Curcumin has been found to have protective benefits for kidney health, according to recent animal studies. While the exact mechanisms behind these effects are unknown, the findings hold promise for anyone looking for potential natural treatment against the development of renal fibrosis.

Fibrosis is a common indicator of chronic kidney disease, due to the formation of internal scar tissue that can have devastating effects and ultimately lead to end-stage kidney failure. 

Chinese researchers investigated the anti-fibrotic effects on epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) that’s induced by transforming growth factor-B1 (TGF-B1) along with the mechanism by which it influences the phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI3K)/Akt pathway. These findings were published in the journal, Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin. [1]

Researchers treated human kidney tubular epithelial cells (HKCs) with either TGF-B1 or Curcumin alone, and also with a combination of both. They used 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) to assess the effect of Curcumin on cell growth.

What researchers found is that taking a low dose promoted kidney cells and after 72 hours, Curcumin caused the cells to maintain their epithelial form and structure, even when the dose was maintained. 

Researchers noted that Curcumin also decreased proteins that may induce tumor or cancerous cell growth (EMT), while helping them to reduce stress and prevent activation of Akt/mTOR pathway activity. This pathway plays a role in regulating cell cycles and longevity. 

Based on these findings, researchers therefore concluded that Curcumin is an alternative treatment for kidney fibrosis because of how it promotes human kidney cells while inhibiting any Akt/mTOR pathway activity.

This latest Curcumin study provides a further strong body of evidence suggesting that Curcumin’s powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties can support your kidney health, amongst other powerful health benefits. 

 

References:

[1] https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/bpb/40/1/40_b16-00364/_article

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