Recent updates on clinical developments of curcumin and its derivatives

Abstract

Curcumin, a natural polyphenol, derived from Curcuma longa L. is extensively studied by various researchers across the globe and has established its immense potential in the management of several disorders at clinical level. The underlying mechanism of curcumin involves regulation of various molecular targets, namely, inflammatory cytokines, transcription factor, apoptotic genes, growth factors, oxidative stress biomarkers, and protein kinases. In clinical trials, curcumin as an adjuvant has significantly boost‐up the efficacy of many proven drugs in the management of arthritis, neurodegenerative disorder, oral infection, and gastrointestinal disorders. Moreover, clinical studies have suggested curcumin as an appropriate candidate for the prevention and/or management of various cancers via regulation of signaling molecules including NF‐kB, cytokines, C‐reactive protein, prostaglandin E2, Nrf2, HO‐1, ALT, AST, kinases, and blood profiles. This article highlights plethora of clinical trials that have been conducted on curcumin and its derivatives in the management of several ailments. Besides, it provides recent updates to the investigators for conducting future research to fulfill the current gaps to expedite the curcumin utility in clinical subjects bearing different pathological states.

Curcumin@Fe/Tannic Acid Complex Nanoparticles for Inflammatory Bowel Disease Treatment

“…Curcumin (Cur) is a natural nontoxic drug that is increasingly used to treat IBD owing to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. − Cur inhibits major inflammatory mechanisms, such as cyclooxygenase 2, lipoxygenase, tumor necrosis factor α, interferon γ, and nuclear factor κB expression, − and has been shown to regulate intestinal flora . However, the efficacy and clinical use of Cur are hindered by its insolubility in water, low accumulation at inflammation sites after oral administration, and short retention time. − To overcome these limitations, we constructed a nanodrug delivery system by wrapping Cur with a metal–polyphenol network.…”

Association between serum alanine transaminase/aspartate aminotransferase (ALT/AST) ratio and cognitive impairment in US older adults

“…In healthy young adults, these enzymes have approximate half-lives of 18 hours for ALT and 36 hours for AST [28,29]. While transaminases are commonly considered as liver function tests, it is noteworthy that in addition to the liver, AST is also produced in other tissues such as the heart and muscles [30][31][32]. Traditionally, serum ALT activity has been utilized as an in ammatory marker to evaluate liver injury associated with various factors like hepatitis, tumors, liver cirrhosis, and alcohol consumption [33][34][35][36].…”