Role of curcumin in fertility preservation: Therapeutic potential in ovarian tissue cryopreservation and transplantation

Curcumin, a bioactive compound derived from Curcuma longa, has shown promise in addressing key challenges associated with ovarian tissue cryopreservation and transplantation— important techniques in fertility preservation. These challenges, including ischemia-reperfusion injury, oxidative stress, and inflammation, often lead to tissue damage, follicular loss, and hormonal dysfunction. Preclinical evidence suggests that curcumin's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties may neutralize free radicals, reduce inflammation, and protect ovarian follicles from apoptosis, while supporting folliculogenesis and hormonal function. Emerging studies indicate that nano-curcumin formulations enhance bioavailability and facilitate targeted delivery to ovarian tissues, improving vascularization and therapeutic efficacy. While curcumin demonstrates potential to improve outcomes in ovarian cryopreservation and transplantation, further research is necessary to validate these findings in clinical settings and establish its role in fertility preservation protocols.