Quantitation of curcuminoid contents, dissolution profile, and volatile oil content of turmeric capsules produced at some secondary government hospitals

3D printed personalized wound dressings using a hydrophobic deep eutectic solvent (HDES)-formulated emulgel

Curcuminoids, known for their antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and wound healing properties, face challenges in medical applications due to their limited water solubility, resulting in poor bioavailability and clinical efficacy. This study introduces a novel approach to formulating 3D printing ink for personalized wound dressings by utilizing hydrophobic deep eutectic solvents (HDES) to incorporate poorly water-soluble compounds from Curcuma longa (i.e., curcuminoids and ar-turmerone) into hydrogels. The use of HDES, comprising either acetic acid or octanoic acid combined with menthol in a 2 : 1 molar ratio, significantly improved the solubility of curcuminoid derivatives and ar-turmerone by approximately 10 to 600 times, depending on the intrinsic chemical polarities of each compound, compared to conventional extraction solvents (i.e., ethanol and water). By formulating an emulgel using HDES as the oil phase in a gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) solution stabilized by a biocompatible surfactant, we achieved a 3D biocompatible printing ink with preserved rheological characteristics, enabling the production of personalized wound dressings using a custom-designed, syringe-based 3D printer. The emulgel constructs exhibited regulated swelling profiles, prolonged release of curcuminoids over 60 days as monitored by a Franz cell diffusion assay, and promoted human dermal fibroblast proliferation in vitro. Additionally, the emulgel components worked synergistically with curcuminoids to significantly enhance anti-biofilm activity against Staphylococcus aureus, offering an effective strategy to prevent wound infections. Our findings have demonstrated, for the first time, the formulation of biochemical ink for 3D printing harnessing HDES, providing a new pathway for developing advanced wound dressings with relatively high concentrations of poorly soluble plant bioactive compounds tailored for chronic wound management.

Curcuminoid Contents in Rhizomes of Some Zingiberaceous Plants Sold via Online Platforms: Influence of Species and Cultivation Location

Zingiberaceous plants are versatile and find application in various fields, including food, medicine, and cosmetics. Recently, turmeric and other Zingiberaceous plants have become readily available through online platforms. However, the quality, specifically the curcuminoid content, has not been adequately assessed. In light of this issue, this study is aimed at analyzing the curcuminoid contents, including bisdemethoxycurcumin, demethoxycurcumin, and curcumin, using high-performance liquid chromatography. The analysis targets the rhizomes of Zingiber montanum (ZM), Curcuma aromatica (CA), Curcuma wanenlueanga (CW), Curcuma zedoaria (CZ), and sixteen Curcuma longa (CL) samples sold on online platforms. The influence of species and cultivation locations was evaluated, compared, and clustered. The results indicated that CL exhibited the highest curcuminoid contents, followed by CA, CZ, ZM, and CW, respectively. Curcumin was not detected in CW, while bisdemethoxycurcumin and demethoxycurcumin were absent in ZM. Cluster analysis revealed that CW was closely related to ZM, and CA was closely related to CZ, while CL was not closely related to either cluster. Among the sixteen CL samples, the most commonly found curcuminoids were curcumin, followed by bisdemethoxycurcumin and demethoxycurcumin, respectively. Three samples contained curcuminoid contents of less than 5%, failing to meet the standard level specified in the Thai Herbal Pharmacopoeia. Furthermore, ten samples had total curcuminoid contents higher than 10%, with three samples exceeding 15%. The top three samples with the highest total curcuminoid contents from different locations were as follows: Tha Yang District, Phetchaburi Province (17.02%); Phop Phra District, Tak Province (16.97%); and Pak Tho District, Ratchaburi Province (15.45%). Cluster analysis revealed that CL samples could be grouped into two major categories: low curcuminoid and high curcuminoid groups. This study offers valuable insights for consumers seeking high-quality rhizomes of Zingiberaceous plants with high curcuminoids, through online platforms. By focusing on the curcuminoid content, consumers can make informed decisions when purchasing Zingiberaceous plants online. This information not only aids in selecting superior quality rhizomes but also enhances the overall consumer experience by ensuring the potency and efficacy of the purchased products.

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.

Therapeutic Potential of Phenolic Compounds in Medicinal Plants-Natural Health Products for Human Health

Phenolic compounds and flavonoids are potential substitutes for bioactive agents in pharmaceutical and medicinal sections to promote human health and prevent and cure different diseases. The most common flavonoids found in nature are anthocyanins, flavones, flavanones, flavonols, flavanonols, isoflavones, and other sub-classes. The impacts of plant flavonoids and other phenolics on human health promoting and diseases curing and preventing are antioxidant effects, antibacterial impacts, cardioprotective effects, anticancer impacts, immune system promoting, anti-inflammatory effects, and skin protective effects from UV radiation. This work aims to provide an overview of phenolic compounds and flavonoids as potential and important sources of pharmaceutical and medical application according to recently published studies, as well as some interesting directions for future research. The keyword searches for flavonoids, phenolics, isoflavones, tannins, coumarins, lignans, quinones, xanthones, curcuminoids, stilbenes, cucurmin, phenylethanoids, and secoiridoids medicinal plant were performed by using Web of Science, Scopus, Google scholar, and PubMed. Phenolic acids contain a carboxylic acid group in addition to the basic phenolic structure and are mainly divided into hydroxybenzoic and hydroxycinnamic acids. Hydroxybenzoic acids are based on a C6-C1 skeleton and are often found bound to small organic acids, glycosyl moieties, or cell structural components. Common hydroxybenzoic acids include gallic, syringic, protocatechuic, p-hydroxybenzoic, vanillic, gentistic, and salicylic acids. Hydroxycinnamic acids are based on a C6-C3 skeleton and are also often bound to other molecules such as quinic acid and glucose. The main hydroxycinnamic acids are caffeic, p-coumaric, ferulic, and sinapic acids.

Extraction of curcuminoids and ar-turmerone from turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) using hydrophobic deep eutectic solvents (HDESs) and application as HDES-based microemulsions

The extraction of curcuminoids and aromatic (ar)-turmerone from Curcuma longa L. using organic solvents produces chemical waste, and is therefore incompatible with food applications. To address this issue, this study presents the design of hydrophobic deep eutectic solvents (HDESs) and HDES-based microemulsions. Using the response surface methodology (RSM), the optimal extraction conditions were identified as follows: HDES = OA:menthol (1:3.6 M ratio), solid-to-liquid ratio = 10:1 (mg/mL), and extraction duration = 90 min (prediction accuracy ≥ 85 %). Under these conditions, the HDES extraction yields of bisdemethoxycurcumin, demethoxycurcumin, curcumin, and ar-turmerone were 2.49 ± 0.25, 5.61 ± 0.45, 9.40 ± 0.86, and 3.83 ± 0.19 % (w/w, dry basis), respectively, while those obtained using the HDES-based microemulsion were 2.10 ± 0.18, 6.31 ± 0.48, 12.6 ± 1.20, and 2.58 ± 0.19 % (w/w, dry basis), respectively. The HDES and its microemulsions are more effective and environmentally friendly than conventional organic solvents for the extraction of curcuminoids and ar-turmerone, and these solvents are also compatible with food and pharmaceutical formulations.

Biodegradable Nanoparticles Loaded with Levodopa and Curcumin for Treatment of Parkinson's Disease

Background: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most common age-related neurodegenerative disorder. Levodopa (L-DOPA) remains the gold-standard drug available for treating PD. Curcumin has many pharmacological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti-amyloid, and antitumor properties. Copolymers composed of Poly (ethylene oxide) (PEO) and biodegradable polyesters such as Poly (ε-caprolactone) (PCL) can self-assemble into nanoparticles (NPs). This study describes the development of NH₂–PEO–PCL diblock copolymer positively charged and modified by adding glutathione (GSH) on the outer surface, resulting in a synergistic delivery of L-DOPA curcumin that would be able to pass the blood–brain barrier. Methods: The NH₂–PEO–PCL NPs suspensions were prepared by using a nanoprecipitation and solvent displacement method and coated with GSH. NPs were submitted to characterization assays. In order to ensure the bioavailability, Vero and PC12 cells were treated with various concentrations of the loaded and unloaded NPs to observe cytotoxicity. Results: NPs have successfully loaded L-DOPA and curcumin and were stable after freeze-drying, indicating advancing into in vitro toxicity testing. Vero and PC12 cells that were treated up to 72 h with various concentrations of L-DOPA and curcumin-loaded NP maintained high viability percentage, indicating that the NPs are biocompatible. Conclusions: NPs consisting of NH₂–PEO–PCL were characterized as potential formulations for brain delivery of L-DOPA and curcumin. The results also indicate that the developed biodegradable nanomicelles that were blood compatible presented low cytotoxicity.

Impacts of Commonly Used Edible Plants on the Modulation of Platelet Function

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a primary cause of deaths worldwide. Thrombotic diseases, specifically stroke and coronary heart diseases, account for around 85% of CVDs-induced deaths. Platelets (small circulating blood cells) are responsible for the prevention of excessive bleeding upon vascular injury, through blood clotting (haemostasis). However, unnecessary activation of platelets under pathological conditions, such as upon the rupture of atherosclerotic plaques, results in thrombus formation (thrombosis), which can cause life threatening conditions such as stroke or heart attack. Therefore, antiplatelet medications are usually prescribed for people who are at a high risk of thrombotic diseases. The currently used antiplatelet drugs are associated with major side effects such as excessive bleeding, and some patients are resistant to these drugs. Therefore, numerous studies have been conducted to develop new antiplatelet agents and notably, to establish the relationship between edible plants, specifically fruits, vegetables and spices, and cardiovascular health. Indeed, healthy and balanced diets have proven to be effective for the prevention of CVDs in diverse settings. A high intake of fruits and vegetables in regular diet is associated with lower risks for stroke and coronary heart diseases because of their plethora of phytochemical constituents. In this review, we discuss the impacts of commonly used selected edible plants (specifically vegetables, fruits and spices) and/or their isolated compounds on the modulation of platelet function, haemostasis and thrombosis.

A Critical Scientific Review on Withania somnifera, Garcinia cambogia and Curcumin Supplements: Food Forensics Perspective

Abstract:

Food forensics is an emerging branch that applies scientific knowledge for the verification and authentication of food supplements. The term “dietary supplement” refers to a diverse set of preparations that are deemed to be essential for the well-being of the human body. These supplements consist of various physiologically active substances that produce effects on the body. However, a major issue with these supplements is that they are neither considered as medicines nor as a food products. Due to this, such food supplements are prone to adulteration and counterfeiting. In this review, three widely used supplements, namely Curcuma longa, Withania somnifera, and Garcinia cambogia supplements, are considered. Chemistry, pharmacology, and benefits of three are being discussed along with the analytical techniques for their analysis. Chromatographic techniques are popular for the examination of dietary supplements. Several such analytical techniques are being used to detect and identify the physiologically active constituents as well as adulterants in dietary products. This review intends to demonstrate the overall issues regarding dietary supplements.

Simplex lattice design for optimization of the mass ratio of Curcuma longa L., Curcuma zedoaria (Christm.) Roscoe and Curcuma aromatica Salisb. to maximize curcuminoids content and antioxidant activity

The aim of this work was to optimize the mass ratio of three Curcuma plants' rhizomes to obtain the highest curcuminoid content and antioxidant activity using the simplex lattice design. The selected Curcuma plants were C. longa, C. zedoaria and C. aromatica. The simplex lattice design was applied in the work. The individual curcuminoids (curcumin, demethoxycurcumin and bis-demethoxycurcumin) and total curcuminoid content were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography. Curcuma longa alone provided the highest content of bis-demethoxycurcumin and demethoxycurcumin. A mixture of C. longa and C. aromatica in the mass ratio of 72:28 % provided the highest curcumin content. The results showed that C. longa alone exhibited the highest antioxidant activity.

Antiparasitic activity of synthetic curcumin monocarbonyl analogues against Trichomonas vaginalis

Trichomoniasis is a parasitic infection caused by Trichomonas vaginalis and it is considered to be the most common non-viral sexually transmitted infection in the world. Since the 1960s, nitroimidazoles such as metronidazole are the drugs of choice for the treatment of trichomoniasis, but many adverse effects and allergic reactions may result from their use. Reports of metronidazole-resistant infections also highlight the importance for the search of new anti-T. vaginalis agents. Considering this, herein we report the anti-T. vaginalis evaluation of 21 synthetic monocarbonyl analogues of curcumin, which itself has been reported to possess antiparasitic potential. From the in vitro analysis of the synthetic molecules, untreated trophozoites, and metronidazole at 100 μM, it was observed that three curcumin analogues (3a, 3e, and 5e) exhibited anti-T. vaginalis activity comparable to metronidazole (no significant statistical difference). Optimal antiparasitic concentrations were determined to be 80 μM and 90 μM for propanone derivatives 3a and 3e, respectively, and 200 μM for cyclohexanone derivative 5e. Kinetic growth curves showed that, after 24 h, the trophozoites were completely inhibited. At the tested concentrations, natural curcumin did not significantly inhibit the growth of trophozoites, therefore demonstrating that the designed synthetic molecules not only have better chemical stability, but also higher anti-T. vaginalis potential. Cytotoxicity analysis, performed on VERO cells, demonstrated low, moderate and high cytotoxic effects for analogues 3e, 5e and 3a, respectively. This study suggests that these analogues possess chemical features of interest to be further explored as alternatives for the treatment of trichomoniasis.

Employing natural reagents from turmeric and lime for acetic acid determination in vinegar sample

A simple, rapid and environmentally friendly sequential injection analysis system employing natural extract reagents was developed for the determination of acetic acid following an acid–base reaction in the presence of an indicator. Powdered lime and turmeric were utilized as the natural base and indicator, respectively. Mixing lime and turmeric produced an orange to reddish-brown color solution which absorbed the maximum wavelength at 455 nm, with absorbance decreasing with increasing acetic acid concentration. Influential parameters including lime and turmeric concentrations, reagent and sample aspirated volumes, mixing coil length and dispensing flow rate were investigated and optimized. A standard calibration graph was plotted for 0–5.0 mmol/L acetic acid with r² = 0.9925. Relative standard deviations (RSD) at 2.0 and 4.0 mmol/L acetic acid were less than 3% (n = 7), with limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) at 0.12 and 0.24 mmol/L, respectively. The method was successfully applied to assay acetic acid concentration in cooking vinegar samples. Results achieved were not significantly different from those obtained following a batchwise standard AOAC titration method.

Triple-component nanocomposite films prepared using a casting method: Its potential in drug delivery

The purpose of this study was to fabricate a triple-component nanocomposite system consisting of chitosan, polyethylene glycol (PEG), and drug for assessing the application of chitosan–PEG nanocomposites in drug delivery and also to assess the effect of different molecular weights of PEG on nanocomposite characteristics. The casting/solvent evaporation method was used to prepare chitosan–PEG nanocomposite films incorporating piroxicam-β-cyclodextrin. In order to characterize the morphology and structure of nanocomposites, X-ray diffraction technique, scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and Fourier transmission infrared spectroscopy were used. Drug content uniformity test, swelling studies, water content, erosion studies, dissolution studies, and anti-inflammatory activity were also performed. The permeation studies across rat skin were also performed on nanocomposite films using Franz diffusion cell. The release behavior of films was found to be sensitive to pH and ionic strength of release medium. The maximum swelling ratio and water content was found in HCl buffer pH 1.2 as compared to acetate buffer of pH 4.5 and phosphate buffer pH 7.4. The release rate constants obtained from kinetic modeling and flux values of ex vivo permeation studies showed that release of piroxicam-β-cyclodextrin increased with an increase in concentration of PEG. The formulation F10 containing 75% concentration of PEG showed the highest swelling ratio (3.42 ± 0.02) in HCl buffer pH 1.2, water content (47.89 ± 1.53%) in HCl buffer pH 1.2, maximum cumulative drug permeation through rat skin (2405.15 ± 10.97 μg/cm²) in phosphate buffer pH 7.4, and in vitro drug release (35.51 ± 0.26%) in sequential pH change mediums, and showed a significantly (p < 0.0001) higher anti-inflammatory effect (0.4 cm). It can be concluded from the results that film composition had a particular impact on drug release properties. The different molecular weights of PEG have a strong influence on swelling, drug release, and permeation rate. The developed films can act as successful drug delivery approach for localized drug delivery through the skin.