Modulation of p38 MAPK signaling in spinal cord injury by curcumin: targeting inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis.

Spinal cord injury (SCI) triggers a complex secondary injury cascade characterized by neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and programmed cell death, in which p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling has emerged as an important regulatory node. Curcumin, a pleiotropic polyphenol derived from Curcuma longa, has attracted considerable interest as a potential neuroprotective agent because of its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-apoptotic properties. Accumulating preclinical evidence suggests that curcumin can modulate p38 MAPK-associated signaling, attenuate inflammatory mediator production, reduce oxidative damage, and improve histological and functional outcomes in experimental SCI. In addition to p38-related effects, curcumin has also been reported to influence interconnected pathways involved in cell survival, gliosis, and stress responses. However, the available literature remains heterogeneous with respect to injury models, formulations, dosing strategies, and outcome measures. Overall, curcumin appears to be a promising adjunctive candidate for limiting secondary injury after SCI, but further mechanistic clarification and improved delivery strategies will be required to enhance translational relevance and support future clinical application.