Curcuma Longa, the “Golden Spice” to Counteract Neuroinflammaging and Cognitive Decline—What Have We Learned and What Needs to Be Done

Abstract

Due to the global increase in lifespan, the proportion of people showing cognitive impairment is expected to grow exponentially. As target-specific drugs capable of tackling dementia are lagging behind, the focus of preclinical and clinical research has recently shifted towards natural products. Curcumin, one of the best investigated botanical constituents in the biomedical literature, has been receiving increased interest due to its unique molecular structure, which targets inflammatory and antioxidant pathways. These pathways have been shown to be critical for neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease and more in general for cognitive decline. Despite the substantial preclinical literature on the potential biomedical effects of curcumin, its relatively low bioavailability, poor water solubility and rapid metabolism/excretion have hampered clinical trials, resulting in mixed and inconclusive findings. In this review, we highlight current knowledge on the potential effects of this natural compound on cognition. Furthermore, we focus on new strategies to overcome current limitations in its use and improve its efficacy, with attention also on gender-driven differences.

Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Other Lifestyle Factors in the Prevention of Cognitive Decline and Dementia

“…A number of experimental studies have shown the potent anti-oxidant and antiinflammatory properties of curcumin and its protective effects against AD in animal models [229], while few RCTs and case reports are available [230][231][232][233][234]. A study involving thirty-four AD patients receiving either 1 or 4 g/d of curcumin or placebo for six months found no significant effects in MMSE [230].…”

“…Turmeric supplements generally have low bioavailability, which is why new formulations have been proposed, such as polymeric micelles, polymer nanoparticles, nanogels, dendrimers, nanoemulsions, inclusion complexes, phytosomes, solid-lipid nanoparticles, curcumin nanoparticles, liposomes nanoparticles, liposomes, micelles, nanogel, dendrimers, nanoemulsions, inclusion complexes, and phytosomes with potential to reduce intestinal degradation and increase curcumin bioavailability, ultimately enhancing its efficacy throughout the body and the brain [229].…”

Curcumin: A Promising Tool to Develop Preventive and Therapeutic Strategies against Non-Communicable Diseases, Still Requiring Verification by Sound Clinical Trials

“…Metabolic dysfunction that is associated with oxidative stress and inflammation may greatly accelerate the onset and worsen the progression of cognitive dysfunctions by promoting brain ageing and reducing lifespan. Berry et al [ 5 ] integrate current knowledge on the mechanisms underlying cognitive decline, highlighting the potential role of curcumin in this highly disabling and prevalent condition in the aging population which greatly affects physical health and quality of life. Natural antioxidant agents such as curcumin have pleiotropic protective effects and appear ideal to prevent or treat conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease or cognitive decline, whose origin is multifactorial.…”

Curcumin Derivative MTH-3 Regulates Palmitate-induced Insulin Resistance in Mouse Myoblast C2C12Cells

“…Curcumin, a constituent compound of Curcuma longa plants, has various pharmacological properties, including anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-cancer, and anti-diabetic properties (47,48). A clinical study showed that curcumin was safe even at doses of up to 8 g per day (20).…”