7. Conclusions
The most commonly studied pathway through which curcumin
exerts its beneficial effect is NF-jB. Curcumin inhibits NF-jB,
subsequently reducing inflammation and thereby providing
benefits for various skin diseases. Recent studies as reviewed
here are unraveling previously unidentified pathways, unique
molecular targets and novel mechanisms through which curcumin
may perform as a skin protectant (Fig. 1). We believe
that continuous research will increase the disease portfolio for
which curcumin may be beneficial and hope that future clinical
trials will lead to the development of curcumin as a chemopreventive
agent.