Exploring the Combined Form of Curcumin and Rifampicin in Tuberculosis Therapy

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Tuberculosis (TB)) is one of the world leaders in the list of infectious diseases. The rise of multidrug-resistant (MDR) and extensively drug-resistant (XDR) strains, the length of treatment, and the toxicity of drugs to this day continue to pose problems to TB control programs despite effective chemotherapy. Rifampicin is one of the first-line antibiotics against TB; it is an essential drug because its action is crucial in eradicating the bacteria but it is limited by resistance and side effects in its use. Curcumin is an antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiproinflammatory, immunomodulatory and bioactive ingredient derived out of Curcuma longa. Recent researches show that curcumin has synergism with traditional anti-TB therapy, such as rifampicin. It boosts clearance of bacteria, regulates host immune system, and decreaseinflammation related to tuberculosis infection. Also, curcumin can be used to overcome drug resistance and enhance therapeutic results. This review examines the pharmacological characteristics of curcumin and rifampicin and their route of action, as well as how this combination therapy may be helpful in treating TB.