Curcumin-loaded chitosan/sodium β-glycerophosphate thermosensitive hydrogel promotes tendon healing in rats

• Curcumin enhances tendon stem cell migration and modulates inflammation, apoptosis, and collagen metabolism in vitro. • The curcumin-loaded thermosensitive hydrogel exhibits sustained drug release and excellent cytocompatibility. • In a rat Achilles tendon injury model, the curcumin-loaded hydrogel reduces peritendinous adhesion and improves histological repair. • The curcumin-loaded hydrogel significantly increases maximum tensile stress and elastic modulus, indicating improved biomechanical properties.