of U. dioica showed the strongest inhibition against C. albicans (16.45 ± 0.08 mm). The chloroform and methanol extracts of E. purpurea were particularly effective against C. krusei (11.22 ± 0.63 mm and 11.26 ± 0.02 mm, respectively). The ethanol extract of L. angustifolia at 250 μg/mL reduced A549 viability to 22.18 ± 3.48% while significantly increasing MRC-5 viability. U. dioica and T. cilicicus were the most effective promoters of fibroblast migration, achieving 74.07 ± 0.77% and 61.46 ± 3.43% wound closure, respectively.Conclusion: The findings provide experimental support for the traditional use of these medicinal plants and highlight U. dioica, T. cilicicus, and L. angustifolia as promising candidates for the development of antifungal, wound-healing, and potentially anticancer therapies.
Aim: Perineal pain in primiparous women is a condition that can adversely affect the mother and, therefore, the newborn in the postpartum period. This study aimed to investigate the effect of acupressure on perineal pain after episiotomy in the early postpartum period.Material and Methods: This study was designed as a prospective, randomized controlled trial and was conducted between November 2022 and May 2023 at a university hospital in Türkiye. The study was conducted with 60 primiparous participants who had undergone episiotomy in the 3rd and 5th hour of early postpartum. Participants were randomly divided into experimental and control groups. Data were collected using the Participant Information Form and the McGill Pain Questionnaire Short Form (SF-MPQ).Results: While the SF-MPQ scores of the acupressure and control groups were similar before application, the pain was less in the acupressure group after application (p<0.001). While a slight decrease in the SF-MPQ score was observed in the control group over time, a more pronounced decline was observed in the experimental group (p<0.001).Conclusion: Acupressure applied to primiparous women with episiotomy can be an effective non-pharmacological method of reducing perineal pain.
Background and Objectives: Rosaceae is a dicotyledonous family comprising 85 genera and approximately 200 species, primarily consisting of economically important perennial plants. Rosa pisiformis (Christ) Sosn. is a Turkish-endemic taxon within this family. Research on R. pisiformis remains limited, necessitating detailed investigation into its medicinal properties. This study aims to evaluate the antioxidant and cytotoxic activities of various extracts prepared from the leaves and fruits of R. pisiformis.Materials and Methods: Ethanolic (100%) and hydroalcoholic (ethanol 80% v/v) extracts were prepared from dried leaf and fruit samples of R. pisiformis. Antioxidant activity was determined using the CUPRAC assay, expressed as Trolox equivalents (mM TE/g), while cytotoxicity was evaluated via the MTT assay on MCF-7 (breast cancer), HT-29 (colon cancer), and A-549 (lung cancer) cell lines.Results: The antioxidant activities of fruit extracts (349.89 ± 5.22 mM TE/g for ethanolic and 348.38 ± 5.93 mM TE/g for hydroalcoholic) were significantly lower than those of leaf extracts (1226.94 ± 19.10 mM TE/g for ethanolic and 1193.53 ± 15.59 mM TE/g for hydroalcoholic) according to the CUPRAC assay. Cytotoxicity was strongest against MCF-7, with IC₅₀ values of 14.37 ± 0.05 µg/mL (ethanolic fruit extract) and 33.07 ± 0.20 µg/mL (hydroalcoholic fruit extract). Cytotoxicity against A-549 and HT-29 was moderate to low, demonstrating dependence on solvent polarity and plant part.Conclusions: These findings suggest that R. pisiformis may be a valuable natural source for future target-oriented pharmacological studies, particularly for isolating and identifying cell-specific anticancer agents or antioxidant compounds.
Backgroud and Objectives: This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of laughter therapy in reducing anxiety and well-being subjective happiness among university students.Materials and Methods: A quasi-experimental one-group pretest–posttest design was employed with 38 first-year nursing students. The intervention consisted of eight 50-minute laughter therapy sessions delivered by a certified laughter therapist using structured techniques including breathing, clapping, playful exercises, and guided laughter. Data were collected using a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Beck Anxiety Inventory, and the Subjective Happiness Scale.Results: Significant improvements were observed following the intervention. Post-intervention analyses demonstrated significant improvements, with anxiety scores decreasing and happiness scores increasing (p<0.001). Large effect sizes (r≈0.50) for both scales and sub-dimensions indicated strong practical significance.Conclusions: The findings provide preliminary evidence that laughter therapy is an effective, non-pharmacological approach for alleviating anxiety and promoting happiness among university students. Integration of laughter-based activities into mental health promotion programs in higher education is recommended. Further controlled studies with larger and more diverse samples are warranted to confirm generalizability and assess long-term effects.
Background and Objectives: Wound healing is among the most fundamental problems in the field of health. Oil of Hypericum perforatum (HP) has been used for various ailments, particularly depression, burns, and wound healing, globally for a long period of time. We investigated the healing-promoting effect of HP oil on wound healing histopathologically and macroscopically in an experimental wound model in rats, aiming to compare the results with those of collagenase pomade, which is actively used in the literature.Materials and Methods: A total of 32 male Wistar rats of similar were used for the experiment. The animals were randomly divided into four groups, each consisting of eight rats. After the dorsal areas of the rats were shaved and disinfected with povidone-iodine solution, a 1 cm2 full-thickness wound was created on the backs of each rat. The sham (control) group received dry gauze dressings, while the physiological saline (PS) group was treated with saline-soaked gauze. The collagenase ointment pomade (CP) group and HP groups were treated with gauze impregnated with 0.1 grams of these substances. All wounds were dressed twice daily, in the morning and evening. The second group was treated with physiological saline. The third group was treated with collagenase ointment. And the fourth group was treated with St. John's Wort oil. Wound areas were measured on days 3, 7, 10, 14, and 21. In addition, histopathological evaluation was performed on tissue samples obtained on day 14, and the day of complete wound closure was recorded for each animal.Results: When the findings were statistically analyzed, wounds treated with St. John's Wort oil and collagenase ointment healed significantly faster than the other groups (p < 0.05).Conclusions: In conclusion, St. John’s Wort oil appears to be a promising topical agent for enhancing wound healing, as it accelerates the healing process. However, controlled clinical trials in human subjects would provide the most definitive evidence on this topic.
Background and Objectives: The study aimed to determine the effects of music intervention applied before and during angiography on pain, anxiety, and vital signs. Materials and Methods: The study was carried out in the coronary angiography unit of a public hospital in the province of Türkiye. The study population consisted of participants who underwent elective coronary angiography between January and April 2021. The randomized controlled trial included three groups. Music intervention was used before angiography in the intervention-1 group (n=34) and during angiography in the intervention-2 group (n=34). Routine care was used for the control group (n=34).Results: According to the study, post-procedure state anxiety scores of all three groups were significantly lower than their pre-procedure scores. Post-procedure blood pressure values of the intervention-1 and control groups were significantly lower than before. The median heart rate scores of intervention-2 and the control groups were significantly lower post-procedure than before. There was a significant difference in body temperature scores before and after the procedure in the control group. Conclusions: Based on the study results, it is anticipated that incorporating music intervention into routine practices will be beneficial. However, more studies are needed on this subject.
Background and Objectives: Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is a widespread condition affecting quality of life and productivity(1). Acupuncture has been used from past to present as a complementary and alternative therapy to support modern medicine in the treatment of various diseases(2). The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of acupuncture in the treatment of chronic low back pain by theoretically reviewing and synthesizing data obtained from recent meta-analyses and randomized controlled trials (RCTs)(3).Materials and Methods: A systematic review of meta-analyses published between 2010 and 2024 was conducted using PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Scopus(4). Only English-language studies involving adult populations, with chronic low back pain (≥3 months duration) that used acupuncture as a primary intervention, were included(5).Results: Across multiple high-quality meta-analyses, acupuncture demonstrated statistically significant improvements in pain intensity (measured by VAS or NPRS) and functional capacity (measured by ODI or RMDQ) compared to sham acupuncture and conventional care(6). Most studies reported moderate to large effect sizes, especially in the short and medium term(7). Adverse effects were rare and generally mild(8).Conclusions: This meta-analysis suggests that acupuncture is a safe and effective treatment method for managing chronic low back pain(3). Future studies should focus on determining the most appropriate treatment methods and long-term outcomes(7).
Background and Objectives: The aim of this study was to systematically review randomized controlled trials evaluating the effectiveness of homeopathy intervention given to women on depression and to conduct a meta-analysis of the available evidence.Materials and Methods: Systematic searches of Cochrane, PubMed, SCOPUS, WOS, EMBASE in five databases were conducted between February- March 2025. The risk of bias and the certainty of the evidence were assessed with the Cochrane bias risk tool ROB-2. Summary effect size measurements were calculated using random effects model estimation and reported as standardized mean differences and 95% confidence intervals. Reporting followed PRISMA guidelines.Results: A systematic literature review was conducted with 10 studies included in the analysis. A total of 636 people took part in the studies. Homeopathy intervention had a significant effect on depression (SMD:-0.44, 95% CI:-0.71 to -0.18, Z=3.26, p=0.001), and in the subgroup analysis, it was found to be more effective in women aged 40 years and older than in women aged 40 years (SMD:-0.47, 95% CI: -0.91 to -0.03, Z=2.08, p=0.004). In addition, it was found to have a significant effect on anxiety (SMD:-0.43, 95% CI:-0.69 to -0.17, Z=3.27, p=0.001) and fatigue (MD:-1.58, 95% CI: -2.78 to -0.39, Z=2.59, p=0.009).Conclusions: The study determined that homeopathic intervention in women was effective for depression; It was found that it provided a decrease in anxiety and depression levels. It is important to disseminate homeopathy treatment and ensure accessibility in solving psychological problems such as depression and anxiety that adversely affect women's health.
Background and Objectives: Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Resveratrol (RSV), also known as 3,4',5-trihydroxy-trans-stilbene, is a phytoalexin and a natural non-flavonoid polyphenol. RSV modulates molecular pathways by influencing Asymmetric Dimethylarginine (ADMA) levels. It also affects key factors critical to lung cancer progression, such as Heat Shock Protein-90 (Hsp-90). The study aims to investigate the possible modulation of Hsp-90 by RSV and its correlation with ADMA levels.Materials and Methods: A549 and HEK-293 cell lines were treated with different concentrations of RSV. The expression levels of Hsp-90 and ADMA were evaluated using ELISA and LC-MS/MS, respectively. Cell viability and proliferation assays were performed using the MTT method to evaluate the effect of RSV treatment on cancer cell growth.Results: RSV suppressed cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner, highlighting its potential as an anticancer agent. Significant changes in Hsp-90 levels were observed in groups treated with 45 µM RSV (p < 0.05). This further supports RSV's potential as an anticancer agent. The study also showed RSV's influence on ADMA levels in A549 cells. The timing of treatment was crucial in determining the extent of the effect.Conclusions: This research has contributed to our understanding of the interaction between Hsp-90 and ADMA. It provides insights into the molecular pathways through which RSV exerts its anticancer effects. These findings underscore the need for more research to fully understand RSV's clinical effects and its potential as a lung cancer therapy.
Warts are considered as a public health problem because they are contagious and appear as lesions on the skin and mucosa after being infected with the virus. In the present, because treatments of the warts have not always healing and permanent effect, certain treatment has not been found yet. As a result of literature reviews, no study was found that consolidates the plants traditionally used in wart treatment. This review study aims to support the development of a definitive method for treating warts by analyzing these plants. In this study, the aim is to compile and analyze medicinal plants used for wart treatment in Türkiye, along with their usage information. For this purpose, systematic literature reviews of ethnobotanical studies published in the last twenty years in Türkiye were carried out. In total, 81 taxa belonging to 40 families were determined as being medicinal plants used to treatment of wart and the most cited plants was Ficus carica L. subsp. carica. Flavonoids, phenolic and terpenic compounds were the most common phytochemicals in these plants. Many of these medicinal plants using in treatment of warts have no chemical, pharmacological and toxicological studies.
Objective:This study aimed to determine the use of herbal products for nausea and vomiting during the first trimester of pregnancy and to identify the associated factors influencing their use.Material-Method:This cross-sectional study was conducted between 01/09/2024 and 30/09/2024 at the Obstetrics and Gynecology outpatient clinic of Düzce University Medical Faculty. A structured questionnaire was applied to 244 pregnant women who volunteered to participate. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, pregnancy-related conditions, and herbal product use were collected. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 23, with significance set at p
Apilarnil is a bioactive bee product derived from male bee larvae and is recognized as a potential source of bioactive compounds for functional food and pharmaceutical applications. It contains proteins, amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and various bioactive components, which are known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. However, data on its phenolic compound profile and biological effects remain limited. This study aims to determine the phenolic compound profile of Apilarnil extract. The extraction was performed using a 75% ethanol–water solution, and the quantitative analysis of phenolic compounds was conducted using the LC-MS/MS method. The results revealed that the extract is particularly rich in chlorogenic acid (29.863 mg/g), p-coumaric acid (6.08 mg/g), and quercetin (3.023 mg/g). The findings indicate that Apilarnil is a valuable natural product rich in phenolic compounds and may serve as a promising source of bioactive compounds for functional food and pharmaceutical applications. This study represents one of the first comprehensive evaluations of the phenolic compound profile of Apilarnil, providing key scientific data on its biological and commercial potential.
Curcumin, a vital culinary spice, is the biphenolic active compound of turmeric and shows a rich history use in ancient therapeutic Medicine. It has long been used for hundreds of years to treat various ailments such as cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. This review will show an overview about the plant of curcuma and the history of curcumin. In addition, its chemical composition will be discussed to clarify the chemical component essential for its biological activity. Recently, the biological activities of curcumin have been investigated. The studies mainly focused on their antitumor, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective and cardioprotective impacts. This review aims to provide a discussion about curcumin use and its effect on health human and disease prevention.