Therapeutic potential of Curcuma longa, the golden spice of India, in drug discovery for ophthalmic diseases

Background: Curcuma longa is among the most commonly used spices in India and other Asian countries. The herb has also been used in Ayurveda and other traditional systems of medicine for the prevention and treatment of a variety of ailments. Curcuminoids are the major chemical constituents of C. longa that are of medicinal importance. Today, a large body of scientific evidence exists to indicate potential therapeutic benefits of C. longa. Several preclinical and clinical studies have investigated the pharmacological properties of C. longa and results indicate strong therapeutic potential for anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, anticancer and many other properties. Objective: This review summarizes the scientific evidences showing possible benefits of C. longa in a variety of ophthalmic diseases. Conclusion: Although the putative mechanism(s), molecular targets and range of therapeutic applications have been researched widely, further investigations are needed to explore the true therapeutic potential and future of curcuminoids as novel drug molecules in ophthalmic diseases.