Curcumin, a polyphenol derived from the rhizome of the naturally occurring plant Curcuma longa, has various pharmacological actions such as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. In this paper, ...we evaluated the role of its internal metabolite, curcumin β-D-glucuronide (curcumin monoglucuronide, CMG), by investigating curcumin kinetics and metabolism in the blood. Firstly, we orally administered highly bioavailable curcumin to rats to elucidate its kinetics, and observed not only the free-form of curcumin, but also, curcumin in a conjugated form, within the portal vein. We confirmed that curcumin is conjugated when it passes through the intestinal wall. CMG, one of the metabolites, was then orally administered to rats. Despite its high aqueous solubility compared to free-form curcumin, it was not well absorbed. In addition, CMG was injected intravenously into rats in order to assess its metabolic behavior in the blood. Interestingly, high levels of free-form curcumin, thought to be sufficiently high to be pharmacologically active, were observed. The in vivo antitumor effects of CMG following intravenous injection were then evaluated in tumor-bearing mice with the HCT116 human colon cancer cell line. The tumor volume within the CMG group was significantly less than that of the control group. Moreover, there was no significant loss of body weight in the CMG group compared to the control group. These results suggest that CMG could be used as an anticancer agent without the serious side effects that most anticancer agents have.
The cytotoxic and apoptotic effects of turmeric (Curcuma longa) on colon cancer have been well documented but specific structural modifications of curcumin have been shown to possess greater ...growth-suppressive potential on colon cancer than curcumin. Therefore, the aim of this study is to identify the anti-cancer properties of curcumin analogue-MS13, a diarylpentanoid on the cytotoxicity, anti-proliferative and apoptotic activity of primary (SW480) and metastatic (SW620) human colon cancer cells. A cell viability assay showed that MS13 has greater cytotoxicity effect on SW480 (EC
: 7.5 ± 2.8 µM) and SW620 (EC
: 5.7 ± 2.4 µM) compared to curcumin (SW480, EC
: 30.6 ± 1.4 µM) and SW620, EC
: 26.8 ± 2.1 µM). Treatment with MS13 at two different doses 1X EC
and 2X EC
suppressed the colon cancer cells growth with lower cytotoxicity against normal cells. A greater anti-proliferative effect was also observed in MS13 treated colon cancer cells compared to curcumin at 48 and 72 h. Subsequent analysis on the induction of apoptosis showed that MS13 treated cells exhibited morphological features associated with apoptosis. The findings are also consistent with cellular apoptotic activities shown by increased caspase-3 activity and decreased Bcl-2 protein level in both colon cancer cell lines. In conclusion, MS13 able to suppress colon cancer cell growth by inhibiting cell proliferation and induce apoptosis in primary and metastatic human colon cancer cells.
The curcumin degradation represents a significant limitation for its applications. The stability of free curcumin (FC) and immobilized curcumin in complex particles (ComPs) based on different ...polysaccharides was studied under the action of several factors. Ultraviolet-visible (UV-VIS) and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy proved the FC photodegradation and its role as a metal chelator: 82% of FC and between 26% and 39.79% of curcumin within the ComPs degraded after exposure for 28 days to natural light. The degradation half-life (t
) decreases for FC when the pH increases, from 6.8 h at pH = 3 to 2.1 h at pH = 9. For curcumin extracted from ComPs, t
was constant (between 10 and 13 h) and depended on the sample's composition. The total phenol (TPC) and total flavonoids (TFC) content values increased by 16% and 13%, respectively, for FC exposed to ultraviolet light at λ = 365 nm (UVA), whereas no significant change was observed for immobilized curcumin. Antioxidant activity expressed by IC
(µmoles/mL) for FC exposed to UVA decreased by 29%, but curcumin within ComPs was not affected by the UVA. The bovine serum albumin (BSA) adsorption efficiency on the ComPs surface depends on the pH value and the cross-linking degree. ComPs have a protective role for the immobilized curcumin.
Curcumin is a pharmacologically active polyphenol derived from the popular spice element-Turmeric. The therapeutic activity of curcumin has been extensively investigated over the last few decades and ...reports suggest the role of curcumin in a large number of biological activities, particularly its prominent anticancer activity. Curcumin, being a pleiotropic molecule, is a regulator of multiple molecular targets which play crucial roles in various cell signaling pathways. It is known to suppress transformation, inhibit proliferation as well as induce apoptosis. However, despite all these benefits, the efficacy of curcumin remains limited due to its poor bioavailability, poor absorption within the systemic circulation and rapid elimination from the body. To overcome these limiting factors, researchers all around the world are working towards designing a synthetic and superior curcuminoid by making suitable structural modifications to the parent skeleton. These curcuminoids, mainly analogues and derivatives, will not only improve the physicochemical properties but also enhance the efficacy simultaneously. The present review will provide a comprehensive account of the analogues and derivatives of curcumin that have been reported since 2014 which have indicated a better anticancer activity than curcumin.
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•Curcumin, a pleiotropic phytochemical, is at the forefront of natural product research.•A number of limitations restrict its usage as an effective drug molecule.•Structural modifications to overcome these limitations have proven to improve activity.•This review summarizes the modified curcumin reported with improved anticancer activity over the last five years.
Lung cancer is among the most common cancers with a high mortality rate worldwide. Despite the significant advances in diagnostic and therapeutic approaches, lung cancer prognoses and survival rates ...remain poor due to late diagnosis, drug resistance, and adverse effects. Therefore, new intervention therapies, such as the use of natural compounds with decreased toxicities, have been considered in lung cancer therapy. Curcumin, a natural occurring polyphenol derived from turmeric (
) has been studied extensively in recent years for its therapeutic effects. It has been shown that curcumin demonstrates anti-cancer effects in lung cancer through various mechanisms, including inhibition of cell proliferation, invasion, and metastasis, induction of apoptosis, epigenetic alterations, and regulation of microRNA expression. Several
and
studies have shown that these mechanisms are modulated by multiple molecular targets such as STAT3, EGFR, FOXO3a, TGF-β, eIF2α, COX-2, Bcl-2, PI3KAkt/mTOR, ROS, Fas/FasL, Cdc42, E-cadherin, MMPs, and adiponectin. In addition, limitations, strategies to overcome curcumin bioavailability, and potential side effects as well as clinical trials were also reviewed.
Cervical cancer is one of the most prevalent malignancies among females and is correlated with a significant fatality rate. Chemotherapy is the most common treatment for cervical cancer; however, it ...has a low success rate due to significant side effects and the incidence of chemo-resistance. Curcumin, a polyphenolic natural compound derived from turmeric, acts as an antioxidant by diffusing across cell membranes into the endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria, and nucleus, where it performs its effects. As a result, it's been promoted as a chemo-preventive, anti-metastatic, and anti-angiogenic agent. As a consequence, the main goal of the present review was to gather research information that looked at the link between curcumin and its derivatives against cervical cancer.
Extensive research over the past half century has shown that curcumin (diferuloylmethane), a component of the golden spice turmeric (
Curcuma longa
), can modulate multiple cell signaling pathways. ...Extensive clinical trials over the past quarter century have addressed the pharmacokinetics, safety, and efficacy of this nutraceutical against numerous diseases in humans. Some promising effects have been observed in patients with various pro-inflammatory diseases including cancer, cardiovascular disease, arthritis, uveitis, ulcerative proctitis, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel disease, tropical pancreatitis, peptic ulcer, gastric ulcer, idiopathic orbital inflammatory pseudotumor, oral lichen planus, gastric inflammation, vitiligo, psoriasis, acute coronary syndrome, atherosclerosis, diabetes, diabetic nephropathy, diabetic microangiopathy, lupus nephritis, renal conditions, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, β-thalassemia, biliary dyskinesia, Dejerine-Sottas disease, cholecystitis, and chronic bacterial prostatitis. Curcumin has also shown protection against hepatic conditions, chronic arsenic exposure, and alcohol intoxication. Dose-escalating studies have indicated the safety of curcumin at doses as high as 12 g/day over 3 months. Curcumin’s pleiotropic activities emanate from its ability to modulate numerous signaling molecules such as pro-inflammatory cytokines, apoptotic proteins, NF–κB, cyclooxygenase-2, 5-LOX, STAT3, C-reactive protein, prostaglandin E
2
, prostate-specific antigen, adhesion molecules, phosphorylase kinase, transforming growth factor-β, triglyceride, ET-1, creatinine, HO-1, AST, and ALT in human participants. In clinical trials, curcumin has been used either alone or in combination with other agents. Various formulations of curcumin, including nanoparticles, liposomal encapsulation, emulsions, capsules, tablets, and powder, have been examined. In this review, we discuss in detail the various human diseases in which the effect of curcumin has been investigated.
Curcumin, a dietary polyphenol and major constituent of Curcuma longa (Zingiberaceae), is extensively used as a spice in Asian countries. For ages, turmeric has been used in traditional medicine ...systems to treat various diseases, which was possible because of its anti‐inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancerous, antiepileptic, antidepressant, immunomodulatory, neuroprotective, antiapoptotic, and antiproliferative effects. Curcumin has potent antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, antiapoptotic, neurotrophic activities, which support its plausible neuroprotective effects in neurodegenerative disease. However, there is limited information available regarding the clinical efficacy of curcumin in neurodegenerative cases. The low oral bioavailability of curcumin may be speculated as a plausible factor that limits its effects in humans. Therefore, utilization of several approaches for the enhancement of bioavailability may improve clinical outcomes. Furthermore, the use of nanotechnology and a targeted drug delivery system may improve the bioavailability of curcumin. The present review is designed to summarize the molecular mechanisms pertaining to the neuroprotective effects of curcumin and its nanoformulations.
Improved Neurotherapeutics with Curcumin Nanoformulations.
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•Curcumin Eudragit® E PO solid dispersion was prepared by solution mixing method.•H bond is responsible for the interaction between curcumin and the polymer.•Water solubility and ...stability of curcumin were significantly enhanced.•Formulated solid dispersion can deliver curcumin through transdermal administration.
Using a simple solution mixing method, curcumin was dispersed in the matrix of Eudragit® E PO polymer. Water solubility of curcumin in curcumin-Eudragit® E PO solid dispersion (Cur@EPO) was greatly increased. Based on the results of several tests, curcumin was demonstrated to exist in the polymer matrix in amorphous state. The interaction between curcumin and the polymer was investigated through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and 1H NMR which implied that OH group of curcumin and carbonyl group of the polymer involved in the H bonding formation. Cur@EPO also provided protection function for curcumin as verified by the pH challenge and UV irradiation test. The pH value influenced curcumin release profile in which sustained release pattern was revealed. Additionally, in vitro transdermal test was conducted to assess the potential of Cur@EPO as a vehicle to deliver curcumin through this alternative administration route.
•The transformation of curcumin during its extraction in different systems.•The influence of extraction method on curcumin transformation was examined.•The influence of extractant type and pH on ...curcumin transformation was examined.•Formation of hydroxy and alkoxy adducts of different curcumin isomers.•MS2, HRMS and NMR analysis of curcumin transformation products.
Curcumin is a phenolic compound produced by some plants, among which Curcuma longa is the reachest in this principal curcuminoid. Curcumin is known from its lability, however, the structural curcumin transformations and the formation of hydroxy and alkoxy adducts has not been reported yet. The formation of the mentioned derivatives is favoured by an alkaline environment. The presented results are important both from the analytical and food processing point of view as curcumin transformation products can be mistakenly treated as new components naturally present in turmeric, while in fact they may be formed during food products preparation, causing consumer misinformation about their bioactivity. In this context, an attempt has been made to investigate this problem. The present paper shows that curcumin easily transforms into ketonic/enolic structural isomers and forms adducts with water and alcohols. All structures of these compounds were confirmed by MSn, HRMS and partly also by NMR data.