When Rosuvastatin Meets Curcumin: Preclinical Insight into Novel Synergistic Combination

Background: Rosuvastatin, a potent lipid-lowering statin, and curcumin, a bioactive naturally occurring polyphenolic phytochemical, both show pleiotropic antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. In addition, curcumin shows also antimicrobial, anticancer, hypolipidemic and antifibrotic effects. From the pharmacodynamic point, rosuvastatin and curcumin target overlapping molecular pathways—suggesting possible pharmacodynamic synergy that has emerged as a promising therapeutic approach in the management of various diseases, including cardiovascular, metabolic, kidney, and inflammatory diseases. Objectives: This review aimed to systematically summarize and critically evaluate all available preclinical data concerning the combined use of rosuvastatin and curcumin, emphasizing their possible synergistic effects. Methods: A total of seven preclinical studies that investigated the combination of curcumin and rosuvastatin, three in vitro and four in vivo, conducted between 2017 and 2025, were included in the analysis. Results: While in vitro studies suggested a promising synergy in lipid-lowering, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects, in vivo findings confirmed enhanced lipid-lowering effects, potential hepatoprotection and nephroprotection when two agents are co-administered. In addition to pharmacodynamic interaction, pharmacokinetic studies also revealed that curcumin may increase systemic rosuvastatin exposure by inhibiting hepatic transporters, warranting further investigation into dosing and safety of the combination. Conclusions: While current evidence supports the therapeutic potential of the combined use of rosuvastatin and curcumin, additional pharmacokinetic, mechanistic, and clinical studies are needed to fully assess its translational value.