Properties, Extraction Methods, and Delivery Systems for Curcumin as a Natural Source of Beneficial Health Effects

Abstract

<jats:p>This review discusses the impact of curcumin—an aromatic phytoextract from the turmeric (Curcuma longa) rhizome—as an effective therapeutic agent. Despite all of the beneficial health properties ensured by curcumin application, its pharmacological efficacy is compromised in vivo due to poor aqueous solubility, high metabolism, and rapid excretion that may result in poor systemic bioavailability. To overcome these problems, novel nanosystems have been proposed to enhance its bioavailability and bioactivity by reducing the particle size, the modification of surfaces, and the encapsulation efficiency of curcumin with different nanocarriers. The solutions based on nanotechnology can improve the perspective for medical patients with serious illnesses. In this review, we discuss commonly used curcumin-loaded bio-based nanoparticles that should be implemented for overcoming the innate constraints of this natural ingredient. Furthermore, the associated challenges regarding the potential applications in combination therapies are discussed as well.</jats:p>

Polychemotherapy with Curcumin and Doxorubicin via Biological Nanoplatforms: Enhancing Antitumor Activity

“…As a curcuminoid, curcumin is a bioactive component of rhizome of Curcuma longa and comprises 1.5–3 weight (wt)% of this plant [ 20 ]. Turmeric possesses three components including curcumin, bisdemethoxycurcumin and demethoxycurcumin.…”

Curcumin encapsulation in nanostructures for cancer therapy: A 10-year overview

“…As result, nanoformulations approach can allow the administration of CUR through different routes, such as mucosal, intravenous, oral, and topical. In addition, high plasma concentrations can be achieved with lower dosages, reducing side effects and maintaining therapeutic efficacy (Alves et al, 2019;Li et al, 2014;Salem et al 2014;Zielińska et al, 2020a).…”

“…This molecule is also known as Diferuloylmethane. The curcuminoids from C. longa have been extensively studied because of their antiinflammatory and antioxidant properties, and their potential activity as antitumoral, antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antifungal agents (Abdel-Wahhab et al, 2016;Alavi et al, 2018;Pushpalatha et al, 2019;Zielińska et al, 2020a). However, the dietary and pharmacological application of native CUR is hindered due to poor water solubility and chemical instability, resulting in low bioavailability, fast metabolism, and predisposition to photochemical degradation (Alves et al, 2019;Altunbas et al, 2011;Olotu et al, 2020;Yallapu et al, 2012;Wang et al, 2016).…”

Lipid Nanocarriers for Hyperproliferative Skin Diseases

“…Fadeel et al proposed the use of polyethylene glycol-grafted (PEGylated) lipid nanocarriers loaded with curcumin to target skin cancer by photodynamic therapy [ 51 ]. Curcumin is an aromatic phytoextract obtained from the turmeric rhizome of Curcuma longa , with known anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties [ 53 ]. The poorly water-solubility of curcumin, however, limits its bioavailability in vivo.…”