Curcumin in Biomedical Applications

A special issue of Pharmaceutics (ISSN 1999-4923). This special issue belongs to the section "Nanomedicine and Nanotechnology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 March 2023) | Viewed by 33178

Special Issue Editors

Department of Animal Biotechnology, Jeju International Animal Research Center (JIA) and Sustainable Agriculture Research Institute (SARI), Jeju National University, Jeju 63243, Republic of Korea
Interests: bioavailability of poorly soluble drugs; nanotechnology; nanomedicine; biotechnology; pharmacology; veterinary medicine; animal science
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Department of Animal Biotechnology, Jeju International Animal Research Center (JIA) and Sustainable Agriculture Research Institute (SARI), Jeju National University, Jeju 63243, Republic of Korea
Interests: nanomedicine; nanocarriers; pharmacology; toxicology; biotechnology; nanotechnology; animal nutrition; animal physiology; immunology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Subtropical Horticulture Research Institute, Jeju National University, Jeju 63243, Korea
Interests: nanomedicine; phytomedicine; genomics; proteomics; pharmacokinetics; characterization of nanoparticles; bioactive functional compounds; cell line culture; animal models

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Curcumin, a hydrophobic and polyphenolic compound extracted from the perennial herb Curcuma long, has been used in biomedical applications. Curcumin has antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects on human and animal health. However, curcumin has some limitations, such as poor water solubility and an unstable chemical structure, rapid metabolization but poor absorption in the body, as well as differing utilization and bioavailability depending on the species and sex of the organism. In this regard, curcumin in the form of a nanoparticle is a widely reported form for enhancing the bioavailability and solubility of lipophilic curcumin. In recent years, some studies have shown the beneficial effects of nanocurcumin over native curcumin in terms of quantity and efficacy. It is also important to know how effectively nanocurcumin can work in biological systems based on pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic tools. For this, different types of carrier vehicles such as lipid nanoparticles and polymeric nanoparticles can be used to increase the bioavailability of curcumin. The utilization of novel formulations of curcumin in medical and veterinary applications may improve the health status of humans as well as the sustainable production of farm animals. In addition, its use might help to minimize the excessive use of antibiotics in biomedical applications.

This Special Issue is intended to focus on research articles and review papers covering recent progress and achievements in curcumin research in both human and animal science.  

Prof. Dr. Taesun Min
Dr. Mohammad Moniruzzaman
Dr. Adhimoolam Karthikeyan
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • curcumin
  • biotechnology
  • pharmacology
  • nanospheres
  • nanocarriers
  • drug delivery
  • human
  • aquatic animal
  • terrestrial animal
  • in vitro study
  • in vivo study

Published Papers (14 papers)

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Research

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14 pages, 2601 KiB  
Article
Fluorinated and N-Acryloyl-Modified 3,5-Di[(E)-benzylidene]piperidin-4-one Curcuminoids for the Treatment of Pancreatic Carcinoma
by Hindole Ghosh, Sangita Bhattacharyya, Rainer Schobert, Prasad Dandawate and Bernhard Biersack
Pharmaceutics 2023, 15(7), 1921; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics15071921 - 11 Jul 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 889
Abstract
Pancreatic carcinoma is a cancer disease with high mortality. Thus, new and efficient treatments for this disease are badly needed. Curcumin has previously shown promising effects in pancreatic cancer patients; however, this natural compound suffers from inadequate efficacy and bioavailability, preventing its clinical [...] Read more.
Pancreatic carcinoma is a cancer disease with high mortality. Thus, new and efficient treatments for this disease are badly needed. Curcumin has previously shown promising effects in pancreatic cancer patients; however, this natural compound suffers from inadequate efficacy and bioavailability, preventing its clinical approval. The synthetic curcuminoid EF24 was developed with activities superior to curcumin against various cancer types. In this study, a series of analogs of EF24 were investigated for anticancer effects on pancreatic carcinoma models. A distinct activity boost was achieved by straightforward N-acrylation of EF24 analogs, in particular, of compounds bearing 3-fluoro-4-methoxybenzylidene, 3,4-difluorobenzylidene, and 4-trifluoromethylbenzylidene moieties, while no improvement was seen for N-acryloyl-modified EF24. Apoptosis induction and suppression of phospho-STAT3 levels were determined, the latter corroborated by docking of active curcuminoids into STAT3. Hence, promising new clues for the development of efficient and superior curcuminoids as valuable treatment options for one of the most lethal cancer diseases were discovered in this study. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Curcumin in Biomedical Applications)
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19 pages, 16421 KiB  
Article
Anti-Oxidant Multi-Functionalized Materials: Strontium-Substituted Monetite and Brushite as Delivery Systems for Curcumin
by Francesca Silingardi, Stefania Pagani, Alessandro Gambardella, Gianluca Giavaresi, Adriana Bigi and Elisa Boanini
Pharmaceutics 2023, 15(5), 1344; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics15051344 - 27 Apr 2023
Viewed by 1244
Abstract
Curcumin has numerous biological activities and pharmaceutical applications related to its ability to inhibit reactive oxygen species. Herein, strontium-substituted monetite (SrDCPA) and strontium-substituted brushite (SrDCPD) were synthesized and further functionalized with curcumin with the aim to develop materials that combine the anti-oxidant properties [...] Read more.
Curcumin has numerous biological activities and pharmaceutical applications related to its ability to inhibit reactive oxygen species. Herein, strontium-substituted monetite (SrDCPA) and strontium-substituted brushite (SrDCPD) were synthesized and further functionalized with curcumin with the aim to develop materials that combine the anti-oxidant properties of the polyphenol, the beneficial role of strontium toward bone tissue, and the bioactivity of calcium phosphates. Adsorption from hydroalcoholic solution increases with time and curcumin concentration, up to about 5–6 wt%, without affecting the crystal structure, morphology, and mechanical response of the substrates. The multi-functionalized substrates exhibit a relevant radical scavenging activity and a sustained release in phosphate buffer. Cell viability, morphology, and expression of the most representative genes were tested for osteoclast seeded in direct contact with the materials and for osteoblast/osteoclast co-cultures. The materials at relatively low curcumin content (2–3 wt%) maintain inhibitory effects on osteoclasts and support the colonization and viability of osteoblasts. The expressions of Alkaline Phosphatase (ALPL), collagen type I alpha 1 chain (COL1A1), and osteocalcin (BGLAP) suggest that curcumin reduces the osteoblast differentiation state but yields encouraging osteoprotegerin/receptor activator for the NFkB factor ligand (OPG/RANKL) ratio. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Curcumin in Biomedical Applications)
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19 pages, 2363 KiB  
Article
Size-Controlled Preparation of Docetaxel- and Curcumin-Loaded Nanoemulsions for Potential Pulmonary Delivery
by Azren Aida Asmawi, Norazlinaliza Salim, Emilia Abdulmalek and Mohd Basyaruddin Abdul Rahman
Pharmaceutics 2023, 15(2), 652; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics15020652 - 15 Feb 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1352
Abstract
Lung cancer is one of the deadliest pulmonary diseases in the world. Although docetaxel (DTX) has exhibited superior efficacy in lung cancer treatment, it has demonstrated numerous adverse effects and poor bioavailability. The natural product extract, curcumin (CCM), has reportedly reduced toxicity and [...] Read more.
Lung cancer is one of the deadliest pulmonary diseases in the world. Although docetaxel (DTX) has exhibited superior efficacy in lung cancer treatment, it has demonstrated numerous adverse effects and poor bioavailability. The natural product extract, curcumin (CCM), has reportedly reduced toxicity and synergistically improved DTX bioavailability. Nonetheless, the hydrophobic nature of DTX and CCM limits their clinical use. Nanoemulsion pulmonary delivery of DTX and CCM has demonstrated potential as a drug carrier to alleviate these drawbacks. The controlled preparation of inhalable DTX- and CCM-loaded nanoemulsions within the 100 to 200 nm range was explored in this study. A response surface methodology (RSM) based on a central composite design (CCD) was utilized to fabricate the desired size of the nanoemulsion under optimized conditions. Different process parameters were employed to control the size of the nanoemulsions procured through a high-energy emulsification technique. The size of the resultant nanoemulsions decreased with increasing energy input. The actual response according to the targeted sizes for DTX- and CCM-loaded nanoemulsion models exhibited excellent agreement with the predicted value at below 5% residual standard error under optimized conditions. The nanoemulsion of 100 nm particle size demonstrated better membrane permeability than their larger counterparts. Moreover, the formulations documented favorable physicochemical and aerodynamic pulmonary delivery properties and reduced toxicity in human lung fibroblast (MRC-5) cells. Hence, this tunable size of nanoemulsions could be a suitable alternative drug delivery for pulmonary diseases with increased local lung concentration. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Curcumin in Biomedical Applications)
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18 pages, 2866 KiB  
Article
Curcumin Attenuates Damage to Rooster Spermatozoa Exposed to Selected Uropathogens
by Eva Tvrdá, Michaela Petrovičová, Filip Benko, Michal Ďuračka, Lucia Galovičová, Tomáš Slanina and Miroslava Kačániová
Pharmaceutics 2023, 15(1), 65; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics15010065 - 26 Dec 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1503
Abstract
Artificial insemination, as an essential pillar of the modern poultry industry, primarily depends on the quality of semen collected from stud roosters. Since the collection and storage of ejaculates is not a sterile process, antimicrobial agents have become essential supplements to semen extenders. [...] Read more.
Artificial insemination, as an essential pillar of the modern poultry industry, primarily depends on the quality of semen collected from stud roosters. Since the collection and storage of ejaculates is not a sterile process, antimicrobial agents have become essential supplements to semen extenders. While the use of traditional antibiotics has been challenged because of rising bacterial resistance, natural biomolecules represent an appealing alternative because of their antibacterial and antioxidant properties. As such, this study strived to compare the effects of 50 μmol/L curcumin (CUR) with 31.2 µg/mL kanamycin (KAN) as a conventional antibiotic on rooster sperm quality in the presence of Salmonella enterica, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Changes in sperm structural integrity and functional activity were monitored at 2 and 24 h of culture. Computer-assisted semen analysis revealed significant sperm motility preservation following treatment with KAN, particularly in the case of Salmonella enterica and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (p < 0.001) after 24 h. On the other hand, CUR was more effective in opposing ROS overproduction by all bacteria (p < 0.05), as determined by luminol-based luminometry, and maintained sperm mitochondrial activity (p < 0.001 in the case of Salmonella enterica; p < 0.05 with respect to Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa), as assessed by the fluorometric JC-1 assay. The TUNEL assay revealed that CUR readily preserved the DNA integrity of rooster sperm exposed to Salmonella enterica (p < 0.01) and Escherichia coli (p < 0.001). The bacteriological analysis showed higher efficiency of KAN in preventing the growth of all selected bacterial species (p < 0.0001) as opposed to CUR. In conclusion, CUR provided protection to rooster spermatozoa against alterations caused by uropathogens, most likely through its antioxidant activity. Hence, CUR supplementation to poultry semen extenders in combination with properly selected antibacterial substances may become an interesting strategy in the management of bacterial contamination during semen storage. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Curcumin in Biomedical Applications)
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21 pages, 4730 KiB  
Article
Photodynamic Therapy with Nebulized Nanocurcumin on A549 Cells, Model Vessels, Macrophages and Beyond
by María Julia Altube, Ezequiel Nicolás Caputo, Martín Nicolás Rivero, María Laura Gutiérrez and Eder Lilia Romero
Pharmaceutics 2022, 14(12), 2637; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics14122637 - 29 Nov 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1492
Abstract
This study aimed to determine the damage mechanisms caused by naturally targeted nanoarchaeosomes made of diether lipids from Halorubrum tebenquichense loaded with curcumin (CUR, nATC), which mediated photodynamic therapy (PDT) on A549 cells and on THP-1-macrophages, two cell types found in airway cancers. [...] Read more.
This study aimed to determine the damage mechanisms caused by naturally targeted nanoarchaeosomes made of diether lipids from Halorubrum tebenquichense loaded with curcumin (CUR, nATC), which mediated photodynamic therapy (PDT) on A549 cells and on THP-1-macrophages, two cell types found in airway cancers. The effect of nATC- PDT on vessels modeled with a chicken embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM), after dropping the formulations on its surface covered with mucins, was also determined. nATCs are known to efficiently trap CUR for at least six months, constituting easy-to-prepare, stable formulations suitable for nebulization. CUR instead, is easily released from carriers such as liposomes made of ordinary phospholipids and cholesterol after a few weeks. Irradiated at 9 J/cm2, nATC (made of archaeolipids: Tween 80: CUR at 1:0.4:0.04 w:w, size 180 ± 40 nm, ζ potential −24 mV, 150 μg CUR/15 mg lipids/mL) was phototoxic (3.7 ± 0.5 μM IC50), on A549 cells after 24 h. The irradiation reduced mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), ATP levels and lysosomal functionalism, and caused early apoptotic death and late necrosis of A549 cells upon 24 h. nATC induced higher extra and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) than free CUR. nATC-PDT impaired the migration of A549 cells in a wound healing assay, reduced the expression of CD204 in THP-1 macrophages, and induced the highest levels of IL-6 and IL-8, suggesting a switch of macrophage phenotype from pro-tumoral M2 to antitumoral M1. Moreover, nATC reduced the matrix metalloproteinases (MMP), −2 and −9 secretion, by A549 cells with independence of irradiation. Finally, remarkably, upon irradiation at 9 J/cm2 on the superficial vasculature of a CAM covered with mucins, nATC caused the vessels to collapse after 8 h, with no harm on non-irradiated zones. Overall, these results suggest that nebulized nATC blue light-mediated PDT may be selectively deleterious on superficial tumors submerged under a thick mucin layer. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Curcumin in Biomedical Applications)
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21 pages, 2669 KiB  
Article
Multivariate Data Analysis and Central Composite Design-Oriented Optimization of Solid Carriers for Formulation of Curcumin-Loaded Solid SNEDDS: Dissolution and Bioavailability Assessment
by Leander Corrie, Jaskiran Kaur, Ankit Awasthi, Sukriti Vishwas, Monica Gulati, Sumant Saini, Bimlesh Kumar, Narendra Kumar Pandey, Gaurav Gupta, Harish Dureja, Dinesh Kumar Chellapan, Kamal Dua, Devesh Tewari and Sachin Kumar Singh
Pharmaceutics 2022, 14(11), 2395; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics14112395 - 06 Nov 2022
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2093
Abstract
The study was initiated with two major purposes: investigating the role of isomalt (GIQ9) as a pharmaceutical carrier for solid self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery systems (S-SNEDDSs) and improving the oral bioavailability of lipophilic curcumin (CUN). GIQ9 has never been explored for solidification of liquid [...] Read more.
The study was initiated with two major purposes: investigating the role of isomalt (GIQ9) as a pharmaceutical carrier for solid self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery systems (S-SNEDDSs) and improving the oral bioavailability of lipophilic curcumin (CUN). GIQ9 has never been explored for solidification of liquid lipid-based nanoparticles such as a liquid isotropic mixture of a SNEDDS containing oil, surfactant and co-surfactant. The suitability of GIQ9 as a carrier was assessed by calculating the loading factor, flow and micromeritic properties. The S-SNEDDSs were prepared by surface adsorption technique. The formulation variables were optimized using central composite design (CCD). The optimized S-SNEDDS was evaluated for differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), microscopy, dissolution and pharmacokinetic studies. The S-SNEDDS showed a particle size, zeta potential and PDI of 97 nm, −26.8 mV and 0.354, respectively. The results of DSC, XRD, FTIR and microscopic studies revealed that the isotropic mixture was adsorbed onto the solid carrier. The L-SNEDDS and S-SNEDDS showed no significant difference in drug release, indicating no change upon solidification. The optimized S-SNEDDS showed 5.1-fold and 61.7-fold enhancement in dissolution rate and oral bioavailability as compared to the naïve curcumin. The overall outcomes of the study indicated the suitability of GIQ9 as a solid carrier for SNEDDSs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Curcumin in Biomedical Applications)
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16 pages, 3980 KiB  
Article
Modulation of the mTOR Pathway by Curcumin in the Heart of Septic Mice
by Bruna A. C. Rattis, Henrique L. Piva, Andressa Duarte, Frederico G. F. L. R. Gomes, Janaína R. Lellis, Danilo F. Soave, Simone G. Ramos, Antonio C. Tedesco and Mara R. N. Celes
Pharmaceutics 2022, 14(11), 2277; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics14112277 - 24 Oct 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1132
Abstract
mTOR is a signaling pathway involved in cell survival, cell stress response, and protein synthesis that may be a key point in sepsis-induced cardiac dysfunction. Curcumin has been reported in vitro as an mTOR inhibitor compound; however, there are no studies demonstrating this [...] Read more.
mTOR is a signaling pathway involved in cell survival, cell stress response, and protein synthesis that may be a key point in sepsis-induced cardiac dysfunction. Curcumin has been reported in vitro as an mTOR inhibitor compound; however, there are no studies demonstrating this effect in experimental sepsis. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the action of curcumin on the mTOR pathway in the heart of septic mice. Free curcumin (FC) and nanocurcumin (NC) were used, and samples were obtained at 24 and 120 h after sepsis. Histopathological and ultrastructural analysis showed that treatments with FC and NC reduced cardiac lesions caused by sepsis. Our main results demonstrated that curcumin reduced mTORC1 and Raptor mRNA at 24 and 120 h compared with the septic group; in contrast, mTORC2 mRNA increased at 24 h. Additionally, the total mTOR mRNA expression was reduced at 24 h compared with the septic group. Our results indicate that treatment with curcumin and nanocurcumin promoted a cardioprotective response that could be related to the modulation of the mTOR pathway. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Curcumin in Biomedical Applications)
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20 pages, 5175 KiB  
Article
Formulated Curcumin Prevents Paclitaxel-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy through Reduction in Neuroinflammation by Modulation of α7 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors
by Martial Caillaud, Danielle Thompson, Wisam Toma, Alyssa White, Jared Mann, Jane L. Roberts, John W. Bigbee, David A. Gewirtz and M. Imad Damaj
Pharmaceutics 2022, 14(6), 1296; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics14061296 - 17 Jun 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2398
Abstract
Paclitaxel is widely used in the treatment of various types of solid malignancies. Paclitaxel-induced peripheral neuropathy (PIPN) is often characterized by burning pain, cold, and mechanical allodynia in patients. Currently, specific pharmacological treatments against PIPN are lacking. Curcumin, a polyphenol of Curcuma longa, [...] Read more.
Paclitaxel is widely used in the treatment of various types of solid malignancies. Paclitaxel-induced peripheral neuropathy (PIPN) is often characterized by burning pain, cold, and mechanical allodynia in patients. Currently, specific pharmacological treatments against PIPN are lacking. Curcumin, a polyphenol of Curcuma longa, shows antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects and has recently shown efficacy in the mitigation of various peripheral neuropathies. Here, we tested, for the first time, the therapeutic effect of 1.5% dietary curcumin and Meriva (a lecithin formulation of curcumin) in preventing the development of PIPN in C57BL/6J mice. Curcumin or Meriva treatment was initiated one week before injection of paclitaxel and continued throughout the study (21 days). Mechanical and cold sensitivity as well as locomotion/motivation were tested by the von Frey, acetone, and wheel-running tests, respectively. Additionally, sensory-nerve-action-potential (SNAP) amplitude by caudal-nerve electrical stimulation, electronic microscopy of the sciatic nerve, and inflammatory-protein quantification in DRG and the spinal cord were measured. Interestingly, a higher concentration of curcumin was observed in the spinal cord with the Meriva diet than the curcumin diet. Our results showed that paclitaxel-induced mechanical hypersensitivity was partially prevented by the curcumin diet but completely prevented by Meriva. Both the urcumin diet and the Meriva diet completely prevented cold hypersensitivity, the reduction in SNAP amplitude and reduced mitochondrial pathology in sciatic nerves observed in paclitaxel-treated mice. Paclitaxel-induced inflammation in the spinal cord was also prevented by the Meriva diet. In addition, an increase in α7 nAChRs mRNA, known for its anti-inflammatory effects, was also observed in the spinal cord with the Meriva diet in paclitaxel-treated mice. The use of the α7 nAChR antagonist and α7 nAChR KO mice showed, for the first time in vivo, that the anti-inflammatory effects of curcumin in peripheral neuropathy were mediated by these receptors. The results presented in this study represent an important advance in the understanding of the mechanism of action of curcumin in vivo. Taken together, our results show the therapeutic potential of curcumin in preventing the development of PIPN and further confirms the role of α7 nAChRs in the anti-inflammatory effects of curcumin. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Curcumin in Biomedical Applications)
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21 pages, 4697 KiB  
Article
Transdermal Permeation Assays of Curcumin Aided by CAGE-IL: In Vivo Control of Psoriasis
by Rodrigo Boscariol, Érika A. Caetano, Denise Grotto, Raquel M. Rosa-Castro, José M. Oliveira Junior, Marta M. D. C. Vila and Victor M. Balcão
Pharmaceutics 2022, 14(4), 779; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics14040779 - 02 Apr 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2587
Abstract
Psoriasis is a clinically heterogeneous skin disease with an important genetic component, whose pathophysiology is not yet fully understood and for which there is still no cure. Hence, alternative therapies have been evaluated, using plant species such as turmeric (Curcuma longa Linn.) [...] Read more.
Psoriasis is a clinically heterogeneous skin disease with an important genetic component, whose pathophysiology is not yet fully understood and for which there is still no cure. Hence, alternative therapies have been evaluated, using plant species such as turmeric (Curcuma longa Linn.) in topical preparations. However, the stratum corneum is a barrier to be overcome, and ionic liquids have emerged as potential substances that promote skin permeation. Thus, the main objective of this research was to evaluate a biopolysaccharide hydrogel formulation integrating curcumin with choline and geranic acid ionic liquid (CAGE-IL) as a facilitator of skin transdermal permeation, in the treatment of chemically induced psoriasis in mice. The developed gel containing curcumin and CAGE-IL showed a high potential for applications in the treatment of psoriasis, reversing the histological manifestations of psoriasis to a state very close to that of normal skin. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Curcumin in Biomedical Applications)
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Review

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29 pages, 3559 KiB  
Review
Applications of Curcumin and Its Nanoforms in the Treatment of Cancer
by Deepa Mundekkad and William C. Cho
Pharmaceutics 2023, 15(9), 2223; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics15092223 - 29 Aug 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2380
Abstract
Due to the diverse medicinal and pharmacokinetic properties of turmeric, it is well-known in the therapeutic, pharmaceutic, nutraceutical, cosmetic, and dietary industries. It gained importance due to its multitude of properties, such as wound-healing, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-microbial, cytoprotective, anti-aging, anti-cancer, and immunomodulatory effects. [...] Read more.
Due to the diverse medicinal and pharmacokinetic properties of turmeric, it is well-known in the therapeutic, pharmaceutic, nutraceutical, cosmetic, and dietary industries. It gained importance due to its multitude of properties, such as wound-healing, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-microbial, cytoprotective, anti-aging, anti-cancer, and immunomodulatory effects. Even though the natural healing effect of turmeric has been known to Indians as early as 2500 BCE, the global demand for turmeric has increased only recently. A major reason for the beneficiary activities of turmeric is the presence of the yellow-colored polyphenolic compound called curcumin. Many studies have been carried out on the various properties of curcumin and its derivatives. Despite its low bioavailability, curcumin has been effectively used for the treatment of many diseases, such as cardiovascular and neurological diseases, diabetes, arthritis, and cancer. The advent of nanobiotechnology has further opened wide opportunities to explore and expand the use of curcumin in the medical field. Nanoformulations using curcumin and its derivatives helped to design new treatment modalities, specifically in cancer, because of the better bioavailability and solubility of nanocurcumin when compared to natural curcumin. This review deals with the various applications of curcumin nanoparticles in cancer therapy and broadly tries to understand how it affect the immunological status of the cancer cell. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Curcumin in Biomedical Applications)
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31 pages, 1736 KiB  
Review
Curcuminoids as Anticancer Drugs: Pleiotropic Effects, Potential for Metabolic Reprogramming and Prospects for the Future
by Daniel L. Pouliquen, Koraljka Gall Trošelj and Ruby John Anto
Pharmaceutics 2023, 15(6), 1612; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics15061612 - 29 May 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1362
Abstract
The number of published studies on curcuminoids in cancer research, including its lead molecule curcumin and synthetic analogs, has been increasing substantially during the past two decades. Insights on the diversity of inhibitory effects they have produced on a multitude of pathways involved [...] Read more.
The number of published studies on curcuminoids in cancer research, including its lead molecule curcumin and synthetic analogs, has been increasing substantially during the past two decades. Insights on the diversity of inhibitory effects they have produced on a multitude of pathways involved in carcinogenesis and tumor progression have been provided. As this wealth of data was obtained in settings of various experimental and clinical data, this review first aimed at presenting a chronology of discoveries and an update on their complex in vivo effects. Secondly, there are many interesting questions linked to their pleiotropic effects. One of them, a growing research topic, relates to their ability to modulate metabolic reprogramming. This review will also cover the use of curcuminoids as chemosensitizing molecules that can be combined with several anticancer drugs to reverse the phenomenon of multidrug resistance. Finally, current investigations in these three complementary research fields raise several important questions that will be put among the prospects for the future research related to the importance of these molecules in cancer research. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Curcumin in Biomedical Applications)
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24 pages, 1658 KiB  
Review
Wound-Healing Effects of Curcumin and Its Nanoformulations: A Comprehensive Review
by Amrita Kumari, Neha Raina, Abhishek Wahi, Khang Wen Goh, Pratibha Sharma, Riya Nagpal, Atul Jain, Long Chiau Ming and Madhu Gupta
Pharmaceutics 2022, 14(11), 2288; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics14112288 - 25 Oct 2022
Cited by 33 | Viewed by 4386
Abstract
Wound healing is an intricate process of tissue repair or remodeling that occurs in response to injury. Plants and plant-derived bioactive constituents are well explored in the treatment of various types of wounds. Curcumin is a natural polyphenolic substance that has been used [...] Read more.
Wound healing is an intricate process of tissue repair or remodeling that occurs in response to injury. Plants and plant-derived bioactive constituents are well explored in the treatment of various types of wounds. Curcumin is a natural polyphenolic substance that has been used since ancient times in Ayurveda for its healing properties, as it reduces inflammation and acts on several healing stages. Several research studies for curcumin delivery at the wound site reported the effectiveness of curcumin in eradicating reactive oxygen species and its ability to enhance the deposition of collagen, granulation tissue formation, and finally, expedite wound contraction. Curcumin has been widely investigated for its wound healing potential but its lower solubility and rapid metabolism, in addition to its shorter plasma half-life, have limited its applications in wound healing. As nanotechnology has proven to be an effective technique to accelerate wound healing by stimulating appropriate mobility through various healing phases, curcumin-loaded nanocarriers are used for targeted delivery at the wound sites. This review highlights the potential of curcumin and its nanoformulations, such as liposomes, nanoparticles, and nano-emulsions, etc. in wound healing. This paper emphasizes the numerous biomedical applications of curcumin which collectively prepare a base for its antibiofilm and wound-healing action. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Curcumin in Biomedical Applications)
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33 pages, 2895 KiB  
Review
Biomedical Applications and Bioavailability of Curcumin—An Updated Overview
by Soo-In Sohn, Arumugam Priya, Boopathi Balasubramaniam, Pandiyan Muthuramalingam, Chandran Sivasankar, Anthonymuthu Selvaraj, Alaguvel Valliammai, Ravi Jothi and Subramani Pandian
Pharmaceutics 2021, 13(12), 2102; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics13122102 - 07 Dec 2021
Cited by 73 | Viewed by 5678
Abstract
Curcumin, a yellow-colored molecule derived from the rhizome of Curcuma longa, has been identified as the bioactive compound responsible for numerous pharmacological activities of turmeric, including anticancer, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antidiabetic, etc. Nevertheless, the clinical application of curcumin is inadequate due to [...] Read more.
Curcumin, a yellow-colored molecule derived from the rhizome of Curcuma longa, has been identified as the bioactive compound responsible for numerous pharmacological activities of turmeric, including anticancer, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antidiabetic, etc. Nevertheless, the clinical application of curcumin is inadequate due to its low solubility, poor absorption, rapid metabolism and elimination. Advancements in recent research have shown several components and techniques to increase the bioavailability of curcumin. Combining with adjuvants, encapsulating in carriers and formulating in nanoforms, in combination with other bioactive agents, synthetic derivatives and structural analogs of curcumin, have shown increased efficiency and bioavailability, thereby augmenting the range of applications of curcumin. The scope for incorporating biotechnology and nanotechnology in amending the current drawbacks would help in expanding the biomedical applications and clinical efficacy of curcumin. Therefore, in this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the plethora of therapeutic potentials of curcumin, their drawbacks in efficient clinical applications and the recent advancements in improving curcumin’s bioavailability for effective use in various biomedical applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Curcumin in Biomedical Applications)
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Other

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14 pages, 941 KiB  
Systematic Review
Exploring the Contribution of Curcumin to Cancer Therapy: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials
by Chiara de Waure, Carlotta Bertola, Gaia Baccarini, Manuela Chiavarini and Cesare Mancuso
Pharmaceutics 2023, 15(4), 1275; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics15041275 - 19 Apr 2023
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2151
Abstract
Although the anticancer role of curcumin has been extensively addressed in preclinical research, only a few studies were carried out in humans, with conflicting results. The aim of this systematic review is to collate together the results of the therapeutic effect of curcumin [...] Read more.
Although the anticancer role of curcumin has been extensively addressed in preclinical research, only a few studies were carried out in humans, with conflicting results. The aim of this systematic review is to collate together the results of the therapeutic effect of curcumin in cancer patients. A literature search was carried out in Pubmed, Scopus, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials up to 29 January 2023. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) designed to evaluate the effects of curcumin on cancer progression, patient survival, or surgical/histological response were included. Seven out of 114 articles, published between 2016 and 2022, were analyzed. They evaluated patients with locally advanced and/or metastatic prostate, colorectal, and breast cancers, as well as multiple myeloma and oral leucoplakia. Curcumin was given as an add-on therapy in five studies. Cancer response was the most investigated primary endpoint and curcumin issued some positive results. On the contrary, curcumin was ineffective in improving overall or progression-free survival. The curcumin safety profile was favorable. In conclusion, available clinical evidence is not strong enough to support the therapeutic use of curcumin in cancer. New RCTs exploring the effects of different curcumin formulations in early-stage cancers would be welcome. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Curcumin in Biomedical Applications)
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