Research Progress on the Regulatory Effect of Curcumin on Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Curcumin is the main active ingredient in Curcuma longa turmeric, with a wide range of biological effects. It shows significant therapeutic potential in the field of stem cell therapy. This article aims to explore the modulatory effects and underlying mechanisms of curcumin on mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), providing a theoretical basis based on experimental evidence for its clinical application in regenerative medicine. First, the physicochemical properties, main pharmacological activities, and metabolic pathways of curcumin are described. Subsequently, the key molecular mechanisms by which curcumin regulates MSCs are analyzed in depth, demonstrating that curcumin can significantly promote MSC proliferation and inhibit apoptosis by modulating signaling pathways and gene expression. Additionally, curcumin directs the differentiation of MSCs into osteoblasts and chondrocytes. It also inhibits their differentiation into adipocytes, thereby regulating the physiological functions of MSCs such as proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. Finally, several main challenges in current research are highlighted. These include the low oral bioavailability of curcumin; the regulatory effects that vary depending on doses and microenvironmental conditions; the underlying mechanisms not being fully elucidated; the research being mostly limited to in vitro cell models and animal experiments; and the lack of quality standards and production process control systems for curcumin preparations.