Curcumin as a novel plaque stabilizing agent in prevention of acute coronary syndrome

Curcumin (diferuloylmethane) is an active component of the spice turmeric and has been linked with anti-inflammatory and chemopreventive activities. The present hypothesis explained the involvement of anti-inflammatory effects of crcumin in prevention of acute coronary syndromes (ACS) (i.e. unstable angina and myocardial infarction). ACS is the leading cause of death in both developed and developing countries. Coronary events often result from thrombi that form because of physical disruption of the atherosclerotic plaque. However, despite lipid lowing therapy with statins, significant numbers of cardiovascular events continue to occur indicating the need for additional agents for atherosclerosis management. We proposed that curcumin therapy can stabilize vulnerable 'rupture-prone' plaques by normalizing plaque properties. Thus, co-administration of curcumin along with other present options may prove to be a useful and potent natural plaque stabilizing approach in the prevention of ACS.