The active compound in turmeric is curcumin. Its effect is based on influencing mononuclear cells such as macrophages and inhibiting various signal transmissions. By increasing the availability of a protein, curcumin can exert its anti-inflammatory effect. Just like cortisone, it specifically affects the protein GILZ (glucocorticoid-induced leucine zipper). This protein is an anti-inflammatory mediator whose effects rely on inhibition of several transcription factors associated with inflammation in macrophages. These include, for example, transcription factors NF-kB and activator protein-1. During inflammation, GILZ is degraded, causing an increased immune response; by increasing the GILZ present, these processes are diminished. Furthermore, GILZ serves as a negative regulator of MAPK signaling, reducing numerous signaling pathways involved in an inflammatory event, such as cell growth and differentiation. Additionally, curcumin can decrease the amount of proinflammatory M1 macrophages as well as increase the number of anti-inflammatory M2 macrophages.