Curcumin: The story so far

Role of Cytoskeletal Elements in Regulation of Synaptic Functions: Implications Toward Alzheimer's Disease and Phytochemicals-Based Interventions

Alzheimer's disease (AD), a multifactorial disease, is characterized by the accumulation of neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) and amyloid beta (Aβ) plaques. AD is triggered via several factors like alteration in cytoskeletal proteins, a mutation in presenilin 1 (PSEN1), presenilin 2 (PSEN2), amyloid precursor protein (APP), and post-translational modifications (PTMs) in the cytoskeletal elements. Owing to the major structural and functional role of cytoskeletal elements, like the organization of axon initial segmentation, dendritic spines, synaptic regulation, and delivery of cargo at the synapse; modulation of these elements plays an important role in AD pathogenesis; like Tau is a microtubule-associated protein that stabilizes the microtubules, and it also causes inhibition of nucleo-cytoplasmic transportation by disrupting the integrity of nuclear pore complex. One of the major cytoskeletal elements, actin and its dynamics, regulate the dendritic spine structure and functions; impairments have been documented towards learning and memory defects. The second major constituent of these cytoskeletal elements, microtubules, are necessary for the delivery of the cargo, like ion channels and receptors at the synaptic membranes, whereas actin-binding protein, i.e., Cofilin's activation form rod-like structures, is involved in the formation of paired helical filaments (PHFs) observed in AD. Also, the glial cells rely on their cytoskeleton to maintain synaptic functionality. Thus, making cytoskeletal elements and their regulation in synaptic structure and function as an important aspect to be focused for better management and targeting AD pathology. This review advocates exploring phytochemicals and Ayurvedic plant extracts against AD by elucidating their neuroprotective mechanisms involving cytoskeletal modulation and enhancing synaptic plasticity. However, challenges include their limited bioavailability due to the poor solubility and the limited potential to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB), emphasizing the need for targeted strategies to improve therapeutic efficacy.

Cytotoxicity of Doxorubicin-Curcumin Nanoparticles Conjugated with Two Different Peptides (CKR and EVQ) against FLT3 Protein in Leukemic Stem Cells

A targeted micellar formation of doxorubicin (Dox) and curcumin (Cur) was evaluated to enhance the efficacy and reduce the toxicity of these drugs in KG1a leukemic stem cells (LSCs) compared to EoL-1 leukemic cells. Dox-Cur-micelle (DCM) was developed to improve the cell uptake of both compounds in LSCs. Cur-micelle (CM) was produced to compare with DCM. DCM and CM were conjugated with two FLT3 (FMS-like tyrosine kinase)-specific peptides (CKR; C and EVQ; E) to increase drug delivery to KG1a via the FLT3 receptor (AML marker). They were formulated using a film-hydration technique together with a pH-induced self-assembly method. The optimal drug-to-polymer weight ratios for the DCM and CM formulations were 1:40. The weight ratio of Dox and Cur in DCM was 1:9. DCM and CM exhibited a particle size of 20-25 nm with neutral charge and a high %EE. Each micelle exhibited colloidal stability and prolonged drug release. Poloxamer 407 (P407) was modified with terminal azides and conjugated to FLT3-targeting peptides with terminal alkynes. DCM and CM coupled with peptides C, E, and C + E exhibited a higher particle size. Moreover, DCM-C + E and CM-C + E showed the highest toxicity in KG-1a and EoL-1 cells. Using two peptides likely improves the probability of micelles binding to the FLT3 receptor and induces cytotoxicity in leukemic stem cells.

Investigation of Folate-Functionalized Magnetic-Gold Nanoparticles Based Targeted Drug Delivery for Liver: In Vitro, In Vivo and Docking Studies

Magnetic nanoparticles used for targeted drug administration present a promising approach in cancer treatment owing to its notable advantages, such as targeted and enhanced encapsulation ability and improved bio protection compared with conventional drug delivery methods. Au shell-iron core nanoparticles (Fe3O4@Au) were manufactured by a chemical process, coated with dextran to encapsulate curcumin, and functionalized for precision drug delivery using folic acid to combat liver cancer. Dynamic light scattering, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, vibrational spectroscopy, and magnetometry were applied to assess the synthesis of the Fe3O4@Au-DEX-CU-FA compound. The mean size, zeta potential, and polydispersity of Fe3O4@Au-DEX-CU-FA were 63.3 ± 2.33 nm, -68.3 ± 1.78 mV, and 0.041 ± 0.008, respectively. Molecular docking models were created to examine the relationship between Fe3O4@Au-CU and BCL-XL, BAK, and to identify potential binding sites. The loading efficiency and release profile tests examined the medication delivery system's ability. MTT assay was subsequently utilized to determine the optimal dosage and therapeutic efficacy of Fe3O4@Au-DEX-CU-FA on cancer SNU-449 and healthy THLE-2 cell lines. Flow cytometry demonstrated that Fe3O4@Au-DEX-CU-FA effectively induced cancer cell death. Fe3O4@Au-DEX-FA showed a regulated release profile of free curcumin at 37 °C and pH values of 7.4 and 5.4. Real-time PCR revealed increased BAK expression and decreased BCL-XL expression. Nude tumor-bearing mice were used for in vivo experiments. Fe3O4@Au-DEX-CU-FA treatment dramatically reduced the swelling size compared with free CU and control treatments. It also resulted in a longer lifespan, expanded splenocyte proliferation, increased IFN-γ levels, and decreased IL-4 levels. The regular cells showed no cytotoxic effect compared with the cancer type, confirming that Fe3O4@Au-DEX-CU-FA maintained its potent anticancer actions. The data suggests that Fe3O4@Au-DEX-CU-FA possesses a promising potential as a therapeutic agent for combating tumors.

Natural Products from Herbal Medicine Self-Assemble into Advanced Bioactive Materials

Novel biomaterials are becoming more crucial in treating human diseases. However, many materials require complex artificial modifications and synthesis, leading to potential difficulties in preparation, side effects, and clinical translation. Recently, significant progress has been achieved in terms of direct self-assembly of natural products from herbal medicine (NPHM), an important source for novel medications, resulting in a wide range of bioactive supramolecular materials including gels, and nanoparticles. The NPHM-based supramolecular bioactive materials are produced from renewable resources, are simple to prepare, and have demonstrated multi-functionality including slow-release, smart-responsive release, and especially possess powerful biological effects to treat various diseases. In this review, NPHM-based supramolecular bioactive materials have been revealed as an emerging, revolutionary, and promising strategy. The development, advantages, and limitations of NPHM, as well as the advantageous position of NPHM-based materials, are first reviewed. Subsequently, a systematic and comprehensive analysis of the self-assembly strategies specific to seven major classes of NPHM is highlighted. Insights into the influence of NPHM structural features on the formation of supramolecular materials are also provided. Finally, the drivers and preparations are summarized, emphasizing the biomedical applications, future scientific challenges, and opportunities, with the hope of igniting inspiration for future research and applications.

Biocompatibility and potential anticancer activity of gadolinium oxide (Gd2O3) nanoparticles against nasal squamous cell carcinoma

Chemotherapy as a cornerstone of cancer treatment is slowly being edged aside owing to its severe side effects and systemic toxicity. In this case, nanomedicine has emerged as an effective tool to address these drawbacks. Herein, a biocompatible carrier based on bovine serum albumin (BSA) coated gadolinium oxide nanoparticles (Gd2O3@BSA) was fabricated for curcumin (CUR) delivery and its physicochemical features along with its potential anticancer activity against nasal squamous cell carcinoma were also investigated. It was found that the fabricated Gd2O3@BSA containing CUR (Gd2O3@BSA-CUR) had spherical morphology with hydrodynamic size of nearly 26 nm, zeta-potential of -36 mV and high drug (CUR) loading capacity. Drug release profile disclosed that the release of CUR from the prepared Gd2O3@BSA-CUR nanoparticles occurred in a sustained- and pH-dependent manner. Also, in vitro cytotoxicity analysis revealed that the fabricated Gd2O3@BSA nanoparticles possessed excellent biosafety toward HFF2 normal cells, while Gd2O3@BSA-CUR appeared to display the greatest anticancer potential against RPMI 2650 and CNE-1 cancer cell lines. The results also show that the Gd2O3@BSA nanoparticles were compatible with the blood cells with minor hemolytic effect (< 3%). The manufactured NPs were found to be completely safe for biological applications in an in vivo subacute toxicity study. Taken together, these finding substantiate the potential anticancer activity of Gd2O3@BSA-CUR nanoparticles against nasal squamous cell carcinoma, but the results obtained demand further studies to assess their full potential.

Curcumin as a regulator of Th17 cells: Unveiling the mechanisms

Curcumin, a polyphenol natural product derived from turmeric, possesses diverse pharmacological effects due to its interactions with various cells and molecules. Recent studies have highlighted its immunomodulatory properties, including its impact on immune cells and mediators involved in immune responses. Th17 cells play a crucial role in promoting immune responses against extracellular pathogens by recruiting neutrophils and inducing inflammation. These cells produce inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-21, IL-17A, IL-23, IL-17F, IL-22, and IL-26. Curcumin has been shown to significantly inhibit the proliferation of Th17 cells and reduce the production of inflammatory cytokines, including TNF-α, IL-22, and IL-17. This review aims to assess the effectiveness of curcumin and its underlying mechanisms in modulating Th17 cells.

Assessment of Antimicrobial and Cytotoxic Activities of Liposomes Loaded with Curcumin and Lippia origanoides Essential Oil

(1) Introduction: Curcumin and Lippia origanoides essential oils have a broad spectrum of biological activities; however, their physicochemical instability, low solubility, and high volatility limit their therapeutic use. Encapsulation in liposomes has been reported as a feasible approach to increase the physicochemical stability of active substances, protect them from interactions with the environment, modulate their release, reduce their volatility, improve their bioactivity, and reduce their toxicity. To date, there are no reports on the co-encapsulation of curcumin and Lippia origanoides essential oils in liposomes. Therefore, the objective of this work is to prepare and physiochemical characterize liposomes loaded with the mixture of these compounds and to evaluate different in vitro biological activities. (2) Methods: Liposomes were produced using the thin-layer method and physiochemical characteristics were calculated. The antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities of both encapsulated and non-encapsulated compounds were evaluated. (3) Results: Empty and loaded nanometric-sized liposomes were obtained that are monodisperse and have a negative zeta potential. They inhibited the growth of Staphylococcus aureus and did not exhibit cytotoxic activity against mammalian cells. (4) Conclusions: Encapsulation in liposomes was demonstrated to be a promising strategy for natural compounds possessing antimicrobial activity.

Effects of dietary curcumin nano-micelles on performance, biological responses, and thermal stress resilience in heat-stressed fattening lambs across varying temperature-humidity index conditions: Implications for climate change

Heat stress poses a significant challenge to sheep farming in arid and semi-arid regions, impacting growth performance, health, and physiological responses. While sheep have innate mechanisms to manage heat stress, prolonged exposure impairs their performance and health. This study evaluated the influence of varying doses of Curcumin Nano-Micelle (CNM) on heat-stressed fattening lambs in northeastern Iran over three months, examining the relationship between CNM doses and growth performance, feeding behavior, physiological responses, immune function, and antioxidant status. Thirty-two crossbred male lambs were included in a completely randomized design with four treatments and eight replications. The experimental treatments were as follows: 1) CTRL: No dietary inclusion of CNM, (control group); 2) T20: Dietary inclusion of 20 mg of CNM per head per day; 3) T40: Dietary inclusion of 40 mg of CNM per head per day; and 4) T80: Dietary inclusion of 80 mg of CNM per head per day. The results revealed that dietary supplementation with 20 and 40 mg of CNM significantly improved live body weight, weight gain, average daily gain (ADG), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) compared to the control treatment. Regression analysis demonstrated quadratic models between growth performance parameters and the Temperature-Humidity Index (THI), indicating a correlation between CNM doses and the animals' responses to heat stress. Regarding eating behavior, CNM doses of 40 and 80 mg/day significantly reduced eating time while increasing ruminating time. Blood analysis indicated significant reductions in glucose levels across all treatments, with T40 significantly reducing both cholesterol and triglyceride (TG) levels. Additionally, CNM supplementation decreased serum malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities, indicating enhanced antioxidant status. Physiological responses were influenced by CNM, notably reducing rectal temperature (RT), skin temperature (ST), respiration rate (RR), while pulse rate (PR) increased across various time intervals, particularly in the T80 group. This study demonstrates that CNM supplementation can enhance performance, physiological responses, and antioxidant status in heat-stressed fattening lambs, highlighting its potential to mitigate heat stress effects in sheep farming.

Evaluation of the Therapeutic Effect of Curcumin-Conjugated Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles on Reserpine-Induced Depression in Wistar Rats

Depression, a devastating brain illness, necessitates the exploration of novel antidepressant treatments. We evaluated the antidepressant effects of free curcumin, zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs), and curcumin-conjugated zinc oxide nanoparticles (Zn(cur)O NPs). The nanoformulations were extensively characterized using advanced techniques. An acute toxicity study ensured the safety of Zn(cur)O NPs. Rats were assigned to one of five groups: control, reserpine-induced depression model, treatment with ZnO NPs, free curcumin, or Zn(cur)O NPs. Behavioral assessments (forced swimming test [FST] and open-field test [OFT]) and neurochemical analyses were conducted. Zn(cur)O NPs exhibited superior efficacy in ameliorating reserpine-induced behavioral and neurochemical effects compared to free curcumin and ZnO NPs. The reserpine-induced model displayed reduced motor activity, swimming time, and increased immobility time in the FST and OFT. Treatment with Zn(cur)O NPs 45 mg/kg significantly improved motor activity and reduced immobility time. Furthermore, Zn(cur)O NPs decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) levels while increasing reduced glutathione (GSH) and catalase (CAT) levels. Additionally, concentrations of serotonin (5-HT) and norepinephrine (NE) increased. In conclusion, curcumin-conjugated zinc oxide nanoparticles demonstrate potent antidepressant effects, alleviating depressive-like behavior in rats. These findings support Zn(cur)O NPs as a promising therapeutic strategy for depression management, warranting further investigation and clinical validation.

Comprehensive insights into rheumatoid arthritis: Pathophysiology, current therapies and herbal alternatives for effective disease management

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory disease characterized by immune response overexpression, causing pain and swelling in the synovial joints. This condition is caused by auto-reactive antibodies that attack self-antigens due to their incapacity to distinguish between self and foreign molecules. Dysregulated activity within numerous signalling and immunological pathways supports the disease's development and progression, elevating its complexity. While current treatments provide some alleviation, their effectiveness is accompanied by a variety of adverse effects that are inherent in conventional medications. As a result, there is a deep-rooted necessity to investigate alternate therapeutic strategies capable of neutralizing these disadvantages. Medicinal herbs display a variety of potent bioactive phytochemicals that are effective in the complementary management of disease, thus generating an enormous potency for the researchers to delve deep into the development of novel phytomedicine against autoimmune diseases, although additional evidence and understanding are required in terms of their efficacy and pharmacodynamic mechanisms. This literature-based review highlights the dysregulation of immune tolerance in rheumatoid arthritis, analyses the pathophysiology, elucidates relevant signalling pathways involved, evaluates present and future therapy options and underscores the therapeutic attributes of a diverse array of medicinal herbs in addressing this severe disease.

Bacterial resistance to antimicrobial photodynamic therapy: A critical update

Bacterial antibiotic resistance is one of the most significant challenges for public health. The increase in bacterial resistance, mainly due to microorganisms harmful to health, and the need to search for alternative treatments to contain infections that cannot be treated by conventional antibiotic therapy has been aroused. An alternative widely studied in recent decades is antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT), a treatment that can eliminate microorganisms through oxidative stress. Although this therapy has shown satisfactory results in infection control, it is still controversial in the scientific community whether bacteria manage to develop resistance after successive applications of aPDT. Thus, this work provides an overview of the articles that performed successive aPDT applications in models using bacteria published since 2010, focusing on sublethal dose cycles, highlighting the main PSs tested, and addressing the possible mechanisms for developing tolerance or resistance to aPDT, such as efflux pumps, biofilm formation, OxyR and SoxRS systems, catalase and superoxide dismutase enzymes and quorum sensing.

Inhibition of polyphenols on Maillard reaction products and their induction of related diseases: A comprehensive review

BACKGROUND

Food products undergo a pronounced Maillard reaction (MR) during the cooking process, leading to the generation of substantial quantities of Maillard reaction products (MRPs). Within this category, advanced glycation end products (AGEs), acrylamide (AA), and heterocyclic amines (HAs) have been implicated as potential risk factors associated with the development of diseases.

PURPOSE

To explore the effects of polyphenols, a class of bioactive compounds found in plants, on the inhibition of MRPs and related diseases. Previous research has mainly focused on their interactions with proteins and their effects on the gastrointestinal tract and other diseases, while fewer studies have examined their inhibitory effects on MRPs. The aim is to offer a scientific reference for future research investigating the inhibitory role of polyphenols in the MR.

METHODS

The databases PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and The Cochrane Library were searched for appropriate research.

RESULTS

Polyphenols have the potential to inhibit the formation of harmful MRPs and prevent related diseases. The inhibition of MRPs by polyphenols primarily occurs through the following mechanisms: trapping α-dicarbonyl compounds, scavenging free radicals, chelating metal ions, and preserving protein structure. Simultaneously, polyphenols exhibit the ability to impede the onset and progression of related diseases such as diabetes, atherosclerosis, cancer, and Alzheimer's disease through diverse pathways.

CONCLUSION

This review presents that inhibition of polyphenols on Maillard reaction products and their induction of related diseases. Further research is imperative to enhance our comprehension of additional pathways affected by polyphenols and to fully uncover their potential application value in inhibiting MRPs.

Can Nutraceuticals Support the Treatment of MASLD/MASH, and thus Affect the Process of Liver Fibrosis?

Currently, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) are considered to be the main causes of fibrosis. In turn, fibrosis may lead to the development of hepatocellular carcinoma or advanced cirrhosis, i.e., potentially life-threatening conditions. It is likely that therapy aimed at reducing the risk of developing hepatic steatosis and inflammation could be helpful in minimizing the threat/probability of organ fibrosis. In recent years, increasing attention has been paid to the influence of nutraceuticals in the prevention and treatment of liver diseases. Therefore, the aim of this review was to describe the precise role of selected ingredients such as vitamin C, beta-carotene, omega-3 fatty acids, and curcumin. It is likely that the use of these ingredients in the treatment of patients with MASLD/MASH, along with behavioral and pharmacological therapy, may have a beneficial effect on combating inflammation, reducing oxidative stress, and thereby preventing liver damage.

Design, Synthesis, Biological Evaluation and in Silico Studies of Curcumin Pyrrole Conjugates

Curcumin conjugated heterocyclic compounds are potent candidates with drug likeness against various bacterial pathogens. A set of curcumin-based pyrrole conjugates (CPs) were synthesized and characterized by FT-IR, 1H and 13C NMR and HR-MS techniques. The results of free radical scavenging activity of the synthesized CPs, evaluated by FRAP and CUPRAC assays, showed the potency of these compounds as effective antioxidants. CP3 exhibits the highest antioxidant activity amongst the CPs. The bactericidal efficacy of CPs was screened against ESKAP bacterial pathogens, and CPs were found to possess better antibacterial property than curcumin, specifically against staphylococcus aureus bacteria. In addition, serum albumin (BSA and HSA) binding interaction of these CPs were determined by UV-visible and fluorescence spectrophotometric techniques. In-silico molecular docking study was performed to determine the binding patterns of molecular targets against Staphylococcus aureus tyrosyl tRNA synthetase, and serum albumin proteins. The structure-activity relationship showed that the presence of multiple phenolic hydroxyl groups, and electron withdrawing groups on the structure of CP molecule, enhances its antioxidant and antibacterial activity, respectively.

Diacetylcurcumin: a novel strategy against Enterococcus faecalis biofilm in root canal disinfection

Aim: We evaluated Diacetylcurcumin (DAC), a derivative of curcumin, for its antibacterial and antibiofilm properties against Enterococcus faecalis. Methods: Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration were determined, along with antibiofilm potential and toxicity in Galleria mellonella. Additionally, in silico computational analysis was performed to understand its mechanisms of action. Results & conclusion: DAC demonstrated significant antibacterial effects, with MIC and MBC values of 15.6 and 31.25 μg/ml, respectively, and reduced biofilm formation. A synergistic effect, reducing biofilm by 77%, was observed when combined with calcium hydroxide. G. mellonella toxicity tests confirmed DAC's safety at tested concentrations, suggesting its potential for use in root canal disinfection products.

Impact of temperature on the binding interaction between dsDNA and curcumin: An electrochemical study

In this study, we investigated the binding mode between double-stranded deoxyribonucleic acid (dsDNA) and curcumin (CU) using differential pulse voltammetry (DPV), UV-Vis spectroscopy, and molecular docking. By employing these techniques, we predicted the binding within the minor groove region of dsDNA and CU. Significantly, we employed electrochemistry, specifically cyclic voltammetry (CV), to explore the temperature effect on the dsDNA and CU binding. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to utilize electrochemical methods for investigating the temperature-dependent behavior of this binding interaction. Our findings revealed temperature-dependent variations in the binding constants: 2.42 × 103 M-1 at 25 °C, 4.26 × 103 M-1 at 30 °C, 5.44 × 103 M-1 at 35 °C, 6.29 × 103 M-1 at 40 °C, and 7.52 × 103 M-1 at 45 °C. Notably, the binding constant exhibited an increasing trend with elevated temperatures, indicating a temperature-dependent enhancement of the binding interaction.

DNA methylation-altered genes in the rat hippocampal neurogenic niche after continuous exposure to amorphous curcumin

Rat offspring who are exposed to an amorphous formula of curcumin (CUR) from the embryonic stage have anti-anxiety-like behaviors, enhanced fear extinction learning, and increased synaptic plasticity in the hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG). In the present study, we investigated the links between genes with altered methylation status in the neurogenic niche and enhanced neural functions after CUR exposure. We conducted methylation and RNA sequencing analyses of the DG of CUR-exposed rat offspring on day 77 after delivery. Methylation status and transcript levels of candidate genes were validated using methylation-sensitive high-resolution melting and real-time reverse-transcription PCR, respectively. In the CUR group, we confirmed the hypermethylation and downregulation of Gpr150, Mmp23, Rprml, and Pcdh8 as well as the hypomethylation and upregulation of Ppm1j, Fam222a, and Opn3. Immunohistochemically, reprimo-like+ hilar cells and protocadherin-8+ granule cells were decreased and opsin-3+ hilar cells were increased by CUR exposure. Both reprimo-like and opsin-3 were partially expressed on subpopulations of glutamic acid decarboxylase 67+ γ-aminobutyric acid-ergic interneurons. Furthermore, the transcript levels of genes involved in protocadherin-8-mediated N-cadherin endocytosis were altered with CUR exposure; this was accompanied by Ctnnb1 and Syp upregulation and Mapk14, Map2k3, and Grip1 downregulation, suggesting that CUR-induced enhanced synaptic plasticity is associated with cell adhesion. Together, our results indicate that functionally different genes have altered methylation and expression in different neuronal populations of the hippocampal neurogenic niche, thus enhancing synaptic plasticity after CUR exposure.

Microfluidic formulation of food additives-loaded nanoparticles for antioxidation

Browning has many important implications with nutrition and the shelf life of foods. Mitigating browning is of particular interest in food chemistry. The addition of antioxidants has been a common strategy to extend shelf life of drug and food products. In this work, we report a microfluidic technology for encapsulation of three common food additives (potassium metathionite (PMS), curcumin (CCM), and β-carotene (β-Car)) into nano-formulations using low-cost and readily available materials such as shellac. The food additives encapsulated nanoparticles provide a microenvironment that can prevent oxidation during daily storage. The results showed that the produced nanoparticles had a narrow size distribution with an average size of around 100 nm, were stable at conventional storage conditions (4 ºC) for 18 weeks, and had sustained release ability at 37 ºC, pH= 7.8, 160 rpm. In addition, further experiments showed that the formulation of hydrophobic additives, such as CCM and β-Car did not only improve their bioavailability but also allowed for the encapsulation of a combination of ingredients. In addition, the antioxidants loaded nanoparticles demonstrated good biocompatibility, low toxicity to human cells. The longer release time of encapsulated food additives increases shelf life of foods and enhances consumer purchase preferences, which not only saves costs but also reduces waste. In summary, this study shows that such antioxidant-loaded nanoparticles provide a promising strategy in extending the shelf life of food products.

Manipulating calcium homeostasis with nanoplatforms for enhanced cancer therapy

Calcium ions (Ca2+) are indispensable and versatile metal ions that play a pivotal role in regulating cell metabolism, encompassing cell survival, proliferation, migration, and gene expression. Aberrant Ca2+ levels are frequently linked to cell dysfunction and a variety of pathological conditions. Therefore, it is essential to maintain Ca2+ homeostasis to coordinate body function. Disrupting the balance of Ca2+ levels has emerged as a potential therapeutic strategy for various diseases, and there has been extensive research on integrating this approach into nanoplatforms. In this review, the current nanoplatforms that regulate Ca2+ homeostasis for cancer therapy are first discussed, including both direct and indirect approaches to manage Ca2+ overload or inhibit Ca2+ signalling. Then, the applications of these nanoplatforms in targeting different cells to regulate their Ca2+ homeostasis for achieving therapeutic effects in cancer treatment are systematically introduced, including tumour cells and immune cells. Finally, perspectives on the further development of nanoplatforms for regulating Ca2+ homeostasis, identifying scientific limitations and future directions for exploitation are offered.

Phytoimmunomodulators: A review of natural modulators for complex immune system

In the past few decades, the medicinal properties of plants and their effects on the human immune system are being studied extensively. Plants are an incredible source of traditional medicines that help cure various diseases, including altered immune mechanisms and are economical and benign compared to allopathic medicines. Reported data in written documents such as Traditional Chinese medicine, Indian Ayurvedic medicine support the supplementation of botanicals for immune defense reactions in the body and can lead to safe and effective immunity responses. Additionally, some botanicals are well-identified as magical herbal remedies because they act upon the pathogen directly and help boost the immunity of the host. Chemical compounds, also known as phytochemicals, obtained from these botanicals looked promising due to their effects on the human immune system by modulating the lymphocytes which subsequently reduce the chances of getting infected. This paper summarises most documented phytochemicals and how they act on the immune system, their properties and possible mechanisms, screening conventions, formulation guidelines, comparison with synthetic immunity-enhancers, marketed immunity-boosting products, and immune-booster role in the ongoing ghastly corona virus wave. However, it focuses mainly on plant metabolites as immunomodulators. In addition, it also sheds light on the current advancements and future possibilities in this field. From this thorough study, it can be stated that the plant-based secondary metabolites contribute significantly to immunity building and could prove to be valuable medicaments for the design and development of novel immunomodulators even for a pandemic like COVID-19.

Promises of anionic calix[n]arenes in life science: State of the art in 2023

Because they hold together molecules by means of non-covalent interactions - relatively weak and thus, potentially reversible - the anionic calixarenes have become an interesting tool for efficiently binding a large range of ligands - from gases to large organic molecules. Being highly water soluble and conveniently biocompatible, they showed growing interest for many interdisciplinary fields, particularly in biology and medicine. Thanks to their intrinsic conical shape, they provide suitable platforms, from vesicles to bilayers. This is a valuable characteristic, as so they mimic the biologically functional architectures. The anionic calixarenes propose efficient alternatives for overcoming the limitations linked to drug delivery and bioavailability, as well as drug resistance along with limiting the undesirable side effects. Moreover, the dynamic non-covalent binding with the drugs enables predictable and on demand drug release, controlled by the stimuli present in the targeted environment. This particular feature instigated the use of these versatile, stimuli-responsive compounds for sensing biomarkers of diverse pathologies. The present review describes the recent achievements of the anionic calixarenes in the field of life science, from drug carriers to biomedical engineering, with a particular outlook on their applications for the diagnosis and treatment of different pathologies.

Preparation and characterization of 3D bioprinted gelatin methacrylate hydrogel incorporated with curcumin loaded chitosan nanoparticles for in vivo wound healing application

This study developed a biomimetic composite bioink consisting of gelatin methacrylate (GelMA) /chitosan nanoparticles (CSNPs) for extrusion-based 3D bioprinting. Additionally, curcumin(Cur)-loaded nanoparticles were incorporated which increased the proliferation and antibacterial activity of biomimetic skin constructs. The hydrogel, curcumin-loaded NPs, and the biocomposite was characterized chemically and physically. The results indicated proper modified gelatin with tunable physical characteristics, e.g., swelling ratio and biodegradability up to 1200 % and 25 days, respectively. In addition, the characterized CSNPs showed good distribution with a size of 370 nm and a zeta potential of 41.1 mV. We investigated the mechanical and cytocompatibility properties of chitosan nanoparticles encapsulated in hydrogel for emulating an extracellular matrix suitable for skin tissue engineering. CSNPs entrapped in GelMA (15 % w/v) exhibited controlled drug release during 5 days, which was fitted into various kinetic models to study the mass transfer mechanism behavior. Also, the composite hydrogels were effective as a barrier against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria at a concentration of 50 μg/ml nanoparticles in GelMA 15 %. Furthermore, the biocomposite was applied on Wistar rats for wound healing. As a result, this study provides a GelMA-NP50-Cur3 scaffold that promotes cell proliferation and decreases microbial infections in wounds.

Targeted therapies of curcumin focus on its therapeutic benefits in cancers and human health: Molecular signaling pathway-based approaches and future perspectives

The curry powder spices turmeric (Curcuma longa L.), which contains curcumin (diferuloylmethane), an orange-yellow chemical. Polyphenols are the most commonly used sources of curcumin. It combats oxidative stress and inflammation in diseases, such as hyperlipidemia, metabolic syndrome, arthritis, and depression. Most of these benefits are due to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Curcumin consumption leads to decreased bioavailability, resulting in limited absorption, quick metabolism, and quick excretion, which hinders health improvement. Numerous factors can increase its bioavailability. Piperine enhances bioavailability when combined with curcumin in a complex. When combined with other enhancing agents, curcumin has a wide spectrum of health benefits. This review evaluates the therapeutic potential of curcumin with a specific emphasis on its approach based on molecular signaling pathways. This study investigated its influence on the progression of cancer, inflammation, and many health-related mechanisms, such as cell proliferation, apoptosis, and metastasis. Curcumin has a significant potential for the prevention and treatment of various diseases. Curcumin modulates several biochemical pathways and targets involved in cancer growth. Despite its limited tissue accumulation and bioavailability when administered orally, curcumin has proven useful. This review provides an in-depth analysis of curcumin's therapeutic applications, its molecular signaling pathway-based approach, and its potential for precision medicine in cancer and human health.

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.

Curcuminoids-enriched extract and its cyclodextrin inclusion complexes ameliorates arthritis in complete Freund's adjuvant-induced arthritic mice via modulation of inflammatory biomarkers and suppression of oxidative stress markers

Curcuma longa extract and its marker curcuminoids have potential use in inflammatory conditions. However, curcuminoids solubility and bioavailability are major hindrances to their bioactivity. The current study investigated green extraction-based curcuminoids-enriched extract (CRE) prepared from C. longa and its cyclodextrin inclusion complexes, i.e., binary inclusion complexes (BC) and ternary inclusion complexes (TC), in complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)-induced mice for their comparative anti-arthritic efficacy. CRE, BC, and TC (2.5 and 5 mg/kg) with the standard drug diclofenac sodium (13.5 mg/kg) were orally administered to mice for 4 weeks. Variations in body weight, hematological and biochemical parameters, along with gene expression analysis of arthritis biomarkers, were studied in animals. The histopathological analysis and radiographic examination of joints were also performed. CRE, BC and TC treatment significantly restored the arthritic index, histopathology and body weight changes. The concentration of C-reactive protein, rheumatoid factor and other liver function parameters were significantly recovered by curcuminoids formulations. The pro-inflammatory cytokines (NF-κB, COX-2, IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α) gene expression was considerably (p < 0.001) downregulated, while on the other side, the anti-inflammatory genes IL-4 and IL-10 were upregulated by the use of CRE and its complexes. The concentration of antioxidant enzymes was considerably (P < 0.001) recovered by CRE, BC and TC with marked decrease in lipid peroxidation, erosion of bone, inflammation of joints and pannus formation in comparison to arthritic control animals. Therefore, it is concluded that green CRE and its cyclodextrin formulations with enhanced solubility could be considered as an applicable therapeutic choice to treat chronic polyarthritis.

Combination of curcumin and catalase protects against chondrocyte injury and knee osteoarthritis progression by suppressing oxidative stress

Knee Osteoarthritis (KOA) is an age-related progressive degenerative joint disease, which is featured with pain, joint deformity, and disability. Accumulating evidence indicated oxidative stress plays a crucial role in the occurrence and development of KOA. Curcumin is a polyphenolic compound with significant antioxidant activity among various diseases while catalase (CAT) is an enzyme degrading hydrogen peroxide in treating oxidative diseases. We previously showed that the expression of CAT was low in cartilage. However, the combination of curcumin and CAT in KOA is still elusive. In this study, we demonstrated that the combination of curcumin and CAT has the potential to inhibit the IL1β-induced chondrocyte apoptosis without cytotoxicity in vitro. Mechanistically, we found that the synergistic application curcumin and CAT not only promotes curcumin's regulation of the NRF2/HO-1 signaling pathway to enhance antioxidant enzyme expression to remove superoxide radicals, but also CAT can further remove downstream hydrogen peroxide which enhances the ability to scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS). In vivo, studies revealed that combination of curcumin and catalase could better inhibit oxidative stress-induced chondrocyte injury by promoting the expression of ROS scavenging enzymes. In sum, the combination of curcumin and catalase can be used to treat KOA. Thus, combination of curcumin and catalase may act as a novel therapeutic agent to manage KOA and our research gives a rationale for their combined use in the therapeutic of KOA.

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.

Enhanced in vivo absorption and biodistribution of curcumin loaded into emulsions with high medium-chain triglyceride content

The health benefits of curcumin have been demonstrated by several clinical studies, but its low bioavailability compromises its functionality. In this regard, emulsions have proven to be effective encapsulation systems for curcumin. Nevertheless, emulsions with a high oil content (50%) may offer some advantages due to the large amount of compound they can incorporate. Therefore, the aim of this work was to study the pharmacokinetics and biodistribution of curcumin when carried in optimized emulsions containing 50% MCT oil and a plant-based emulsifier (soybean lecithin) at 2 h or 4 h post-oral administration to rats. The most stable emulsion was obtained using 50% of oil and a surfactant-oil-ratio 0.1, through a microfluidization process. After the oral administration of the systems (150 mg curcumin/kg body weight), curcumin glucuronide was the main compound present in plasma (AUC0-t = 1556.3 ng·h·ml-1), especially at 2-4 h post-administration. The total curcuminoid bioavailability was increased by 10.6-fold when rats were fed with the curcumin emulsion rather than with a control suspension. Moreover, rats fed with the emulsion showed the highest accumulation of free curcuminoids, which present the highest biological activity, in the liver (129 ng curcumin/g tissue) and brown adipose tissue (193 ng curcumin/g tissue). The obtained results are of great interest since the presence of curcumin in the brown adipose tissue has been shown to play a relevant role in the prevention of obesity and its related metabolic disorders.

Advanced application of nanotechnology in active constituents of Traditional Chinese Medicines

Traditional Chinese Medicines (TCMs) have been used for centuries for the treatment and management of various diseases. However, their effective delivery to targeted sites may be a major challenge due to their poor water solubility, low bioavailability, and potential toxicity. Nanocarriers, such as liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, inorganic nanoparticles and organic/inorganic nanohybrids based on active constituents from TCMs have been extensively studied as a promising strategy to improve the delivery of active constituents from TCMs to achieve a higher therapeutic effect with fewer side effects compared to conventional formulations. This review summarizes the recent advances in nanocarrier-based delivery systems for various types of active constituents of TCMs, including terpenoids, polyphenols, alkaloids, flavonoids, and quinones, from different natural sources. This review covers the design and preparation of nanocarriers, their characterization, and in vitro/vivo evaluations. Additionally, this review highlights the challenges and opportunities in the field and suggests future directions for research. Nanocarrier-based delivery systems have shown great potential in improving the therapeutic efficacy of TCMs, and this review may serve as a comprehensive resource to researchers in this field.

Essential oil components of turmeric inhibit hepatic lipidification and liver fibrosis in a diet-induced NASH model rats

In this study, the fraction extracted from turmeric powder with 50% ethanol and fractionated with n-hexane were administered to diet-induced NASH model rats. NASH model was prepared with SD rats by feeding an originally designed choline-deficient, high-fat, high-fructose (HFF-CD) diet for 10 weeks. To the HFF-CD diet, hexane fraction and 50% ethanol fraction after hexane fractionation were added at 100 mg/kg body weight. 10 weeks later, blood samples and liver were collected for the following parameters: lipid weights, serum ALT, AST, TG, liver TG, TBARS levels, lipid metabolism-related gene expression and histopathological examination of the liver. As the results, the hexane fraction and 50% ethanol fraction showed a decrease in lipid weight, a decrease in hepatic TG, and activation of PPAR-α in the lipid metabolism-related gene test. These results suggest that the hexane fraction of turmeric has an inhibitory effect on fat accumulation in the liver by promoting lipid metabolism in NASH model rats.

Interaction of Thiol Antioxidants with α,β-Unsaturated Ketone Moiety: Its Implication for Stability and Bioactivity of Curcuminoids

Many biological functions of curcumin have been reported. As certain bioactivities of curcumin are eliminated by antioxidants, reactive oxygen species generated by curcumin have been suggested as a relevant mechanism. In the present study, the effects of different types of antioxidants on the stability and bioactivities of curcumin were analyzed. High concentrations (>4 mM) of thiol antioxidants, including N-acetylcysteine (NAC), glutathione (GSH), and β-mercaptoethanol, accelerated the decomposition of curcumin and other curcuminoids; the submillimolar levels (<0.5 mM) of GSH and NAC rather improved their stability. Ascorbic acid or superoxide dismutase also stabilized curcumin, regardless of their concentration. The cellular levels and bioactivities of curcumin, including its cytotoxicity and the induction of heme oxygenase-1, were significantly reduced in the presence of 8 mM of GSH and NAC. The effects were enhanced in the presence of submillilmolar GSH and NAC, or non-thiol antioxidants. The present results indicate that antioxidants with a reduced thiol group could directly interact with the α,β-unsaturated carbonyl moiety of curcuminoids and modulate their stability and bioactivity.

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.

A Nanomedicine-Enabled Ion-Exchange Strategy for Enhancing Curcumin-Based Rheumatoid Arthritis Therapy

Curcumin (Cur) has been clinically used for rheumatoid arthritis treatment by the means of reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging and immune microenvironment regulation. However, this compound has a poor water solubility and moderate antioxidative activity, favoring no further broadened application. Metal complexes of curcumin such as zinc-curcumin (Zn-Cur) features enhanced water solubilities, while copper-curcumin (Cu-Cur) shows a higher antioxidant activity but lower solubility than Zn-Cur. Based on their inherent biological properties, this work proposes a nanomedicine-based ion-exchange strategy to enhance the efficacy of Cur for rheumatoid arthritis treatment. Copper silicate nanoparticles with hollow mesoporous structure were prepared to load water-soluble Zn-Cur for constructing a composite nanomedicine, which can degrade in acidic microenvironment of arthritic region, releasing Cu2+ and Zn-Cur. Cu2+ then substitute for Zn2+ in Zn-Cur to form Cu-Cur with a significantly enhanced antioxidative effect, capable of efficiently scavenging ROS in M1 macrophages, promoting their transition to an anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype. In addition, the silicate released after nanocarrier degradation and the Zn2+ released after ion exchange reaction synergistically promote the biomineralization of osteoblasts. This work provides a new approach for enhancing the antiarthritic effect of Cur via an ion-exchange strategy.

Comprehensive Review of Nutraceuticals against Cognitive Decline Associated with Alzheimer's Disease

Nowadays, nutraceuticals are being incorporated into functional foods or used as supplements with nonpharmacological approaches in the prevention and management of several illnesses, including age-related conditions and chronic neurodegenerative diseases. Nutraceuticals are apt for preventing and treating such disorders because of their nontoxic, non-habit-forming, and efficient bioactivities for promoting neurological well-being due to their ability to influence cellular processes such as neurogenesis, synaptogenesis, synaptic transmission, neuro-inflammation, oxidative stress, cell death modulation, and neuronal survival. The capacity of nutraceuticals to modify all of these processes reveals the potential to develop food-based strategies to aid brain development and enhance brain function, prevent and ameliorate neurodegeneration, and possibly reverse the cognitive impairment observed in Alzheimer's disease, the most predominant form of dementia in the elderly. The current review summarizes the experimental evidence of the neuroprotective capacity of nutraceuticals against Alzheimer's disease, describing their mechanisms of action and the in vitro and in vivo models applied to evaluate their neuroprotective potential.

Effective proliferation control of MCF7 breast cancer using microsecond duration electrical pulse

BACKGROUND

Electro-permeablization using a pulse generator is a novel non-invasive approach for cancer therapy. It serves as a cell permeability enhancing agent for cancer treatment.

OBJECTIVE

In this article in vitro investigation of the effect of 1.0 kV/cm, 1.5 kV/cm and 2.0 kV/cm, 50 µs duration pulsed electric field on MCF-7 cell line has been done. Furthermore, combinational therapy of curcumin and electrical pulses has been also investigated.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

A variable voltage (100 V-1200 V, 100 V step) and 50 µs duration pulse generator has been designed, which is further used for the investigation of electroporation and destructive electrical field intensity. Investigation of the effect of electrical pulses on cancer cells has been performed using Trypan Blue Exclusion Test, MTT Assay and Clonogenic Assay.

RESULTS

It has been observed that electrical field intensity of 2 kV/cm, 50 µsec duration, 10 pulses at repetition rate of 1 pulse per second corresponding to total energy of 4 J is more than enough for causing necrotic cell death due to permanent damage of cell membrane of the cancer cell. Also, it has been observed that electrical pulse application enhances curcumin uptake by cells.

CONCLUSION

Electrical pulses can effectively inhibit the cancer cell growth and proliferation. Furthermore, observation shows that electroporation enhances the curcumin uptake, therefore, it can be used for therapeutic purposes.

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

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

The food and biomedical applications of curcumin-loaded electrospun nanofibers: A comprehensive review

Encapsulating curcumin (CUR) in nanocarriers such as liposomes, polymeric micelles, silica nanoparticles, protein-based nanocarriers, solid lipid nanoparticles, and nanocrystals could be efficient for a variety of industrial and biomedical applications. Nanofibers containing CUR represent a stable polymer-drug carrier with excellent surface-to-volume ratios for loading and cell interactions, tailored porosity for controlled CUR release, and diverse properties that fit the requirements for numerous applications. Despite the mentioned benefits, electrospinning is not capable of producing fibers from multiple polymers and biopolymers, and the product's effectiveness might be affected by various machine- and material-dependent parameters like the voltage and the flow rate of the electrospinning process. This review delves into the current and innovative recent research on nanofibers containing CUR and their various applications.

Structural basis of antibacterial photodynamic action of curcumin against S. aureus

Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) is an alternative tool to commercial antibiotics for the inactivation of pathogenic bacteria (e.g., S. aureus). However, there is still a lack of understanding of the molecular modeling of the photosensitizers and their mechanism of action through oxidative pathways. Herein, a combined experimental and computational evaluation of curcumin as a photosensitizer against S. aureus was performed. The radical forms of keto-enol tautomers and the energies of curcumin's frontier molecular orbitals were evaluated by density functional theory (DFT) to point out the photodynamic action as well as the photobleaching process. Furthermore, the electronic transitions of curcumin keto-enol tautomers were undertaken to predict the transitions as a photosensitizer during the antibacterial photodynamic process. Moreover, molecular docking was used to evaluate the binding affinity with the S. aureus tyrosyl-tRNA synthetase as the proposed a target for curcumin. In this regard, the molecular orbital energies show that the curcumin enol form has a character of 4.5% more basic than the keto form - the enol form is a more promising electron donor than its tautomer. Curcumin is a strong electrophile, with the enol form being 4.6% more electrophilic than its keto form. In addition, the regions susceptible to nucleophilic attack and photobleaching were evaluated by the Fukui function. Regarding the docking analysis, the model suggested that four hydrogen bonds contribute to the binding energy of curcumin's interaction with the ligand binding site of S. aureus tyrosyl-tRNA synthetase. Finally, residues Tyr36, Asp40, and Asp177 contact curcumin and may contribute to orienting the curcumin in the active area. Moreover, curcumin presented a photoinactivation of 4.5 log unit corroborating the necessity of the combined action of curcumin, light, and O2 to promote the photooxidation damage of S. aureus. These computational and experimental data suggest insights regarding the mechanism of action of curcumin as a photosensitizer to inactivate S. aureus bacteria.

Ameliorative Effect of Ethanolic Extract of Moringa oleifera Leaves in Combination with Curcumin against PTZ-Induced Kindled Epilepsy in Rats: In Vivo and In Silico

The ameliorative effect of ethanolic extract of M. oleifera (MOEE) leaves in combination with curcumin against seizures, cognitive impairment, and oxidative stress in the molecular docking of PTZ-induced kindled rats was performed to predict the potential phytochemical effects of MOEE and curcumin against epilepsy. The effect of pretreatment with leaves of M. oleifera ethanolic extracts (MOEE) (250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg, orally), curcumin (200 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg, orally), valproic acid used as a standard (100 mg/kg), and the combined effect of MOEE (250 mg/kg) and curcumin (200 mg/kg) at a low dose on Pentylenetetrazole was used for (PTZ)-induced kindling For the development of kindling, individual Wistar rats (male) were injected with pentyletetrazole (40 mg/kg, i.p.) on every alternate day. Molecular docking was performed by the Auto Dock 4.2 tool to merge the ligand orientations in the binding cavity. From the RCSB website, the crystal structure of human glutathione reductase (PDB ID: 3DK9) was obtained. Curcumin and M. oleifera ethanolic extracts (MOEE) showed dose-dependent effects. The combined effects of MOEE and curcumin leaves significantly improved the seizure score and decreased the number of myoclonic jerks compared with a standard dose of valproic acid. PTZ kindling induced significant oxidative stress and cognitive impairment, which was reversed by pretreatment with MOEE and curcumin. Glutathione reductase (GR) is an enzyme that plays a key role in the cellular control of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Therefore, activating GR can uplift antioxidant properties, which leads to the inhibition of ROS-induced cell death in the brain. The combination of the ethanolic extract of M. oleifera (MOEE) leaves and curcumin has shown better results than any other combination for antiepileptic effects by virtue of antioxidant effects. As per the docking study, chlorogenic acid and quercetin treated with acombination of curcumin have much more potential.

Dissolvable hybrid microneedle patch for efficient delivery of curcumin to reduce intraocular inflammation

Intraocular inflammation seriously impairs vision, and the effectiveness of intraocular drug delivery is hampered by various physiological barriers, such as the corneal barrier. In this paper, we present a simple approach to fabricating a dissolvable hybrid microneedles (MNs) patch for the efficient delivery of curcumin to treat intraocular inflammatory disorders. Water-insoluble curcumin was first encapsulated into polymeric micelles with high anti-inflammatory capacities, and then were combined with hyaluronic acid (HA) to create a dissolvable hybrid MNs patch using a simple micromolding method. Curcumin was amorphously dispersed within the MNs patch as indicated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses. According to an in vitro drug release study, the proposed MNs patch provided sustainable drug release over 8 h. Following its in vivo topical application, the MNs patch demonstrated an extended pre-corneal retention time over 3.5 h and exhibited great ocular biocompatibility. Additionally, such MNs patch could reversibly penetrate the corneal epithelium, generating an array of microchannels on the corneal surface, thereby increasing ocular bioavailability. Of greater significance, the use of MNs patch demonstrated the improved therapeutic effectiveness in treating endotoxin-induced uveitis (EIU) in a rabbit model compared to curcumin eye drops via a significant reduction in the infiltration of inflammatory cells such as CD45+ leukocytes and CD68+ macrophages. Overall, the topical application of the MNs patch as an efficient ocular drug delivery system could potentially serve as a promising approach for treating different types of intraocular disorders.

Curcumin-Melamine For Solid-Phase Microextraction of Volatile Organic Compounds from Aqueous Samples

The hybrid coating of curcumin and melamine was prepared by a simple electrochemical method. Some physical and chemical properties of the fiber were studied by several methods such as FT-IR, scanning electron microscopy and X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy. The fiber was stable at the inlet of a gas chromatograph at temperatures up to 280°C. The fiber has been used for the extraction of ethylbenzene, toluene and xylenes (ETX). Some parameters of headspace solid-phase microextraction, including extraction time, temperature and salt amount, were optimized. Under the optimized situation, the detection limits were 0.15-0.21 μg L -1 and the linear ranges were within the range of 0.5-1,000 μg L-1 (r2 ≥ 0.99). The intra-day and inter-day relative standard deviations were 10.2-13.7 and 13.0-15.6%, respectively, at a concentration level of 10 μg L-1 from each compound by applying a single fiber. The method was used to successfully analyze wastewater and pool water samples.

Hypometabolism, Alzheimer's Disease, and Possible Therapeutic Targets: An Overview

The brain is a highly dynamic organ that requires a constant energy source to function normally. This energy is mostly supplied by glucose, a simple sugar that serves as the brain's principal fuel source. Glucose transport across the blood-brain barrier (BBB) is primarily controlled via sodium-independent facilitated glucose transport, such as by glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) and 3 (GLUT3). However, other glucose transporters, including GLUT4 and the sodium-dependent transporters SGLT1 and SGLT6, have been reported in vitro and in vivo. When the BBB endothelial layer is crossed, neurons and astrocytes can absorb the glucose using their GLUT1 and GLUT3 transporters. Glucose then enters the glycolytic pathway and is metabolized into adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which supplies the energy to support cellular functions. The transport and metabolism of glucose in the brain are impacted by several medical conditions, which can cause neurological and neuropsychiatric symptoms. Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), epilepsy, traumatic brain injury (TBI), schizophrenia, etc., are a few of the most prevalent disorders, characterized by a decline in brain metabolism or hypometabolism early in the course of the disease. Indeed, AD is considered a metabolic disorder related to decreased brain glucose metabolism, involving brain insulin resistance and age-dependent mitochondrial dysfunction. Although the conventional view is that reduced cerebral metabolism is an effect of neuronal loss and consequent brain atrophy, a growing body of evidence points to the opposite, where hypometabolism is prodromal or at least precedes the onset of brain atrophy and the manifestation of clinical symptoms. The underlying processes responsible for these glucose transport and metabolic abnormalities are complicated and remain poorly understood. This review article provides a comprehensive overview of the current understanding of hypometabolism in AD and potential therapeutic targets.

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.

Influence of pH on the release of an active principle from 3D printed carrageenan-k combined with alginate or xanthan gum

The use of 3D printing began to diffuse in the pharmaceutical field in recent times, since 2015, with the approval of the first 3D printed drug from the FDA. The most used materials in association with this technique in this specific scope are hydrogels, already used widely in tissue engineering to produce scaffolds used in the realization of synthetic tissues. The aim of this project was to study the influence of different pH conditions on the release of a therapeutic molecule from a Carrageenan-k combined with alginate or xanthan gum hydrogel with a high level of biocompatibility and enough mechanical resistance to be used as printing material for a 3D bioprinter. The addition of biologically active supplements without affecting the model of the 3D printing structure of the biocompatible polymers was achieved by adopting the extrusion at moderately low temperatures. This study aimed to produce the necessary percentage of hydrogels which is responsible for the release of active drugs which respect to the pH of the system. In this case, the chosen curcumin drug which exhibits active release in the pH of the small intestine is a pH value of 6.

Dietary Curcumin Attenuates Hepatic Cellular Senescence by Suppressing the MAPK/NF-κB Signaling Pathway in Aged Mice

Dietary interventions with bioactive compounds have been found to suppress the accumulation of senescent cells and senescence-associated secretory phenotypes (SASPs). One such compound, curcumin (CUR), has beneficial health and biological effects, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, but its ability to prevent hepatic cellular senescence is unclear. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of dietary CUR as an antioxidant on hepatic cellular senescence and determine its benefits on aged mice. We screened the hepatic transcriptome and found that CUR supplementation led to the downregulation of senescence-associated hepatic gene expressions in both usually fed and nutritionally challenged aged mice. Our results showed that CUR supplementation enhanced antioxidant properties and suppressed mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling cascades in the liver, particularly c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) in aged mice and p38 in diet-induced obese aged mice. Furthermore, dietary CUR decreased the phosphorylation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), a downstream transcription factor of JNK and p38, and inhibited the mRNA expression of proinflammatory cytokines and SASPs. The potency of CUR administration was demonstrated in aged mice via enhanced insulin homeostasis along with declined body weight. Taken together, these results suggest that CUR supplementation may be a nutritional strategy to prevent hepatic cellular senescence.

Hydrophobic modified agar: Structural characterization and application in encapsulation and release of curcumin

In this study, three kinds of anhydrides with different structures were introduced into agar molecules to study the effects of varying degrees of substitution (DS) and anhydride structures on the physicochemical properties and curcumin (CUR) loading capacity. Increasing the carbon chain length and saturation of the anhydride affects the hydrophobic interaction and hydrogen bonding of the esterified agar, thereby changing the stable structure of the agar. Although the gel performance declined, the hydrophilic carboxyl group and the loose porous structure provide more binding sites for the adsorption of water molecules, hence providing excellent water retention (1700 %). Next, CUR was used as a hydrophobic active ingredient to study agar microspheres' drug encapsulation and in vitro release ability. Results showed that the excellent swelling and hydrophobic structure of esterified agar could promote the encapsulation of CUR (70.3 %). The release process is controlled by pH, and the release of CUR under weak alkaline conditions is significant, which can be explained by the pore structure, swelling characteristics, and carboxyl binding of agar. Therefore, this study shows the application potential of hydrogel microspheres in loading hydrophobic active ingredients and sustained release and provides the possibility for the application of agar in drug delivery systems.

Effects of dietary curcumin nano-micelles on growth performance, blood metabolites, antioxidant status, immune and physiological responses of fattening lambs under heat-stress conditions

The aim of the current study was to investigate the effects of dietary curcumin nano-micelles (C-NM) on the growth performance, blood metabolites, antioxidant status, and immune and physiological responses of fattening lambs under heat stress conditions. Thirty-two crossbred male lambs [Île-de-France × (Dalagh × Romanov)] with an average weight of 31.2 ± 1.55 kg and age of 4-5 months were assigned to experimental treatments in a completely randomized design including four treatments and eight replications. The treatments were T0, T20, T40, and T80, representing dietary supplementation of C-NM at 0, 20, 40, and 80 mg per head per day, respectively. The study lasted for 37 days including 7 days of adaptation period. Lambs were weighed on days 0 and 30 of the experiment before morning feeding to determine the average daily gain (ADG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR). Blood samples were collected from the jugular vein on day 30 of the experiment and physiological parameters, including rectal temperature (RT), skin temperature (ST), respiration rate (RR), and pulse rate (PR), were measured once a week on a certain day during the study. Lambs in the T40 group showed higher final live weight (FLW) and ADG, while exhibiting lower FCR (P < 0.01). Regression analysis predicted the optimum levels of dietary inclusion of C-NM to be 44.7, 38.3, and 42.0 mg/day for FLW, ADG, and FCR, respectively. Dietary supplementation of C-NM decreased RT, ST, and RR, while increasing PR (P < 0.01). The levels of immunoglobulins G (IgG) and A (IgA) increased linearly with the dietary inclusion of C-NM (P < 0.01), while levels of immunoglobulin M (IgM) remained unaffected (P > 0.05). Dietary inclusion of C-NM had a quadratic reducing effect on the serum concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) and a cubic increasing effect on the serum activities of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) (P < 0.05). Superoxide dismutase (SOD) was linearly increased in T80, while total antioxidant capacity (TAC) showed a linear increase in T40 and T80 groups (P < 0.01). Based on the results of this study, we recommend the administration of C-NM in the diet of fattening lambs during hot months in tropical and subtropical areas. However, further studies are needed to assess the long-term effects of C-NM during various physiological and production statuses.

Curcumin-loaded cockle shell-derived calcium carbonate nanoparticles ameliorates lead-induced neurotoxicity in rats via attenuation of oxidative stress

A substantial global health burden is associated with neurotoxicity caused by lead (Pb) exposure and the common mechanism of this toxicity is mainly via oxidative damage. Curcumin has remarkable pharmacological activities but remains clinically constrained due to its poor bioavailability when orally administered. Currently, cockle shell-derived calcium carbonate nanoparticle (CSCaCO3NP) is gaining more acceptance in nanomedicine as a nanocarrier to various therapeutics. This study aimed at investigating the ameliorative effect of curcumin-loaded CSCaCO3NP (Cur-CSCaCO3NP) on lead-induced neurotoxicity in rats. A total of 36 male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned into five groups. Each group consists of 6 rats apart from the control group which consists of 12 rats. During the 4 weeks induction phase, all rats received a flat dose of 50 mg/kg of lead while the control group received normal saline. The treatment phase lasted for 4 weeks, and all rats received various doses of treatments as follows: group C (Cur 100) received 100 mg/kg of curcumin, group D (Cur-CSCaCO3NP 50) received 50 mg/kg of Cur-CSCaCO3NP, and group E (Cur-CSCaCO3NP 100) received 100 mg/kg of Cur-CSCaCO3NP. The motor function test was carried out using the horizontal bar method. The cerebral and cerebellar oxidative biomarker levels were estimated using ELISA and enzyme assay kits. Lead-administered rats revealed a significant decrease in motor scores and SOD activities with a resultant increase in MDA levels. Furthermore, marked cellular death of the cerebral and cerebellar cortex was observed. Conversely, treatment with Cur-CSCaCO3NP demonstrated enhanced ameliorative effects when compared with free curcumin treatment by significantly reversing the aforementioned alterations caused by lead. Thus, CSCaCO3NP enhanced the efficacy of curcumin by ameliorating the lead-induced neurotoxicity via enhanced attenuation of oxidative stress.

Curcumin attenuates morphine dependence by modulating μ-opioid receptors and glial cell-activated neuroinflammation in rat

In recent years, the association between neuroinflammation and opioid dependence has attracted considerable attention. Curcumin, a component of the Curcuma longa, has been shown to act as a suppressor of glial cells and inflammatory cytokines. The main goal of this study was to explore the attenuating effects of curcumin on morphine dependence with a focus on neuroinflammation and μ-opioid receptors in the rat prefrontal cortex. To induce morphine dependence in male Wistar rats, morphine was administered i.p. once daily for 18 days in an escalating dose of 10, 20, and 40 mg/kg. Curcumin (2.5, 5, and 10 mg/kg, i.p.) was given from the days 10th to 18th. Immunofluorescence staining and ELISA methods were used to evaluate glial cells activity and inflammatory cytokines levels, respectively. Western blotting was used to evaluate the expression of μ-opioid receptors. The administration of curcumin (2.5, 5, and 10 mg/kg) for 9 days significantly attenuated the symptoms of morphine withdrawal syndrome. The prefrontal cortex concentration of TNF-α and IL-6 was also reduced by curcumin (2.5, 5, and 10 mg/kg) significantly. Furthermore, curcumin decreased the number of Iba1 and GFAP positive cells in morphine-dependent rats. Moreover, the expression of μ-opioid receptors was significantly reduced by curcumin (10 mg/kg). The results of this study demonstrate that curcumin attenuates morphine dependence in rats through an inhibitory effect on neuroinflammation and a decrease in the expression of μ-opioid receptors in the prefrontal cortex.

Curcumin from Curcuma longa Linn. (Family: Zingiberaceae) attenuates hypochlorous acid-induced cytotoxicity and oxidative damage to human red blood cells

Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is a major oxidant produced by activated neutrophils via the myeloperoxidase catalyzed reaction. The production of HOCl eliminates a wide range of pathogens. However, HOCl can also cause significant oxidative damage in cells and tissues where it is generated. The protective effect of curcumin was studied on HOCl-induced oxidative damage to human red blood cells (RBC). Isolated RBC were incubated with HOCl at 37 °C in absence or presence of different concentrations of curcumin. Hemolysates were prepared and assayed for various biochemical parameters. Treatment of RBC with HOCl alone increased hemolysis, protein carbonyls, heme degradation and chloramines as compared to untreated control cells. This was accompanied by reduction in glutathione level, total sulfhydryls and free amino groups. HOCl also lowered the activities of major antioxidant enzymes and diminished the antioxidant power of RBC. Pre-treatment of RBC with different concentrations of curcumin resulted in concentration-dependent attenuation in all these parameters while curcumin alone had no significant effect. Scanning electron microscopy showed that curcumin prevented HOCl-induced morphological changes in RBC and restored their normal biconcave shape. Thus curcumin can be used as a chemoprotective agent to mitigate HOCl-induced oxidative damage to cells. These results also explain the beneficial effects of curcumin against Helicobacter pylori induced stomach ulcers, caused by excessive production of HOCl at the site of bacterial infection.