Role of Curcumin in the Management of Schizophrenia: A Narrative Review

Abstract

Nutraceutical agents and food supplements are commonly used as treatment adjuncts in neuropsychiatric disorders. Curcumin, a bioactive agent obtained from the rhizome of Curcuma longa, with its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, has gained much research attention in the last few decades. In this narrative review, we intend to summarize the evidence available for curcumin as an add-on agent in the management of schizophrenia. We searched PubMed/EBSCO for both human and animal trials utilizing curcumin in the management of schizophrenia. We obtained ten articles (five preclinical and five clinical) from the focused literature search. Clinical research utilizing curcumin in schizophrenia is limited to negative and cognitive symptoms. Available preclinical studies suggest curcumin’s utility in ameliorating extrapyramidal and metabolic side effects when given as an adjunct with antipsychotics. Curcumin, as an add-on agent, appears promising to improve the negative and cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia. Notably, curcumin was tolerable and safe in all the randomized human clinical trials. The poor oral bioavailability is, however, a limiting factor in its widespread use.