Combined effect of 2 nutraceuticals, curcumin and resveratrol on the activation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2

Purpose: Combination therapy presents a systematic approach in tackling complex pathological conditions such as cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Curcumin (a polyphenol found in Curcuma longa) and resveratrol (a stilbenoid found in strongly pigmented vegetables and fruit) are 2 popular nutraceuticals known for their powerful antioxidant activities. The nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a transcription factor that responds to oxidative stress by binding to antioxidant response element (ARE). As isolated compounds, curcumin and resveratrol, are common Nrf2 activators; however, their combined effect has yet to be determined. Methods: AREc32 cells were culture and coincubated with individual or combined curcumin and resveratrol (0– 100 mM). After 24 h co-incubation, the cells were washed and replaced with luciferin buffer, and the expression of Nrf2 was analyzed using bioluminescence. Alamar blue assay was used to determine the cell viability. Results: Our results suggested that curcumin-resveratrol, at both 50 and 25 mM, significantly upregulated Nrf2 expression compared to negative control (cells with medium only) (P <.05), without causing any cytotoxicity. Conclusion: The combined activity of curcumin and resveratrol against oxidative stress provides early evidence of a combination therapy that will assist in the management of various chronic conditions such as CVD.