Curcumin protects from cardiac reperfusion damage by attenuation of oxidant stress and mitochondrial dysfunction.

This study was designed to investigate whether the pretreatment with curcumin, a yellow pigment from turmeric (Curcuma longa) known for its potent antioxidant capacity, was able to protect against the oxidant damage and mitochondrial dysfunction induced by reperfusion injury in isolated hearts. Rats were treated with a daily intragastric dose of curcumin (200 mg/kg) for 7 days prior to experimental ischemia (30 min) and reperfusion (60 min) (I/R). Cardiac mechanical work was measured during periods of stabilization, ischemia, and reperfusion.