ASSESSMENT OF ANTI-INFLAMMATORY ACTIVITY OF CURCUMA LONGA IN COMPARISON WITH DICLOFENAC IN ACUTE & CHRONIC INFLAMMATION MODELS

Inflammation is a complex biological response that plays a crucial role in protecting the body against infection and injury, but uncontrolled inflammation is associated with several chronic diseases. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as Diclofenac sodium, are widely used for managing inflammation; however, their prolonged use is limited due to adverse effects, including gastrointestinal irritation, hepatotoxicity, and nephrotoxicity. In recent years, natural remedies have gained attention as safer alternatives. Curcuma longa (turmeric), a medicinal plant extensively used in traditional medicine, exhibits significant anti-inflammatory activity mainly due to its bioactive component curcumin, which modulates inflammatory pathways such as cyclooxygenase (COX), lipoxygenase (LOX), and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB). This review focuses on the comparative evaluation of the anti-inflammatory efficacy of Curcuma longa extract and Diclofenac sodium in various experimental models of inflammation, including carrageenan-induced paw oedema and cotton pellet granuloma. Literature findings suggest that Diclofenac shows rapid and potent inhibition of inflammation, particularly in acute models, while Curcuma longa demonstrates moderate but consistent effects with a favourable safety profile in both acute and chronic conditions. Although turmeric is less potent than Diclofenac, its multi-target actions and reduced side-effect profile make it a promising adjunct or alternative therapy in inflammatory disorders.