Novel Therapeutic Delivery of Nanocurcumin in Central Nervous System Related Disorders

Abstract

Nutraceuticals represent complementary or alternative beneficial products to the expensive and high-tech therapeutic tools in modern medicine. Nowadays, their medical or health benefits in preventing or treating different types of diseases is widely accepted, due to fewer side effects than synthetic drugs, improved bioavailability and long half-life. Among herbal and natural compounds, curcumin is a very attractive herbal supplement considering its multipurpose properties. The potential effects of curcumin on glia cells and its therapeutic and protective properties in central nervous system (CNS)-related disorders is relevant. However, curcumin is unstable and easily degraded or metabolized into other forms posing limits to its clinical development. This is particularly important in brain pathologies determined blood brain barrier (BBB) obstacle. To enhance the stability and bioavailability of curcumin, many studies focused on the design and development of curcumin nanodelivery systems (nanoparticles, micelles, dendrimers, and diverse nanocarriers). These nanoconstructs can increase curcumin stability, solubility, in vivo uptake, bioactivity and safety. Recently, several studies have reported on a curcumin exosome-based delivery system, showing great therapeutical potential. The present work aims to review the current available data in improving bioactivity of curcumin in treatment or prevention of neurological disorders.

The Multifaceted Role of Curcumin in Advanced Nanocurcumin Form in the Treatment and Management of Chronic Disorders

“…Even though various methods for crossing the BBB have been developed, significant issues still make brain drug delivery problematic. The use of customized nanocarriers to preserve drugs while allowing them to pass across the BBB appears to be a successful approach [ 68 ].…”

Curcumin Nanoparticles as Promising Therapeutic Agents for Drug Targets

“…Moreover, it was also found that the expression of Apolipoprotein J or clusterin was decreased, thereby reducing the severity of the disease. Various types of curcumin nanocarriers, which include dendrimers, nanoparticle conjugates, micelles, and bio-based nanomaterials and their associated properties such as solubility, stability, etc., were studied in [ 59 ]. It was investigated that the nanocurcumin drug delivery system could actually lead to improved efficiency in the diseases related to CNS.…”

Nanonutraceuticals Delivery

“…These products increase the functionality or bioavailability of nutrients, showing beneficial effects on human health by preventing the onset of several pathologies, including cancer and several cardiovascular and neurodegenerative disorders. However, 70% of compounds with possible usage as nutraceuticals have poor aqueous solubility leading to difficulty crossing cell membranes [ 7 ]. This problem is addressed by using different formulation approaches such as particle size reduction (nano-sizing) and the use of the amorphous form and lipid-based drug delivery systems, albeit with specific drawbacks that must always be taken into consideration.…”

“…The authors discuss the most recent approaches of nanotechnology to overcome the poor bioavailability of nutraceuticals, highlighting the pros and cons of several nanodelivery systems. Nutraceuticals include dietary supplements and functional foods [ 4 ] that give benefit to human health by positively affecting the immune system and strengthening it in these turbulent days of the COVID-19 pandemic [ 7 ]. The body’s immune responses to nanonutraceuticals are discussed in relation to vitamins (C, D, E, B12, folic acid), minerals (Zn, Fe, Se), antioxidants (carotenoids, coenzyme Q10, polyphenols, curcumin, omega-3 fatty acids), and probiotics [ 15 ].…”

“…The body’s immune responses to nanonutraceuticals are discussed in relation to vitamins (C, D, E, B12, folic acid), minerals (Zn, Fe, Se), antioxidants (carotenoids, coenzyme Q10, polyphenols, curcumin, omega-3 fatty acids), and probiotics [ 15 ]. In particular, Panzarini et al [ 7 ] discuss the potential effect of curcumin on glia cells and its therapeutic and protective role in central-nervous-system-related disorders. The curcumin nanoconstruct can increase curcumin stability and solubility, in vivo uptake and allows it to overcome the blood-brain barrier (BBB) obstacle, which is particularly important in the presence of brain pathologies.…”