The aim of this study was to investigate the effects curcumin on inflammation and oxidative stress markers in the intestinal ischemia reperfusion (IIR) injury induced rats. Rats were divided into four groups: sham (S), intestinal IR (IIR), curcumin plus sham (CS), and curcumin plus intestinal IR (CIIR). Curcumin was given 200 mg kg-1 for 20 days. IIR was produced by 45 min of intestinal ischemia followed by a 120 min of reperfusion. Although interleukin-6 levels tended to increase in IIR group tumor necrosis factor-α levels were not different. Intestinal myeloperoxidase activity in CS group was lower than IIR group. In intestine and heart tissues, malondialdehyde levels in CS and CIIR groups were lower than S and IIR groups. Superoxide dismutase activity in CIIR group was higher than IIR group in intestine and lung tissues. Curcumin has a protective role against ischemia reperfusion injury. © 2013 Elsevier GmbH.