<p>Curcumin-loaded nanoparticles: a novel therapeutic strategy in treatment of central nervous system disorders</p>

Abstract

Curcumin as a hydrophobic polyphenol is extracted from the rhizome of Curcuma longa. Curcumin is widely used as a dietary spice and a topical medication for the treatment of inflammatory disorders in Asia. This compound also possesses remarkable anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects with the ability to pass from the blood brain barrier. Based on several pharmacological activities of curcumin, it has been introduced as an ideal candidate for different neurological disorders. Despite the pleiotropic activities of curcumin, poor solubility, rapid clearance and low stability have limited its clinical application. In recent years, nano-based drug delivery system has effectively improved the aqueous solubility and bioavailability of curcumin. In this review article, the effects of curcumin nanoparticles and their possible mechanism/s of action has been elucidated in various central nervous system (CNS)-related diseases including Parkinson's disease, Huntington disease, Alzheimer's disease, Multiple sclerosis, epilepsy and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Furthermore, recent evidences about administration of nano-curcumin in the clinical trial phase have been described in the present review article.

Highly Bioavailable Forms of Curcumin and Promising Avenues for Curcumin-Based Research and Application: A Review

“…Additional information regarding pharmacokinetic studies and enzymatic hydrolysis are provided below. In addition to the above commercial formulations, a wide range of micellar and nano-particle formulations of curcumin have been prepared involving the use of ingredients as Tween 80, polysorbate 80, ceramic particles, polyethylene glycol (PEG), alginate, poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA), omega-3 fatty acids, chitosan and other substances [38][39][40][41][42]. Chemically modified variations of curcumin as well as conjugates in addition to the above formulations have been also developed.…”

“…Chemically modified variations of curcumin as well as conjugates in addition to the above formulations have been also developed. However, no pharmacokinetic studies have been reported to demonstrate the improvement in absorption and bioavailability [38][39][40][41][42]. As a consequence, only limited claims for greater bioavailability and efficacy can be justifiably made.…”

“…Delivery systems as micelles, liposomes, phospholipid complexes, microemulsions, nano-emulsions, emulsions, solid lipid nanoparticles, nanostructured lipid carriers, biopolymer nanoparticles and microgels exhibit greatest promise. They enhance efficacy [38][39][40][41][42], and also increase curcumin bioavailability by enhancing small intestine permeation, preventing possible degradation in the microenvironment, increasing plasma half-life and enhancing curcumin efficacy [43].…”

“…Surface properties of micro-and nano-particles such as charge and adhesion properties are also key factors for determining bio-absorption. Particles with neutral surface charge are rapidly recognized by the mononuclear phagocytic system as foreign entities and cleared out rapidly with a half-life of 3-5 min after intravenous administration [38][39][40][41][42]. Enhanced surface adhesion properties encourage contact with the intestinal mucosal epithelium which improves bioavailability.…”

“…Thus, surface modifications are applied to generate surface charge or adhesion on the curcumin nanoparticles for improved bio-absorption. A slightly positive surface charge is preferred over a negative charge, since cell membranes are negatively charged, leading to interaction with a cell for internalization [38][39][40][41][42].…”