Emerging Trends in Topical Delivery of Curcumin Through Lipid Nanocarriers: Effectiveness in Skin Disorders

Abstract

Curcumin is a unique molecule naturally obtained from rhizomes of Curcuma longa. Curcumin has been reported to act on diverse molecular targets like receptors, enzymes, and co-factors; regulate different cellular signaling pathways; and modulate gene expression. It suppresses expression of main inflammatory mediators like interleukins, tumor necrosis factor, and nuclear factor κB which are involved in the regulation of genes causing inflammation in most skin disorders. The topical delivery of curcumin seems to be more advantageous in providing a localized effect in skin diseases. However, its low aqueous solubility, poor skin permeation, and degradation hinder its application for commercial use despite its enormous potential. Lipid-based nanocarrier systems including liposomes, niosomes, solid lipid nanoparticles, nanostructured lipid carriers, lyotropic liquid crystal nanoparticles, lipospheres, and lipid nanocapsules have found potential as carriers to overcome the issues associated with conventional topical dosage forms. Nano-size, lipophilic nature, viscoelastic properties, and occlusive effect of lipid nanocarriers provide high drug loading, hydration of skin, stability, enhanced permeation through the stratum corneum, and slow release of curcumin in the targeted skin layers. This review particularly focuses on the application of lipid nanocarriers for the topical delivery of curcumin in the treatment of various skin diseases. Furthermore, preclinical studies and patents have also indicated the emerging commercialization potential of curcumin-loaded lipid nanocarriers for effective drug delivery in skin disorders.

Dermatological effects of Curcuma species: a systematic review

“…Topical delivery of curcumin seems to be more effective in acting on localized skin diseases. However, its low aqueous solubility, poor skin penetration and rapid degradation is still an issue for its commercial use despite its vast potential 4 …”

“…Some authors have shown that C. longa and its derivatives (mainly curcumin) are involved in the constriction and dilation of peripheral arterioles and may prevent facial redness such as rosacea, flushing and photodamage. In the skin, these compounds also exhibit anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant activities and wound‐healing properties 3–5 …”

Potential herbal constituents for psoriasis treatment as protective and effective therapy

“…Curcumin inhibited the proliferation of psoriasiform cells by down‐regulation of cytokines like IL‐6, IL‐17, INF‐γ, and TNF‐α. It enhanced the skin barrier function by up‐regulating filaggrin and involucrin (Varma et al, 2017; Waghule et al, 2020).…”

Exploitation of traditional healing properties, using the nanotechnology’s advantages: The case of curcumin

“…that belongs to the ginger family or Zingiberaceae [ 3 ]. The rhizomes of this plant provide a spice known as Turmeric that is also characterized as the “Golden Spice”, the “Indian Saffron” or the “Herb of the Sun” because of its orange-yellow color [ 4 , 5 ]. Centuries of use as flavoring agent, beauty product, dye, and for medicinal purposes have established its safety and benefits [ 6 , 4 ].…”

“…The rhizomes of this plant provide a spice known as Turmeric that is also characterized as the “Golden Spice”, the “Indian Saffron” or the “Herb of the Sun” because of its orange-yellow color [ 4 , 5 ]. Centuries of use as flavoring agent, beauty product, dye, and for medicinal purposes have established its safety and benefits [ 6 , 4 ]. Its first appearance was probably recorded in China by 700 ad and its fame traveled west reaching East Africa by 800 ad , West Africa by 1200 ad , and Jamaica in the 18th century.…”