Discovery of curcumin, a component of golden spice, and its miraculous biological activities

Longevity and anti-aging effects of curcumin supplementation

Aging is a gradual and irreversible process that is accompanied by an overall decline in cellular function and a significant increase in the risk of age-associated disorders. Generally, delaying aging is a more effective method than treating diseases associated with aging. Currently, researchers are focused on natural compounds and their therapeutic and health benefits. Curcumin is the main active substance that is present in turmeric, a spice that is made up of the roots and rhizomes of the Curcuma longa plant. Curcumin demonstrated a positive impact on slowing down the aging process by postponing age-related changes. This compound may have anti-aging properties by changing levels of proteins involved in the aging process, such as sirtuins and AMPK, and inhibiting pro-aging proteins, such as NF-κB and mTOR. In clinical research, this herbal compound has been extensively examined in terms of safety, efficacy, and pharmacokinetics. There are numerous effects of curcumin on mechanisms related to aging and human diseases, so we discuss many of them in detail in this review.

Innovative Delivery Systems for Curcumin: Exploring Nanosized and Conventional Formulations

Curcumin, a polyphenol with a rich history spanning two centuries, has emerged as a promising therapeutic agent targeting multiple signaling pathways and exhibiting cellular-level activities that contribute to its diverse health benefits. Extensive preclinical and clinical studies have demonstrated its ability to enhance the therapeutic potential of various bioactive compounds. While its reported therapeutic advantages are manifold, predominantly attributed to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, its efficacy is hindered by poor bioavailability stemming from inadequate absorption, rapid metabolism, and elimination. To address this challenge, nanodelivery systems have emerged as a promising approach, offering enhanced solubility, biocompatibility, and therapeutic effects for curcumin. We have analyzed the knowledge on curcumin nanoencapsulation and its synergistic effects with other compounds, extracted from electronic databases. We discuss the pharmacokinetic profile of curcumin, current advancements in nanoencapsulation techniques, and the combined effects of curcumin with other agents across various disorders. By unifying existing knowledge, this analysis intends to provide insights into the potential of nanoencapsulation technologies to overcome constraints associated with curcumin treatments, emphasizing the importance of combinatorial approaches in improving therapeutic efficacy. Finally, this compilation of study data aims to inform and inspire future research into encapsulating drugs with poor pharmacokinetic characteristics and investigating innovative drug combinations to improve bioavailability and therapeutic outcomes.

Maternal supplementation of curcumin-olive oil nanocomposite improves uteroplacental blood flow, placental growth and antioxidant capacity in goats

This experiment was designed to investigate the impact of curcumin-olive oil nanocomposite (CONC) supplementation on uteroplacental hemodynamics and ultrasonographic measurements as well as maternal oxidative status in midgestating goats. Twelve synchronized pregnant goats (85.58 ± 1.08 days of gestation; mean ± SD) were uniformly assigned to two groups (n = 6/group); the first group received daily oral supplementation of CONC (3 mg/kg body weight; nanocurcumin [NC] group) for 32 days, and the second group was offered physiological saline (control) following the NC group timeline. The goats of both groups were examined at 3-day intervals for middle uterine (MUA) and umbilical (UMA) arteries hemodynamics (pulsatility index [PI], resistive index [RI], systole/diastole [S/D] and blood flow rate [BFR]) and diameters, uteroplacental thickness (UPT), placentomes' diameter (PD) and echogenicity, steroid hormones (progesterone and estradiol 17β), oxidative biomarkers (total antioxidant capacity [TAC], catalase [CAT], malondialdehyde [MDA]), nitric oxide (NO) and blood cells DNA integrity. The UPT (p = 0.012) and PD (p = 0.021) values were higher in the NC group than in their counterparts' control group (D11-32). There were increases in diameter (p = 0.021 and p = 0.012) and decreases (p = 0.021, p = 0.016 and p = 0.041 [MUA]; p = 0.015, p = 0.023 and p = 0.011 [UMA] respectively) in Doppler indices (PI, RI and S/D) of the MUA and UMA in the NC group compared to the control group (D14-32). On D20-32 (MUA) and D14-32 (UMA), the NC goats had higher BFR than the control group (p = 0.021, 0.018 respectively). The means of blood cells with fragmented DNA were lower (p = 0.022) in the NC group than in the control group on Days 8 and 21 postsupplementation. There were increases in CAT and NO (D20-32; p = 0.022 and p = 0.004 respectively), and TAC (D17-32; p = 0.007) levels in the NC goats compared to the control ones. The NC group had lower (p = 0.029) concentrations of MDA than the control group on Day 20 postsupplementation onward. In conclusion, oral supplementation of CONC improved uteroplacental blood flow and the antioxidant capacity of midgestating goats.

Therapeutic effect of curcumin nanoemulsion on cystic echinococcosis in BALB/c mice: a computerized tomography (CT) scan and histopathologic study evaluation

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to determine the therapeutic efficacy of curcumin nanoemulsion (CUR-NE) in mice infected with Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto protoscoleces.

METHODS

Forty-two inbred BALB/c mice were divided into seven groups of six animals each. Six groups were inoculated intra-peritoneally with 1500 viable E. granulosus protoscoleces, followed for six months and used as infected groups. The infected groups were named as: CEI1 to CEI6 accordingly. The 7th group was not inoculated and was named cystic echinococcosis noninfected group (CENI7). CEI1 and CEI2 groups received 40 mg/kg/day and 20 mg/kg/day curcumin nanoemulsion (CUR-NE), respectively. CEI3 received nanoemulsion without curcumin (NE-no CUR), CEI4 received curcumin suspension (CUR-S) 40 mg/kg/day, CEI5 received albendazole 150 mg/kg/day and CEI6 received sterile phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). CENI7 group received CUR-NE 40 mg/kg/day. Drugs administration was started after six months post-inoculations of protoscoleces and continued for 60 days in all groups. The secondary CE cyst area was evaluated by computed tomography (CT) scan for each mouse before treatment and on the days 30 and 60 post-treatment. The CT scan measurement results were compared before and after treatment. After the euthanasia of the mice on the 60th day, the cyst area was also measured after autopsy and, the histopathological changes of the secondary cysts for each group were observed. The therapeutic efficacy of CUR-NE in infected groups was evaluated by two methods: CT scan and autopsied cyst measurements.

RESULTS

Septal calcification in three groups of infected mice (CEI1, CEI2, and CEI4) was revealed by CT scan. The therapeutic efficacy of CUR-NE 40 mg/kg/day (CEI1 group) was 24.6 ± 26.89% by CT scan measurement and 55.16 ± 32.37% by autopsied cysts measurements. The extensive destructive effects of CUR-NE 40 mg/kg/day (CEI1 group) on the wall layers of secondary CE cysts were confirmed by histopathology.

CONCLUSION

The current study demonstrated a significant therapeutic effect of CUR-NE (40 mg/kg/day) on secondary CE cysts in BALB/c mice. An apparent septal calcification of several cysts revealed by CT scan and the destructive effect on CE cysts observed in histopathology are two critical key factors that suggest curcumin nanoemulsion could be a potential treatment for cystic echinococcosis.

Technological Interventions Enhancing Curcumin Bioavailability in Wound-Healing Therapeutics

Wound healing has been a challenge in the medical field. Tremendous research has been carried out to expedite wound healing by fabricating various formulations, some of which are now commercially available. However, owing to their natural source, people have been attracted to advanced formulations with herbal components. Among various herbs, curcumin has been the center of attraction from ancient times for its healing properties due to its multiple therapeutic effects, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anticarcinogenic, neuroprotective, and radioprotective properties. However, curcumin has a low water solubility and rapidly degrades into inactive metabolites, which limits its therapeutic efficacy. Henceforth, a carrier system is needed to carry curcumin, guard it against degradation, and keep its bioavailability and effectiveness. Different formulations with curcumin have been synthesized, and exist in the form of various synthetic and natural materials, including nanoparticles, hydrogels, scaffolds, films, fibers, and nanoemulgels, improving its bioavailability dramatically. This review discusses the advances in different types of curcumin-based formulations used in wound healing in recent times, concentrating on its mechanisms of action and discussing the updates on its application at several stages of the wound healing process. Impact statement Curcumin is a herbal compound extracted from turmeric root and has been used since time immemorial for its health benefits including wound healing. In clinical formulations, curcumin shows low bioavailability, which mainly stems from the way it is delivered in the body. Henceforth, a carrier system is needed to carry curcumin, guard it against degradation, while maintaining its bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy. This review offers an overview of the advanced technological interventions through tissue engineering approaches to efficiently utilize curcumin in different types of wound healing applications.

Cyclocurcumin as Promising Bioactive Natural Compound: An Overview

Although identical in molecular formula and weight, curcumin and cyclocurcumin show remarkable differences in their reactivity. Both are natural compounds isolated from the rhizome of turmeric, the former is involved in the diketo/keto-enol tautomerism through the bis-α,β-unsaturated diketone unit according to the polarity of the solvent, while the latter could react by trans-cis isomerization due to the presence of the α,β-unsaturated dihydropyranone moiety. Even if curcumin is generally considered responsible of the therapeutical properties of Curcuma longa L. due to its high content, cyclocurcumin has attracted great interest over the last several decades for its individual behavior and specific features as a bioactive compound. Cyclocurcumin has a hydrophobic nature characterized by fluorescence emission, solvatochromism, and the tendency to form spherical fluorescent aggregates in aqueous solution. Molecular docking analysis reveals the potentiality of cyclocurcumin as antioxidant, enzyme inhibitor, and antiviral agent. Promising biological activities are observed especially in the treatment of degenerative and cardiovascular diseases. Despite the versatility emerging from the data reported herein, the use of cyclocurcumin seems to remain limited in clinical applications mainly because of its low solubility and bioavailability.

Efficacy of turmeric in the treatment of oral mucositis in patients with head and neck cancer after radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Oral mucositis is a major complication for head and neck cancer (HNC) patients after radiotherapy or chemotherapy. A meta-analysis was performed to assess the efficacy of turmeric in the treatment of oral mucositis in HNC patients.

Methods

Randomized controlled trials investigating our topic were included in the meta-analysis. The clinical outcomes considered were the severity of oral mucositis, pain level, and weight loss.

Results

A total of eight articles that met our inclusion criteria were included in our meta-analysis. At the 3-week follow-up visit, the turmeric group showed significantly lower grades of oral mucositis compared to the control group (p = 0.03). When compared to the placebo group, a significant difference in the degree of oral mucositis was observed at the 4-(p = 0.03) and 6-week (p < 0.00001) follow-up visits. No significant difference in pain levels was observed between the turmeric and control groups at any of the follow-up visits. However, a significant improvement in pain levels for the turmeric group when compared with the placebo group was observed only at the 6-week follow-up visit (p = 0.006). Interestingly, a significant improvement in pain levels was observed for the turmeric group at the 2-, 4-, 5-, and 6-week follow-up visits (p < 0.05) when compared to the non-placebo group. The turmeric group showed less weight loss than the control group at the final follow-up visit (p = 0.03).

conclusion

Our meta-analysis showed that using turmeric may be effective in improving both the severity of oral mucositis and pain levels in HNC patients who have received radiotherapy or radiochemotherapy. In addition, the turmeric group experienced less weight loss.

Antioxidant Metabolism Pathways in Vitamins, Polyphenols, and Selenium: Parallels and Divergences

Free radicals (FRs) are unstable molecules that cause reactive stress (RS), an imbalance between reactive oxygen and nitrogen species in the body and its ability to neutralize them. These species are generated by both internal and external factors and can damage cellular lipids, proteins, and DNA. Antioxidants prevent or slow down the oxidation process by interrupting the transfer of electrons between substances and reactive agents. This is particularly important at the cellular level because oxidation reactions lead to the formation of FR and contribute to various diseases. As we age, RS accumulates and leads to organ dysfunction and age-related disorders. Polyphenols; vitamins A, C, and E; and selenoproteins possess antioxidant properties and may have a role in preventing and treating certain human diseases associated with RS. In this review, we explore the current evidence on the potential benefits of dietary supplementation and investigate the intricate connection between SIRT1, a crucial regulator of aging and longevity; the transcription factor NRF2; and polyphenols, vitamins, and selenium. Finally, we discuss the positive effects of antioxidant molecules, such as reducing RS, and their potential in slowing down several diseases.

Intranasal delivery of mitochondria targeted neuroprotective compounds for traumatic brain injury: screening based on pharmacological and physiological properties

Targeting drugs to the mitochondrial level shows great promise for acute and chronic treatment of traumatic brain injury (TBI) in both military and civilian sectors. Perhaps the greatest obstacle to the successful delivery of drug therapies is the blood brain barrier (BBB). Intracerebroventricular and intraparenchymal routes may provide effective delivery of small and large molecule therapies for preclinical neuroprotection studies. However, clinically these delivery methods are invasive, and risk inadequate exposure to injured brain regions due to the rapid turnover of cerebral spinal fluid. The direct intranasal drug delivery approach to therapeutics holds great promise for the treatment of central nervous system (CNS) disorders, as this route is non-invasive, bypasses the BBB, enhances the bioavailability, facilitates drug dose reduction, and reduces adverse systemic effects. Using the intranasal method in animal models, researchers have successfully reduced stroke damage, reversed Alzheimer's neurodegeneration, reduced anxiety, improved memory, and delivered neurotrophic factors and neural stem cells to the brain. Based on literature spanning the past several decades, this review aims to highlight the advantages of intranasal administration over conventional routes for TBI, and other CNS disorders. More specifically, we have identified and compiled a list of most relevant mitochondria-targeted neuroprotective compounds for intranasal administration based on their mechanisms of action and pharmacological properties. Further, this review also discusses key considerations when selecting and testing future mitochondria-targeted drugs given intranasally for TBI.

Enemies or Allies? Hormetic and Apparent Non-Dose-Dependent Effects of Natural Bioactive Antioxidants in the Treatment of Inflammation

This review aims to analyze the emerging number of studies on biological media that describe the unexpected effects of different natural bioactive antioxidants. Hormetic effects, with a biphasic response depending on the dose, or activities that are apparently non-dose-dependent, have been described for compounds such as resveratrol, curcumin, ferulic acid or linoleic acid, among others. The analysis of the reported studies confirms the incidence of these types of effects, which should be taken into account by researchers, discarding initial interpretations of imprecise methodologies or measurements. The incidence of these types of effects should enhance research into the different mechanisms of action, particularly those studied in the field of basic research, that will help us understand the causes of these unusual behaviors, depending on the dose, such as the inactivation of the signaling pathways of the immune defense system. Antioxidative and anti-inflammatory activities in biological media should be addressed in ways that go beyond a mere statistical approach. In this work, some of the research pathways that may explain the understanding of these activities are revised, paying special attention to the ability of the selected bioactive compounds (curcumin, resveratrol, ferulic acid and linoleic acid) to form metal complexes and the activity of these complexes in biological media.

Natural Compounds in Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer: Prevention and Treatment

The elevated occurrence of non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) and the adverse effects associated with available treatments adversely impact the quality of life in multiple dimensions. In connection with this, there is a necessity for alternative approaches characterized by increased tolerance and lower side effects. Natural compounds could be employed due to their safety profile and effectiveness for inflammatory and neoplastic skin diseases. These anti-cancer drugs are often derived from natural sources such as marine, zoonotic, and botanical origins. Natural compounds should exhibit anti-carcinogenic actions through various pathways, influencing apoptosis potentiation, cell proliferation inhibition, and metastasis suppression. This review provides an overview of natural compounds used in cancer chemotherapies, chemoprevention, and promotion of skin regeneration, including polyphenolic compounds, flavonoids, vitamins, alkaloids, terpenoids, isothiocyanates, cannabinoids, carotenoids, and ceramides.

Nanostructure Lipid Carrier of Curcumin Co-Delivered with Linalool and Geraniol Monoterpenes as Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitor of Culex pipiens

(1) Background: A molecular hybridization docking approach was employed to develop and detect a new category of naturally activated compounds against Culex pipiens as acetylcholinesterase inhibitors via designing a one-pot multicomponent nano-delivery system. (2) Methods: A nanostructure lipid carrier (NLC), as a second generation of solid lipid nanoparticles, was used as a carrier to deliver the active components of curcumin (Cur), geraniol (G), and linalool (L) in one nanoformulation after studying their applicability in replacing the co-crystallized ligand imidacloprid. (3) Results: The prepared nanostructure showed spherical-shaped, polydisperse particles ranging in size from 50 nm to 300 nm, as found using a transmission electron microscope. Additionally, dynamic light scattering confirmed an average size of 169 nm and a highly stable dispersed solution, as indicated by the zeta potential (-38 mV). The prepared NLC-Cur-LG displayed competitive, high-malignancy insecticidal activity against fourth instar C. pipiens with an elevated rate of death of 0.649 µg/mL. The treatment, due to the prepared nanostructure, affects oxidative stress enzymes, e.g., hydrogen peroxide (4 ppm), superoxide dismutase (SOD) (0.03 OD/mg), and protein carbonyl (0.08 OD/mg), and there are observable upward and downward fluctuations when using different concentrations of NLC-Cur-LG, suggesting significant problems in its foreseeable insecticidal activity. The acetylcholinesterase activity was assessed by an enzyme inhibition assay, and strengthened inhibition occurred due to the encapsulated NLCs (IC50 = 1.95 µg/mL). An investigation of the gene expression by Western blotting, due to treatment with NLC-Cur-LG, revealed a severe reduction of nearly a quarter of what was seen in the untreated group. As a preliminary safety step, the nanoformulation's toxicity against normal cell lines was tested, and a reassuring result was obtained of IC50 = 158.1 µg/mL for the normal lung fibroblast cell line. (4) Conclusions: the synthesized nanoformulation, NLC-Cur-LG, is a useful insecticide in field conditions.

Exploring the Prospective of Curcumin-loaded Nanomedicine in Brain Cancer Therapy: An Overview of Recent Updates and Patented Nanoformulations

Cancer is a complex, one of the fatal non-communicable diseases, and its treatment has enormous challenges, with variable efficacy of traditional anti-cancer agents. By 2025, it is expected that 420 million additional cases of cancer will be diagnosed yearly. However, among various types of cancer, brain cancer treatment is most difficult due to the presence of blood-brain barriers. Nowadays, phytoconstituents are gaining popularity because of their biosafety and low toxicity to healthy cells. This article reviews various aspects related to curcumin for brain cancer therapeutics, including epidemiology, the role of nanotechnology, and various challenges for development and clinical trials. Furthermore, it elaborates on the prospects of curcumin for brain cancer therapeutics. In this article, our objective is to illuminate the anti-cancer potential of curcumin for brain cancer therapy. Moreover, it also explores how to defeat its constraints of clinical application because of poor bioavailability, stability, and rapid metabolism. This review also emphasizes the possibility of curcumin for the cure of brain cancer using cuttingedge biotechnological methods based on nanomedicine. This review further highlights the recent patents on curcumin-loaded nanoformulations for brain cancer. Overall, this article provides an overview of curcumin's potential in brain cancer therapy by considering challenges to be overwhelmed and future prospective. Moreover, this review summarizes the reported literature on the latest research related to the utility of curcumin in brain cancer therapy and aims to provide a reference for advanced investigation on brain cancer treatment.

Drug-induced liver injury and anti-hepatotoxic effect of herbal compounds: a metabolic mechanism perspective

BACKGROUND

Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is the most challenging and thought-provoking liver problem for hepatologists owing to unregulated medication usage in medical practices, nutritional supplements, and botanicals. Due to underreporting, analysis, and identification issues, clinically evaluated medication hepatotoxicity is prevalent yet hard to quantify.

PURPOSE

This review's primary objective is to thoroughly compare pharmaceutical drugs and herbal compounds that have undergone clinical trials, focusing on their metabolic mechanisms contributing to the onset of liver illnesses and their hepatoprotective effects.

METHODS

The data was gathered from several online sources, such as PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Web of Science, using appropriate keywords.

RESULTS

The prevalence of conventional and herbal medicine is rising. A comprehensive understanding of the metabolic mechanism is necessary to mitigate the hepatotoxicity induced by drugs and facilitate the incorporation or substitution of herbal medicine instead of pharmaceuticals. Moreover, pre-clinical pharmacological research has the potential to facilitate the development of natural products as therapeutic agents, displaying promising possibilities for their eventual clinical implementation.

CONCLUSIONS

Acetaminophen, isoniazid, rifampicin, diclofenac, and pyrogallol have been identified as the most often reported synthetic drugs that produce hepatotoxicity by oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, and fibrosis during the last several decades. Due to their ability to downregulate many factors (such as cytokines) and activate several enzyme/enzyme systems, herbal substances (such as Gingko biloba extract, curcumin, resveratrol, and silymarin) provide superior protection against harmful mechanisms which induce hepatotoxicity with fewer adverse effects than their synthetic counterparts.

4-Arylidene curcumin derivatives in vitro inhibit α-Synuclein aggregation and disaggregate the preformed fibril

This study focuses on the misfolding and aggregation of α-Syn as a central mechanism linking various pathological processes in PD. Maintaining α-Syn proteostasis through suitable inhibitors emerges as an effective approach to prevent PD. A more efficient strategy for PD treatment involves disintegrating neurotoxic oligomers and fibrils into normal functional α-Syn using inhibitors. To this end, a series of 4-arylidene curcumin derivatives were synthesized with a sheet-like conjugated skeleton and higher binding energies with α-Syn residues. Among these derivatives, three candidate compounds exhibited promising α-Syn aggregation inhibitory activities in vitro, with IC50 values as low as 0.61 μM. The inhibitory action extended throughout the entire aggregation process, stabilizing α-Syn proteostasis conformation and preventing β-sheets aggregation. Furthermore, the candidate compounds demonstrated effective disintegration capabilities against preformed α-Syn oligomers and fibrils. Initial mechanistic investigations indicated that the inhibitors may bind to a specific domain within the fibril, inducing fibril instability and subsequent collapse. This process resulted in the formation of a complex system of aggregates with smaller sizes and monomers. Overall, these findings provide valuable insights into the potential of 4-arylidene curcumin derivatives as therapeutic agents for targeting α-Syn aggregation in PD treatment.

Efficacy of curcumin gel as an adjunct to scaling and root planing on salivary procalcitonin level in the treatment of patients with chronic periodontitis: a randomized controlled clinical trial

THE AIM OF THE STUDY

To evaluate the effect of curcumin gel combined with scaling and root planing (SRP) on salivary procalcitonin in periodontitis treatment.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

seventy patients were selected from the Department of Oral Medicine and Periodontology, Faculty of Dentistry, Mansoura University, and sixteen patients were excluded. Patients in groups II and III included stage II grade A periodontitis. The participants were classified into three groups: group I as a negative control group (individuals with healthy gingiva), group II (SRP) were treated with SRP, and group III (curcumin gel) which was applied weekly for four weeks after SRP. Clinical indices (plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), clinical attachment level (CAL), and probing depth (PD)) and saliva samples for procalcitonin (PCT) assessment using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test were collected and measured at both baselines and after six weeks.

RESULTS

This randomized controlled clinical trial registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05667376) and first posted at 28/12/2022 included Fifty-four patients (20 male; 34 female). Regarding the age and sex distribution, there was no statistically significant difference between the three studied groups (p > 0.05). There was no significant statistical difference regarding PI, GI, PPD, and CAL between group II and group III at baseline p (> 0.05). However, there was a significant statistical difference regarding the clinical parameters at baseline of both group II and group III as compared to group I (p ≤ 0.05). At six weeks after treatment, group III showed greater improvement in the PI, PD, and CAL as opposed to group II (p ≤ 0.05). Regarding PCT values, at baseline, there wasn't a statistically significant difference between group II and group III (p > 0.05). However, there was a significant statistical difference between group II, group III, and group I (p ≤ 0.05). At six weeks after treatment, there was a statistically significant decrease in PCT levels of both group II and III (p ≤ 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The application of curcumin gel was found to have a significant effect on all clinical indices as opposed to SRP.

Antiparasitic activity of FLLL-32 against four Babesia species, B. bovis, B. bigemina, B. divergens and B. caballi, and one Theileria species, Theileria equi in vitro, and Babesia microti in mice

Introduction: FLLL-32, a synthetic analog of curcumin, is a potent inhibitor of STAT3's constitutive activation in a variety of cancer cells, and its anticancer properties have been demonstrated both in vitro and in vivo. It is also suggested that it might have other pharmacological activities including activity against different parasites. Aim: This study therefore investigated the in vitro antiparasitic activity of FLLL-32 against four pathogenic Babesia species, B. bovis, B. bigemina, B. divergens, and B. caballi, and one Theileria species, Theileria equi. In vivo anti-Babesia microti activity of FLLL-32 was also evaluated in mice. Methods: The FLLL-32, in the growth inhibition assay with a concentration range (0.005-50 μM), was tested for it's activity against these pathogens. The reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) assay was used to evaluate the possible effects of FLLL-32 treatment on the mRNA transcription of the target B. bovis genes including S-adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase and histone deacetylase. Results: The in vitro growth of B. bovis, B. bigemina, B. divergens, B. caballi, and T. equi was significantly inhibited in a dose-dependent manner (in all cases, p < 0.05). FLLL-32 exhibits the highest inhibitory effects on B. bovis growth in vitro, and it's IC50 value against this species was 9.57 μM. The RT-PCR results showed that FLLL-32 inhibited the transcription of the B. bovis S-adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase gene. In vivo, the FLLL-32 showed significant inhibition (p < 0.05) of B. microti parasitemia in infected mice with results comparable to that of diminazene aceturate. Parasitemia level in B. microti-infected mice treated with FLLL-32 from day 12 post infection (pi) was reduced to reach zero level at day 16 pi when compared to the infected non-treated mice. Conclusion: The present study demonstrated the antibabesial properties of FLLL-32 and suggested it's usage in the treatment of babesiosis especially when utilized in combination therapy with other antibabesial drugs.

Influenza virus cell entry and targeted antiviral development

Influenza virus infection is currently one of the most prevalent and transmissible diseases in the world causing local outbreaks every year. It has the potential to cause devastating global pandemics as well. The development of anti-influenza drugs possessing novel mechanisms of action is urgently needed to control the spread of influenza infections; thus, drugs that inhibit influenza virus entry into target cells are emerging as a hot research topic. In addition to discussing the biological significance of hemagglutinin in viral replication, this article provides recent updates on the natural products, small molecules, proteins, peptides, and neutralizing antibody-like proteins that have anti-influenza potency.

Curcumin Electrochemistry-Antioxidant Activity Assessment, Voltammetric Behavior and Quantitative Determination, Applications as Electrode Modifier

Curcumin (CU) is a polyphenolic compound extracted from turmeric, a well-known dietary spice. Since it has been shown that CU exerts beneficial effects on human health, interest has increased in its use but also in its analysis in different matrices. CU has an antioxidant character and is electroactive due to the presence of phenolic groups in its molecule. This paper reviews the data reported in the literature regarding the use of electrochemical techniques for the assessment of CU antioxidant activity and the investigation of the voltammetric behavior at different electrodes of free or loaded CU on various carriers. The performance characteristics and the analytical applications of the electrochemical methods developed for CU analysis are compared and critically discussed. Examples of voltammetric investigations of CU interaction with different metallic ions or of CU or CU complexes with DNA as well as the CU applications as electrode modifiers for the enhanced detection of various chemical species are also shown.

Exploring the recent developments of alginate silk fibroin material for hydrogel wound dressing: A review

Hydrogels, a type of polymeric material capable of retaining water within a three-dimensional network, have demonstrated their potential in wound healing, surpassing traditional wound dressings. These hydrogels possess remarkable mechanical, chemical, and biological properties, making them suitable scaffolds for tissue regeneration. This article aims to emphasize the advantages of alginate, silk fibroin, and hydrogel-based wound dressings, specifically highlighting their crucial functions that accelerate the healing process of skin wounds. Noteworthy functions include self-healing ability, water solubility, anti-inflammatory properties, adhesion, antimicrobial properties, drug delivery, conductivity, and responsiveness to stimuli. Moreover, recent advancements in hydrogel technology have resulted in the development of wound dressings with enhanced features for monitoring wound progression, further augmenting their effectiveness. This review emphasizes the utilization of hydrogel membranes for treating excisional and incisional wounds, while exploring recent breakthroughs in hydrogel wound dressings, including nanoparticle composite hydrogels, stem cell hydrogel composites, and curcumin-hydrogel composites. Additionally, the review focuses on diverse synthesis procedures, designs, and potential applications of hydrogels in wound healing dressings.

Advances in the pharmacological study of Chinese herbal medicine to alleviate diabetic nephropathy by improving mitochondrial oxidative stress

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is one of the serious complications of diabetes mellitus, primarily arising from type 2 diabetes (T2DM), and can progress to chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end stage renal disease (ESRD). The pathogenesis of DN involves various factors such as hemodynamic changes, oxidative stress, inflammatory response, and lipid metabolism disorders. Increasing attention is being given to DN caused by oxidative stress in the mitochondrial pathway, prompting researchers to explore drugs that can regulate these target pathways. Chinese herbal medicine, known for its accessibility, rich historical usage, and remarkable efficacy, has shown promise in ameliorating renal injury caused by DN by modulating oxidative stress in the mitochondrial pathway. This review aims to provide a reference for the prevention and treatment of DN. Firstly, we outline the mechanisms by which mitochondrial dysfunction impairs DN, focusing on outlining the damage to mitochondria by oxidative stress. Subsequently, we describe the process by which formulas, herbs and monomeric compounds protect the kidney by ameliorating oxidative stress in the mitochondrial pathway. Finally, the rich variety of Chinese herbal medicine, combined with modern extraction techniques, has great potential, and as we gradually understand the pathogenesis of DN and research techniques are constantly updated, there will be more and more promising therapeutic targets and herbal drug candidates. This paper aims to provide a reference for the prevention and treatment of DN.

Curcumin and curcumin nanoparticles counteract the biological and managemental stressors in poultry production: An updated review

Antibiotics have the potential to have both direct and indirect detrimental impacts on animal and human health. For instance, antibiotic residues and pathogenic resistance against the drug are very common in poultry because of antibiotics used in their feed. It is necessary to use natural feed additives as effective alternatives instead of synthetic antibiotics. Curcumin, a polyphenol compound one of the natural compounds from the rhizomes of turmeric (Curcuma spp.) and has been suggested to have several therapeutic benefits in the treatment of human diseases. Curcumin exhibited some positive responses such as growth promoter, antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral, anticoccidial, anti-stress, and immune modulator activities. Curcumin played a pivotal role in regulating the structure of the intestinal microbiome for health promotion and the treatment of intestinal dysbiosis. It is suggested that curcumin alone or a combination with other feed additives could be a dietary strategy to improve poultry health and productivity.

Novel Curcumin Analogue L6H4 in Treating Liver Fibrosis and Type 2 Diabetes

Purpose

The objective of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of the curcumin analogue L6H4 in attenuating liver fibrosis and alleviating insulin resistance in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

Methods

Male Sprague-Dawley rats were fed a high-fat diet to induce insulin resistance, followed by streptozotocin injection to induce diabetes. The rats were then treated with L6H4 for eight weeks. Body weight, metabolic parameters, liver function, and liver histopathology were evaluated. Immunohistochemistry was performed to assess the expression of TGF-β1, TIMP-2, and MMP-2 in liver tissues. Statistical analysis was conducted using one-way ANOVA and Spearman rank correlation test.

Results

L6H4 treatment effectively reversed the weight gain associated with a high-fat diet and improved metabolic parameters in diabetic rats. Liver function markers, such as ALT and AST, were reduced after L6H4 treatment. Histological analysis showed improved liver morphology and reduced fibrosis in L6H4-treated rats. Electron microscopy revealed improved ultrastructural features of hepatocytes. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated downregulation of TGF-β1 and TIMP-2 expression and restoration of MMP-2 expression in the liver tissue of L6H4-treated rats. Correlation analysis showed a significant positive correlation between TGF-β1 and TIMP-2 expression.

Conclusion

The findings suggest that L6H4 has therapeutic potential in attenuating liver fibrosis and alleviating insulin resistance in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. The hepatoprotective effect of L6H4 may be attributed to its anti-inflammatory properties and its ability to target molecules involved in fibrosis. Further research is warranted to explore the potential of L6H4 as a treatment option for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and type 2 diabetes.

Nano-based formulations of curcumin: elucidating the potential benefits and future prospects in skin cancer

Skin cancer refers to any malignant lesions that occur in the skin and are observed predominantly in populations of European descent. Conventional treatment modalities such as excision biopsy, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy, electrodesiccation, and photodynamic therapy (PDT) induce several unintended side effects which affect a patient's quality of life and physical well-being. Therefore, spice-derived nutraceuticals like curcumin, which are well tolerated, less expensive, and relatively safe, have been considered a promising agent for skin cancer treatment. Curcumin, a chemical constituent extracted from the Indian spice, turmeric, and its analogues has been used in various mammalian cancers including skin cancer. Curcumin has anti-neoplastic activity by triggering the process of apoptosis and preventing the multiplication and infiltration of the cancer cells by inhibiting some signaling pathways and thus subsequently preventing the process of carcinogenesis. Curcumin is also a photosensitizer and has been used in PDT. The major limitations associated with curcumin are poor bioavailability, instability, limited permeation into the skin, and lack of solubility in water. This will constrain the use of curcumin in clinical settings. Hence, developing a proper formulation that can ideally release curcumin to its targeted site is important. So, several nanoformulations based on curcumin have been established such as nanogels, nanoemulsions, nanofibers, nanopatterned films, nanoliposomes and nanoniosomes, nanodisks, and cyclodextrins. The present review mainly focuses on curcumin and its analogues as therapeutic agents for treating different types of skin cancers. The significance of using various nanoformulations as well non-nanoformulations loaded with curcumin as an effective treatment modality for skin cancer is also emphasized.

Curcumin-Sodium Alginate and Curcumin-Chitosan Conjugates as Drug Delivery Systems: An Interesting Rheological Behaviour

The conjugation of polyphenols is a valuable strategy with which to confer tailored properties to polymeric materials of biomedical interest. Within this investigation, we aim to explore the possibility to use this synthetic approach to increase the viscosity of conjugates, thus allowing the release of a loaded therapeutic to be better controlled over time than in neat polyphenols. Curcumin (CUR) was conjugated to sodium alginate (CA) and chitosan (CS) with functionalisation degrees of 9.2 (SA-CUR) and 15.4 (CS-CUR) mg g-1. Calorimetric analyses showed higher degrees of chain rigidity upon conjugation, with a shift of the degradation peaks to higher temperatures (from 239 to 245 °C and from 296 to 303 °C for SA-CUR and CS-CUR, respectively). Rheological analyses were used to prove the enhanced interconnection between the polymer chains in the conjugates, confirmed by the weak gel parameters, A and z. Moreover, the typical non-Newtonian behaviour of the high-molecular-weight polysaccharides was recorded, together with an enhancement of the activation energy, Ea, in CS-CUR vs. CS (opposite behaviour recorded for SA-CUR vs. SA). The evaluation of the delivery performance (of Doxorubicin as a model drug) showed sustained release profiles, opening opportunities for the development of controlled delivery systems.

The neuroprotective effect of traditional Chinese medicinal plants-A critical review

Neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric diseases are increasingly affecting individuals' quality of life, thus increasing their cost to social and health systems. These diseases have overlapping mechanisms, such as oxidative stress, protein aggregation, neuroinflammation, neurotransmission impairment, mitochondrial dysfunction, and excitotoxicity. Currently, there is no cure for neurodegenerative diseases, and the available therapies have adverse effects and low efficacy. For neuropsychiatric disorders, such as depression, the current therapies are not adequate to one-third of the patients, the so-called treatment-resistant patients. So, searching for new treatments is fundamental. Medicinal plants appear as a strong alternative and complement towards new treatment protocols, as they have been used for health purposes for thousands of years. Thus, the main goal of this review is to revisit the neuroprotective potential of some of the most predominant medicinal plants (and one fungus) used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), focusing on their proven mechanisms of action and their chemical compositions, to give clues on how they can be useful against neurodegeneration progression.

Antifungal activity of three different varieties of Capsicum annuum against clinical isolates of Candida species

OBJECTIVE

Acquired resistance to antifungal agents is rising among Candida species. Herbal extracts including Capsicum annum extracts have biological profits, which can be employed to overcome drug resistance in fungal species. The present study investigated the efficacy of different varieties of C. annum extracts against Candida species.

METHODS

Aqueous and alcoholic extracts of three different varieties of C. annum were prepared using the succulent method. Total values for compound extracts of C. annum var. cayenne, C. annum var. cayenne cultivar sabzevari, and C. annum var. cerasiforme were 43, 42, and 38 g, respectively. The clinical Candida isolates including C. albicans (n = 13), C. dubliniensis (n = 2), C. parapsilosis (n = 2), and C. tropicalis (n = 1); and reference strains of C. albicans (TIMML 1292 and TIMML 183), C. krusei (TIMML 1321), C. parapsilosis (TIMML 2201), and C. tropicalis (TIMML 731) were examined based on the M27-A3 guideline.

RESULTS

Aqueous and alcoholic extracts of Capsicum annum showed a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) range of more than 512 µg/ml against clinical and reference strains of Candida. There was no justifiable difference between the effects of these extracts on Candida species.

CONCLUSION

Both aqueous and alcoholic extracts of Capsicum annum could not exert a significant effective impact on clinical and reference strains of Candida. The difference in pepper spiciness did not show a significant role against Candida isolates. However, their possible effects might be different among other yeasts or filamentous fungi.

A Review on Natural Antioxidants for Their Role in the Treatment of Parkinson's Disease

The neurodegenerative condition known as Parkinson's disease (PD) is brought on by the depletion of dopaminergic neurons in the basal ganglia, which is the brain region that controls body movement. PD occurs due to many factors, from which one of the acknowledged effects of oxidative stress is pathogenic pathways that play a role in the development of Parkinson's disease. Antioxidants, including flavonoids, vitamins E and C, and polyphenolic substances, help to reduce the oxidative stress brought on by free radicals. Consequently, this lowers the risk of neurodegenerative disorders in the long term. Although there is currently no cure for neurodegenerative illnesses, these conditions can be controlled. The treatment of this disease lessens its symptoms, which helps to preserve the patient's quality of life. Therefore, the use of naturally occurring antioxidants, such as polyphenols, which may be obtained through food or nutritional supplements and have a variety of positive effects, has emerged as an appealing alternative management strategy. This article will examine the extent of knowledge about antioxidants in the treatment of neurodegenerative illnesses, as well as future directions for research. Additionally, an evaluation of the value of antioxidants as neuroprotective agents will be provided.

Therapeutic potential of curcumin and its nanoformulations for treating oral cancer

The global incidence of oral cancer has steadily increased in recent years and is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Oral cancer is the most common cancer in the head and neck region, and is predominantly of epithelial origin (i.e. squamous cell carcinoma). Oral cancer treatment modalities mainly include surgery with or without radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Though proven effective, chemotherapy has significant adverse effects with possibilities of tumor resistance to anticancer drugs and recurrence. Thus, there is an imperative need to identify suitable anticancer therapies that are highly precise with minimal side effects and to make oral cancer treatment effective and safer. Among the available adjuvant therapies is curcumin, a plant polyphenol isolated from the rhizome of the turmeric plant Curcuma longa. Curcumin has been demonstrated to have anti-infectious, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticarcinogenic properties. Curcumin has poor bioavailability, which has been overcome by its various analogues and nanoformulations, such as nanoparticles, liposome complexes, micelles, and phospholipid complexes. Studies have shown that the anticancer effects of curcumin are mediated by its action on multiple molecular targets, including activator protein 1, protein kinase B (Akt), nuclear factor κ-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells, mitogen-activated protein kinase, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) expression, and EGFR downstream signaling pathways. These targets play important roles in oral cancer pathogenesis, thereby making curcumin a promising adjuvant treatment modality. This review aims to summarize the different novel formulations of curcumin and their role in the treatment of oral cancer.

Combined Use of Photobiomodulation and Curcumin-Loaded Iron Oxide Nanoparticles Significantly Improved Wound Healing in Diabetic Rats Compared to Either Treatment Alone

Introduction: Here, we assess the therapeutic effects of photobiomodulation (PBM) and curcumin (CUR)-loaded superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs), alone or together, on the maturation step of a type 1 diabetes (DM1) rat wound model. Methods: Full-thickness wounds were inflicted in 36 rats with diabetes mellitus (DM) induced by the administration of streptozotocin (STZ). The rats were randomly allocated to four groups. Group one was untreated (control); group two received CUR; group 3 received PBM (890 nm, 80 Hz, 0.2 J/cm2); group 4 received a combination of PBM plus CUR. On days 0, 4, 7, and 15, we measured microbial flora, wound closure fraction, tensile strength, and stereological analysis. Results: All treatment groups showed a substantial escalation in the wound closure rate, a substantial reduction in the count of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), a substantial improvement in wound strength, a substantially improvement in stereological parameters compared to the control group, however, the PBM+CUR group was superior to the other treatment groups (all, P≤0.05). Conclusion: All treatment groups showed significantly improved wound healing in the DM1 rat model. However, the PBM+CUR group was superior to the other treatment groups and the control group in terms of wound strength and stereological parameters.

Review of natural compounds for potential psoriasis treatment

Psoriasis represents an immune-mediated disease with an unclear cause that's marked by inflammation triggered by dysfunction in the immune system, which results in inflammation in various parts of the skin. There could be obvious symptoms, such as elevated plaques; these plaques may appear differently depending on the type of skin. This disease can cause inflammation in the elbows, lower back, scalp, knees, or other regions of the body. It can begin at any age, although it most commonly affects individuals between the ages of 50 and 60. Specific cells (such as T cells) have been observed to play an obvious role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis, in addition to specific immunological molecules such as TNF-, IL-12, IL-23, IL-17, and other molecules that can aid in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. So, during the past two decades, biologists have created chemical drugs that target these cells or molecules and therefore prevent the disease from occurring. Alefacept, efalizumab, Adalimumab, Ustekinumab, and Secukinumab are a few examples of chemical drugs. It was discovered that these chemical drugs have long-term side effects that can cause defects in the patient's body, such as the development of the rare but life-threatening disorder progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PCL). Its rapidly progressive infection of the central nervous system caused by the JC virus and other drugs may cause increased production of neutralising anti-drug antibodies (ADA) and the risk of infusion reactions like pruritus, flushing, hypertension, headache, and rash. So, our context intends to talk in our review about natural products or plants that may have therapeutic characteristics for this disease and may have few or no side effects on the patient's body.

Oxidative Stress Is a Concept, Not an Indication for Selective Antioxidant Treatment

The steady-state redox status is physiologically important and therefore homeostatically maintained. Changes in the status result in signaling (eustress) or oxidative damage (distress). Oxidative stress (OS) is a hard-to-quantitate term that can be estimated only based on different biomarkers. Clinical application of OS, particularly for selective antioxidant treatment of people under oxidative stress, requires quantitative evaluation and is limited by the lack of universal biomarkers to describe it. Furthermore, different antioxidants have different effects on the redox state. Hence, as long as we do not have the possibility to determine and quantify OS, therapeutic interventions by the "identify-and-treat" approach cannot be assessed and are, therefore, not likely to be the basis for selective preventive measures against oxidative damage.

Research progress on the therapeutic effects of nanoparticles loaded with drugs against atherosclerosis

Presently, there are many drugs for the treatment of atherosclerosis (AS), among which lipid-lowering, anti-inflammatory, and antiproliferative drugs have been the most studied. These drugs have been shown to have inhibitory effects on the development of AS. Nanoparticles are suitable for AS treatment research due to their fine-tunable and modifiable properties. Compared with drug monotherapy, experimental results have proven that the effects of nanoparticle-encapsulated drugs are significantly enhanced. In addition to nanoparticles containing a single drug, there have been many studies on collaborative drug treatment, collaborative physical treatment (ultrasound, near-infrared lasers, and external magnetic field), and the integration of diagnosis and treatment. This review provides an introduction to the therapeutic effects of nanoparticles loaded with drugs to treat AS and summarizes their advantages, including increased targeting ability, sustained drug release, improved bioavailability, reduced toxicity, and inhibition of plaque and vascular stenosis.

Antagonistic potential of rhizobacterial isolates against fungal pathogens causing rhizome rot in turmeric

The study aims to select potent bacterial antagonists to be used as biocontrol agents against rhizome rot disease in turmeric (Curcuma longa L.). A total of 48 bacterial isolates were isolated from the rhizosphere of turmeric. These isolates were screened for their in vitro antagonism against Fusarium solani FS-01 and Pythium aphanidermatum (ITCC 7908). Production of volatile organic compounds and chitinase activity were also performed. Among the tested isolates, two bacterial isolates (IJ2 and IJ10) showed the highest inhibitory activity against these fungal pathogens. GC/MS analysis of the crude extract produced by Pseudomonas sp. IJ2 and B. subtilis IJ10 was found to contain many bioactive compounds with antifungal and antimicrobial activities. The rhizome treatment with these isolates exhibited the lowest percent disease severity with high biocontrol efficacy against the tested pathogens. These isolates with promising antagonistic potential, therefore, can be used as biocontrol agents against rhizome rot in turmeric.

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

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

Synthesis of Cationic Quaternized Nanolevan Derivative for Small Molecule and Nucleic Acid Delivery

Levan is a biopolymer composed of fructose chains covalently linked by β−2,6 glycosidic linkages. This polymer self−assembles into a nanoparticle of uniform size, making it useful for a wide range of applications. Also, levan exhibits various biological activities such as antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, and anti-tumor, that make this polymer very attractive for biomedical application. In this study, levan synthesized from Erwinia tasmaniensis was chemically modified by glycidyl trimethylammonium chloride (GTMAC) to produce cationized nanolevan (QA-levan). The structure of the obtained GTMAC−modified levan was determined by FT-IR, 1H-NMR and elemental (CHN) analyzer. The size of the nanoparticle was calculated using the dynamic light scattering method (DLS). The formation of DNA/QA-levan polyplex was then investigated by gel electrophoresis. The modified levan was able to increase the solubility of quercetin and curcumin by 11-folds and 205-folds, respectively, compared to free compounds. Cytotoxicity of levan and QA−levan was also investigated in HEK293 cells. This finding suggests that GTMAC−modified levan should have a potential application for drug and nucleic acid delivery.

Signaling pathways in Parkinson's disease: molecular mechanisms and therapeutic interventions

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease worldwide, and its treatment remains a big challenge. The pathogenesis of PD may be related to environmental and genetic factors, and exposure to toxins and gene mutations may be the beginning of brain lesions. The identified mechanisms of PD include α-synuclein aggregation, oxidative stress, ferroptosis, mitochondrial dysfunction, neuroinflammation, and gut dysbiosis. The interactions among these molecular mechanisms complicate the pathogenesis of PD and pose great challenges to drug development. At the same time, the diagnosis and detection of PD are also one of obstacles to the treatment of PD due to its long latency and complex mechanism. Most conventional therapeutic interventions for PD possess limited effects and have serious side effects, heightening the need to develop novel treatments for this disease. In this review, we systematically summarized the pathogenesis, especially the molecular mechanisms of PD, the classical research models, clinical diagnostic criteria, and the reported drug therapy strategies, as well as the newly reported drug candidates in clinical trials. We also shed light on the components derived from medicinal plants that are newly identified for their effects in PD treatment, with the expectation to provide the summary and outlook for developing the next generation of drugs and preparations for PD therapy.

Characterization of Stable Pyrazole Derivatives of Curcumin with Improved Cytotoxicity on Osteosarcoma Cell Lines

Curcumin (CUR) is a natural molecule that is unstable due to the presence of a bis-ketone. To obtain more stable derivatives in biological fluids, the bis-ketone was replaced with pyrazole or O-substituted oximes. Their stability in solution was studied by UV-visible spectrophotometry. The effects on proliferation were studied by MTT assay and/or clonogenicity assay. Induction of apoptosis was evaluated by annexin V staining and Western blot analysis. The bioavailability was obtained from the analysis of the molecular chemical-physical characteristics. The replacement of the bis-ketone with a pyrazole ring or O-substituted oximes improved the stability of all the CUR-derivative molecules. These derivatives were more stable than CUR in solution and were generally cytotoxic on a panel of cancer cell lines tested, and they promoted caspase-dependent apoptosis. Derivative 1 was the most potent in the osteosarcoma (OS) lines. With respect to CUR, this derivative showed cytotoxicity at least three times higher in the MTT assay. In addition, in the clonogenic assay, 1 maintained the activity in conditions of long treatment presumably by virtue of its improved stability in biological fluids. Notably, 1 should have improved chemical-physical characteristics of bioavailability with respect to CUR, which should allow for reaching higher blood levels than those observed in the CUR trials. In conclusion, 1 should be considered in future clinical studies on the treatment of OS, either alone or in combination with other medications currently in use.

The impact of curcumin on livestock and poultry animal's performance and management of insect pests

Plant-based natural products are alternative to antibiotics that can be employed as growth promoters in livestock and poultry production and attractive alternatives to synthetic chemical insecticides for insect pest management. Curcumin is a natural polyphenol compound from the rhizomes of turmeric (Curcuma spp.) and has been suggested to have a number of therapeutic benefits in the treatment of human diseases. It is also credited for its nutritional and pesticide properties improving livestock and poultry production performances and controlling insect pests. Recent studies reported that curcumin is an excellent feed additive contributing to poultry and livestock animal growth and disease resistance. Also, they detailed the curcumin's growth-inhibiting and insecticidal activity for reducing agricultural insect pests and insect vector-borne human diseases. This review aims to highlight the role of curcumin in increasing the growth and development of poultry and livestock animals and in controlling insect pests. We also discuss the challenges and knowledge gaps concerning curcumin use and commercialization as a feed additive and insect repellent.

Structure-activity relationship of dibenzylideneacetone analogs against the neglected disease pathogen, Trypanosoma brucei

Trypanosoma brucei is a protozoan parasite that causes Human African Trypanosomiasis (HAT), a neglected tropical disease (NTD) that is endemic in 36 countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Only a handful drugs are available for treatment, and these have limitations, including toxicity and drug resistance. Using the natural product, curcumin, as a starting point, several curcuminoids and related analogs were evaluated against bloodstream forms of T. b. brucei. A particular subset of dibenzylideneacetone (DBA) compounds exhibited potent in vitro antitrypanosomal activity with sub-micromolar EC₅₀ values. A structure-activity relationship study including 26 DBA analogs was initiated, and several compounds exhibited EC₅₀ values as low as 200 nM. Cytotoxicity counter screens in HEK293 cells identified several compounds having selectivity indices above 10. These data suggest that DBAs offer starting points for a new small molecule therapy of HAT.

Nutraceuticals as Supportive Therapeutic Agents in Diabetes and Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma: A Systematic Review

The correlation between pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and diabetes-related mechanisms support the hypothesis that early therapeutic strategies targeting diabetes can contribute to PDAC risk reduction and treatment improvement. A systematic review was conducted, using PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library databases, to evaluate the current evidence from clinical studies qualitatively examining the efficacy of four natural products: Curcumin-Curcuma longa L.; Thymoquinone-Nigella sativa L.; Genistein-Glycine max L.; Ginkgo biloba L.; and a low-carbohydrate ketogenic diet in type 2 diabetes (T2D) and PDAC treatment. A total of 28 clinical studies were included, showing strong evidence of inter-study heterogeneity. Used as a monotherapy or in combination with chemo-radiotherapy, the studied substances did not significantly improve the treatment response of PDAC patients. However, pronounced therapeutic efficacy was confirmed in T2D. The natural products and low-carbohydrate ketogenic diet, combined with the standard drugs, have the potential to improve T2D treatment and thus potentially reduce the risk of cancer development and improve multiple biological parameters in PDAC patients.

Long Non-Coding RNAs as Novel Targets for Phytochemicals to Cease Cancer Metastasis

Metastasis is a multi-step phenomenon during cancer development leading to the propagation of cancer cells to distant organ(s). According to estimations, metastasis results in over 90% of cancer-associated death around the globe. Long non-coding RNAs (LncRNAs) are a group of regulatory RNA molecules more than 200 base pairs in length. The main regulatory activity of these molecules is the modulation of gene expression. They have been reported to affect different stages of cancer development including proliferation, apoptosis, migration, invasion, and metastasis. An increasing number of medical data reports indicate the probable function of LncRNAs in the metastatic spread of different cancers. Phytochemical compounds, as the bioactive agents of plants, show several health benefits with a variety of biological activities. Several phytochemicals have been demonstrated to target LncRNAs to defeat cancer. This review article briefly describes the metastasis steps, summarizes data on some well-established LncRNAs with a role in metastasis, and identifies the phytochemicals with an ability to suppress cancer metastasis by targeting LncRNAs.

Protective effects of Theracurmin treatment during experimental infection of the Colombian strain of Trypanosoma cruzi at the testicular site

Introduction

Chagas' disease is a tropical neglected illness caused by Trypanosoma cruzi and remains one of the most significant causes of morbidity and mortality in South and Central Americas. The disease is caused by a moderate to intense and persistent inflammatory response characterized by local upregulated expression and production of inflammatory mediators that favors the activation and recruitment of distinct cells of the immune system into different tissues to eliminate the parasites. Theracurmin is a curcumin's derived formulation of nanoparticles. Its anti-inflammatory properties make this bioactive compound a mitigating factor in pathological cases after an overwhelming inflammatory response.

Methods

Our research focused on the testicular investigation in 28 mice infected by 103 trypomastigote forms of Colombian strain of T. cruzi and preventively treated with Theracurmin. The mice were treated with 30 mg/Kg of Theracurmin during the period of 30 days. At the 30th day post infection animals were euthanized, and its testicles were collected to morphological and immunological assays.

Results

The animals infected and treated with Theracurmin presented a reduction in the testicular levels of IL-15 and IL-6. The volume density (%) of the tunica propria was also higher in all infected animals, but Theracurmin decreased this parameter in the treated animals. In the intertubular area, the percentage of some intertubular components was decreased in the infected animals such as the percentage and volume of Leydig cells, connective tissue, and macrophages.

Discussion

Furthermore, our data pointed to the daily use of Theracurmin in the diet as a protective element of the testicular function.

Oxidative Stress and Natural Antioxidants: Back and Forth in the Neurological Mechanisms of Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by the progressive degeneration of neuronal cells. With the increase in aged population, there is a prevalence of irreversible neurodegenerative changes, causing a significant mental, social, and economic burden globally. The factors contributing to AD are multidimensional, highly complex, and not completely understood. However, it is widely known that aging, neuroinflammation, and excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), along with other free radicals, substantially contribute to oxidative stress and cell death, which are inextricably linked. While oxidative stress is undeniably important in AD, limiting free radicals and ROS levels is an intriguing and potential strategy for deferring the process of neurodegeneration and alleviating associated symptoms. Therapeutic compounds from natural sources have recently become increasingly accepted and have been effectively studied for AD treatment. These phytocompounds are widely available and a multitude of holistic therapeutic efficiencies for treating AD owing to their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and biological activities. Some of these compounds also function by stimulating cholinergic neurotransmission, facilitating the suppression of beta-site amyloid precursor protein-cleaving enzyme 1, α-synuclein, and monoamine oxidase proteins, and deterring the occurrence of AD. Additionally, various phenolic, flavonoid, and terpenoid phytocompounds have been extensively described as potential palliative agents for AD progression. Preclinical studies have shown their involvement in modulating the cellular redox balance and minimizing ROS formation, displaying them as antioxidant agents with neuroprotective abilities. This review emphasizes the mechanistic role of natural products in the treatment of AD and discusses the various pathological hypotheses proposed for AD.

Effectiveness of curcumin-based antimicrobial photodynamic therapy against Staphylococcus aureus

PURPOSE

This study investigated the effectiveness of curcumin-based antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), the causative agent of ventilator-associated pneumonia.

METHODS

Curcumin was added to S. aureus culture medium at concentrations of 25, 2.5, and 0.25 µM. After 60 min (20-25°C), each culture was irradiated for 1 and 3 min, and viable bacteria were counted. Curcumin (25 µM) was also added to a bacterial suspension with D-mannitol and sodium azide; microbial counts were determined after irradiation for 3 min.

RESULTS

S. aureus was significantly reduced in the 1-min (P = 0.043) and 3-min (P = 0.011) irradiation groups in comparison to the 0-min irradiation group with 25 µM curcumin. No significant differences were observed between the curcumin alone group and the curcumin plus D-mannitol or sodium azide group.

CONCLUSION

The findings of this study indicate that prolonged exposure (≥1 min) of S. aureus to LED in 25 μM curcumin solution induces cell wall injury. Curcumin-based aPDT as an adjunct to conventional oral care, employing existing dentistry equipment, offers a promising approach that does not rely on antimicrobial drugs or allows the emergence of resistant bacterial strains. This suggests its potential role in future strategies aimed at preventing ventilator-associated pneumonia.

Immunomodulatory Therapeutic Effects of Curcumin on M1/M2 Macrophage Polarization in Inflammatory Diseases

BACKGROUND

Due to their plasticity, macrophages exert critical effects on both promoting and suppressing inflammatory processes. Pathologic inflammatory conditions are frequently correlated with dynamic alterations in macrophage activation, with classically activated M1 cells associated with the promotion and maintenance of inflammation and M2 cells being linked to the resolution or smouldering of chronic inflammation. Inflammation deputes a common feature of various chronic diseases and the direct involvement in the insurgence and development of these conditions. Macrophages participate in an autoregulatory loop characterizing the inflammatory process, as they produce a wide range of biologically active mediators that exert either deleterious or beneficial effects during the inflammation. Therefore, balancing the favorable ratios of M1/M2 macrophages can help ameliorate the inflammatory landscape of pathologic conditions. Curcumin is a component of turmeric with many pharmacological properties.

OBJECTIVE

Recent results from both in-vivo and in-vitro studies have indicated that curcumin can affect polarization and/or functions of macrophage subsets in the context of inflammation-related diseases. There is no comprehensive review of the impact of curcumin on cytokines involved in macrophage polarization in the context of inflammatory diseases. The present review will cover some efforts to explore the underlying molecular mechanisms by which curcumin modulates the macrophage polarization in distant pathological inflammatory conditions, such as cancer, autoimmunity, renal inflammation, stroke, atherosclerosis, and macrophage-driven pathogenesis.

RESULTS

The accumulation of the findings from in vitro and in vivo experimental studies suggests that curcumin beneficially influences M1 and M2 macrophages in a variety of inflammatory diseases with unfavorable macrophage activation.

CONCLUSION

Curcumin not only enhances anti-tumor immunity (via shifting M polarization towards M1 phenotype and/or up-regulation of M1 markers expression) but ameliorates inflammatory diseases, including autoimmune diseases (experimental autoimmune myocarditis and Behcet's disease), nephropathy, chronic serum sickness, stroke, and atherosclerosis.

The Anti-Inflammatory and Immunomodulatory Activities of Natural Products to Control Autoimmune Inflammation

Inflammation is an integral part of autoimmune diseases, which are caused by dysregulation of the immune system. This dysregulation involves an imbalance between pro-inflammatory versus anti-inflammatory mediators. These mediators include various cytokines and chemokines; defined subsets of T helper/T regulatory cells, M1/M2 macrophages, activating/tolerogenic dendritic cells, and antibody-producing/regulatory B cells. Despite the availability of many anti-inflammatory/immunomodulatory drugs, the severe adverse reactions associated with their long-term use and often their high costs are impediments in effectively controlling the disease process. Accordingly, suitable alternatives are being sought for these conventional drugs. Natural products offer promising adjuncts/alternatives in this regard. The availability of specific compounds isolated from dietary/medicinal plant extracts have permitted rigorous studies on their disease-modulating activities and the mechanisms involved therein. Here, we describe the basic characteristics, mechanisms of action, and preventive/therapeutic applications of 5 well-characterized natural product compounds (Resveratrol, Curcumin, Boswellic acids, Epigallocatechin-3-gallate, and Triptolide). These compounds have been tested extensively in animal models of autoimmunity as well as in limited clinical trials in patients having the corresponding diseases. We have focused our description on predominantly T cell-mediated diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, Type 1 diabetes, ulcerative colitis, and psoriasis.

Dual-Responsive Curcumin-Loaded Nanoparticles for the Treatment of Cisplatin-Induced Acute Kidney Injury

Acute kidney injury (AKI) has been a global public health concern leading to high patient morbidity and mortality in the world. Nanotechnology-mediated antioxidative therapy has facilitated the treatment of AKI. Herein, a hierarchical curcumin-loaded nanodrug delivery system (NPS@Cur) was fabricated for antioxidant therapy to ameliorate AKI. The nanoplatform could respond to subacidic and reactive oxygen species (ROS) microenvironments. The subacidic microenvironment led to a smaller size (from 140.9 to 99.36 nm) and positive charge (from -4.9 to 12.6 mV), contributing to the high accumulation of nanoparticles. An excessive ROS microenvironment led to nanoparticle degradation and drug release. In vitro assays showed that NPS@Cur could scavenge excessive ROS and relieve oxidative stress in H₂O₂-induced HK-2 cells through reduced apoptosis, activated autophagy, and decreased endoplasmic reticulum stress. Results from cisplatin-induced AKI models revealed that NPS@Cur could effectively alleviate mitochondria injury and protect kidneys via antioxidative protection, activated autophagy, decreased endoplasmic reticulum stress, and reduced apoptosis. NPS@Cur showed excellent biocompatibility and low toxicity to primary tissues in mice. These results revealed that NPS@Cur may be a potential therapeutic strategy for efficiently treating cisplatin or other cause-induced AKI.