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Protective effect of curcumin against microplastic and nanoplastics toxicity
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This review gathers preclinical studies that tested curcumin, the main active compound in turmeric, against the toxicity of micro- and nanoplastics. In all but one of the studies reviewed, curcumin returned oxidative and tissue damage measures to normal. The evidence is from cells and animals.
Microplastics and nanoplastics (MNPs) are present in urban dust and the aquatic environments of industrialized cities. MNPs in the human body accumulate in the lymphoid follicles, Peyer's patches of the gastrointestinal tract, and pulmonary vascular endothelial cells, which slowly result in toxicity. Since previous studies introduced curcumin as a natural protective agent against environmental toxins, we reviewed preclinical studies that had used curcumin to protect organs or cells from toxicity secondary to exposure to MNPs. It was found that exposure to MNPs resulted in osteolysis, immunotoxicity, thyroid disturbances, nephrotoxicity, neurotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, pulmonary toxicity, gastrointestinal toxicity, cardiovascular toxicity, and especially endocrine, and reproductive toxicity. Nevertheless, except for one study reviewed, curcumin restored all oxidative and histopathological damages induced by MNPs to normal due to curcumin's inherent antioxidant, antiapoptotic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-proliferative properties.
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Curcumin Mitigates Microplastic-Induced Damage in Livestock and Poultry: Mechanistic Insights and Strategies for Sustainable Farming
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This review examines how curcumin, a natural compound from turmeric, can protect livestock and poultry from microplastic-induced damage. The research shows that curcumin activates antioxidant defenses and reduces inflammation caused by microplastic exposure in animals, suggesting that natural dietary supplements may offer a strategy for mitigating some health effects of plastic contamination.
Antioxidant Intervention Against Microplastic Hazards
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This review looks at antioxidants such as vitamin C, curcumin and quercetin in the context of microplastic exposure. Microplastics can trigger oxidative stress in cells, and antioxidants brought down stress markers and inflammation in the studies reviewed. Poor absorption, variation between individuals and unknown long-term safety stand in the way of practical use.
Research progress in mechanisms of neurotoxicity induced by micro(nano)plastic exposure
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This review examines how micro- and nanoplastics may harm the nervous system, through oxidative stress, mitochondrial damage, a disrupted blood-brain barrier and the gut-brain axis. It also notes early studies of substances tested against these effects, including curcumin, probiotics and Camellia pollen. Chronic low-dose exposure remains a research gap.
Protection of Exogenous Antioxidant of Cinnamomum burmanii as a Hepatoprotective on the Toxicological Responses of Nanoplastics in Rats (Rattus norvegicus L.)
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Researchers tested whether Cinnamomum burmanni leaf extract (CLE) protects rat liver function from polystyrene nanoplastic toxicity, administering NPs orally for 14 days with or without 100–400 mg/kg CLE for 28 days. NPs caused oxidative stress and liver damage, while CLE at 200–400 mg/kg significantly reduced hepatotoxicity markers and restored antioxidant enzyme activity, suggesting hepatoprotective potential against nanoplastic-induced toxicity.
Curcumin Ameliorates Microplastic-Induced Testicular Inflammatory Damage by Suppressing NLRP3 and WNT/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway Activation
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Researchers exposed rodents to microplastics and found the particles triggered two inflammation pathways — NLRP3 inflammasome and WNT/beta-catenin signaling — that together damaged testicular tissue and disrupted sperm-supporting cells. Treatment with curcumin, a compound found in turmeric, suppressed both pathways and largely restored normal function, pointing toward potential natural interventions for microplastic-related reproductive harm.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.