Curcumin as "Curecumin": from kitchen to clinic

Antioxidant treatments in patients with oral submucous fibrosis: A systematic review

INTRODUCTION

Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is a well-known precancerous oral lesion, characterized by scarring, tissue fibrosis, and premalignant lesions. The goal of clinical treatment is to reduce inflammation and improve patients' quality of life by enhancing mouth opening among others. Antioxidant treatment has shown promising results in inducing regression of lesions and preventing OSMF in high-risk individuals. This study investigates the effectiveness of various antioxidant agents against OSMF.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study followed PRISMA guidelines and searched three scientific databases: PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus, using specific algorithms related to "antioxidant treatment," "burning sensation," and "mouth opening." The quality assessment of controlled clinical studies adhered to Cochrane guidelines.

RESULTS

The analysis included 19 clinical trials comparing different treatments, including various antioxidants. Aloe vera, curcumin, and lycopene, among others, showed positive outcomes in treating OSMF by improving burning sensation, mouth opening, tongue protrusion, and cheek flexibility.

CONCLUSION

Antioxidant therapies are found to be effective in treating OSMF, even when compared to conventional treatments such as corticosteroids. The study highlights the need for further research and standardization of clinical protocols.

Microfluidization of soybean protein isolate-tannic acid complex stabilized emulsions: Characterization of emulsion properties, stability and in vitro digestion properties

Emulsion stability and sustained-release can be improved with a non-covalent complexing of a soybean protein isolate (SPI) with -tannic acid (TA) and dynamic high-pressure microfluidization (DHPM). The microstructure, physicochemical properties, and interfacial properties were investigated. The properties of the DHPM-treated emulsions were improved significantly, with the 120 MPa DHPM-treated SPI-TA emulsion (SPI-TA 120) having the best microstructure. The highest interface protein content, viscosity and viscoelasticity at 120 MPa of pressure facilitated the stability of the emulsion. The oxidation kinetics of emulsions was established. It was demonstrated that the oxidation stability of SPI-TA 120 was higher than SPI and SPI-TA emulsions without DHPM treatment. In addition, DHPM-treated SPI-TA emulsions showed the most positive effect on the slow release of curcumin compared to the control group. The formation of non-covalent protein complexes with polyphenols and DHPM treatment effectively increases the stability of emulsions.

Effect of resveratrol and curcumin and the potential synergism on hypertension: A mini-review of human and animal model studies

Resveratrol (RES) and curcumin (CUR) are two of the most extensively studied bioactive compounds in cardiovascular research from the past until today. These compounds have effectively lowered blood pressure by downregulating the renin-angiotensin system, exerting antioxidant effects, and exhibiting antiproliferative activities on blood vessels. This study aims to summarize the results of human and animal studies investigating the effects of CUR, RES, and their combination on hypertension and the molecular mechanisms involved. The published trials' results are controversial regarding blood pressure reduction with different doses of RES and CUR, highlighting the need to address this issue.

Research Mechanism and Progress of the Natural Compound Curcumin in Treating Alzheimer´s Disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is one of the most common neurodegenerative diseases. AD patients usually present symptoms, such as cognitive dysfunction, progressive memory loss, and other manifestations. With the increasing number of AD cases worldwide, there is an urgent need to develop effective drug treatments. Currently, drugs targeting AD symptoms may not change or prevent the progression of the disease. Curcumin, a polyphenol extracted from the turmeric herb, has been used for the treatment of AD. In this review, we summarized both cellular and animal studies and described the mechanism of action of curcumin in altering the pathological features of AD. Curcumin attenuates the formation of amyloid-β plaques and promotes its decomposition, reduces the phosphorylation of tau, improves its clearance rate, and binds with copper to reduce cholesterol. It changes the activity of microglia, suppresses acetylcholinesterase, regulates insulin signal transduction, and exhibits antioxidant properties. Studies have found that curcumin can promote nerve repair and has a significant effect on AD. However, the low bioavailability of curcumin may hinder its use as a therapeutic agent. If this limitation can be overcome, curcumin may emerge as a promising drug for the treatment of AD.

Biocompatible Hydrogel-Based Liquid Marbles with Magnetosomes

Liquid marbles are widely known for their potential biomedical applications, especially due to their versatility and ease of preparation. In the present work, we prepared liquid marbles with various cores composed of water, agar-based hydrogels, magnetic fluids, or non-aqueous substances. As a coating material, we used biocompatible particles of plant origin, such as turmeric grains and Lycopodium pollen. Additionally, we provided marbles with magnetic properties by incorporating either magnetosomes or iron oxide nanoparticles as a powder or by injecting another magnetic fluid. Structures obtained in this way were stable and susceptible to manipulation by an external magnetic field. The properties of the magnetic components of our marbles were verified using electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy and vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM). Our approach to encapsulation of active substances such as antibiotics within a protective hydrogel core opens up new perspectives for the delivery of hydrophobic payloads to the inherently hydrophilic biological environment. Additionally, hydrogel marbles enriched with magnetic materials showed promise as biocompatible heating agents under alternating magnetic fields. A significant innovation of our research was also the fabrication of composite structures in which the gel-like core was surrounded without mixing by a magnetic fluid covered on the outside by the particle shell. Our liquid marbles, especially those with a hydrogel core and magnetic content, due to the ease of preparation and favorable properties, have great potential for biomedical use. The fact that we were able to simultaneously produce, functionalize (by filling with predefined cargo), and manipulate (by means of an external magnetic field) several marbles also seems to be important from an application point of view.

Biological Potential and Bioaccessibility of Encapsulated Curcumin into Cetyltrimethylammonium Bromide Modified Cellulose Nanocrystals

Curcumin is a natural phenolic compound with important biological functions. Despite its demonstrated efficacy in vitro, curcumin biological activities in vivo are dependent on its bioaccessibility and bioavailability, which have been highlighted as a crucial challenge. Cetyltrimethylammonium bromide-modified cellulose nanocrystals (CNC-CTAB) have been shown to be effective in curcumin encapsulation, as they have the potential to enhance biological outcomes. This study evaluated the biological effects of curcumin encapsulated within CNC-CTAB structures, namely its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, as well as the release profile under digestion conditions and intestinal permeability. Encapsulated curcumin demonstrated antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, effectively reducing reactive oxygen species and cytokine production by intestinal cells. The delivery system exhibited antimicrobial properties against Campylobacter jejuni bacteria, further suggesting its potential in mitigating intestinal inflammation. The system showed the ability to protect curcumin from degradation and facilitate its interaction with the intestinal epithelium, highlighting the potential of CNC-CTAB as carrier to enhance curcumin intestinal biological functions.

Jacalin-Curcumin Complex Sensitizes the Breast Cancer MDA-MB-231 Cell Line

Protein-drug interactions are crucial for understanding drug delivery and cell functions. Jacalin is a suitable molecule for such targeting, as it specifically recognizes the tumor-associated Thomsen-Friedenreich (TF) antigen that is expressed on the glycosylated proteins in cancer cells. The present paper describes the interaction of curcumin and jacalin, a possible carrier molecule for the delivery of antitumor drugs due to its ability to recognize tumor cells. Our results have shown that both steady-state fluorescence and fluorescent labelling of jacalin are two reliable methods to determine jacalin-curcumin interactions. The affinity of jacalin for curcumin is consistently within the micromolar range (using fluorescence and microscale thermophoresis) showing high-affinity binding of the complex. In vitro experiments on triple-negative breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells indicated inhibition of cell growth after treating with the jacalin-curcumin complex for 48 h. The cell survival fraction was significantly reduced to 50% after combined treatment. In this paper, we report for the first time about the jacalin-curcumin interaction. We quantified this unique biomolecular interaction and gathered additional information on the binding event. We observed that the jacalin-curcumin complex inhibits the proliferation of the triple-negative breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells.

Molecular Mechanisms of Curcumin in the Pathogenesis of Metabolic Dysfunction Associated Steatotic Liver Disease

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a multifactorial condition characterized by insulin resistance, oxidative stress, chronic low-grade inflammation, and sometimes fibrosis. To date, no effective pharmacological therapy has been approved for the treatment of metabolic-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), the progressive form of MASLD. Recently, numerous in vitro and in vivo studies have described the efficacy of nutraceutical compounds in the diet has been tested. Among them, curcumin is the most widely used polyphenol in the diet showing potent anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic activities. This review aims to summarize the most important basic studies (in vitro and animal models studies), describing the molecular mechanisms by which curcumin acts in the context of MASLD, providing the rationale for its effective translational use in humans.

Mechanism of action of certain medicinal plants for the treatment of asthma

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Asthma is often treated and prevented using the pharmacological properties of traditional medicinal plants. These healthcare systems are among the most well-known, conveniently accessible, and economically priced in India and several other Asian countries. Traditional Indian Ayurvedic plants have the potential to be used as phyto-therapeutics, to create novel anti-asthmatic drugs, and as a cost-effective source of pharmaceuticals. Current conventional therapies have drawbacks, including serious side effects and expensive costs that interfere with treatment compliance and affect the patient's quality of life. The primary objective of the article is to comprehensively evaluate the advancement of research on the protective phytochemicals of traditional plants that target immune responses and signaling cascades in inflammatory experimental asthma models. The study would assist in paving the way for the creation of natural phytomedicines that are protective, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory against asthma, which may then be used in individualized asthma therapy.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The study demonstrates the mechanisms of action of phytochemicals present in traditional medicinal plants, diminish pulmonary disorder in both in vivo and in vitro models of asthma.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A comprehensive review of the literature on conventional plant-based asthma therapies was performed from 2006 to 2022. The study uses authoritative scientific sources such as PubMed, PubChem Compound, Wiley Online Library, Science Direct, Springer Link, and Google Scholar to collect information on potential phytochemicals and their mechanisms of action. World Flora Online (http://www.worldfloraonline.org) and Plants of the World Online (https://wcsp.science.kew.org) databases were used for the scientific names of medicinal plants.

RESULTS

The study outlines the phytochemical mechanisms of some traditional Ayurveda botanicals used to treat asthma. Active phytochemicals including curcumin, withaferin-A, piperine, glabridin, glycyrrhizin, 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid, trans-cinnamaldehyde, α-hederin, thymoquinone, eugenol, [6]-shogoal, and gingerol may treat asthma by controlling inflammation and airway remodeling. The study concluded that certain Ayurvedic plants' phytochemicals have the ability to reduce inflammation and modulate the immune system, that can effectively cure asthma.

CONCLUSION

Plants used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine have been utilized for millennia, advocating phyto-therapy as a treatment for a variety of illnesses. A theoretical foundation for the use of cutting-edge asthma treatments has been built with the growth of experimental research on traditional phytochemicals. In-depth phytochemical research for the treatment of asthma using Indian Traditional Ayurvedic herbs is compiled in the study. The approach for preventative therapeutics and cutting-edge alternatives to battle the molecular pathways in the pathophysiology of asthma are the key themes of the study. The phytochemical mechanism of action of traditional Ayurvedic herbs is explained to get the attention of the pharmaceutical industry so they can make future anti-asthma drugs for personalized asthma care in the community. The study develops strategies for customized phyto-therapeutics, concentrating on low-cost, side-effect-free approaches that employ bioactive phytochemicals from plants as the major source of effective anti-asthmatic therapy.

Curcumin supplementation prevents cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity: a randomized, double-blinded, and placebo-controlled trial

Background and purpose

Cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity (CIN) remains the most prevailing unfavorable influence and may affect its clinical usage. This study sought to explore the possible impacts of curcumin on preventing CIN in human subjects.

Clinical design

The investigation was a placebo-controlled, double-blinded, randomized clinical trial conducted on 82 patients receiving nano-curcumin (80 mg twice daily for five days) or an identical placebo with standard nephroprotective modalities against CIN. Data was gathered on patients' demographics, blood, urinary nitrogen, creatinine (Cr) levels, urinary electrolytes, and urine neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) levels in treatment and placebo groups, 24 h and five days after initiating the administration of cisplatin.

Findings/Results

Both investigation groups were alike considering the demographic characteristics and clinical baseline data. Curcumin administration led to a significant improvement in blood-urine nitrogen (BUN). BUN, Cr, glomerular filtration rate (GFR), and the ratio of NGAL-to-Cr considerably altered during the follow-up periods. However, the further alterations in other indices, including urinary sodium, potassium, magnesium, NGAL values, and potassium-to-Cr ratio were not statistically noteworthy. The significant differences in the NGAL-to-Cr ratio between the two groups may indicate the potential protective impact of curcumin supplementation against tubular toxicity. Curcumin management was safe and well-accepted; only insignificant gastrointestinal side effects were reported.

Conclusion and implications

Curcumin supplementation may have the potential to alleviate CIN and urinary electrolyte wasting in cancer patients. Future research investigating the effects of a longer duration of follow-up, a larger participant pool, and a higher dosage of curcumin are recommended.

Tau-targeting therapies for Alzheimer disease: current status and future directions

Alzheimer disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia in older individuals. AD is characterized pathologically by amyloid-β (Aβ) plaques and tau neurofibrillary tangles in the brain, with associated loss of synapses and neurons, which eventually results in dementia. Many of the early attempts to develop treatments for AD focused on Aβ, but a lack of efficacy of these treatments in terms of slowing disease progression led to a change of strategy towards targeting of tau pathology. Given that tau shows a stronger correlation with symptom severity than does Aβ, targeting of tau is more likely to be efficacious once cognitive decline begins. Anti-tau therapies initially focused on post-translational modifications, inhibition of tau aggregation and stabilization of microtubules. However, trials of many potential drugs were discontinued because of toxicity and/or lack of efficacy. Currently, the majority of tau-targeting agents in clinical trials are immunotherapies. In this Review, we provide an update on the results from the initial immunotherapy trials and an overview of new therapeutic candidates that are in clinical development, as well as considering future directions for tau-targeting therapies.

Conformational Analysis of 1,5-Diaryl-3-Oxo-1,4-Pentadiene Derivatives: A Nuclear Overhauser Effect Spectroscopy Investigation

1,5-Diaryl-3-Oxo-1,4-Pentadiene derivatives are intriguing organic compounds with a unique structure featuring a pentadiene core, aryl groups, and a ketone group. This study investigates the influence of fluorine atoms on the conformational features of these derivatives in deuterated chloroform (CDCl3) solution. Through nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and quantum chemical calculations, we discerned variations in interatomic distances and established predominant conformer proportions. The findings suggest that the non-fluorinated entity exhibits a uniform distribution across various conformer groups. The introduction of a fluorine atom induces substantial alterations, resulting in the predominance of a specific conformer group. This structural insight may hold the key to their diverse anticancer activities, previously reported in the literature.

Electrochemical Sensing of Curcumin: A Review

Curcumin is a natural polyphenol derived from turmeric (Curcuma longa) root that has been used for centuries as a spice, coloring agent, and medicine. Curcumin presents anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticarcinogenic, antimicrobial, antiviral, antimalarial, hepatoprotective, thrombosuppressive, cardiovascular, hypoglycemic, antiarthritic, and anti-neurodegenerative properties. It scavenges different forms of free radicals and acts on transcription factors, growth factors and their receptors, cytokines, enzymes, and genes, regulating cell proliferation and apoptosis. Curcumin is electroactive, and a relationship between its electron transfer properties and radical-scavenging activity has been highlighted. The objective of this review is to provide a comprehensive overview of the curcumin electron transfer reactions, with emphasis on the controversial aspects related to its oxidation mechanism. The final sections will focus on the electroanalysis of curcumin in natural products, highlighting the most important sensing strategies, based on functional electrodes and nanostructured materials, essential for the development of more efficient in vitro methods of detection and quantification of curcumin in food samples, supplements, and nutripharmaceuticals.

Disruption of caspase-independent cell proliferation pathway on spheroids (HeLa cells) treated with curcumin

Curcumin is an antiproliferative phytochemical extracted from Curcuma longa L and which has been studied in preclinical drug screening using cell monolayers and animal models. However, several limitations of these culture systems may be overcome by performing screening with three-dimensional (3-D) cell culture. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of curcumin on cytotoxicity and genotoxicity as well as spheroid growth using cervical adenocarcinoma HeLa cell spheroids by performing RT-PCR mRNA expression of genes involved in cell death (CASP3, CASP8, CASP9, PARP1, BBC3, BIRC5, BCL2, TNF), autophagy (BECN1, SQSTM1), cell cycle regulation (TP53, C-MYC, NF-kB, CDKN1A, m-TOR, TRAF-2), DNA damage repair (H2AFX, GADD45A, GADD45G), oxidative stress (GPX1), reticulum stress (EIF2AK3, ERN1), and invasion (MMP1, MMP9) was investigated. Curcumin was cytotoxic in a concentration-dependent manner. Curcumin-treated spheroids exhibited lower proliferative recovery and cell proliferation attenuation, as observed in the clonogenic assay. Further, no marked genotoxicity was detected. Curcumin-treated spheroids displayed reduced expression of BECN1 (2.9×), CASP9 (2.1×), and PARP1 (2.1×) mRNA. PARP1 inhibition suggested disruption of essential pathways of proliferation maintenance. Downregulated expression of CASP9 mRNA and unchanged expression of CASP3/8 mRNA suggested caspase-independent cell death, whereas downregulated expression of BECN1 mRNA indicated autophagic disruption. Therefore, curcumin exhibits the potential for drug development with antiproliferative activity to be considered for use in cancers.

Curcumin improves the ability of donepezil to ameliorate memory impairment in Drosophila melanogaster: involvement of cholinergic and cnc/Nrf2-redox systems

One of the well-established models for examining neurodegeneration and neurotoxicity is the Drosophila melanogaster model of aluminum-induced toxicity. Anti-cholinesterase drugs have been combined with other neuroprotective agents to improve Alzheimer's disease management, but there is not much information on the combination of anti-cholinesterases with dietary polyphenols to combat memory impairment. Here, we assess how curcumin influences some of the critical therapeutic effects of donepezil (a cholinesterase inhibitor) in AlCl3-treated Drosophila melanogaster. Harwich strain flies were exposed to 40 mM AlCl3 - alone or in combination with curcumin (1 mg/g) and/or donepezil (12.5 µg/g and 25 µg/g) - for seven days. The flies' behavioral evaluations (memory index and locomotor performance) were analyzed. Thereafter, the flies were processed into homogenates for the quantification of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), catalase, total thiol, and rate of lipid peroxidation, as well as the mRNA levels of acetylcholinesterase (ACE1) and cnc/NRF2. Results showed that AlCl3-treated flies presented impaired memory and increased activities of acetylcholinesterase and lipid peroxidation, while there were decrease in total thiol levels and catalase activity when compared to the control. Also, the expression of ACE1 was significantly increased while that of cnc/NRF2 was significantly decreased. However, combinations of curcumin and donepezil, especially at lower dose of donepezil, significantly improved the memory index and biochemical parameters compared to donepezil alone. Thus, curcumin plus donepezil offers unique therapeutic effects during memory impairment in the D. melanogaster model of neurotoxicity.

Synthetic lethality in human bladder cancer cells by curcumin via concurrent Aurora A inhibition and autophagy induction

Combination therapies to induce mixed-type cell death and synthetic lethality have the potential to overcome drug resistance in cancer. In this study, we demonstrated that the curcumin-enhanced cytotoxicity of cisplatin/carboplatin in combination with gemcitabine was associated with Aurora A suppression-mediated G2/M arrest, and thus apoptosis, as well as MEK/ERK-mediated autophagy in human bladder cancer cells. Animal study data confirmed that curcumin combined with cisplatin/gemcitabine reduced tumorigenesis of xenograft in mice and this phenomenon was associated with elevated expressions of p-ERK and reduced p-Aurora A in tumors. Gene analyses using data repositories further revealed that reduced Aurora A expression alone did not significantly elevate the sensitivity of human bladder carcinoma cells to these anticancer drugs. Unlike other major cancer types, human bladder urothelial carcinoma tissue coexpressed higher AURKA and lower MAP1LC3B than normal tissue, and reduced Aurora A and induction of autophagy have been clinically associated with a better prognosis in patients with early but not advanced stage bladder cancer. Therefore, our results suggest that treatment strategies can utilize the synthetic lethal pair to concurrently suppress oncogenic Aurora A and induce autophagy by coadministrating curcumin with anticancer drugs for early-stage bladder cancer with high expression of Aurora A.

The Extraction Process, Separation, and Identification of Curcuminoids from Turmeric Curcuma longa

Turmeric Curcuma longa is a well-known spice with various health benefits, attributed primarily to curcumin. Soxhlet extraction, cold maceration, ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), and supercritical fluid extraction were performed, and the content of total phenols, proanthocyanidins, and antioxidants was analysed by UV/VIS spectrophotometry. High-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) was employed to identify and quantify the curcumin content. Supercritical extracts had the highest total phenolic content (538.95 mg GA/100 g material), while the Soxhlet extracts had the highest content of proanthocyanidins (4.77 mg PAC/100 g of material). Extracts obtained by UAE and supercritical extraction have the highest antioxidant potential. Antioxidant activity measured by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH•) was 64.27% and 1750.32 mg Trolox per g dry weight by 2,2-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline 6 sulphonic acid) (ABTS+•) for the extract obtained by supercritical extraction. The UAE resulted in the highest amount of curcumin (1.91 mg curcumin/g material). A kinetic study showed that extraction yield in supercritical extracts decreased with increasing temperature and that the content of isolated curcumin was inversely proportional to solvent-to-feed ratio (S/F). The present study has confirmed that turmeric is an excellent source of antioxidants, such as curcumin, that play an important role in reducing cellular stress by neutralising free radicals.

Ayurveda research: Emerging trends and mapping to sustainable development goals

Ayurveda is India's prominent traditional medical system. The World Health Organization has stated the need for more evidence and data from conventional medicine methods to inform policymakers, regulatory bodies, healthcare stakeholders, and the public about its safe, effective, and equitable use. This study aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the emerging trends in Ayurveda research, mapping research to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and examining the impact of COVID-19. Using bibliometric methods, the researchers analyzed a total of 11,773 publications between 1993 and 2022 to understand the temporal evolution of publications, open-access publications, patterns of author collaboration, top-performing countries, and co-citation networks. The keyword co-occurrence analysis identifies networks of concentrated studies on Ayurveda research themes relating to the four clusters, Alternative and Traditional Medicine, Bioactive Compounds and Biological Activities, Analytical Techniques and Herbal Standardization, and Herbal Medicines and Immunomodulation, reflecting the diverse research areas within Ayurveda. The last cluster included research related to the SARS-CoV-2 virus, suggesting research on herbal approaches to immune modulation in the context of COVID-19. The most prominent SDG among these research themes was Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3), emphasizing the potential of natural products and traditional medicine in promoting holistic health and combating antibiotic resistance.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Has Won the Battle but Not the War: How Many Joints Will We Save Tomorrow?

Rheumatoid arthritis refers to joint diseases of unclear etiology whose final stages can lead to unbearable pain and complete immobility of the affected joints. As one of the most widely known diseases of the joints, it serves as a study target for a large number of research groups and pharmaceutical companies. Modern treatment with anti-inflammatory drugs, including janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies, and botanicals (polyphenols, glycosides, alkaloids, etc.) has achieved some success and hope for improving the course of the disease. However, existing drugs against RA have a number of side effects which push researchers to elaborate on more selective and effective drug candidates. The avant-garde of research, which aims to develop treatment of rheumatoid arthritis using antisense oligonucleotides along with nonsteroidal drugs and corticosteroids against inflammation, increases the chances of success and expands the arsenal of drugs. The primary goal in the treatment of this disease is to find therapies that allow patients with rheumatoid arthritis to move their joints without pain. The main purpose of this review is to show the victories and challenges for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and the tortuous but promising path of research that aims to help patients experience the joy of freely moving joints without pain.

Synthesis of alnustone-like diarylpentanoids via a 4 + 1 strategy and assessment of their potential anticancer activity

Twelve compounds with a 1,5-diaryl-1-penten-3-one structure were synthesized and their cytotoxic activities were evaluated. The 1,5-diaryl-1-penten-3-one compounds were obtained via in situ enaminations of 4-phenyl-2-butanone and 4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-butanone in the presence of pyrrolidine-AcOH, followed by condensation with six different benzaldehydes. The synthesized compounds were tested for their cytotoxic activity against human glioblastoma (U87-MG), breast (MCF-7), and prostate (PC-3) cancer cell lines. Some of the novel compounds exhibited remarkable cytotoxic action, especially against MCF-7 cancer cells.

Curcumin and targeting of molecular and metabolic pathways in multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a life-threading disease that poses a great threat to the human being lifestyle. Having said extensive research in the realm of underlying mechanisms and treatment procedures, no definite remedy has been found. Over the past decades, many medicines have been disclosed to alleviate the symptoms and marking of MS. Meanwhile, the substantial efficacy of herbal medicines including curcumin must be underscored. Accumulated documents demonstrated the fundamental role of curcumin in the induction of the various signaling pathways. According to evidence, curcumin can play a role in mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis, autophagy, and mitophagy. Also, by targeting the signaling pathways AMPK, PGC-1α/PPARγ, and PI3K/Akt/mTOR, curcumin interferes with the metabolism of MS. The anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immune regulatory effects of this herbal compound are involved in its effectiveness against MS. Thus, the present review indicates the molecular and metabolic pathways associated with curcumin's various pharmacological actions on MS, as well as setting into context the many investigations that have noted curcumin-mediated regulatory effects in MS.

Curcumin clarithromycin nano-form a promising agent to fight Helicobacter pylori infections

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is the main cause of gastric diseases. However, the traditional antibiotic treatment of H. pylori is limited due to increased antibiotic resistance, low efficacy, and low drug concentration in the stomach. This study developed a Nano-emulsion system with ability to carry Curcumin and Clarithromycin to protect them against stomach acidity and increase their efficacy against H. pylori. We used oil in water emulsion system to prepare a novel Curcumin Clarithromycin Nano-Emulsion (Cur-CLR-NE). The nano-emulsion was validated by dynamic light scattering (DLS) technique, zeta potential; transmission electron microscopy (mean particle size 48 nm), UV-visible scanning and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). The in vitro assay of Cur-CLR-NE against H. pylori was evaluated by minimum inhibitory concentration (12.5 to 6.26 µg/mL), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) and anti-biofilm that showed a higher inhibitory effect of Cur-CLR-NE in compere with, free curcumin and clarithromycin against H. pylori. The in vivo results indicated that Cur-CLR-NE showed higher H. pylori clearance effect than free clarithromycin or curcumin under the same administration frequency and the same dose regimen. Histological analysis clearly showed that curcumin is highly effective in repairing damaged tissue. In addition, a potent synergistic effect was obvious between clarithromycin and curcumin in nano-emulsion system. The inflammation, superficial damage, the symptoms of gastritis including erosion in the mouse gastric mucosa, necrosis of the gastric epithelium gastric glands and interstitial oedema of tunica muscularis were observed in the positive control infected mice and absent from treated mice with Cur-CLR-NE.

Turmeric and Curcumin-Health-Promoting Properties in Humans versus Dogs

The growing popularity of the use of nutraceuticals in the prevention and alleviation of symptoms of many diseases in humans and dogs means that they are increasingly the subject of research. A representative of the nutraceutical that deserves special attention is turmeric. Turmeric belongs to the family Zingiberaceae and is grown extensively in Asia. It is a plant used as a spice and food coloring, and it is also used in traditional medicine. The biologically active factors that give turmeric its unusual properties and color are curcuminoids. It is a group of substances that includes curcumin, de-methoxycurcumin, and bis-demethoxycurcumin. Curcumin is used as a yellow-orange food coloring. The most important pro-health effects observed after taking curcuminoids include anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antioxidant effects. The aim of this study was to characterize turmeric and its main substance, curcumin, in terms of their properties, advantages, and disadvantages, based on literature data.

Protective effects of curcumin against osteoporosis and its molecular mechanisms: a recent review in preclinical trials

Osteoporosis (OP) is one of the most common metabolic skeletal disorders and is commonly seen in the elderly population and postmenopausal women. It is mainly associated with progressive loss of bone mineral density, persistent deterioration of bone microarchitecture, and increased fracture risk. To date, drug therapy is the primary method used to prevent and treat osteoporosis. However, long-term drug therapy inevitably leads to drug resistance and specific side effects. Therefore, researchers are constantly searching for new monomer compounds from natural plants. As a candidate for the treatment of osteoporosis, curcumin (CUR) is a natural phenolic compound with various pharmacological and biological activities, including antioxidant, anti-apoptotic, and anti-inflammatory. This compound has gained research attention for maintaining bone health in various osteoporosis models. We reviewed preclinical and clinical studies of curcumin in preventing and alleviating osteoporosis. These results suggest that if subjected to rigorous pharmacological and clinical trials, naturally-derived curcumin could be used as a complementary and alternative medicine for the treatment of osteoporosis by targeting osteoporosis-related mechanistic pathways. This review summarizes the mechanisms of action and potential therapeutic applications of curcumin in the prevention and mitigation of osteoporosis and provides reference for further research and development of curcumin.

Application of curcumin nanoformulations to target folic acid receptor in cancer: Recent trends and advances

Curcumin, derived from turmeric, has a strong anticancer potential known for millennia. The development of this phytochemical as a medicine has been hampered by several significant deficiencies, including its poor water solubility and low bioavailability. This review article discusses possibilities to overcome these bottlenecks by focusing on this natural polyphenol's nanoformulation. Moreover, preparation of curcumin conjugates containing folates as ligands for folic acid receptors can add a new important dimension in this field, allowing specific targeting of cancer cells, considering the significantly higher expression of these receptors in malignant tissues compared to normal cells. It is highly expected that simultaneous improvement of different aspects of curcumin in fighting against such a complex and multifaceted disease like cancer. Therefore, we can better comprehend cancer biology by developing a mechanistic understanding of curcumin, which will also inspire the scientific community to develop new pharmacological models, and exploration of emerging directions to revitalize application of natural products in cancer therapy.

Impact of polymer chain packing and crystallization on the emission behavior of curcumin-embedded poly(L-lactide)s

The development of biodegradable and biocompatible fluorescent materials with tunable emission in the solid state has become increasingly relevant for smart packaging and biomedical applications. Molecular packing and conformations play a critical role in tuning the solid-state photophysical properties of fluorescent materials. In this work, tunable emission of bioactive curcumin was achieved through the manipulation of the crystallization conditions and the polymorphic form of covalently linked poly(L-lactide) in the curcumin-embedded poly(L-lactide) (curcumin-PLLA). In the melt-crystallized curcumin-PLLA, with the increase in the isothermal crystallization temperature, a bathochromic shift in the fluorescence of curcumin-PLLA was observed due to the change in the intramolecular conjugation length of curcumin. The change in the isothermal crystallization temperature of curcumin-PLLA resulted in the rotation of the terminal phenyl rings of curcumin with respect to the central keto-enol group due to the covalently linked helical PLLA chains. In addition, solvent-induced single crystals and a gel of curcumin-PLLA were prepared and the influence of the polymorphic form of PLLA on the emission behavior of curcumin-PLLA was investigated. The results suggest that the polymer chain packing, crystallization conditions, morphology, and polymorphic form could play an influential role in dictating the fluorescence properties of fluorophore-embedded polymers.

Exploring the efficacy of herbal medicinal products as oral therapy for inflammatory bowel disease

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) encompasses a collection of idiopathic diseases characterized by chronic inflammation in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Patients diagnosed with IBD often experience necessitate long-term pharmacological interventions. Among the multitude of administration routes available for treating IBD, oral administration has gained significant popularity owing to its convenience and widespread utilization. In recent years, there has been extensive evaluation of the efficacy of orally administered herbal medicinal products and their extracts as a means of treating IBD. Consequently, substantial evidence has emerged, supporting their effectiveness in IBD treatment. This review aimed to provide a comprehensive summary of recent studies evaluating the effects of herbal medicinal products in the treatment of IBD. We delved into the regulatory role of these products in modulating immunity and maintaining the integrity of the intestinal epithelial barrier. Additionally, we examined their impact on antioxidant activity, anti-inflammatory properties, and the modulation of intestinal flora. By exploring these aspects, we aimed to emphasize the significant advantages associated with the use of oral herbal medicinal products in the treatment of IBD. Of particular note, this review introduced the concept of herbal plant-derived exosome-like nanoparticles (PDENs) as the active ingredient in herbal medicinal products for the treatment of IBD. The inclusion of PDENs offers distinct advantages, including enhanced tissue penetration and improved physical and chemical stability. These unique attributes not only demonstrate the potential of PDENs but also pave the way for the modernization of herbal medicinal products in IBD treatment.

Ultrafast Dynamics of the Medicinal Pigment Curcumin inside the Imidazolium Surface Active Ionic Liquid Containing Giant Vesicles and White Light Generation via Triple-FRET Technique

The naturally occurring yellow polyphenolic medicinal pigment curcumin shows ultrafast dynamics in the excited states. These ultrafast dynamics are strongly influenced by the rigidity of the environments of the systems. The present investigation unveils the ultrafast excited-state intramolecular hydrogen atom transfer (ESIHT) (which is involved in the antioxidant mechanism) and the solvation dynamics of curcumin inside the imidazolium surface active ionic liquid (SAIL), 1-hexadecyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([C16mim]Cl) micelle, and giant vesicles after introducing sorbitan monoesters (Span 20 and Span 80) in the aqueous medium. Interestingly, the short hydrocarbon chain containing Span 20 forms smaller, less rigid vesicles, and the long hydrocarbon chain containing Span 80 forms larger, more rigid giant vesicles after being assembled with [C16mim]Cl. The ESIHT and the solvation dynamics are slower in Span 80, containing rigid vesicles, than that in Span 20, comprising less rigid vesicles. Finally, we have established a three-component fluorescence resonance energy transfer (Triple-FRET) system to generate white light (WL) in the micelle and giant vesicles. Here the hydrophobic dye 1,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene (DPH) acts as the donor, and the hydrophilic anticancer drug doxorubicin hydrochloride (DOX) serves as the acceptor along with the intermediate donor, curcumin. At a specific combination of the concentrations of these dyes in a particular self-assembled system, WL is generated due to the triple-FRET phenomena.

Impact of Thermal Processing on the Composition of Curcuma longa Rhizome

Curcuma longa L. (Zingiberaceae), known as turmeric, is a perennial tuberous plant from the genus Curcuma, which includes about 100 plant species. The chemical composition of the turmeric rhizome is very diverse. Diarylheptanoid derivatives, also known as curcuminoids (of which curcumin, demethoxycurcumin and bisdemethoxycurcumin are the most important representatives), are the major active constituents of the plant rhizome. Many extracts used in the food and pharmaceutical industries are produced from thermally processed rhizome, when there are significant changes in the composition of the main compounds. Therefore, the aim of the study was to compare how the type of thermal treatment affects the content of curcuminoids and the antioxidant properties of the rhizome. The plant material was subjected to three different methods of thermal processing-microwave heating, boiling and frying in different time intervals. The chemical composition and antioxidant activity of the processed rhizome was evaluated using LC-MS (liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry), HPLC (high-performance liquid chromatography) and spectrophotometric methods (a DPPH test and TPC assay). Obtained results revealed that curcumin was the major curcuminoid present in all samples (113.92 mg/g of the fresh rhizome). Significant correlation between the type and time of the thermal processing and the composition of turmeric samples was revealed. A traditional boiling process lasting for 10 min was the most beneficial process in terms of the curcuminoid content (204 mg/g of curcumin) and antioxidant activity of the samples.

An Overview of the Enhanced Effects of Curcumin and Chemotherapeutic Agents in Combined Cancer Treatments

Due to the progressive ageing of the human population, the number of cancer cases is increasing. For this reason, there is an urgent need for new treatments that can prolong the lives of cancer patients or ensure them a good quality of life. Although significant progress has been made in the treatment of cancer in recent years and the survival rate of patients is increasing, limitations in the use of conventional therapies include the frequent occurrence of side effects and the development of resistance to chemotherapeutic agents. These limitations are prompting researchers to investigate whether combining natural agents with conventional drugs could have a positive therapeutic effect in cancer treatment. Several natural bioactive compounds, especially polyphenols, have been shown to be effective against cancer progression and do not exert toxic effects on healthy tissues. Many studies have investigated the possibility of combining polyphenols with conventional drugs as a novel anticancer strategy. Indeed, this combination often has synergistic benefits that increase drug efficacy and reduce adverse side effects. In this review, we provide an overview of the studies describing the synergistic effects of curcumin, a polyphenol that has been shown to have extensive cytotoxic functions against cancer cells, including combined treatment. In particular, we have described the results of recent preclinical and clinical studies exploring the pleiotropic effects of curcumin in combination with standard drugs and the potential to consider it as a promising new tool for cancer therapy.

Nanodevices based on mesoporous glass nanoparticles enhanced with zinc and curcumin to fight infection and regenerate bone

Nanotechnology-based approaches are emerging as promising strategies to treat different bone pathologies such as infection, osteoporosis or cancer. To this end, several types of nanoparticles are being investigated, including those based on mesoporous bioactive glasses (MGN) which exhibit exceptional structural and textural properties and whose biological behaviour can be improved by including therapeutic ions in their composition and loading them with biologically active substances. In this study, the bone regeneration capacity and antibacterial properties of MGNs in the SiO2-CaO-P2O5 system were evaluated before and after being supplemented with 2.5% or 4% ZnO and loaded with curcumin. in vitro studies with preosteoblastic cells and mesenchymal stem cells allowed determining the biocompatible MGNs concentrations range. Moreover, the bactericidal effect of MGNs with zinc and curcumin against S. aureus was demonstrated, as a significant reduction of bacterial growth was detected in both planktonic and sessile states and the degradation of a pre-formed bacterial biofilm in the presence of the nanoparticles also occurred. Finally, MC3T3-E1 preosteoblastic cells and S. aureus were co-cultured to investigate competitive colonisation between bacteria and cells in the presence of the MGNs. Preferential colonisation and survival of osteoblasts and effective inhibition of both bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation of S. aureus in the co-culture system were detected. Our study demonstrated the synergistic antibacterial effect of zinc ions combined with curcumin and the enhancement of the bone regeneration characteristics of MGNs containing zinc and curcumin to obtain systems capable of simultaneously promoting bone regeneration and controlling infection. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: In search of a new approach to regenerate bone and fight infections, a nanodevice based on mesoporous SiO2-CaO-P2O5 glass nanoparticles enriched with Zn2+ ions and loaded with curcumin was designed. This study demonstrates the synergistic effect of the simultaneous presence of zinc ions and curcumin in the nanoparticles that significantly reduces the bacterial growth in planktonic state and is capable to degrade pre-formed S. aureus biofilms whereas the nanosystem exhibits a cytocompatible behaviour in the presence of preosteoblasts and mesenchymal stem cells. Based on these results, the designed nanocarrier represents a promising alternative for the treatment of acute and chronic infections in bone tissues, while avoiding the significant current problem of bacterial resistance to antibiotics.

In Vitro and In Vivo Efficacy of Topical Dosage Forms Containing Self-Nanoemulsifying Drug Delivery System Loaded with Curcumin

The external use of curcumin is rare, although it can be a valuable active ingredient in the treatment of certain inflammatory diseases. The aim of our experimental work was to formulate topical dosage forms containing curcumin for the treatment of atopic dermatitis. Curcumin has extremely poor solubility and bioavailability, so we have tried to increase it with the usage of self-emulsifying drug delivery systems. Creams and gels were formulated using penetration-enhancing surfactants and gelling agents. The release of the drug from the vehicle and its penetration through the membrane were determined using a Franz diffusion cell. An MTT cytotoxicity and in vitro antioxidant assays were performed on HaCaT cell line. The in vivo anti-inflammatory effect of the preparations was tested by measuring rat paw edema. In addition, we examined the degree of inflammation induced by UV radiation after pretreatment with the cream and the gel on rats. For the gels containing SNEDDS, the highest penetration was measured after half an hour, while for the cream, it took one hour to reach the maximum concentration. The gel containing Pemulen TR-1 showed the highest drug release. It was determined that the curcumin-containing preparations can be safely applied on the skin and have antioxidant effects. The animal experiments have proven the effectiveness of curcumin-containing topical preparations.

Efficacy of Nanocurcumin as an Add-On Treatment for Patients Hospitalized with COVID-19: A Double-Blind, Randomized Clinical Trial

Background

Curcumin is a polyphenol derivative of the Curcuma longa rhizome, with potential antioxidant, anticancer, antidepressant, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory effects. This compound can be prepared as biodegradable polymer nanoparticles, called nanocurcumin, to improve its solubility, stability, half-life, and bioavailability.

Aim

We explored nanocurcumin's effect on the clinical manifestations of patients hospitalized with mild-to-moderate COVID-19.

Methods

This double-blind, randomized clinical trial involved 76 COVID-19 patients admitted to Ali-Asghar Hospital from December 2021 to March 2022. All patients received standard coronavirus treatment as per national guidelines. In addition, four times a day for two weeks, the curcumin group received 40 mg of nanocurcumin, while the control group received a placebo. Clinical manifestations were examined and recorded by the associate doctors working in the department. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS v. 21.

Results

Thirty-nine people from the control group and 29 from the curcumin group completed the study. At baseline, the groups were comparable in age, gender, body mass index, hospitalization duration, and background diseases. The mean age of patients in the control and treatment groups was 53.9 ± 11.9 and 54.6 ± 13.4, respectively. Compared with the placebo, nanocurcumin minimized coughs (P=0.036), fatigue (P=0.0001), myalgia (P=0.027), oxygen demand (P=0.036), oxygen usage (P=0.05), and respiratory rate (P < 0.0001). By discharge, the curcumin group had a significantly greater increase in SPO2 than the control group (P=0.006).

Conclusions

This preliminary study suggests that nanocurcumin has a potentiating anti-inflammatory effect when combined with standard COVID-19 treatment, helping the recovery from the acute inflammatory phase of the disease in hospitalized patients with mild-to-moderate disease severity. This trial is registered with Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials: IRCT20211126053183N1 (registered while recruiting on 13/12/2021).

Paradox: Curcumin, a Natural Antioxidant, Suppresses Osteosarcoma Cells via Excessive Reactive Oxygen Species

Osteosarcoma (OS) is an aggressive tumor with a rare incidence. Extended surgical resections are the prevalent treatment for OS, which may cause critical-size bone defects. These bone defects lead to dysfunction, weakening the post-surgical quality of patients' life. Hence, an ideal therapeutic agent for OS should simultaneously possess anti-cancer and bone repair capacities. Curcumin (CUR) has been reported in OS therapy and bone regeneration. However, it is not clear how CUR suppresses OS development. Conventionally, CUR is considered a natural antioxidant in line with its capacity to promote the nuclear translocation of a nuclear transcription factor, nuclear factor erythroid 2 (NRF2). After nuclear translocation, NRF2 can activate the transcription of some antioxidases, thereby circumventing excess reactive oxygen species (ROS) that are deleterious to cells. Intriguingly, this research demonstrated that, in vitro, 10 and 20 μM CUR increased the intracellular ROS in MG-63 cells, damaged cells' DNA, and finally caused apoptosis of MG-63 cells, although increased NRF2 protein level and the expression of NRF2-regulated antioxidase genes were identified in those two groups.

Targeting Protein Aggregates with Natural Products: An Optional Strategy for Neurodegenerative Diseases

Protein aggregation is one of the hallmarks of aging and aging-related diseases, especially for the neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), Huntington's disease (HD), Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and others. In these diseases, many pathogenic proteins, such as amyloid-β, tau, α-Syn, Htt, and FUS, form aggregates that disrupt the normal physiological function of cells and lead to associated neuronal lesions. Protein aggregates in NDs are widely recognized as one of the important targets for the treatment of these diseases. Natural products, with their diverse biological activities and rich medical history, represent a great treasure trove for the development of therapeutic strategies to combat disease. A number of in vitro and in vivo studies have shown that natural products, by virtue of their complex molecular scaffolds that specifically bind to pathogenic proteins and their aggregates, can inhibit the formation of aggregates, disrupt the structure of aggregates and destabilize them, thereby alleviating conditions associated with NDs. Here, we systematically reviewed studies using natural products to improve disease-related symptoms by reducing or inhibiting the formation of five pathogenic protein aggregates associated with NDs. This information should provide valuable insights into new directions and ideas for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.

Polysaccharides-based nanocarriers enhance the anti-inflammatory effect of curcumin

Curcumin (CUR) has been discovered to have many biological activities, including anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-oxygenation, anti-human immunodeficiency virus, anti-microbial and exhibits a good effect on the prevention and treatment of many diseases. However, the limited properties of CUR, including the poor solubility, bioavailability and instability caused by enzymes, light, metal irons, and oxygen, have compelled researchers to turn their attention to drug carrier application to overcome these drawbacks. Encapsulation may provide potential protective effects to the embedding materials and/or have a synergistic effect with them. Therefore, nanocarriers, especially polysaccharides-based nanocarriers, have been developed in many studies to enhance the anti-inflammatory capacity of CUR. Consequently, it's critical to review current advancements in the encapsulation of CUR using polysaccharides-based nanocarriers, as well as further study the potential mechanisms of action where polysaccharides-based CUR nanoparticles (the complex nanoparticles/Nano CUR-delivery systems) exhibit their anti-inflammatory effects. This work suggests that polysaccharides-based nanocarriers will be a thriving field in the treatment of inflammation and inflammation-related diseases.

Hyaluronic acid-modified curcumin-copper complex nano delivery system for rapid healing of bacterial prostatitis

Bacterial prostatitis is a bacterial infection of the prostate gland presenting with lower quadrant abdominal pain, urination disorders and poor fertility. In recent years, reports have emerged on the significantly reduced efficacy of fluoroquinolone drugs attributed to multiple drug-resistant bacteria, emphasizing the need for new drugs. In this study, we designed a targeting drug delivery system via curcumin copper complex grafted with hyaluronic acid. Subsequently, the prepared system was characterized using FT-IR, XRD, SEM, XPS and ¹H NMR methods. In addition to the substantial improvement in the solubility of the carrier, its antibacterial performance and targeting ability were improved. Interestingly, the grafting of hyaluronic acid endowed the carrier with excellent CD44 receptor targeting function and good water solubility, and the complexation of copper ions greatly enhanced its antibacterial capability, especially the inhibitory effect on E. coli. The anti-prostatitis effect of the drug was evaluated comprehensively by establishing a bacterial prostatitis model infected by E. coli. Assessment of the anti-prostatitis effects in vivo indicated that the Cur-Cu@HA delivery system could effectively promote recovery from bacterial prostatitis by downregulating inflammation. In conclusion, our Cur-Cu@HA delivery system has great potential for treating bacterial prostatitis.

Green Routes for Bio-Fabrication in Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Applications

In the last decade, significant advances in nanotechnologies, rising from increasing knowledge and refining of technical practices in green chemistry and bioengineering, enabled the design of innovative devices suitable for different biomedical applications. In particular, novel bio-sustainable methodologies are developing to fabricate drug delivery systems able to sagely mix properties of materials (i.e., biocompatibility, biodegradability) and bioactive molecules (i.e., bioavailability, selectivity, chemical stability), as a function of the current demands for the health market. The present work aims to provide an overview of recent developments in the bio-fabrication methods for designing innovative green platforms, emphasizing the relevant impact on current and future biomedical and pharmaceutical applications.

An insight into the mixed quantum mechanical-molecular dynamic simulation of a ZnII-Curcumin complex with a chosen DNA sequence that supports experimental DNA binding investigations

An important aspect of research pertaining to Curcumin (HCur) is the need to arrest its degradation in aqueous solution and in biological milieu. This may be achieved through complex formation with metal ions. For this reason, a complex of HCur was prepared with Zn^II, that is not likely to be active in redox pathways, minimizing further complications. The complex is monomeric, tetrahedral, with one HCur, an acetate and a molecule of water bound to Zn^II. It arrests degradation of HCur to a considerable extent that was realized by taking it in phosphate buffer and in biological milieu. The structure was obtained by DFT calculations. Stable adduct formation was identified between optimized structures of HCur and [Zn(Cur)] with DNA (PDB ID: 1BNA) through experiments validated with multiscale modeling approach. Molecular docking studies provide 2D and 3D representations of binding of HCur and [Zn(Cur)] through different non-covalent interactions with the nucleotides of the chosen DNA. Through molecular dynamics simulation, a detailed understanding of binding pattern and key structural characteristics of the generated DNA-complex was obtained following analysis by RMSD, RMSF, radius of gyration, SASA and aspects like formation of hydrogen bonds. Experimental studies provide binding constants for [Zn(Cur)] with calf thymus DNA at 25 °C that effectively helps one to realize its high affinity towards DNA. In the absence of an experimental binding study of HCur with DNA, owing to its tendency to degrade in solution, a theoretical analysis of the binding of HCur to DNA is extremely helpful. Besides, both experimental and simulated binding of [Zn(Cur)] to DNA may be considered as a case of pseudo-binding of HCur to DNA. In a way, such studies on interaction with DNA helps one to identify HCur's affinity for cellular target DNA, not realized through experiments. The entire investigation is an understanding of experimental and theoretical approaches that has been compared continuously, being particularly useful when a molecule's interaction with a biological target cannot realized experimentally.

NEDD4 E3 ubiquitin ligases: promising biomarkers and therapeutic targets for cancer

Accumulating evidence has demonstrated that NEDD4 E3 ubiquitin ligase family plays a pivotal oncogenic role in a variety of malignancies via mediating ubiquitin dependent degradation processes. Moreover, aberrant expression of NEDD4 E3 ubiquitin ligases is often indicative of cancer progression and correlated with poor prognosis. In this review, we are going to address association of expression of NEDD4 E3 ubiquitin ligases with cancers, the signaling pathways and the molecular mechanisms by which the NEDD4 E3 ubiquitin ligases regulate oncogenesis and progression, and the therapies targeting the NEDD4 E3 ubiquitin ligases. This review provides the systematic and comprehensive summary of the latest research status of E3 ubiquitin ligases in the NEDD4 subfamily, and proposes that NEDD4 family E3 ubiquitin ligases are promising anti-cancer drug targets, aiming to provide research direction for clinical targeting of NEDD4 E3 ubiquitin ligase therapy.

The Preventive Mechanisms of Bioactive Food Compounds against Obesity-Induced Inflammation

Dietary patterns are promising strategies for preventing and treating obesity and its coexisting inflammatory processes. Bioactive food compounds have received considerable attention due to their actions against obesity-induced inflammation, with limited harmful side effects. They are perceived as food ingredients or dietary supplements other than those necessary to meet basic human nutritional needs and are responsible for positive changes in the state of health. These include polyphenols, unsaturated fatty acids, and probiotics. Although the exact mechanisms of bioactive food compounds' action are still poorly understood, studies have indicated that they involve the modulation of the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines, adipokines, and hormones; regulate gene expression in adipose tissue; and modify the signaling pathways responsible for the inflammatory response. Targeting the consumption and/or supplementation of foods with anti-inflammatory potential may represent a new approach to obesity-induced inflammation treatment. Nevertheless, more studies are needed to evaluate strategies for bioactive food compound intake, especially times and doses. Moreover, worldwide education about the advantages of bioactive food compound consumption is warranted to limit the consequences of unhealthy dietary patterns. This work presents a review and synthesis of recent data on the preventive mechanisms of bioactive food compounds in the context of obesity-induced inflammation.

Complexation of turmeric and curcumin mediated silver nanoparticles with human serum albumin: Further investigation into the protein-corona formation, anti-bacterial effects and cell cytotoxicity studies

Biosynthesized noble metal nanoparticles have been of recent interest due to their broad implications in the future biomedicinal field. We have synthesized silver nanoparticle using turmeric-extract and its major component curcumin as reducing and stabilizing agents. Further, we have investigated the protein-NPs interaction focusing the inspection of the role of biosynthesized AgNPs on any conformational changes of the protein, binding and thermodynamic parameters using spectroscopic techniques. Fluorescence quenching studies revealed that both CUR-AgNPs and TUR-AgNPs have moderate binding affinities (∼10⁴ M^-1) towards human serum albumin (HSA) and static quenching mechanism was involved in the binding. Estimated thermodynamic parameters indicate the involvement of hydrophobic forces in the binding processes. The surface charge potential of the biosynthesized AgNPs became more negative upon complexation with HSA as observed from Zeta potential measurements. Antibacterial efficacies of the biosynthesized AgNPs were evaluated against Escherichia coli (gram-negative) and Enterococcus faecalis (gram-positive) bacterial strains. The AgNPs were found to destroy the cancer (HeLa) cell lines in vitro. The overall findings of our study successfully outline the detailed insight of the protein corona formation by biocompatible AgNPs and their biological applications concerning the future scope in the biomedicinal field.

The evaluation of chitosan hydrogel based curcumin effect on DNMT1, DNMT3A, DNMT3B, MEG3, HOTAIR gene expression in glioblastoma cell line

BACKGROUND

Cancer is one of the most important causes of death worldwide. Some types of cancer, including glioblastoma, with a high potential for growth, invasion, and resistance to general treatments, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy, have a high potential for recurrence. Many chemical drugs have been used to treat it, but herbal drugs are more effective with fewer side effects; Therefore, this research aims to investigate the effect of curcumin-chitosan nano-complex on the expression of MEG3, HOTAIR, DNMT1, DNMT3A, DNMT3B genes in the glioblastoma cell line.

METHODS

In this research, glioblastoma cell line, PCR and spectrophotometry techniques, MTT test and transmission, field emission transmission, and fluorescent electron microscopes were used.

RESULTS

The morphological examination of the curcumin-chitosan nano-complex was without clumping, and the fluorescent microscope examination showed the nano-complex enters the cell and affects the genes expression. In its bioavailability studies, it was found that it significantly increases the death of cancer cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Gene expression tests showed that this nano-complex increased MEG3 gene expression compared to the control group, which is statistically significant (p < 0.05). It also decreased HOTAIR gene expression compared to the control group, which was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). It decreased the expression of DNMT1, DNMT3A, and DNMT3B genes compared to the control group, which is statistically significant (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

By using active plant substances such as curcumin, the active demethylation of brain cells can be directed to the path of inhibiting the growth of brain cancer cells and eliminating them.

Recent Advances in Anticancer Activity of Novel Plant Extracts and Compounds from Curcuma longa in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

PURPOSE

Among all forms of cancers, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth most common cancer worldwide. There are several treatment options for HCC ranging from loco-regional therapy to surgical treatment. Yet, there is high morbidity and mortality. Recent research focus has shifted towards more effective and less toxic cancer treatment options. Curcumin, the active ingredient in the Curcuma longa plant, has gained widespread attention in recent years because of its multifunctional properties as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anticancer agent.

METHODS

A systematic search of PubMed, Embase and Google Scholar was performed for studies reporting incidence of HCC, risk factors associated with cirrhosis and experimental use of curcumin as an anti-cancer agent.

RESULTS

This review exclusively encompasses the anti-cancer properties of curcumin in HCC globally and it's postulated molecular targets of curcumin when used against liver cancers.

CONCLUSIONS

This review is concluded by presenting the current challenges and future perspectives of novel plant extracts derived from C. longa and the treatment options against cancers.

Antibacterial and antioxidant activities of curcumin/Zn metal complex with its chemical characterization and spectroscopic studies

Curcumin is an active component of the rhizome turmeric. Curcumin/zinc (Cur/Zn) complex was synthesized and characterized using the elemental analysis, the molar conductance, FT-IR, UV-Vis,¹HNMR, scanning (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The molar conductance value is very low, referring to the absence of Cl^- ions inside or outside chelate sphere confirming non electrolytic nature. Based on IR and electronic spectra curcumin C[bond, double bond]O group in enol form chelated to Zn (II) ion. The surface morphology of curcumin chelate with Zn showed elevated in particle size and irregular grains shaped with elongated morphology. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that the curcumin chelate with Zn has spherical black spots like shape with particle size range from (33-97 nm). The antioxidant activities of curcumin and Cur/Zn complex were assessed. Results showed that the Cur/Zn complex showed potent antioxidant activities than curcumin. For antibacterial activity, Curcumin/Zn showed inhibitory effect against both (+ve and -ve) gram bacteria (Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli) at very low concentration. Cur/Zn recorded antibacterial and inhibition activity at 0.009 against E. coli and at 0.625 against B. subtilis. Cur/Zn complex showed higher capacity in scavenging the ABTS radical, FARAP capacity and metal chelating activity than curcumin itself and it showed more scavenging and inhibition activity for DPPH. The synthesized complex of Cur/Zn showed potent antioxidant and antibacterial activities than curcumin itself and it may benefit in treatment of aging and degenerative diseases with elevated and excessive production of free radicals.

Synthesis, Cytotoxicity and Molecular Docking of New Hybrid Compounds by Combination of Curcumin with Oleanolic Acid

Curcumin and oleanolic acid are natural compounds with high potential in medicinal chemistry. These products have been widely studied for their pharmacological properties and have been structurally modified to improve their bioavailability and therapeutic value. In the present study, we discuss how these compounds are utilized to develop bioactive hybrid compounds that are intended to target cancer cells. Using a bifunctional linker, succinic acid, to combine curcumin and triterpenoic oleanolic acid, several hybrid compounds were prepared. Their cytotoxicity against different cancer cell lines was evaluated and compared with the activity of curcumin (the IC50 value (24 h), for MCF7, HeLaWT and HT-29 cancer cells for KS5, KS6 and KS8 compounds was in the range of 20.6-94.4 µM, in comparison to curcumin 15.6-57.2 µM). Additionally, in silico studies were also performed. The computations determined the activity of the tested compounds towards proteins selected due to their similar binding modes and the nature of hydrogen bonds formed within the cavity of ligand-protein complexes. Overall, the curcumin-triterpene hybrids represent an important class of compounds for the development of effective anticancer agents also without the diketone moiety in the curcumin molecule. Moreover, some structural modifications in keto-enol moiety have led to obtaining more information about different chemical and biological activities. Results obtained may be of interest for further research into combinations of curcumin and oleanolic acid derivatives.

A biochemical, theoretical and immunohistochemical study comparing the therapeutic efficacy of curcumin and taurine on T-2 toxin induced hepatotoxicity in rats

Introduction: Foodborne trichothecene T-2 Toxin, is a highly toxic metabolite produced by Fusarium species contaminating animal and human food, causing multiple organ failure and health hazards. T-2 toxins induce hepatotoxicity via oxidative stress causing hepatocytes cytotoxicity and genotoxicity. In this study, curcumin and taurine were investigated and compared as antioxidants against T-2-provoked hepatotoxicity. Methods: Wistar rats were administrated T-2 toxin sublethal oral dose (0.1 mg/kg) for 2 months, followed by curcumin (80 mg/kg) and taurine (50 mg/kg) for 3 weeks. Biochemical assessment of liver enzymes, lipid profiles, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARs), AFU, TNF-α, total glutathione, molecular docking, histological and immunohistochemical markers for anti-transforming growth factor-β1 (TGFβ1), double-strand DNA damage (H2AX), regeneration (KI67) and apoptosis (Active caspase3) were done. Results and Discussion: Compared to T-2 toxin, curcumin and taurine treatment significantly ameliorated hepatoxicity as; hemoglobin, hematocrit and glutathione, hepatic glycogen, and KI-67 immune-reactive hepatocytes were significantly increased. Although, liver enzymes, inflammation, fibrosis, TGFβ1 immunoexpressing and H2AX and active caspase 3 positive hepatocytes were significantly decreased. Noteworthy, curcumin's therapeutic effect was superior to taurine by histomorphometry parameters. Furthermore, molecular docking of the structural influence of curcumin and taurine on the DNA sequence showed curcumin's higher binding affinity than taurine. Conclusion: Both curcumin and taurine ameliorated T-2 induced hepatotoxicity as strong antioxidative agents with more effectiveness for curcumin.

Exploring the Contribution of Curcumin to Cancer Therapy: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials

Although the anticancer role of curcumin has been extensively addressed in preclinical research, only a few studies were carried out in humans, with conflicting results. The aim of this systematic review is to collate together the results of the therapeutic effect of curcumin in cancer patients. A literature search was carried out in Pubmed, Scopus, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials up to 29 January 2023. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) designed to evaluate the effects of curcumin on cancer progression, patient survival, or surgical/histological response were included. Seven out of 114 articles, published between 2016 and 2022, were analyzed. They evaluated patients with locally advanced and/or metastatic prostate, colorectal, and breast cancers, as well as multiple myeloma and oral leucoplakia. Curcumin was given as an add-on therapy in five studies. Cancer response was the most investigated primary endpoint and curcumin issued some positive results. On the contrary, curcumin was ineffective in improving overall or progression-free survival. The curcumin safety profile was favorable. In conclusion, available clinical evidence is not strong enough to support the therapeutic use of curcumin in cancer. New RCTs exploring the effects of different curcumin formulations in early-stage cancers would be welcome.

Anti-Neuroinflammatory and Neuroprotective Effect of Intermedin B Isolated from the Curcuma longa L. via NF-κB and ROS Inhibition in BV2 Microglia and HT22 Hippocampal Cells

Compounds derived from Curcuma longa L. (C. longa) have been extensively studied and reported to be effective and safe for the prevention and treatment of various diseases, but most research has been focused on curcuminoids derived from C. longa. As neurodegenerative diseases are associated with oxidation and inflammation, the present study aimed to isolate and identify active compounds other than curcuminoids from C. longa to develop substances to treat these diseases. Seventeen known compounds, including curcuminoids, were chromatographically isolated from the methanol extracts of C. longa, and their chemical structures were identified using 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy. Among the isolated compounds, intermedin B exhibited the best antioxidant effect in the hippocampus and anti-inflammatory effect in microglia. Furthermore, intermedin B was confirmed to inhibit the nuclear translocation of NF-κB p-65 and IκBα, exerting anti-inflammatory effects and inhibiting the generation of reactive oxygen species, exerting neuroprotective effects. These results highlight the research value of active components other than curcuminoids in C. longa-derived compounds and suggest that intermedin B may be a promising candidate for the prevention of neurodegenerative diseases.

Role of Turmeric and Curcumin in Prevention and Treatment of Chronic Diseases: Lessons Learned from Clinical Trials

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) has been used for thousands of years for the prevention and treatment of various chronic diseases. Curcumin is just one of >200 ingredients in turmeric. Almost 7000 scientific papers on turmeric and almost 20,000 on curcumin have been published in PubMed. Scientific reports based on cell culture or animal studies are often not reproducible in humans. Therefore, human clinical trials are the best indicators for the prevention and treatment of a disease using a given agent/drug. Herein, we conducted an extensive literature survey on PubMed and Scopus following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. The keywords "turmeric and clinical trials" and "curcumin and clinical trials" were considered for data mining. A total of 148 references were found to be relevant for the key term "turmeric and clinical trials", of which 70 were common in both PubMed and Scopus, 44 were unique to PubMed, and 34 were unique to Scopus. Similarly, for the search term "curcumin and clinical trials", 440 references were found to be relevant, of which 70 were unique to PubMed, 110 were unique to Scopus, and 260 were common to both databases. These studies show that the golden spice has enormous health and medicinal benefits for humans. This Review will extract and summarize the lessons learned about turmeric and curcumin in the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases based on clinical trials.