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Editorial

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5 pages, 273 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Recent Progress in Understanding the Health Benefits of Curcumin

by Chiara Porro and Maria Antonietta Panaro

Molecules 2023, 28(5), 2418; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28052418 - 6 Mar 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3146

Abstract

Nutrients and their potential benefits are a new field of study in modern medicine due to their positive impact on health [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Progress in Health Benefits from Curcumin)

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Research

Jump to: Editorial, Review

11 pages, 3053 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development and Characterization of Curcumin-Silver Nanoparticles as a Promising Formulation to Test on Human Pterygium-Derived Keratinocytes

by Gianmarco Stati, Francesco Rossi, Thithawat Trakoolwilaiwan, Le Duc Tung, Stefanos Mourdikoudis, Nguyễn Thi Kim Thanh and Roberta Di Pietro

Molecules 2022, 27(1), 282; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27010282 - 3 Jan 2022

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 3290

Abstract

Pterygium is a progressive disease of the human eye arising from sub-conjunctival tissue and extending onto the cornea. Due to its invasive growth, pterygium can reach the pupil compromising visual function. Currently available medical treatments have limited success in suppressing efficiently the disease. [...] Read more.

Pterygium is a progressive disease of the human eye arising from sub-conjunctival tissue and extending onto the cornea. Due to its invasive growth, pterygium can reach the pupil compromising visual function. Currently available medical treatments have limited success in suppressing efficiently the disease. Previous studies have demonstrated that curcumin, polyphenol isolated from the rhizome of Curcuma longa, induces apoptosis of human pterygium fibroblasts in a dose- and time-dependent manner showing promising activity in the treatment of this ophthalmic disease. However, this molecule is not very soluble in water in either neutral or acidic pH and is only slightly more soluble in alkaline conditions, while its dissolving in organic solvents drastically reduces its potential use for biomedical applications. A nanoformulation of curcumin stabilized silver nanoparticles (Cur-AgNPs) seems an effective strategy to increase the bioavailability of curcumin without inducing toxic effects. In fact, silver nitrates have been used safely for the treatment of many ophthalmic conditions and diseases for a long time and the concentration of AgNPs in this formulation is quite low. The synthesis of this new compound was achieved through a modified Bettini’s method adapted to improve the quality of the product intended for human use. Indeed, the pH of the reaction was changed to 9, the temperature of the reaction was increased from 90 °C to 100 °C and after the synthesis the Cur-AgNPs were dispersed in Borax buffer using a dialysis step to improve the biocompatibility of the formulation. This new compound will be able to deliver both components (curcumin and silver) at the same time to the affected tissue, representing an alternative and a more sophisticated strategy for the treatment of human pterygium. Further in vitro and in vivo assays will be required to validate this formulation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Progress in Health Benefits from Curcumin)

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16 pages, 9254 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Curcumin Loaded Dendrimers Specifically Reduce Viability of Glioblastoma Cell Lines

by John Gallien, Bhairavi Srinageshwar, Kellie Gallo, Gretchen Holtgrefe, Sindhuja Koneru, Paulina Sequeiros Otero, Catalina Alvarez Bueno, Jamie Mosher, Alison Roh, D. Stave Kohtz, Douglas Swanson, Ajit Sharma, Gary Dunbar and Julien Rossignol

Molecules 2021, 26(19), 6050; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26196050 - 6 Oct 2021

Cited by 37 | Viewed by 6109

Abstract

Glioblastoma (GB) is a deadly and aggressive cancer of the CNS. Even with extensive resection and chemoradiotherapy, patient survival is still only 15 months. To maintain growth and proliferation, cancer cells require a high oxidative state. Curcumin, a well-known anti-inflammatory antioxidant, is a [...] Read more.

Glioblastoma (GB) is a deadly and aggressive cancer of the CNS. Even with extensive resection and chemoradiotherapy, patient survival is still only 15 months. To maintain growth and proliferation, cancer cells require a high oxidative state. Curcumin, a well-known anti-inflammatory antioxidant, is a potential candidate for treatment of GB. To facilitate efficient delivery of therapeutic doses of curcumin into cells, we encapsulated the drug in surface-modified polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimers. We studied the in vitro effectiveness of a traditional PAMAM dendrimer (100% amine surface, G4 NH₂), surface-modified dendrimer (10% amine and 90% hydroxyl-G4 90/10-Cys), and curcumin (Cur)-encapsulated dendrimer (G4 90/10-Cys-Cur) on three species of glioblastoma cell lines: mouse-GL261, rat-F98, and human-U87. Using an MTT assay for cell viability, we found that G4 90/10-Cys-Cur reduced viability of all three glioblastoma cell lines compared to non-cancerous control cells. Under similar conditions, unencapsulated curcumin was not effective, while the non-modified dendrimer (G4 NH₂) caused significant death of both cancerous and normal cells. By harnessing and optimizing the components of PAMAM dendrimers, we are providing a promising new route for delivering cancer therapeutics. Our results with curcumin suggest that antioxidants are good candidates for treating glioblastoma. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Progress in Health Benefits from Curcumin)

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18 pages, 4144 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Curcumin and Resveratrol Improve Muscle Function and Structure through Attenuation of Proteolytic Markers in Experimental Cancer-Induced Cachexia

by Antonio Penedo-Vázquez, Xavier Duran, Javier Mateu, Adrián López-Postigo and Esther Barreiro

Molecules 2021, 26(16), 4904; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26164904 - 13 Aug 2021

Cited by 22 | Viewed by 3413

Abstract

Muscle wasting and cachexia are prominent comorbidities in cancer. Treatment with polyphenolic compounds may partly revert muscle wasting. We hypothesized that treatment with curcumin or resveratrol in cancer cachectic mice may improve muscle phenotype and total body weight through attenuation of several proteolytic [...] Read more.

Muscle wasting and cachexia are prominent comorbidities in cancer. Treatment with polyphenolic compounds may partly revert muscle wasting. We hypothesized that treatment with curcumin or resveratrol in cancer cachectic mice may improve muscle phenotype and total body weight through attenuation of several proteolytic and signaling mechanisms in limb muscles. In gastrocnemius and soleus muscles of cancer cachectic mice (LP07 adenocarcinoma cells, N = 10/group): (1) LC-induced cachexia, (2) LC-cachexia+curcumin, and (3) LC-cachexia + resveratrol, muscle structure and damage (including blood troponin I), sirtuin-1, proteolytic markers, and signaling pathways (NF-κB and FoxO3) were explored (immunohistochemistry and immunoblotting). Compared to nontreated cachectic mice, in LC-cachexia + curcumin and LC-cachexia + resveratrol groups, body and muscle weights (gastrocnemius), limb muscle strength, muscle damage, and myofiber cross-sectional area improved, and in both muscles, sirtuin-1 increased, while proteolysis (troponin I), proteolytic markers, and signaling pathways were attenuated. Curcumin and resveratrol elicited beneficial effects on fast- and slow-twitch limb muscle phenotypes in cachectic mice through sirtuin-1 activation, attenuation of atrophy signaling pathways, and proteolysis in cancer cachectic mice. These findings have future therapeutic implications as these natural compounds, separately or in combination, may be used in clinical settings of muscle mass loss and dysfunction including cancer cachexia. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Progress in Health Benefits from Curcumin)

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17 pages, 17226 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Antimicrobial and Antibiofilm Activity of Curcumin-Loaded Electrospun Nanofibers for the Prevention of the Biofilm-Associated Infections

by Anna Di Salle, Gianluca Viscusi, Francesca Di Cristo, Anna Valentino, Giuliana Gorrasi, Elena Lamberti, Vittoria Vittoria, Anna Calarco and Gianfranco Peluso

Molecules 2021, 26(16), 4866; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26164866 - 11 Aug 2021

Cited by 28 | Viewed by 4128

Abstract

Curcumin extracted from the rhizome of Curcuma Longa has been used in therapeutic preparations for centuries in different parts of the world. However, its bioactivity is limited by chemical instability, water insolubility, low bioavailability, and extensive metabolism. In this study, the coaxial electrospinning [...] Read more.

Curcumin extracted from the rhizome of Curcuma Longa has been used in therapeutic preparations for centuries in different parts of the world. However, its bioactivity is limited by chemical instability, water insolubility, low bioavailability, and extensive metabolism. In this study, the coaxial electrospinning technique was used to produce both poly (ε-caprolactone) (PCL)–curcumin and core–shell nanofibers composed of PCL and curcumin in the core and poly (lactic acid) (PLA) in the shell. Morphology and physical properties, as well as the release of curcumin were studied and compared with neat PCL, showing the formation of randomly oriented, defect-free cylindrical fibers with a narrow distribution of the dimensions. The antibacterial and antibiofilm potential, including the capacity to interfere with the quorum-sensing mechanism, was evaluated on Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1, and Streptococcus mutans, two opportunistic pathogenic bacteria frequently associated with infections. The reported results demonstrated the ability of the Curcumin-loading membranes to inhibit both PAO1 and S. mutans biofilm growth and activity, thus representing a promising solution for the prevention of biofilm-associated infections. Moreover, the high biocompatibility and the ability to control the oxidative stress of damaged tissue, make the synthesized membranes useful as scaffolds in tissue engineering regeneration, helping to accelerate the healing process. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Progress in Health Benefits from Curcumin)

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39 pages, 11981 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Neuroprotective Effects of Curcumin in Methamphetamine-Induced Toxicity

by Larisa Ryskalin, Stefano Puglisi-Allegra, Gloria Lazzeri, Francesca Biagioni, Carla L. Busceti, Linda Balestrini, Andrea Fornasiero, Stefano Leone, Elena Pompili, Michela Ferrucci and Francesco Fornai

Molecules 2021, 26(9), 2493; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26092493 - 24 Apr 2021

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 3202

Abstract

Curcumin (CUR), a natural polyphenol extracted from rhizome of the Curcuma longa L, has received great attention for its multiple potential health benefits as well as disease prevention. For instance, CUR protects against toxic agents acting on the human body, including the [...] Read more.

Curcumin (CUR), a natural polyphenol extracted from rhizome of the Curcuma longa L, has received great attention for its multiple potential health benefits as well as disease prevention. For instance, CUR protects against toxic agents acting on the human body, including the nervous system. In detail, CUR possesses, among others, strong effects as an autophagy activator. The present study indicates that CUR counteracts methamphetamine (METH) toxicity. Such a drug of abuse is toxic by disturbing the autophagy machinery. We profited from an unbiased, low variable cell context by using rat pheochromocytoma PC12 cell line. In such a system, a strong protection was exerted by CUR against METH toxicity. This was associated with increased autophagy flux, merging of autophagosomes with lysosomes and replenishment of autophagy vacuoles with LC3, which instead is moved out from the vacuoles by METH. This is expected to enable the autophagy machinery. In fact, while in METH-treated cells the autophagy substrates α-synuclein accumulates in the cytosol, CUR speeds up α-synuclein clearance. Under the effects of CUR LC3 penetrate in autophagy vacuoles to commit them to cell clearance and promotes the autophagy flux. The present data provide evidence that CUR counteracts the neurotoxic effects induced by METH by promoting autophagy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Progress in Health Benefits from Curcumin)

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14 pages, 1704 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Molecular Targets Implicated in the Antiparasitic and Anti-Inflammatory Activity of the Phytochemical Curcumin in Trichomoniasis

by Natalia Mallo, Jesús Lamas, Rosa Ana Sueiro and José Manuel Leiro

Molecules 2020, 25(22), 5321; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25225321 - 14 Nov 2020

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3229

Abstract

Trichomoniasis, is the most prevalent non-viral sexually transmitted disease worldwide. Although metronidazole (MDZ) is the recommended treatment, several strains of the parasite are resistant to MDZ, and new treatments are required. Curcumin (CUR) is a polyphenol with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antiparasitic properties. In [...] Read more.

Trichomoniasis, is the most prevalent non-viral sexually transmitted disease worldwide. Although metronidazole (MDZ) is the recommended treatment, several strains of the parasite are resistant to MDZ, and new treatments are required. Curcumin (CUR) is a polyphenol with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antiparasitic properties. In this study, we evaluated the effects of CUR on two biochemical targets: on proteolytic activity and hydrogenosomal metabolism in Trichomonas vaginalis. We also investigated the role of CUR on pro-inflammatory responses induced in RAW 264.7 phagocytic cells by parasite proteinases on pro-inflammatory mediators such as the nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), interleukin-1beta (IL-1β), chaperone heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) and glucocorticoid receptor (mGR). CUR inhibited the growth of T. vaginalis trophozoites, with an IC₅₀ value between 117 ± 7 μM and 173 ± 15 μM, depending on the culture phase. CUR increased pyruvate:ferredoxin oxidoreductase (PfoD), hydrogenosomal enzyme expression and inhibited the proteolytic activity of parasite proteinases. CUR also inhibited NO production and decreased the expression of pro-inflammatory mediators in macrophages. The findings demonstrate the potential usefulness of CUR as an antiparasitic and anti-inflammatory treatment for trichomoniasis. It could be used to control the disease and mitigate the associated immunopathogenic effects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Progress in Health Benefits from Curcumin)

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14 pages, 1361 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Co-administration of Pregabalin and Curcumin Synergistically Decreases Pain-Like Behaviors in Acute Nociceptive Pain Murine Models

by Sarinee Leksiri, Hasriadi, Peththa Wadu Dasuni Wasana, Opa Vajragupta, Pornchai Rojsitthisak and Pasarapa Towiwat

Molecules 2020, 25(18), 4172; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25184172 - 11 Sep 2020

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 4688

Abstract

Analgesic drugs in a combination-form can achieve greater efficacy with lesser side effects compared to either drug alone. The combination of drugs acting at different targets or mechanisms of action has been recognized as an alternative approach for achieving optimal analgesia. In this [...] Read more.

Analgesic drugs in a combination-form can achieve greater efficacy with lesser side effects compared to either drug alone. The combination of drugs acting at different targets or mechanisms of action has been recognized as an alternative approach for achieving optimal analgesia. In this study, the analgesic effects of pregabalin (30, 60, 100, 200 mg/kg), curcumin (15, 30, 60, 100, 120 mg/kg), and 1:1 fixed-dose ratio of the pregabalin-curcumin combination were assessed using two acute nociceptive pain models, the acetic acid-induced writhing and tail-flick tests in mice. The pregabalin-curcumin combination produced a dose-dependent decrease in mean of writhes and an increase in the percentage of antinociception by the acetic acid-induced writhing test. In the tail-flick test, the combination also showed an improvement in antinociception indicated by the tail-flick latency, % antinociception, and area under the curve (AUC). Isobolographic analysis of interactions demonstrated a significant synergistic interaction effect between pregabalin and curcumin in both acute nociceptive pain models with the experimental ED₅₀ below the predicted additive line and the combination index < 1. These findings demonstrate that the combination of pregabalin and curcumin exhibits a synergistic interaction in mouse models of acute nociceptive pain. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Progress in Health Benefits from Curcumin)

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Review

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30 pages, 1206 KiB

Open AccessReview

Prospects of Curcumin Nanoformulations in Cancer Management

by Hilda Amekyeh, Enas Alkhader, Rayan Sabra and Nashiru Billa

Molecules 2022, 27(2), 361; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27020361 - 7 Jan 2022

Cited by 29 | Viewed by 4277

Abstract

There is increasing interest in the use of natural compounds with beneficial pharmacological effects for managing diseases. Curcumin (CUR) is a phytochemical that is reportedly effective against some cancers through its ability to regulate signaling pathways and protein expression in cancer development and [...] Read more.

There is increasing interest in the use of natural compounds with beneficial pharmacological effects for managing diseases. Curcumin (CUR) is a phytochemical that is reportedly effective against some cancers through its ability to regulate signaling pathways and protein expression in cancer development and progression. Unfortunately, its use is limited due to its hydrophobicity, low bioavailability, chemical instability, photodegradation, and fast metabolism. Nanoparticles (NPs) are drug delivery systems that can increase the bioavailability of hydrophobic drugs and improve drug targeting to cancer cells via different mechanisms and formulation techniques. In this review, we have discussed various CUR-NPs that have been evaluated for their potential use in treating cancers. Formulations reviewed include lipid, gold, zinc oxide, magnetic, polymeric, and silica NPs, as well as micelles, dendrimers, nanogels, cyclodextrin complexes, and liposomes, with an emphasis on their formulation and characteristics. CUR incorporation into the NPs enhanced its pharmaceutical and therapeutic significance with respect to solubility, absorption, bioavailability, stability, plasma half-life, targeted delivery, and anticancer effect. Our review shows that several CUR-NPs have promising anticancer activity; however, clinical reports on them are limited. We believe that clinical trials must be conducted on CUR-NPs to ensure their effective translation into clinical applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Progress in Health Benefits from Curcumin)

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23 pages, 2176 KiB

Open AccessReview

Inflammaging and Brain: Curcumin and Its Beneficial Potential as Regulator of Microglia Activation

by Antonia Cianciulli, Rosa Calvello, Melania Ruggiero and Maria Antonietta Panaro

Molecules 2022, 27(2), 341; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27020341 - 6 Jan 2022

Cited by 33 | Viewed by 5043

Abstract

Inflammaging is a term used to describe the tight relationship between low-grade chronic inflammation and aging that occurs during physiological aging in the absence of evident infection. This condition has been linked to a broad spectrum of age-related disorders in various organs including [...] Read more.

Inflammaging is a term used to describe the tight relationship between low-grade chronic inflammation and aging that occurs during physiological aging in the absence of evident infection. This condition has been linked to a broad spectrum of age-related disorders in various organs including the brain. Inflammaging represents a highly significant risk factor for the development and progression of age-related conditions, including neurodegenerative diseases which are characterized by the progressive dysfunction and degeneration of neurons in the brain and peripheral nervous system. Curcumin is a widely studied polyphenol isolated from Curcuma longa with a variety of pharmacologic properties. It is well-known for its healing properties and has been extensively used in Asian medicine to treat a variety of illness conditions. The number of studies that suggest beneficial effects of curcumin on brain pathologies and age-related diseases is increasing. Curcumin is able to inhibit the formation of reactive-oxygen species and other pro-inflammatory mediators that are believed to play a pivotal role in many age-related diseases. Curcumin has been recently proposed as a potential useful remedy against neurodegenerative disorders and brain ageing. In light of this, our current review aims to discuss the potential positive effects of Curcumin on the possibility to control inflammaging emphasizing the possible modulation of inflammaging processes in neurodegenerative diseases. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Progress in Health Benefits from Curcumin)

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21 pages, 1182 KiB

Open AccessReview

New Promising Therapeutic Avenues of Curcumin in Brain Diseases

by Tarek Benameur, Giulia Giacomucci, Maria Antonietta Panaro, Melania Ruggiero, Teresa Trotta, Vincenzo Monda, Ilaria Pizzolorusso, Dario Domenico Lofrumento, Chiara Porro and Giovanni Messina

Molecules 2022, 27(1), 236; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27010236 - 31 Dec 2021

Cited by 52 | Viewed by 7406

Abstract

Curcumin, the dietary polyphenol isolated from Curcuma longa (turmeric), is commonly used as an herb and spice worldwide. Because of its bio-pharmacological effects curcumin is also called “spice of life”, in fact it is recognized that curcumin possesses important proprieties such as anti-oxidant, [...] Read more.

Curcumin, the dietary polyphenol isolated from Curcuma longa (turmeric), is commonly used as an herb and spice worldwide. Because of its bio-pharmacological effects curcumin is also called “spice of life”, in fact it is recognized that curcumin possesses important proprieties such as anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, antiproliferative, anti-tumoral, and anti-aging. Neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s Diseases, Parkinson’s Diseases, and Multiple Sclerosis are a group of diseases characterized by a progressive loss of brain structure and function due to neuronal death; at present there is no effective treatment to cure these diseases. The protective effect of curcumin against some neurodegenerative diseases has been proven by in vivo and in vitro studies. The current review highlights the latest findings on the neuroprotective effects of curcumin, its bioavailability, its mechanism of action and its possible application for the prevention or treatment of neurodegenerative disorders. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Progress in Health Benefits from Curcumin)

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33 pages, 2209 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Multifaceted Role of Curcumin in Advanced Nanocurcumin Form in the Treatment and Management of Chronic Disorders

by Priti Tagde, Pooja Tagde, Fahadul Islam, Sandeep Tagde, Muddaser Shah, Zareen Delawar Hussain, Md. Habibur Rahman, Agnieszka Najda, Ibtesam S. Alanazi, Mousa O. Germoush, Hanan R. H. Mohamed, Mardi M. Algandaby, Mohammed Z. Nasrullah, Natalia Kot and Mohamed M. Abdel-Daim

Molecules 2021, 26(23), 7109; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26237109 - 24 Nov 2021

Cited by 92 | Viewed by 7669

Abstract

Curcumin is the primary polyphenol in turmeric’s curcuminoid class. It has a wide range of therapeutic applications, such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, antibacterial, and anticancer effects against various cancers, but has poor solubility and low bioavailability. Objective: To improve curcumin’s bioavailability, plasma [...] Read more.

Curcumin is the primary polyphenol in turmeric’s curcuminoid class. It has a wide range of therapeutic applications, such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, antibacterial, and anticancer effects against various cancers, but has poor solubility and low bioavailability. Objective: To improve curcumin’s bioavailability, plasma concentration, and cellular permeability processes. The nanocurcumin approach over curcumin has been proven appropriate for encapsulating or loading curcumin (nanocurcumin) to increase its therapeutic potential. Conclusion: Though incorporating curcumin into nanocurcumin form may be a viable method for overcoming its intrinsic limitations, and there are reasonable concerns regarding its toxicological safety once it enters biological pathways. This review article mainly highlights the therapeutic benefits of nanocurcumin over curcumin. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Progress in Health Benefits from Curcumin)

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28 pages, 2545 KiB

Open AccessReview

Curcumin Nanoparticles as Promising Therapeutic Agents for Drug Targets

by Hitesh Chopra, Protity Shuvra Dey, Debashrita Das, Tanima Bhattacharya, Muddaser Shah, Sidra Mubin, Samka Peregrine Maishu, Rokeya Akter, Md. Habibur Rahman, Chenmala Karthika, Waheed Murad, Naeem Qusty, Safaa Qusti, Eida M. Alshammari, Gaber El-Saber Batiha, Farag M. A. Altalbawy, Mona I. M. Albooq and Badrieah M. Alamri

Molecules 2021, 26(16), 4998; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26164998 - 18 Aug 2021

Cited by 113 | Viewed by 8338

Abstract

Curcuma longa is very well-known medicinal plant not only in the Asian hemisphere but also known across the globe for its therapeutic and medicinal benefits. The active moiety of Curcuma longa is curcumin and has gained importance in various treatments of various disorders [...] Read more.

Curcuma longa is very well-known medicinal plant not only in the Asian hemisphere but also known across the globe for its therapeutic and medicinal benefits. The active moiety of Curcuma longa is curcumin and has gained importance in various treatments of various disorders such as antibacterial, antiprotozoal, cancer, obesity, diabetics and wound healing applications. Several techniques had been exploited as reported by researchers for increasing the therapeutic potential and its pharmacological activity. Here, the dictum is the new room for the development of physicochemical, as well as biological, studies for the efficacy in target specificity. Here, we discussed nanoformulation techniques, which lend support to upgrade the characters to the curcumin such as enhancing bioavailability, increasing solubility, modifying metabolisms, and target specificity, prolonged circulation, enhanced permeation. Our manuscript tried to seek the attention of the researcher by framing some solutions of some existing troubleshoots of this bioactive component for enhanced applications and making the formulations feasible at an industrial production scale. This manuscript focuses on recent inventions as well, which can further be implemented at the community level. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Progress in Health Benefits from Curcumin)

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17 pages, 1531 KiB

Open AccessReview

Curcumin as Prospective Anti-Aging Natural Compound: Focus on Brain

by Tarek Benameur, Raffaella Soleti, Maria Antonietta Panaro, Maria Ester La Torre, Vincenzo Monda, Giovanni Messina and Chiara Porro

Molecules 2021, 26(16), 4794; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26164794 - 7 Aug 2021

Cited by 61 | Viewed by 8364

Abstract

The nutrients and their potential benefits are a new field of study in modern medicine for their positive impact on health. Curcumin, the yellow polyphenolic compound extracted from Curcuma longa species, is widely used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine to prevent and contrast many [...] Read more.

The nutrients and their potential benefits are a new field of study in modern medicine for their positive impact on health. Curcumin, the yellow polyphenolic compound extracted from Curcuma longa species, is widely used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine to prevent and contrast many diseases, considering its antioxidant, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, cardio-protective, nephron-protective, hepato-protective, anti-neoplastic, and anti-rheumatic proprieties. In recent years, the investigations of curcumin have been focused on its application to aging and age-associated diseases. Aging is a physiological process in which there is a decreasing of cellular function due to internal or external stimuli. Oxidative stress is one of the most important causes of aging and age-related diseases. Moreover, many age-related disorders such as cancer, neuroinflammation, and infections are due to a low-grade chronic systemic inflammation. Curcumin acting on different proteins is able to contrast both oxidative stress than inflammation. In the brain, curcumin is able to modulate inflammation induced by microglia. Finally in brain tumors curcumin is able to reduce tumor growth by inhibition of telomerase activity. This review emphasizes the anti-aging role of curcumin focusing on its mechanism to counteract aging in the brain. Moreover, new formulations to increase the bioavailability of curcumin are discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Progress in Health Benefits from Curcumin)

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47 pages, 1022 KiB

Open AccessReview

Is Curcumin the Answer to Future Chemotherapy Cocktail?

by Wei-Yang Kong, Siew Ching Ngai, Bey-Hing Goh, Learn-Han Lee, Thet-Thet Htar and Lay-Hong Chuah

Molecules 2021, 26(14), 4329; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26144329 - 17 Jul 2021

Cited by 23 | Viewed by 4193

Abstract

The rise in cancer cases in recent years is an alarming situation worldwide. Despite the tremendous research and invention of new cancer therapies, the clinical outcomes are not always reassuring. Cancer cells could develop several evasive mechanisms for their survivability and render therapeutic [...] Read more.

The rise in cancer cases in recent years is an alarming situation worldwide. Despite the tremendous research and invention of new cancer therapies, the clinical outcomes are not always reassuring. Cancer cells could develop several evasive mechanisms for their survivability and render therapeutic failure. The continuous use of conventional cancer therapies leads to chemoresistance, and a higher dose of treatment results in even greater toxicities among cancer patients. Therefore, the search for an alternative treatment modality is crucial to break this viscous cycle. This paper explores the suitability of curcumin combination treatment with other cancer therapies to curb cancer growth. We provide a critical insight to the mechanisms of action of curcumin, its role in combination therapy in various cancers, along with the molecular targets involved. Curcumin combination treatments were found to enhance anticancer effects, mediated by the multitargeting of several signalling pathways by curcumin and the co-administered cancer therapies. The preclinical and clinical evidence in curcumin combination therapy is critically analysed, and the future research direction of curcumin combination therapy is discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Progress in Health Benefits from Curcumin)

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17 pages, 8863 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Multi-Faceted Effect of Curcumin in Glioblastoma from Rescuing Cell Clearance to Autophagy-Independent Effects

by Larisa Ryskalin, Francesca Biagioni, Carla L. Busceti, Gloria Lazzeri, Alessandro Frati and Francesco Fornai

Molecules 2020, 25(20), 4839; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25204839 - 20 Oct 2020

Cited by 41 | Viewed by 4647

Abstract

The present review focuses on the multi-faceted effects of curcumin on the neurobiology glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), with a special emphasis on autophagy (ATG)-dependent molecular pathways activated by such a natural polyphenol. This is consistent with the effects of curcumin in a variety of [...] Read more.

The present review focuses on the multi-faceted effects of curcumin on the neurobiology glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), with a special emphasis on autophagy (ATG)-dependent molecular pathways activated by such a natural polyphenol. This is consistent with the effects of curcumin in a variety of experimental models of neurodegeneration, where the molecular events partially overlap with GBM. In fact, curcumin broadly affects various signaling pathways, which are similarly affected in cell degeneration and cell differentiation. The antitumoral effects of curcumin include growth inhibition, cell cycle arrest, anti-migration and anti-invasion, as well as chemo- and radio-sensitizing activity. Remarkably, most of these effects rely on mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)-dependent ATG induction. In addition, curcumin targets undifferentiated and highly tumorigenic GBM cancer stem cells (GSCs). When rescuing ATG with curcumin, the tumorigenic feature of GSCs is suppressed, thus counteracting GBM establishment and growth. It is noteworthy that targeting GSCs may also help overcome therapeutic resistance and reduce tumor relapse, which may lead to a significant improvement of GBM prognosis. The present review focuses on the multi-faceted effects of curcumin on GBM neurobiology, which represents an extension to its neuroprotective efficacy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Progress in Health Benefits from Curcumin)

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