Curcumin-loaded nanostructured systems for treatment of leishmaniasis: a review

Abstract

Leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical disease that has affected more than 350 million people worldwide and can manifest itself in three different forms: cutaneous, mucocutaneous, or visceral. Furthermore, the current treatment options have drawbacks which compromise efficacy and patient compliance. To face this global health concern, new alternatives for the treatment of leishmaniasis have been explored. Curcumin, a polyphenol obtained from the rhizome of turmeric, exhibits leishmanicidal activity against different species of Leishmania spp. Although its mechanism of action has not yet been fully elucidated, its leishmanicidal potential may be associated with its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. However, it has limitations that compromise its clinical use. Conversely, nanotechnology has been used as a tool for solving biopharmaceutical challenges associated with drugs, such as curcumin. From a drug delivery standpoint, nanocarriers (1–1000 nm) can improve stability, increase solubility, promote intracellular delivery, and increase biological activity. Thus, this review offers a deep look into curcumin-loaded nanocarriers intended for the treatment of leishmaniasis.

Mitochondrial Reactive Oxygen Species in Infection and Immunity

“…Apart from that, another advantage of using nanoparticles would be that they are equal in size or could be made to be a similar size which could be easily taken up by the organs and tissues; immune responses are triggered because these are recognized as foreign particles by the immune system and may form the basis of future vaccine designs [ 195 ]. For instance, curcumin-loaded nanostructures have been reported to exhibit leishmanicidal effects [ 196 ]. Apart from these, as previously discussed, the inhibitors of respiratory chain complexes or the sites for the release of electrons could be potential therapeutic targets.…”

When nanomedicines meet tropical diseases

“…The selectivity index for intracellular amastigotes was more than 240 times higher compared to that of current prescribed drugs to treat the disease, making SPIONs strong candidates for a new therapeutic approach against leishmaniasis [ 4 ]. Dourado and collaborators, who showed the therapeutic potential of curcumin-loaded nanocarriers, have also focused their review on these vector-borne NTDs [ 5 ].…”