Main Article Content
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Tetrahydrocurcumin is a main metabolite product from biotransformation process of curcumin
in the body. Biotransformation of curcumin is fast and occurred during absorption process in
gastrointestinal tract. The biotransformation of curcumin to tetrahydrocurcumin and the stability of
tetrahydrocurcumin play important roles in the biological effects of curcumin in the body. The
present article discussed about the pharmacological aspects of tetrahydrocurcumin.
Tetrahydrocurcumin was reported possessing several pharmacological activities such as:
antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotector, anti-allergy, protective for atherosclerosis and renal
damage, and also anticarcinogenesis. It’s main pharmacological activity is antioxidant, which is
underlying and responsible for the other activities. The antioxidant activity of tetrahydrocurcumin
was reported better than this of curcumin. The main factors for the antioxidant or free radical
scavenger effects of tetrahydrocurcumin are it’s aromatic/phenolic hydroxy and -diketon moieties.
Key words : tetrahydrokurcumin, curcumin, pharmacology, antioxidant