Curcumin as a potential therapeutic candidate for Helicobacter pylori associated diseases

Core Tip

Core tip: Curcumin, a yellow polyphenolic pigment, used as a food-coloring agent has wide range of beneficial properties (e.g., anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-cancer, anti-proliferative, anti-fungal and anti-microbial). Several research groups have elucidated the role of curcumin in Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection. This is the first review where we have discussed the role of curcumin as an anti-H. pylori agent along with its potential in other gastrointestinal diseases. Based on several in vitro, early cell culture, animal research and few pre-clinical trials, curcumin projected as a potential therapeutic candidate against H. pylori mediated gastric pathogenesis with a challenge to improve its low solubility and poor bioavailability.