Modulatory Effects of Curcumin on Microglia, B and T Lymphocytes in Multiple Sclerosis: A Comprehensive Review of Findings from In vitro, In vivo and Human Studies

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease of the central nervous system, which is characterized by chronic inflammation.Evidence indicates that dysfunction of microglia, B cells, and T cells plays crucial roles in the pathogenesis of disease.Curcumin, the bioactive compound derived from turmeric (Curcuma longa), has gained attention due to its antiinflammatory and immunomodulatory properties.This study aimed to explore the modulatory microglia, B cells, and T cells in MS.Methods: This narrative review was conducted through a systematic search in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases up to 2026, with no time restriction and limited to English-language publications.Experimental, animal, and human studies investigating the modulatory effects of curcumin on T cells in MS were selected based on predefined inclusion criteria. Results:The findings demonstrate that curcumin could suppress the inflammatory responses of microglia cells.On the one hand, curcumin decreases the function of inflammatory B cells and increases the activity of regulatory B cells.Also, curcumin inhibits the differentiation and function of TH1 and TH17 cells and subsequently reduces the production of inflammatory cytokines.In contrast, curcumin enhances the differentiation and function of Treg cells.These effects led to the correction of the TH17/Treg imbalance and subsequently reduced neuroinflammation.Conclusion: Curcumin shows considerable potential as a supplementary therapeutic agent in MS by modulating both pro-inflammatory and regulatory immune pathways.However, further research in human studies IS required to confirm its clinical efficacy and long-term safety.