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Evaluation of curcumin for dermatologic conditions: a systematic review

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Abstract

There is increasing demand for natural and sustainable products for the treatment of dermatologic conditions. This systematic review aims to critically analyze published randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and provide evidence-based recommendations on the therapeutic use of curcumin for a variety of dermatological diseases. A systematic search of published literature was performed on July 18, 2023 using PRISMA guidelines for turmeric or curcumin for the treatment of skin diseases. Clinical recommendations were made based on the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine guidelines. We identified 18 original randomized controlled trials for use of turmeric or curcumin for psoriasis, radiation dermatitis, oral lichen planus, pruritis, vitiligo, tinea capitis, facial erythema, and scarring. Psoriasis, cesarean section scar, and pruritus received grade of recommendation B. Radiation dermatitis, oral lichen planus, vitiligo, tinea capitis, and facial redness received grade of recommendation C or D. Curcumin was demonstrated to have an excellent safety profile in all clinical trials analyzed. Further research is required to determine optimal dosing and treatment parameters of turmeric. Additional, larger, RCTs and non-RCTs should be conducted to further investigate the safety and efficacy of curcumin as a treatment option for dermatological diseases.

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Acknowledgements

We would like to express our appreciation to the Brooklyn VA Hospital for their support in the completion of this study.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Dermatology Service, Veterans Affairs New York Harbor Healthcare System Brooklyn Campus, Brooklyn, NY, USA

    Paras Patel, Jennifer Y. Wang, Jessica Mineroff & Jared Jagdeo

  2. Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine, Stratford, NJ, USA

    Paras Patel

  3. Department of Dermatology, State University of New York, SUNY Downstate Medical Center, 450 Clarkson Avenue, 8Th Floor, Brooklyn, NY, 11203, USA

    Jennifer Y. Wang, Jessica Mineroff & Jared Jagdeo

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  1. Paras Patel
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  2. Jennifer Y. Wang
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Contributions

P.P. wrote the main manuscript. P.P and J.W. reviewed the studies independently. J.W. and J.M. revised and contributed to drafting the manuscript. J.J. provided conception of research design, edited the manuscript, and provided final approval for submission. All authors reviewed and approved the manuscript.

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Correspondence to Jared Jagdeo.

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The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest. All data included in this review is available in published journals.

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Patel, P., Wang, J.Y., Mineroff, J. et al. Evaluation of curcumin for dermatologic conditions: a systematic review. Arch Dermatol Res 316, 37 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00403-023-02754-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00403-023-02754-8

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