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Health Benefits of Curcumin

A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Bioactives and Nutraceuticals".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 May 2024) | Viewed by 26327

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Department of Pharmacology, Pharmacotherapy and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Sofia, Sofia 1000, Bulgaria
Interests: leukemia; lymphoma; solid tumors; antineoplastic agents; cell death induction; signal transduction; predictive biomarkers
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

As a natural bioactive polyphenol, curcumin has a wide range of pharmacological activities, and can achieve anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative stress, anti-infection and lipid metabolism regulation through various mechanisms. Curcumin can inhibit the proliferation of tumor cells by regulating the division cycle of tumor cells, and can also achieve anti-tumor effects by inhibiting the migration and infiltration of tumor cells. In addition, curcumin also has a therapeutic effects on diseases induced by inflammation, oxidative stress and other causes in multiple systems. With its extremely low toxic side effects and broad-spectrum treatment of diseases, curcumin provides a new treatment idea for malignant tumors and chronic diseases of the cardiovascular system, respiratory system, nervous system, urinary system, digestive system and other systems.

This Special Issue entitled “Health Benefits of Curcumin” explores curcumin's prominent role in human health, original and review articles are welcome.

Prof. Dr. Spiro Mihaylov Konstantinov
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • curcumin
  • molecular mechanism
  • anti-tumor
  • health
  • therapies
  • polyphenol

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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13 pages, 2653 KiB  
Article
How Does Radiation Affect Curcumin Raw Material?
by Natalia Rosiak, Ewa Garbiec, Waldemar Bednarski, Robert Skibiński, Kornelia Lewandowska, Aleksandra Bazan-Woźniak, Robert Pietrzak, Judyta Cielecka-Piontek and Przemysław Zalewski
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(5), 2524; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25052524 - 21 Feb 2024
Viewed by 1122
Abstract
Turmeric, known for its curcuminoid-rich rhizome, particularly curcumin, exhibits notable antioxidant and antiviral properties. The likelihood of microbial contamination necessitates finding reliable techniques for subjecting the sample to radiation from this plant-based raw material. One alternative is to expose curcumin to radiation (e-beam), [...] Read more.
Turmeric, known for its curcuminoid-rich rhizome, particularly curcumin, exhibits notable antioxidant and antiviral properties. The likelihood of microbial contamination necessitates finding reliable techniques for subjecting the sample to radiation from this plant-based raw material. One alternative is to expose curcumin to radiation (e-beam), which was carried out as part of this research. Confirmation of the lack of curcumin decomposition was carried out using HPLC-DAD/MS techniques. Additionally, using the EPR technique, the generated free radicals were defined as radiation effects. Using a number of methods to assess the ability to scavenge free radicals (DPPH, ABTS, CUPRAC, and FRAP), a slight decrease in the activity of curcumin raw material was determined. The analysis of the characteristic bands in the FT-IR spectra allowed us to indicate changes in the phenolic OH groups as an effect of the presence of radicals formed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Benefits of Curcumin)
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19 pages, 8188 KiB  
Article
Characterization of Electrospun BDMC-Loaded PLA Nanofibers with Drug Delivery Function and Anti-Inflammatory Activity
by María José Morillo-Bargues, Andrea Olivos Osorno, Consuelo Guerri, Manuel Monleón Pradas and Cristina Martínez-Ramos
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(12), 10340; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms241210340 - 19 Jun 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1657
Abstract
Controlled drug release systems are the subject of many investigations to achieve the therapeutic effect of drugs. They have numerous advantages, such as localized effects, lower side effects, and less onset of action. Among drug-delivery systems, electrospinning is a versatile and cost-effective method [...] Read more.
Controlled drug release systems are the subject of many investigations to achieve the therapeutic effect of drugs. They have numerous advantages, such as localized effects, lower side effects, and less onset of action. Among drug-delivery systems, electrospinning is a versatile and cost-effective method for biomedical applications. Furthermore, electrospun nanofibers are promising as drug carrier candidates due to their properties that mimic the extracellular matrix. In this work, electrospun fibers were made of Poly-L-lactic acid (PLA), one of the most widely tested materials, which has excellent biocompatible and biodegradable properties. A curcuminoid, bisdemethoxycurcumin (BDMC) was added in order to complete the drug delivery system. The PLA/BDMC membranes were characterized, and biological characteristics were examined in vitro. The results show that the average fiber diameter was reduced with the drug, which was mainly released during the first 24 h by a diffusion mechanism. It was seen that the use of our membranes loaded with BDMC enhanced the rate of proliferation in Schwann cells, the main peripheral neuroglial cells, and modulated inflammation by reducing NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Considering the results, the prepared PLA/BDMC membranes hold great potential for being used in tissue engineering applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Benefits of Curcumin)
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12 pages, 4829 KiB  
Article
Curcumin Attenuates Periodontal Injury via Inhibiting Ferroptosis of Ligature-Induced Periodontitis in Mice
by Yawei Wang, Hongbing Lin, Wenxin Huang, Zixian Liu, Zhen Chen, Xuetao Zhao, Tong Ding, Wenguang Qin and Yuqin Shen
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(12), 9835; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24129835 - 7 Jun 2023
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2486
Abstract
Periodontitis is a chronic infectious disease characterized by the destruction of connective tissue and alveolar bone that eventually leads to tooth loss. Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent regulated cell death and is involved in ligature-induced periodontitis in vivo. Studies have demonstrated that curcumin has [...] Read more.
Periodontitis is a chronic infectious disease characterized by the destruction of connective tissue and alveolar bone that eventually leads to tooth loss. Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent regulated cell death and is involved in ligature-induced periodontitis in vivo. Studies have demonstrated that curcumin has a potential therapeutic effect on periodontitis, but the mechanism is still unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the protective effects of curcumin on alleviating ferroptosis in periodontitis. Ligature-induced periodontal-diseased mice were used to detect the protective effect of curcumin. The level of superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA) and total glutathione (GSH) in gingiva and alveolar bone were assayed. Furthermore, the mRNA expression levels of acsl4, slc7a11, gpx4 and tfr1 were measured using qPCR and the protein expression of ACSL4, SLC7A11, GPX4 and TfR1 were investigated by Western blot and immunocytochemistry (IHC). Curcumin reduced the level of MDA and increased the level of GSH. Additionally, curcumin was proven to significantly increase the expression levels of SLC7A11 and GPX4 and inhibit the expression of ACSL4 and TfR1. In conclusion, curcumin plays a protective role by inhibiting ferroptosis in ligature-induced periodontal-diseased mice. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Benefits of Curcumin)
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Review

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20 pages, 3698 KiB  
Review
Curcumin and Gut Microbiota: A Narrative Overview with Focus on Glycemic Control
by Simona Servida, Alessandra Piontini, Francesca Gori, Laura Tomaino, Gianluca Moroncini, Vito De Gennaro Colonna, Carlo La Vecchia and Luisella Vigna
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(14), 7710; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25147710 - 14 Jul 2024
Viewed by 1811
Abstract
Turmeric is a spice widely used in China, Southeast Asia, and in traditional Ayurvedic medicine. Its safety profile and efficacy as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antitumor, antidiabetic, and anti-obesity agent have led to extensive research into its potential role in preventing and treating [...] Read more.
Turmeric is a spice widely used in China, Southeast Asia, and in traditional Ayurvedic medicine. Its safety profile and efficacy as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antitumor, antidiabetic, and anti-obesity agent have led to extensive research into its potential role in preventing and treating metabolic diseases. The active compound in turmeric is curcumin, which exhibits low systemic bioavailability after oral administration. However, it is detectable in the gut, where it bidirectionally interacts with the gut microbiota (GM), which plays a crucial role in maintaining host health. The favorable effects of curcumin, particularly its hypoglycemic properties, are linked to alteration in intestinal dysbiosis observed in type 2 diabetes mellitus and metabolic syndrome patients. Restoration of the eubiotic GM may contribute to glycemic homeostasis. Preclinical and clinical studies have demonstrated the involvement of the GM in the regulation of glucose and lipid metabolism. Although the underlying mechanism remains incompletely understood, intestinal dysbiosis is associated with insulin resistance, hyperglycemia, and low-grade inflammation. In the present overview, we summarize the biological properties of curcumin, focusing on its link with GM and, therefore, on its potential role in metabolic diseases. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Benefits of Curcumin)
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24 pages, 1429 KiB  
Review
Potential of Curcumin in the Management of Skin Diseases
by Kamila Kasprzak-Drozd, Przemysław Niziński, Anna Hawrył, Marek Gancarz, Dominika Hawrył, Weronika Oliwa, Magdalena Pałka, Julia Markowska and Anna Oniszczuk
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(7), 3617; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25073617 - 23 Mar 2024
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 6236
Abstract
Curcumin is a polyphenolic molecule derived from the rhizoma of Curcuma longa L. This compound has been used for centuries due to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. These make it ideal for preventing and treating skin inflammation, premature skin ageing, psoriasis, and [...] Read more.
Curcumin is a polyphenolic molecule derived from the rhizoma of Curcuma longa L. This compound has been used for centuries due to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. These make it ideal for preventing and treating skin inflammation, premature skin ageing, psoriasis, and acne. Additionally, it exhibits antiviral, antimutagenic, and antifungal effects. Curcumin provides protection against skin damage caused by prolonged exposure to UVB radiation. It reduces wound healing times and improves collagen deposition. Moreover, it increases fibroblast and vascular density in wounds. This review summarizes the available information on the therapeutic effect of curcumin in treating skin diseases. The results suggest that curcumin may be an inexpensive, well-tolerated, and effective agent for treating skin diseases. However, larger clinical trials are needed to confirm these observations due to limitations in its in vivo use, such as low bioavailability after oral administration and metabolism. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Benefits of Curcumin)
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29 pages, 1552 KiB  
Review
Curcumin: Overview of Extraction Methods, Health Benefits, and Encapsulation and Delivery Using Microemulsions and Nanoemulsions
by Maria D. Ciuca and Radu C. Racovita
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(10), 8874; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24108874 - 17 May 2023
Cited by 23 | Viewed by 12198
Abstract
Curcumin is the principal curcuminoid found in the rhizomes of turmeric. Due to its therapeutic action against cancer, depression, diabetes, some bacteria, and oxidative stress, it has been used widely in medicine since ancient times. Due to its low solubility, the human organism [...] Read more.
Curcumin is the principal curcuminoid found in the rhizomes of turmeric. Due to its therapeutic action against cancer, depression, diabetes, some bacteria, and oxidative stress, it has been used widely in medicine since ancient times. Due to its low solubility, the human organism cannot completely absorb it. Advanced extraction technologies, followed by encapsulation in microemulsion and nanoemulsion systems, are currently being used to improve bioavailability. This review discusses the different methods available for curcumin extraction from plant material, methods for the identification of curcumin in the resulting extracts, its beneficial effects on human health, and the encapsulation techniques into small colloidal systems that have been used over the past decade to deliver this compound. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Benefits of Curcumin)
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