Enhancement of Biological and Pharmacological Properties of an Encapsulated Polyphenol: Curcumin

Abstract

There is a dearth of natural remedies available for the treatment of an increasing number of diseases facing mankind. Natural products may provide an opportunity to produce formulations and therapeutic solutions to address this shortage. Curcumin (CUR), diferuloylmethane; I,7-bis-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-1,6-heptadiene-3,5-dione is the major pigment in turmeric powder which has been reported to exhibit a number of health benefits including, antibacterial, antiviral, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties. In this review, the authors attempt to highlight the biological and pharmacological properties of CUR in addition to emphasizing aspects relating to the biosynthesis, encapsulation and therapeutic effects of the compound. The information contained in this review was generated by considering published information in which evidence of enhanced biological and pharmacological properties of nano-encapsulated CUR was reported. CUR has contributed to a significant improvement in melanoma, breast, lung, gastro-intestinal, and genito-urinary cancer therapy. We highlight the impact of nano-encapsulated CUR for efficient inhibition of cell proliferation, even at low concentrations compared to the free CUR when considering anti-proliferation. Furthermore nano-encapsulated CUR exhibited bioactive properties, exerted cytotoxic and anti-oxidant effects by acting on endogenous and cholinergic anti-oxidant systems. CUR was reported to block Hepatitis C virus (HCV) entry into hepatic cells, inhibit MRSA proliferation, enhance wound healing and reduce bacterial load. Nano-encapsulated CUR has also shown bioactive properties when acting on antioxidant systems (endogenous and cholinergic). Future research is necessary and must focus on investigation of encapsulated CUR nano-particles in different models of human pathology.

The Multifaceted Role of Curcumin in Advanced Nanocurcumin Form in the Treatment and Management of Chronic Disorders

“…Liposomes are supposed to be utilized as drug transporters and immunological assistance agents and are encapsulated either in the aquatic part of the lipid bilayers or at the bilayer surface. They can be used to encapsulate drugs with a wide range of solubilities or lipophilicities [ 116 , 117 ]. Furthermore, they can carry drugs into cells by fusion or endocytosis, and almost any chemical, regardless of solubility, can be encapsulated in liposomes ( Figure 2 ).…”

An Update on the Exploratory Use of Curcumin in Neuropsychiatric Disorders

“…Furthermore, in order to address the low bioavailability of the curcumin, new formulations of this compound are being synthetized to improve its pharmacokinetics and achieve stable curcumin that can reach the brain in a higher concentration. Some of them are based on conjugating curcumin with lipids or co-treating it with piperine, a bio-enhancer that improves the absorption of curcumin [ 8 , 21 ]. A recent emerging and promising strategy to improve its bioavailability in the brain combines curcumin with drug delivery carriers such as liposomes, exosomes, magnetic particles or ultrasound bubbles [ 22 ].…”

“…Therefore, the aim of this work is to review the current literature on the effect of curcumin and its derivatives in the field of psychiatric disorders, and to discern whether the initial enthusiasm for this compound is well-founded [ 21 , 26 ].…”

In Silico Identification and Validation of Organic Triazole Based Ligands as Potential Inhibitory Drug Compounds of SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease

“…Finally, after successful screening and characterization, clinical trials can commence. In addition to the drug molecules, there are reports on applications of nanomaterials, such as metal-based, two-dimensional, and colloidal nanoparticles and nanomicelles, for antiviral and virus sensing applications [14][15][16][17]. Despite their small size and selective nature, nanoparticles have proved to be effective against wide range of pathogens, including bacteria and viruses.…”