Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder that has reached pandemic proportions, and which is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder resulting in almost complete destruction (98%) of insulin secreting beta cells in the pancreas, while type 2 diabetes is considered to be a disease of protein misfolding where, in addition to the average 65% loss of beta cell mass, insulin resistance occurs in target organs. Diabetic complications, such as retinopathy, nephropathy, neuropathy and cardiovascular disease, are common and majorly impact a patient's quality of life. Curcumin is the yellowish polyphenolic component of the dietary spice turmeric, which is the rhizomes of Curcuma longa, a herb in the ginger family (Zingiberaceae). Curcumin effectively reduces glycemia and hyperlipidemia but also has beneficial effects on diabetic complications due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, in a relatively inexpensive and safe manner. New improved methods of delivering curcumin are being developed including nanoparticles and lipid/liposome formulations that increases its absorption and bioavailability as curcumin is poorly absorbed by the digestive system and undergoes glucuronidation and excretion rather than being released into the serum and systemically distributed. Development and refinement of these technologies will enable cell-directed targeting of curcumin and improved therapeutic outcome. The current review focuses on the antidiabetic efficacy of curcumin and nano-drug delivery approaches in attenuating diabetes and its complications.

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Objectives: To meet the above aim the following objectives are undertaken: (1) Isolation of starch from jackfruit seeds and formulation of curcumin loaded jackfruit seed starch nanoparticles (2) In vitro evaluations of the drug loaded nanoparticles Methods: Jackfruit seed starch nanoparticles were prepared by Nanoprecipitation technique. In this technique, jackfruit seed starch was mixed with curcumin and acetone solution using a magnetic stirrer at 600 rpm. To the above solution, water were added dropwise and stirred at room temperature until acetone was completely vaporized. Nanoparticles were separated by centrifugation at 4000 rpm after 40 min. Results: Particle size of prepared nanoparticle formulations was found to be 371 to 411.72 nm with PDI of 0.148 to 0.356. The maximum % drug entrapment was found to be 57.34 % with formulation F5. In vitro release studies showed sustained release of drug till 12 h. Conclusion: The prepared nanoparticles were evaluated for its particle size, drug entrapment efficiency, in vitro drug release study, and surface morphology studies by scanning electron microscopy. The results of Fourier transform infrared studies of 1:1 physical mixture of drug and excipients confirmed the absence of incompatibility. Thus, the study concludes that curcumin loaded jackfruit seed starch nanoparticles were developed successfully by nanoprecipitation, which is expected to enhance the oral bioavailability of curcumin.

Urginea indica, is an essential indigenous plant belonging to the family Liliaceae found in all parts of India on rocky and hilly areas. It is commonly known as Indian squill, True squill or Sea onion and popularly known as Bon Pollundu. A methodical literature survey from various scientific databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of science and Google Scholar was conducted and it has been reported that the plant, mainly its bulb contains varieties of bioactive constituents such as flavonoids, phytosterols, phenols, saponins, alkaloids, proteins, carbohydrates, steroids and tannins. The bulb and the rhizome also contains calcium, iron, commercial compounds, such as Bufadienolides, Quercetin, Allose, Mindererus spirit, Tartronic acid and Paraldehyde, which have a variety of health functional properties. Various scientific studies have proven that the plant has anticancer, antidiabetic, anthelmintic, analgesic, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-angiogenic, anti-arthritic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, spasmodic and cardiac stimulant activities. It also finds its use as an analgesic and in wound healing. Thus, the current review gives a comprehensive overview of the various medicinal activity of the plant Urginea indica.