Role of Turmeric on Oxidative Modulation in ESRD Patients

End-stage renal disease (ESRD) is a state of oxidative stress, due to uremic oxidant mediator's accumulation, the activation of phagocytic oxidative metabolism by the dialysis membrane, intravenous iron therapy and the antioxidant depletion caused by hemodialysis (HD). Some trials showed a significant benefit from antioxidant therapy on cardiovascular outcome in HD patients.

Extensive research focused on direct exogenous antioxidants including vitamin C, and vitamin E, in the treatment of cardiovascular disease. Some clinical trials showed no more beneficial effect of exogenous antioxidant supplementation in cardiovascular disease (CVD) and recommended the necessity for a new approach to regulating cellular redox status.

Turmeric (Curcuma longa Linn) is an herb used as a dietary spice and in traditional medicine for centuries. Curcumin, the most active and non-toxic component of turmeric, is a polyphenol, which has been extensively studied for its therapeutic benefits, such as antioxidant. Besides, turmeric has also been effective in attenuation of proteinurea in diabetic nephropathy and lupus nephritis patients.

Curcumin restored the activities of mitochondrial enzymes complexes and thereby attenuated the release of reactive oxygen species. Turmeric appears to be non-toxic to humans even at high doses. However, there is a paucity of information on the effect of turmeric in HD population. We have, therefore, followed up this study to determine the beneficial effect of turmeric on oxidative stress in HD patients.