Application of Functional Biocompatible Nanomaterials to Improve Curcumin Bioavailability

Abstract

Curcumin is a lipophilic natural product extracted from turmeric and commonly used as a dietary spice. Being multi-functional, curcumin has been proposed in the prevention and treatment of a broad spectrum of diseases. However, due to unsatisfactory aqueous solubility and hence low bioavailability, clinical application of curcumin has been greatly restrained. To break these limitations, biocompatible nanoformulation, such as liposomes, nanoparticles, micelles, nanoemulsions and conjugates has been employed as alternatives to improve in vivo delivery of curcumin. In this scenario, in order to enhance bioavailability of curcumin, the choice of effective molecules as facilitators is of prominence. In this review, we focus on functional biocompatible materials, including polymers, protein molecules, polysaccharide, surface stabilizers and phospholipid complexes, and decipher their potential applications as how they assist to promote medicinal performance of curcumin.

Experimental and clinical reports on anti‐inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory effects ofCurcuma longaand curcumin, an updated and comprehensive review

“…258 The functional biocompatible materials, including polymers, protein molecules, polysaccharides, surface stabilizers, and phospholipid complexes, have been utilized to enhance the intestinal absorption of CUR and increase the bioavailability of this agent. 259,260 CUR can modulate the activity of several transcription factors (e.g., STAT, NF-κB, AP-1) and their pro-inflammatory molecular signaling pathways. However, normal CUR preparations demonstrate low bioavailability in vivo.…”

Improving the Stability and Curcumin Retention Rate of Curcumin-Loaded Filled Hydrogel Prepared Using 4αGTase-Treated Rice Starch

“…Various systems, including emulsions, nanoemulsions, nanoparticles, liposomes, micelles, conjugates, molecular complexes, solid dispersions, and nanogels, have been studied to improve the solubility, stability and bioavailability of curcumin [ 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 ]. In particular, encapsulation within emulsion-based delivery systems, which are composed of oil droplets surrounded by an emulsifier dispersed within an aqueous phase, has been widely investigated to release curcumin at a desirable site of action or in accordance with a particular external stimulus, and to enhance its bioavailability [ 4 , 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 ].…”

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

“…Since NLRP3-dependent pyroptosis has been reported to be involved in the progression of neurodegenerative diseases, this result suggests that curcumin may be useful as pharmacological strategy for neurodegenerative diseases. Further studies are needed for better understanding of curcumin’s promising effects in preventing the neuronal loss and cognition-decline related to aging [ 96 ].…”