Curcumin, an active component of turmeric (Curcuma longa), and its effects on health

Abstract

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a type of herb belonging to ginger family, which is widely grown in southern and south western tropical Asia region. Turmeric, which has an importance place in the cuisines of Iran, Malesia, India, China, Polynesia, and Thailand, is often used as spice and has an effect on the nature, color, and taste of foods. Turmeric is also known to have been used for centuries in India and China for the medical treatments of illnesses such as dermatologic diseases, infection, stress, and depression. Turmeric's effects on health are generally centered upon an orange-yellow colored, lipophilic polyphenol substance called "curcumin," which is acquired from the rhizomes of the herb. Curcumin is known recently to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer effects and, thanks to these effects, to have an important role in prevention and treatment of various illnesses ranging notably from cancer to autoimmune, neurological, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetic. Furthermore, it is aimed to increase the biological activity and physiological effects of the curcumin on the body by synthesizing curcumin analogues. This article reviews the history, chemical and physical features, analogues, metabolites, mechanisms of its physiological activities, and effects on health of curcumin.

Optimization and production of turmeric extract-based nanoemulsion (TEBN) and its application in preservation of fatty fish fillet

“…These health benign effects of turmeric can be exhibited because of its essential oils and phenolic component‐rich bioactive compounds. Among the bioactive compounds of turmeric; curcuminoids are the most popular phenolic component because it provides maximum biological activity (Kocaadam & Sanlier, ). But, unstable and hydrophobic nature of pure curcuminoids limits its use in the biological system.…”

Curcumin inhibits hypoxia-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition in pancreatic cancer cells via suppression of the hedgehog signaling pathway

“…Curcumin is a natural polyphenol present in turmeric that possess many biological activities, including anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and chemopreventive effects (10). Recent studies have shown that curcumin is able to inhibit the proliferation, invasion and metastasis of a variety of tumor cells (10,11). Multiple cellular signaling pathways have been proven to be regulated by curcumin in cancer treatment including mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), Akt, Wnt/β-catenin and others (10).…”

Current application of phytocompound-based nanocosmeceuticals for beauty and skin therapy

“…Turmeric is widely used in cooking, medicine, beauty, and health products. [267][268][269][270][271][272][273] Turmeric as a crude extract or tuber powder normally used for skin care among South Indian women in their daily routine owing to its multibeneficial activities such as antiaging, moisture retention, antioxidant activity, and natural beauty products with yellow pigments. [274][275][276][277][278][279][280][281] Although turmeric has multiple beneficial activities, its bright yellow color and instability under certain environmental conditions make researchers look for alternative delivery technologies for skin care and beauty applications.…”