Nanoformulations of curcumin: an emerging paradigm for improved remedial application

Abstract

Curcumin is a natural polyphenol and essential curcuminoid derived from the rhizome of the medicinal plant Curcuma longa (L.) is universally acknowledged as “Wonder drug of life”. It is a vital consumable and restorative herb, commonly keened for several ailments such as cancer, arthritis, pain, bruises, gastrointestinal quandaries, swelling and much more. Despite its enormous curative potential, the poor aqueous solubility and consequently, minimal systemic bioavailability with rapid degradation are some of the major factors which restrict the utilization of curcumin at medical perspective. However, to improve its clinically relevant parameters, nanoformulation of curcumin is emerging as a novel substitute for their superior therapeutic modality. It enhances its aqueous solubility and targeted delivery to the tissue of interest that prompts to enhance the bioavailability, better drug conveyance, and more expeditious treatment. Subsequent investigations are endeavored to enhance the bio-distribution of native curcumin by modifying with felicitous nano-carriers for encapsulation. In this review, we specifically focus on the recent nanotechnology based implementations applied for overcoming the innate constraints of native curcumin and additionally the associated challenges which restrict its potential therapeutic applications both in vivo and in-vitro studies, as well as their detailed mechanism of action, have additionally been discussed.

Hepato therapeutic Efficacy of Native Curcumim and Nano –curcumin : A Novel Therapy Against Hyperthyroidism Induced Liver Oxidative and Inflammatory Damage in Rats

“…Curcumin has been in use for centuries to treat various human ailments [19]. Curcumin is hydrophobic compound and accordingly is insoluble in water at acidic and neutral pH Moreover beneficial effects of curcumin are hampered by its high metabolic rate, low solubility, poor absorption and faster excretion all of which make reduced bioavailability of curcumin and limits its therapeutic effects [20,21].…”

Therapeutic Applications of Curcumin Nanomedicine Formulations in Cardiovascular Diseases

“…Additionally, among different features provided by nanomedicine formulations are improving the solubility of hydrophobic drugs in water, the potentials of overcoming physiological barriers, increased permeability, offering the possibility of designing controlled release systems, and enhancing the circulation lifetime and pharmacokinetics [98][99][100][101][102][103]. One of the essential benefits that nano-mediated drug delivery could offer is the enhancement bioactivity and bioavailability through surface modifications, reduction of particle size, and entrapping CUR in within nanocarriers [104]. In the oral route, the bioavailability is enhanced by nanocarriers after improving solubility, protecting the drug from degradation in the gastrointestinal environment, and enhancing permeation in the small intestine; leading to an increase of drug levels in the blood stream [105].…”

The effect of intravenous administration of liposomal curcumin in addition to sumatriptan treatment in an experimental migraine model in rats

“…12 Therefore, nanoformulations of curcumin have been developed for their superior therapeutic efficiency in inflammatory and oxidative stress processes. 13,14 The serotoninergic system represents one of the most important pathophysiological mechanisms of migraine; 5-hydroxytryptamine1 (5-HT1) receptor agonists are known to be effective in the treatment of migraine attacks. 15 The 5-HT1 receptors are subdivided into 5-HT1A-D, and the effect of triptans is related to 5-HT1B/1D receptor occupancy.…”