Curcumin Formulations and Trials: What’s New in Neurological Diseases

Abstract

Curcumin’s pharmacological properties and its possible benefits for neurological diseases and dementia have been much debated. In vitro experiments show that curcumin modulates several key physiological pathways of importance for neurology. However, in vivo studies have not always matched expectations. Thus, improved formulations of curcumin are emerging as powerful tools in overcoming the bioavailability and stability limitations of curcumin. New studies in animal models and recent double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trials using some of these new formulations are finally beginning to show that curcumin could be used for the treatment of cognitive decline. Ultimately, this work could ease the burden caused by a group of diseases that are becoming a global emergency because of the unprecedented growth in the number of people aged 65 and over worldwide. In this review, we discuss curcumin’s main mechanisms of action and also data from in vivo experiments on the effects of curcumin on cognitive decline.

Beneficial Effects of Epigallocatechin-3-O-Gallate, Chlorogenic Acid, Resveratrol, and Curcumin on Neurodegenerative Diseases

“…Decreases in histone acetylation reduce the inflammation via NF-κB pathway in some brain diseases [ 97 ]. Recent comprehensive reviews have also discussed the animal experiments to reveal CRC’s favorable effects on murine AD models [ 78 , 98 ].…”

Exploitation of traditional healing properties, using the nanotechnology’s advantages: The case of curcumin

“…In 1937 the first study using CUR for human diseases was published, while in 1949 the antibacterial effect of CUR was documented [ 7 , 14 ]. Due to its polyphenolic nature, CUR possesses a multitargeting ability that is linking it to various pharmacological actions such as anti-cancer, anti-arthritic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-diabetic and wound healing [ 7 , 15 ]. According to Hashemzaei and coworkers a combination of resveratrol, CUR, and gallic acid inhibited reactive oxygen species formation, lipid peroxidation and attenuated Glyoxal-induced renal cytotoxicity [ 16 ].…”

“…Moreover, CUR has received much attention in several neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s. Interestingly, the consumption of high doses of CUR in India might be responsible for the significant lower prevalence of dementia compared to US [ 15 ]. In addition, Stancioiu and coworkers recommend the use of CUR for treatment of signs of porphyria, asthma or for alleviating inflammation and pain [ 17 ].…”

“…According to the literature, a few human clinical trials have been conducted applying CUR formulations, both orally (tablets) and topically (creams, gels, herbal oils), for the treatment of various skin diseases such as acne, eczema, facial photoaging, pruritus, psoriasis, radiation-induced dermatitis and vitiligo [ 18 , 6 ]. Currently 246 clinical trials are documented (of which 115 completed) using turmeric ingredients, including CUR, as therapeutic or dietary supplement against a wide variety of conditions such as cancer, periodontitis, rheumatoid arthritis, type 2 diabetes and depression, as well as cardiovascular, gynecological, Crohn’s, Alzheimer’s and chronic kidney diseases, among others [ 15 , 59 ]. Specifically, 12 of those clinical trials concern the action of orally or topically administered CUR formulations against various skin disorders.…”

“…All these systems have been studied for cutaneous delivery of CUR in order to target affected tissues for the treatment of skin conditions like inflammation, acne, psoriasis, photoaging, wounds, melanoma, cutaneous leishmaniasis and infections related to bacteria, fungi or viruses [ 4 , 10 , 12 , 13 , 20 , 21 ]. Parameters such as the method of preparation and fluidity of the lipidic carrier seems to be of importance as they regulate properties such as nanocarrier size distribution, endocytosis, and pharmacological response [ 15 , 22 ]. Moreover, a lot of research has been conducted both in vitro on cell lines and in vivo on animal models, but less on healthy people or even patients, to evaluate the safety of CUR administration.…”