Turmeric, often called ‘the golden spice’ or ‘the spice of life’, is widely known for its culinary uses. Additionally, it has long been used medicinally to treat a wide breadth of ailments, including immune conditions and associated symptoms, and remains in use today.

Curcumin is the primary bioactive compound in turmeric. It exhibits immunomodulatory properties, yet we do not completely understand the precise pathways of modulation. Current treatments for immune conditions generally suppress immune response globally, potentially causing side effects when broad suppression interferes with normal functioning. Curcumin’s anti-inflammatory properties could provide a more targeted and preventative treatment. 

This study investigates curcumin’s  immunomodulatory mechanisms in vitro and in vivo. We utilized a dye-based exclusion assay to determine the dose-dependent toxicity/effects of curcumin-treated MC/9 mast cells and Jurkat T cells, providing data in multiple immune pathways. Mast cells release pro-inflammatory cytokines, like interleukin-1β (IL-1β), which recruit other immune cells and begin a cascading immune response. To quantify the inhibitory effects of curcumin on stimulated mast cells an enzyme linked immuno-absorbent assay measures IL-1β cytokine release. We plan to use curcumin as a topical treatment of psoriasis in mice and score clinically for reduction in symptoms, aiming to identify local and distal effects. 

Through our scientific approach, we aim to better understand curcumin’s anti-inflammatory properties and explore its therapeutic potential.