Curcumin: Biological, Pharmaceutical, Nutraceutical, and Analytical Aspects

Abstract

Turmeric is a curry spice that originated from India, which has attracted great interest in recent decades because it contains bioactive curcuminoids (curcumin, demethoxycurcumin, and bisdemethoxycurcumin). Curcumin (1,7-bis-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-hepta-1,6-diene-3,5-dione), a lipophilic polyphenol may work as an anticancer, antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging agent as suggested by several in vitro, in vivo studies and clinical trials. However, poor aqueous solubility, bioavailability, and pharmacokinetic profiles limit curcumin’s therapeutic usage. To address these issues, several curcumin formulations have been developed. However, suboptimal sample preparation and analysis methodologies often hamper the accurate evaluation of bioactivities and their clinical efficacy. This review summarizes recent research on biological, pharmaceutical, and analytical aspects of the curcumin. Various formulation techniques and corresponding clinical trials and in vivo outcomes are discussed. A detailed comparison of different sample preparation (ultrasonic, pressurized liquid extraction, microwave, reflux) and analytical (FT-IR, FT-NIR, FT-Raman, UV, NMR, HPTLC, HPLC, and LC-MS/MS) methodologies used for the extraction and quantification of curcuminoids in different matrices, is presented. Application of optimal sample preparation, chromatographic separation, and detection methodologies will significantly improve the assessment of different formulations and biological activities of curcuminoids.

Curcumin and Endometriosis

“…Curcumin is the active compound of turmeric or Curcuma longa L. and presents a surprising wide range of beneficial properties, such as anti-cancer features [81]. Curcumin presents some therapeutically potential roles as anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer and anti-aging [82]. In 1815, curcumin has been isolated by Vogel and Pelletier from the rhizomes of C. longa [83].…”

Fabrication of Anti-HSV-1 Curcumin Stabilized Nanostructured Proniosomal Gel: Molecular Docking Studies on Thymidine Kinase Proteins

“…Over the past couple of decades, there has been a growing fascination with functional foods and their perceived health benefits. Such intrigue is advocated by the fact that such natural supplements are discerned as being safer and less toxic compared to synthesized drugs [5]. An abundance of phytochemicals has exhibited promising antiviral activities [6].…”

An Overview of Crucial Dietary Substances and Their Modes of Action for Prevention of Neurodegenerative Diseases

“…The anti-AD effects of curcumin have been demonstrated in several murine and rat models of AD, and it thus warrants further research and clinical studies of its use as a dietary supplement for prevention and treatment of AD [35][36][37]. However, while curcumin appears to have potential clinical benefits, its relatively low bioavailability has already been highlighted by several authors [38][39][40][41].…”