Review: The Chemistry, Toxicity and Antibacterial Activity of Curcumin and Its Analogues

Abstract

Antimicrobial resistance is a global challenge that is already exacting a heavy price both in terms of human health and financial cost. Novel ways of approaching this crisis include the investigation of natural products. Curcumin is the major constituent in turmeric, and it is commonly used in the preparation of Asian cuisine. In addition, it possesses a wide range of pharmacological properties. This review provides a detailed account of curcumin and its analogues’ antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative isolates, including its potential mechanism(s) of action and the safety and toxicity in human and animal models. We also highlight the key challenges in terms of solubility/bioavailability associated with the use of curcumin and include research on how these challenges have been overcome.

Red light-triggerable nanohybrids of graphene oxide, gold nanoparticles and thermo-responsive polymers for combined photothermia and drug release effects

“…Curcumin (Cur) is a natural substance with a wide range of biological properties 8,9 and biomedical applications. 10 Cur has shown anticancer, 11 antimicrobial, 12 antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, 13 antidiabetic, 14 hepato- 15 and neuro-protective activity. 16 However, poor stability, water solubility, and bioavailability have limited the clinical use of curcumin and stimulated intense research aimed at overcoming these issues through entrapment in nanocarriers.…”

Monoketone Curcuminoids: An Updated Review of Their Synthesis and Biological Activities

“…Curcumin and its analogs, d methoxycurcumin (II) and bisdemethoxycurcumin (III), also present in C. longa rhizom are commonly referred to as curcuminoids [2]. Besides being used as a supplement, seasoning, food preservative, flavoring, and coloring in the food industry [3], curcumin has various biological and pharmacological activities, including antioxidant [4], anti-inflammatory [5], antimicrobial [6], anticancer [7], and antiparasitic [8] actions. However, limitations have prevented it from being approved as a therapeutic agent.…”

Monoketone Curcuminoids: An Updated Review of Their Synthesis and Biological Activities

“…Curcumin and its analogs demethoxycurcumin (II) and bisdemethoxycurcumin (III), also present in C. longa rhizomes, are commonly referred to as curcuminoids [1]. Besides being used as a supplement, seasoning, food preservative, flavoring, and coloring in the food industry [2], curcumin has various biological and pharmacological activities, including antioxidant [3], anti-inflammatory [4], antimicrobial [5], anticancer [6], and antiparasitic [7] actions. However, limitations have prevented it from being approved as a therapeutic agent.…”