Ethnomedicinal, Phytochemistry and Antiviral Potential of Turmeric (Curcuma longa)

Abstract

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) has been a famous root crop for its medicinal properties since pre-historical times. Lack of effective therapeutics for most viral diseases, higher cost of some antiviral therapies, and the emergence of antiviral drug resistance are increasingly reported. Drug resistance is predicted to be a leading cause of mortality globally by 2050, thus requiring intervention. The need for effective natural antiviral compounds to mitigate viral diseases, such as curcumin, calls for further studies. Curcumin, a primary curcuminoid compound, has demonstrated a broad activity as an antiviral agent. Due to the need to overcome drug resistance to chemically synthesised drugs, the best option is to improve and adapt the use of natural antiviral agents. The antiviral potential of curcumin is hindered by its solubility and bioavailability. Recently, different techniques, such as the preparation of curcumin carbon quantum dots, have been used to improve curcumin antiviral activity. Therefore, the current review aims to assess curcumin’s benefits as a natural antiviral agent and techniques to improve its medicinal activity. Future use of curcumin will aid in mitigating viral diseases, including resistant strain, hence sustainability of the entire community. In this case, research and innovation are required to improve the solubility and bioavailability of curcumin for medical uses.

Galinsoga parviflora (Cav.): A comprehensive review on ethnomedicinal, phytochemical and pharmacological studies

“…One of the most serious challenges is the rise of antibiotic-resistant pathogenic species [ 84 ]. Infections caused by multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria are becoming more common and pose a serious threat to global public health [ [84] , [85] , [86] ]. It significantly reduces the likelihood of successfully treating infections and increases morbidity and mortality associated with common bacterial diseases.…”

Curcumin: Overview of Extraction Methods, Health Benefits, and Encapsulation and Delivery Using Microemulsions and Nanoemulsions

“…The flowers are 10-15 cm long, have a matte yellow color, and are arranged in spike-like structures [8]. Since ancient times, this yellow spice has been used in the Asian medicine of Ayurveda (which emerged about 5000 years ago), Siddha, Atharveda (2000 years ago), Unani medicine, and Chinese medicine [9,10]. During the 14th century, the Western world was introduced to the golden spice by early European explorers of the Asian continent [11].…”

Hypolipidemic and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Curcuma longa-Derived Bisacurone in High-Fat Diet-Fed Mice

“…Turmeric (Curcuma longa) has been widely used as a food spice and attracted interest as a source of compounds with antitumor, anti-inflammatory, and lipid-lowering effects [1][2][3][4]. To date, approximately 235 compounds have been isolated from C. longa, most of which are phenolic compounds and terpenoids [5].…”