Research: turmeric and liver transplantation

2 March 2006

A chemical found in turmeric may provide benefits in liver transplantation.

Curcumin, the biologically active component of turmeric, has a number of effects on the body. Now, research from S J Wigmore and colleagues in Edinburgh suggests that it may be able to protect liver cells during transplantation.

Given the chronic shortage of organs for transplantation, there is good reason to make best use of every organ that becomes available. Current interest centres on the potential of 'preconditioning' organs to protect them through the surgical transfer process.

The Edinburgh team found that pretreatment with curcumin protected liver cells during cold storage and warming, by reducing the impact of oxidative damage. This effect was dependent on elevated levels of a stress response enzyme, heme oxygenase-1.

The positive effects of curcumin on cells suggest that it could potentially benefit whole organs during transplantation.

External links

• McNally SJ et al. Curcumin induces heme oxygenase-1 in hepatocytes and is protective in simulated cold preservation and warm reperfusion injury. Transplantation 2006;81(4):623–6.