Land suitability analysis for turmeric crop for humid tropical Kerala, India, under current and future climate scenarios using advanced geospatial techniques

BACKGROUND

Turmeric cultivation primarily thrives in India, followed by Bangladesh, Cambodia, Thailand, China, Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines. India leads globally in both area and production of turmeric. Despite this, there is a recognized gap in research regarding the impact of climate change on site suitability of turmeric. The primary objective of the present study was to evaluate both the present and future suitability of turmeric cultivation within the humid tropical region of Kerala, India, by employing advanced geospatial techniques. The research utilized meteorological data from the Indian Meteorological Department for the period of 1986-2020 as historical data and projected future data from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6). Four climatic scenarios of shared socioeconomic pathway (SSP) from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change AR6 model of MIROC6 for the year 2050 (SSP 1-2.6, SSP 2-4.5, SSP 3-7.0 and SSP 5-8.5) were used.

RESULTS

The results showed that suitable area for turmeric cultivation is declining in future scenario and this decline can be primarily attributed to fluctuations in temperature and an anticipated increase in rainfall in the year 2050. Notable changes in the spatial distribution of suitable areas over time were observed through the application of geographic information system (GIS) techniques. Importantly, as per the suitability criteria provided by ICAR-National Bureau of Soil Survey and Land Use Planning (ICAR-NBSS & LUP), all the districts in Kerala exhibited moderately suitable conditions for turmeric cultivation. With the GIS tools, the study identified highly suitable, moderately suitable, marginally suitable and not suitable areas of turmeric cultivation in Kerala. Presently 28% of area falls under highly suitable, 41% of area falls under moderately suitable and 11% falls under not suitable for turmeric cultivation. However, considering the projected scenarios for 2050 under the SSP framework, there will be a significant decrease in highly suitable area by 19% under SSP 5-8.5. This reduction in area will have an impact on the productivity of the crop as a result of changes in temperature and rainfall patterns.

CONCLUSION

The outcome of the present research suggests that the state of Kerala needs to implement suitable climate change adaptation and management strategies for sustaining the turmeric cultivation. Additionally, the present study includes a discussion on potential management strategies to address the challenges posed by changing climatic conditions for optimizing turmeric production in the region. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Nature's Pharmacy: Herbal Interventions in Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment: A Comprehensive Review

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory disease that causes severe joint destruction and persistent inflammation. This review aims to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and mechanisms of action of various herbal interventions in managing RA, providing valuable insights for patients and healthcare practitioners. To investigate the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of selected herbal interventions, including turmeric, ginger, Boswellia serrata (frankincense), green tea, and Ashwagandha, to assess their potential as complementary treatments for RA, a comprehensive analysis is performed on the anti-inflammatory mechanisms and antioxidant effects of selected herbs. Emphasis is placed on the modulation of key inflammatory pathways and their ability to counteract oxidative stress, which are crucial factors in RA progression. Safety profiles and potential adverse effects of herbal remedies are also scrutinized. The review reveals promising evidence supporting the efficacy of turmeric and ginger in alleviating RA symptoms by modulating inflammatory pathways. Additionally, Boswellia serrata shows potential as an adjunct therapy for joint health and inflammation. The antioxidant-rich properties of green tea and Ashwagandha are highlighted, suggesting their role in counteracting oxidative stress associated with RA. In conclusion, while herbal remedies like turmeric, ginger, Boswellia serrata, green tea, and Ashwagandha offer potential complementary treatments for RA, their safety profiles and adverse effects warrant careful consideration. Rigorous clinical trials are needed to confirm their efficacy and safety, highlighting the necessity for further research in this area. These findings are crucial for patients and healthcare providers in making informed decisions about incorporating herbal interventions into RA treatment strategies.

An Overview of the Spices Used for the Prevention and Potential Treatment of Gastric Cancer

Gastric cancer (GC) ranks third in terms of cancer-related deaths and is the fifth most commonly diagnosed type of cancer. Its risk factors include Helicobacter pylori infection, Epstein-Barr virus infection, the consumption of broiled and charbroiled animal meats, salt-preserved and smoke-enhanced foods, alcohol drinking, tobacco smoking, exposure to ionizing radiation, and positive family history. The limited effectiveness of conventional therapies and the widespread risk factors of GC encourage the search for new methods of treatment and prevention. In the quest for cheap and commonly available medications, numerous studies focus on herbal medicine, traditional brews, and spices. In this review, we outline the potential use of spices, including turmeric, ginger, garlic, black cumin, chili pepper, saffron, black pepper, rosemary, galangal, coriander, wasabi, cinnamon, oregano, cardamom, fenugreek, caraway, clove, dill, thyme, Piper sarmentosum, basil, as well as the compounds they contain, in the prevention and treatment of GC. We present the potential molecular mechanisms responsible for the effectivity of a given seasoning substance and their impact on GC cells. We discuss their potential effects on proliferation, apoptosis, and migration. For most of the spices discussed, we also outline the unavailability and side effects of their use.

Promising Potential of Curcumin and Related Compounds for Antiviral Drug Discovery

Viruses are acellular, microscopic, and mobile particles containing genetic particles, either DNA/RNA strands as nucleoproteins, responsible for 69,53,743 deaths till the year 2023. Curcumin and related compounds are among the areas of pivotal interest for researchers because of their versatile pharmacological profile. Chemically known as diferuloylmethane, which is a main constituent of turmeric along with demethoxycurcumin and bisdemethoxycurcumin, they have a broad spectrum of antiviral activity against viruses such as human immunodeficiency virus, herpes simplex virus, influenza virus (Avian influenza) and Hepatitis C virus HIV. The possible role of curcumin as an antiviral agent may be attributed to the activation of the 20S proteasome, a cellular machinery responsible for degrading unfolded or misfolded proteins in a ubiquitin-independent manner. It shows suppression of HBV entry at various infection stages by inhibiting cccDNA replication by inhibiting the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway to attenuate IAV-induced myocarditis.

The effect of turmeric and black pepper powder incorporated in breakfast on postprandial glycemia, appetite, palatability, and gastrointestinal well-being in normal-weight adults

Culinary herbs and spices are primarily known as flavor enhancers, research suggests that black pepper (Piper nigrum) and turmeric (Curcuma longa) have now been proven to prevent many non-communicable chronic diseases such as diabetes. Bioactive components of black pepper and turmeric ameliorate glucose metabolism and appetite regulation. The present research was designed to investigate the impact of turmeric and black pepper on blood glycemia, gastrointestinal well-being, appetite, and palatability. In a randomized crossover study, four iso-caloric experimental meals each having 50 g of available carbohydrates were subjected to healthy human participants (N = 20). Turmeric and black pepper were incorporated in the breakfast meal, 1 g black pepper (BP), 1 g turmeric (TR), and combination of the (BP + TR) was added in the breakfast. Standard questionnaires were used to evaluate palatability, subjective appetite, and gastrointestinal well-being. Blood glycemia, subjective gastrointestinal well-being, and appetite were measured at 0, 30, 60, 120, and 180 min. Experimental meals BP and BP + TR resulted in lower blood glycemia (p < .05) significantly compared to control meal. A decrease in perceived eating ability and hunger, and an increase in satiety after BP + TR and BP meal was observed. No significant changes were observed after consuming test meals on gastrointestinal well-being. Compared to control and BP + TR meals, BP and TR meals had considerably lower palatability. Results showed that compared to the control intake of starchy meals supplemented with black pepper and turmeric reduced postprandial glycemia, hunger, and perceived eating ability without affecting gastrointestinal well-being.

A systematic review of the efficacy and safety of turmeric in the treatment of digestive disorders

Turmeric has been gaining popularity as a treatment option for digestive disorders, although a rigorous synthesis of efficacy has not been conducted. This study aimed to summarize the evidence for the efficacy and safety of turmeric in the treatment of digestive disorders, including inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), dyspepsia, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and peptic ulcers. Literature searches were conducted in Medline, EMBASE, AMED, the Cochrane Central Register of Control Trials, and Dissertation Abstracts from inception to November 15, 2021. Dual independent screening of citations and full texts was conducted and studies meeting inclusion criteria were retained: randomized controlled trials (RCT) and comparative observational studies evaluating turmeric use in people of any age with one of the digestive disorders of interest. Extraction of relevant data and risk of bias assessments were performed by two reviewers independently. Meta-analysis was not conducted due to high heterogeneity. From 1136 citations screened, 26 eligible studies were retained. Most studies were assessed to have a high risk of bias, and many had methodological limitations. Descriptive summaries suggest that turmeric is safe, with possible efficacy in patients with IBD or IBS, but its effects were inconsistent for other conditions. The efficacy of turmeric in digestive disorders remains unclear due to the high risk of bias and methodological limitations of the included studies. Future studies should be designed to include larger sample sizes, use rigorous statistical methods, employ core outcome sets, and adhere to reporting guidance for RCTs of herbal interventions to facilitate more meaningful comparisons and robust conclusions.

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.

Physicochemical, Rheological and Sensory Evaluation of Herbal Bread Containing Turmeric, Ginger, and Black Cumin Powder

The diversity in the global food market is expanding as thousands of new products enter the business every year, among which nutraceutical and functional foods hold important positions. The present research work aimed at the nutritional evaluation of three medicinal herbs, i.e., turmeric (Curcuma longa L.), ginger (Zingiber officinale), and black cumin (Nigella sativa). A bread formulation was enriched with the individual/combined supplementation (1-3%) of these herbs. Later, the bread was analyzed for nutritional, rheological, textural, and sensorial characteristics. The results revealed that the herbs improved the nutritional composition of bread, especially ash and fiber, as the maximum ash and fiber contents were noticed in T15 (2.0% dried powder of each plant) with values of 1.64 ± 0.04% and 4.63 ± 0.16%, respectively. The results regarding the rheological behavior showed minor variations in the rheological traits and a slight increase in dough development time up to 4.50 ± 0.20 min in T10 from 2.80 ± 0.13 min in T0. The sensorial attributes also indicated their marked suitability as external and internal characteristics were least affected by the addition of the herbs. Although some parameters like the crust and crumb colors were affected by the addition of black cumin, showing values of 6.25 ± 0.52 and 4.44 ± 0.19, respectively, in T15, and aroma characteristics were affected by the addition of ginger, supplementation with a combination of herbs at lower doses mitigated the adverse effects of other herbs. Moreover, shelf-life extension, especially with the addition of turmeric powder, was the hallmark of this research. This study concluded that medicinal herbs can be incorporated into baked products to improve the nutritional and sensorial attributes of functional herbal bread.

Effects of curcumin/turmeric supplementation on the liver enzymes, lipid profiles, glycemic index, and anthropometric indices in non-alcoholic fatty liver patients: An umbrella meta-analysis

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the leading causes of chronic liver disease worldwide. The evidence for curcumin's effects on patients with NAFLD is accumulating; however, meta-analyses have reported mixed results. The current umbrella meta-analysis aimed to assess the present evidence and provide an accurate estimate of the overall effects of curcumin/turmeric on NAFLD patients. The Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar databases were searched till March 2023 using MeSH terms and related keywords based on the PICO criteria. Meta-analysis studies evaluating the effects of curcumin/turmeric supplementation on NAFLD patients that reported the effect sizes (ES) and corresponding confidence intervals (CI) were eligible for inclusion in this study. All articles were screened by considering the eligibility criteria by two independent reviewers and required data were extracted from the included meta-analyses. The meta-analysis was performed utilizing a random-effects model by STATA software. Findings of 11 meta-analyses of 99 randomized controlled trials comprising 5546 participants revealed that curcumin/turmeric supplementation reduced AST (ES = -1.072, 95% CI (-1.656, -0.488), p = 0.000), ALT (ES = -0.625, 95% CI (-1.170, -0.134), p = 0.014), and TG (ES = -0.469, 95% CI (-1.057, 0.119), p = 0.128) levels, and HOMA-IR (ES = -0.291, 95% CI (-0.368, -0.214), p = 0.000), BMI (ES = -0.205, 95% CI (-0.304, -0.107), p = 0.000), and WC (ES = -1.290, 95% CI (-2.038, -0.541), p = 0.001) in comparison to the control group. However, the effects of curcumin on GGT, ALP, TC, LDL-C, HDL-C, FBS, and HbA1C levels and body weight were not significant. The findings suggest the beneficial effects of curcumin/turmeric supplementation in patients with NAFLD, such as improving liver function, decreasing serum TG levels, ameliorating insulin resistance, and reducing general and central obesity. Nevertheless, high-quality research is further required to prove these achievements.

Efficacy of Topical Turmeric, Calendula officinalis, and Tulsi (Ayurvedic Gel) in the Management of Erosive Lichen Planus: A Placebo-Controlled Study

Background

Chronic mucocutaneous symptoms are a hallmark of lichen planus (LP), an inflammatory disease of the stratified squamous epithelium. The most severe type of mucosal lichen is oral erosive lichen planus (OELP).

Materials and Methods

Thirty patients were included in this prospective trial, with fifteen patients each assigned to Group A and Group B. Patients were given a choice between a placebo gel and an ayurvedic gel comprising pure turmeric, Calendula officinalis, and tulsi powder in an oral basis. At each appointment, the patients' reactions to therapy were scored on the Tel Aviv-San Francisco Scale, whereas the degree of the fire was rated using a Visual Analog Scale. Data analysis was carried out using IBM's Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) Insights version 21.

Results

After receiving ayurvedic gel, patients in Group A reported much less burning than those in Group B (placebo). Group A responded better to therapy overall than Group B.

Conclusion

This study's findings support the use of an ayurvedic gel made from pure turmeric, Calendula officinalis, and tulsi powder for the treatment of erosive lichen planus.

Evaluation of the protective effects of curcumin-rich turmeric (Curcuma longa) extract against isotretinoin-induced liver damage in rats

AIM

The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective effect of curcumin-rich turmeric (CRT) extract against isotretinoin (ISO)-induced liver damage through routine biochemical parameters and oxidative stress parameters that indicate liver damage.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

42 albino Wistar rats of 200 g were randomly grouped as Group I: Healthy control, Group II: Sunflower oil, Group III: Curcumin 200 mg/kg, Group IV: ISO control groups (7.5 mg/kg), Group V: Curcumin 50 mg/kg + ISO 7.5 mg/kg, Group VI: Curcumin 100 mg/kg + ISO 7.5 mg/kg, Group VII: Curcumin 200 mg/kg + ISO 7.5 mg/kg. At the end, after the rats were killed, their blood and liver tissues were collected. ALT and AST levels in serum; superoxide dismutase activity (SOD), GSH, and MDA levels in liver tissue were determined.

RESULTS

Our results showed that ALT, AST, and MDA levels increased, and SOD and GSH levels decreased in the ISO-administered group compared to the healthy control group. CRT 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg groups were compared to ISO group. A dose-dependent increase in protective effect was observed. A decrease in ALT, AST, and MDA levels, and an increase in SOD and GSH levels were determined. A protective effect was found at all doses. The best protective effect was in the CRT 200 mg/kg group.

CONCLUSION

CRT extract can be considered a candidate herbal medicine for the elimination of liver damage in individuals using ISO. However, further experimental and clinical validation should be studied.

Fermentation, functional analysis, and biological activities of turmeric kombucha

BACKGROUND

Kombucha is a popular fermented drink with therapeutic benefits. The present study aimed to examine the fermentation of turmeric-infused kombucha and evaluate its biological activities and functional properties.

RESULTS

The study of pH dynamics during fermentation found that turmeric kombucha has a lower pH decrease than standard kombucha, with the lowest pH of 3.1 being observed in 0.1% turmeric kombucha and the maximum pH of 3.8 found in 1% turmeric kombucha. The research shows that the symbiotic consortia of bacteria and yeast alters during the fermentation process with turmeric. Gas chromatogrphy-mass spectrometry analysis revealed that turmeric kombucha is abundant in terpenes, ketones, alcohols, aldehydes, phenols and fatty acids, with higher levels of active ingredients than regular kombucha. The kombucha with 0.6% turmeric had the highest overall acceptance score (9.0) in sensory evaluation. The total phenolic content after fermentation was in the range 0.2-0.8 mg gallic acid equivalents mL-1 . Increasing turmeric concentrations increased the antioxidant, cytotoxic and antibacterial activity of kombucha analogs, with the highest antioxidant activity (89%) observed at 0.8% turmeric, and the maximum cytotoxicity (74%) and antibacterial activity (zones of inhibition of 17.7 and 15.9 mm against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, respectively) observed at 1% turmeric.

CONCLUSION

The fermentation of kombucha infused with turmeric enhanced its biological activities, making it a healthier alternative to traditional kombucha and presenting new opportunities in the field of functional foods. Further investigations into the mechanisms underlying these effects and in vivo studies are warranted to fully comprehend the impact of turmeric kombucha consumption on human health. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Bioavailability of Oral Curcumin in Systematic Reviews: A Methodological Study

Curcumin is a natural compound found in turmeric that exhibits diverse biological activities. However, its poor bioavailability limits its therapeutic application, which has led to the development of various bioavailability-improved formulations. In this methodological study, we analyzed whether systematic reviews on curcumin considered the bioavailability of systemic oral curcumin formulations when synthesizing evidence from human clinical trials. A total of 171 systematic reviews published between 2003 and 2022 were included in the study. From the included studies, we extracted data on study characteristics; type of curcumin; methods; and reporting regarding bioavailability, funding, and conflict of interest. Our results show that systematic reviews rarely consider the variable bioavailability of tested curcumin formulations. Relevant statistical subgroup and/or sensitivity analyses were reported in the methods and results of only 3.5% and 6.4% of reviews, respectively. However, more reviews mentioned bioavailability in their discussion (57%) or conclusion (13%). The detailed analysis of the included systematic reviews suggests that there is broad recognition of product bioavailability as a crucial factor affecting the health effects of curcumin, which is not accompanied by adequate evidence synthesis. Therefore, the results of most systematic reviews on orally administered curcumin should be taken with caution.

Curcumin and Resveratrol: Nutraceuticals with so Much Potential for Pseudoachondroplasia and Other ER-Stress Conditions

Natural products with health benefits, nutraceuticals, have shown considerable promise in many studies; however, this potential has yet to translate into widespread clinical use for any condition. Notably, many drugs currently on the market, including the first analgesic aspirin, are derived from plant extracts, emphasizing the historical significance of natural products in drug development. Curcumin and resveratrol, well-studied nutraceuticals, have excellent safety profiles with relatively mild side effects. Their long history of safe use and the natural origins of numerous drugs contrast with the unfavorable reputation associated with nutraceuticals. This review aims to explore the nutraceutical potential for treating pseudoachondroplasia, a rare dwarfing condition, by relating the mechanisms of action of curcumin and resveratrol to molecular pathology. Specifically, we will examine the curcumin and resveratrol mechanisms of action related to endoplasmic reticulum stress, inflammation, oxidative stress, cartilage health, and pain. Additionally, the barriers to the effective use of nutraceuticals will be discussed. These challenges include poor bioavailability, variations in content and purity that lead to inconsistent results in clinical trials, as well as prevailing perceptions among both the public and medical professionals. Addressing these hurdles is crucial to realizing the full therapeutic potential of nutraceuticals in the context of pseudoachondroplasia and other health conditions that might benefit.

The protective effects of curcumin against cigarette smoke-induced toxicity: A comprehensive review

Cigarette smoking (CS) is a crucial modifiable risk of developing several human diseases and cancers. It causes lung, bladder, breast, and esophageal cancers, respiratory disorders, as well as cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. Because of these adverse health effects, continual efforts to decrease the prevalence and toxicity of CS are imperative. Until the past decades, the impacts of natural compounds have been under investigation on the harmful effects of CS. Turmeric (Curcuma longa), a rhizomatous herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the Zingiberaceae family, is the main source of curcumin. This review is an attempt to find out the current knowledge on CS's harmful effects and protective potential of curcumin in the pulmonary, liver, brain, gastrointestinal, and testis organs. According to the present review, simultaneous consumption of curcumin and CS can attenuate CS toxicities including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, gastrointestinal toxicity, metabolic diseases, testis injury, and neurotoxicity. Moreover, curcumin suppresses carcinogenesis in the skin, liver, lungs, breast, colon, and stomach. Curcumin mediates these protective effects through antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and anti-carcinogenicity properties.

Oxalate nephropathy and chronic turmeric supplementation: a case report

We present a case of a 69-year-old man who presented for routine check-up and was incidentally found to have kidney failure with an initially unrevealing history and bland urinary sediment. He was diagnosed with oxalate nephropathy in the setting of chronic turmeric supplementation and chronic antibiotic therapy with associated diarrhea. Our case provides several key insights into oxalate nephropathy. First, the diagnosis requires a high index of clinical suspicion. It is uncommonly suspected clinically unless there is an obvious clue in the history such as Roux-en-Y gastric bypass or ethylene glycol poisoning. Diagnosis can be confirmed by histopathologic findings and corroborated by serum levels of oxalate and 24-hour urinary excretion. Second, the diagnosis can often be missed by the pathologist because of the characteristics of the crystals unless the renal pathologist has made it a rule to examine routinely all H&E sections under polarized light. This must be done on H&E, as the other stains dissolve the crystals. Third, one oxalate crystal in a routine needle biopsy is considered pathologic and potentially contributing to the AKI or to the CKD in an important way. Fourth, secondary oxalosis can be largely mitigated or prevented in many cases, especially iatrogenic cases. This can come through the surgeon or the gastroenterologist providing proper instructions to patients on an oxalate-restricted diet or other specific dietary measures. Lastly, this case highlights the success that results from cooperation and communication between the pathologist and the treating physician.

Characterization of a Novel Starch Isolated from the Rhizome of Colombian Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) Cultivars

Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) plants are native to Southeast Asia and are part of the Zingiberaceae family. Global consumption and production of this plant are expanding. In countries such as Colombia, turmeric is a promising cultivar. Curcuminoids derived from its rhizomes are used in food, pharmaceuticals, and natural cosmetics. Curcuminoids constitute approximately 3 wt% of the rhizome. Many residues rich in cellulose and starch can thus be recovered. This study characterizes a novel starch isolated from Colombian turmeric cultivars. The morphological parameters of the starch were determined using microscopic techniques such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Proximate analysis and infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) were used to analyze the chemical composition, while physical analyses included thermal characterization, swelling power testing, solubility, water retention capacity, and colorimetry evaluation. The new starch granules were ellipsoidal in shape and ranged in diameter from 19.91 to 38.09. A trace amount of remaining curcumin was identified through chemical and physical characterization. The swelling power was 3.52 ± 0.30, and its water retention capacity was 3.44 ± 0.30. Based on these findings, turmeric can be useful in both food and non-food applications. Because starch was extracted from other Zingiberaceae plants, this study also includes a brief review of the related literature.

Clinical effect of acupoint application with turmeric blistering moxibustion plaster on post-stroke hemiplegic shoulder pain

OBJECTIVES

To observe the effects of acupoint application with turmeric blistering moxibustion plaster on pain, shoulder range of motion (ROM) and upper limb motor function in the patients with post-stroke hemiplegic shoulder pain (PSHSP).

METHODS

Eighty-two patients with PSHSP were randomly divided into an observation group (41 cases, 1 case was eliminated, 4 cases dropped out) and a control group (41 cases, 2 cases were eliminated and 2 cases dropped out). The routine treatment, nursing care and rehabilitation training were performed in the control group. On the basis of the intervention as the control group, in the observation group, the turmeric blistering moxibustion plaster was applied to bilateral ashi points, Jianyu (LI 15), Jianliao (TE 14), Binao (LI 14), Shousanli (LI 10) and Hegu (LI 4), once a day, remained for 6 hours each time. This moxibustion therapy was operated 5 times weekly, one course of treatment consisted of 2 weeks and 2 courses were required. Separately, before treatment and after 2 and 4 weeks of treatment, the score of visual analogue scale (VAS), shoulder ROM and the score of upper limbs in Fugl-Meyer assessment (U-FMA) were observed in the two groups.

RESULTS

VAS scores were lower (P<0.05), ROM in shoulder flexion, abduction, internal rotation and external rotation was larger (P<0.05), and U-FMA scores were higher (P<0.05) after 2 and 4 weeks of treatment when compared with those before treatment in the two groups. After 4 weeks of treatment, VAS score decreased (P<0.05), and ROM in shoulder flexion, abduction, internal rotation, external rotation and U-FMA score increased (P<0.05) in comparison with those after 2 weeks of treatment in either group. In the observation group, VAS scores were dropped (P<0.05) after 2 and 4 weeks of treatment respectively, and ROM of shoulder flexion and abduction enlarged after 2 weeks of treatment (P<0.05) when compared with those in the control group. After 4 weeks of treatment, ROM in shoulder flexion, abduction, internal rotation and external rotation in the observation group was larger (P<0.05) and U-FMA score was higher (P<0.05) than those in the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

Acupoint application with turmeric blistering moxibustion plaster may effectively reduce the degree of shoulder pain and improve the shoulder range of motion and the upper limb motor function in the patients with post-stroke hemiplegic shoulder pain.

The Inhibition of Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases (MAPKs) and NF-κB Underlies the Neuroprotective Capacity of a Cinnamon/Curcumin/Turmeric Spice Blend in Aβ-Exposed THP-1 Cells

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by an increased level of β-amyloid (Aβ) protein deposition in the brain, yet the exact etiology remains elusive. Nowadays, treatments only target symptoms, thus the search for novel strategies is constantly stimulated, and looking to natural substances from the plant kingdom. The aim of this study was to investigate the neuroprotective effects of a spice blend composed of cinnamon bark and two different turmeric root extracts (CCSB) in Aβ-exposed THP-1 cells as a model of neuroinflammation. In abiotic assays, CCSB demonstrated an antioxidant capacity up to three times stronger than Trolox in the ORAC assay, and it reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced by the amyloid fragment in THP-1 cells by up to 39.7%. Moreover, CCSB lowered the Aβ stimulated secretion of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-6 by up to 24.9% and 43.4%, respectively, along with their gene expression by up to 25.2% and 43.1%, respectively. The mechanism involved the mitogen-activated protein kinases ERK, JNK and p38, whose phosphorylation was reduced by up to 51.5%, 73.7%, and 58.2%, respectively. In addition, phosphorylation of p65, one of the five components forming NF-κB, was reduced by up to 86.1%. Our results suggest that CCSB can counteract the neuroinflammatory stimulus induced by Aβ-exposure in THP-1 cells, and therefore can be considered a potential candidate for AD management.

Nanocurcumin preserves kidney function and haematology parameters in DMBA-induced ovarian cancer treated with cisplatin via its antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effect in rats

CONTEXT

Cisplatin, as a first-line treatment for ovarian cancer, is associated with debilitating adverse effects, including nephrotoxic and haematotoxic effects.

OBJECTIVE

This study determines whether nanocurcumin, combined with cisplatin, would give additional benefit to kidney function and haematological parameters in rats with ovarian cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty-five Wistar rats were divided into five untreated rats and 20-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA)-induced ovarian cancer rats. The 20 ovarian cancer rats were divided into four treatment groups: vehicle, cisplatin, cisplatin-curcumin, and cisplatin-nanocurcumin. Cisplatin was given at the dose of 4 mg/kg BW once weekly, while curcumin or nanocurcumin was administered at 100 mg/kg BW daily for four weeks. At the end of treatment, we analysed kidney function, haematological parameters, and inflammatory and oxidative stress markers from plasma.

RESULTS

Nanocurcumin alleviates the increase in kidney function markers and abnormalities in haematological indices in rats treated with cisplatin. Compared to cisplatin-treated rats, plasma urea levels decreased from 66.4 to 47.7 mg/dL, creatinine levels lowered from 0.87 to 0.82 mg/dL, and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) levels declined from 8.51 to 3.59 mIU/mg protein. Furthermore, the therapy increased glutathione activities (from 2.02 to 3.23 U/µL), reduced lipid peroxidation (from 0.54 to 0.45 nmol/mL), and decreased plasma TNF-α (from 270.6 to 217.8 pg/mL).

CONCLUSIONS

Cisplatin with nanocurcumin in an ovarian cancer rat model may provide additional benefits as a preventive agent against renal impairment and cisplatin-induced haematological toxicity. However, further research is required to prove that using nanocurcumin for a more extended time would not affect its anticancer properties.

Analysis of the antibacterial effects of turmeric on particular bacteria

Antimicrobial properties of plants have been investigated by a number of studies worldwide and many of them have been used as therapeutic alternatives because of their antimicrobial properties. The quest for suitable and affordable alternative in the face of increasing antimicrobial drug resistant has led researchers into exploring the use of plant extract in the treatment of infections. The antibacterial properties of turmeric (Curcuma longa) on selected bacteria were evaluated. Different concentrations of turmeric extract (100, 50, 25, and 12.5 mg/mL) were prepared using 2 solvents namely water and ethanol. The antibacterial activity was tested against Bacillus species, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa at different concentration of the extract using disc diffusion method and ciprofloxacin was the control. The zones of inhibition exhibited by ethanol and aqueous extracts against test organisms ranged from 1 to 10 mm. the ethanolic extracts were more effective than the aqueous extracts exhibiting zones of inhibition ranging from 3 to 10 mm against Bacillus species, 4 to 9 mm against S aureus, and 1 to 7 mm against E coli. There was no inhibitory effect against P aeruginosa. There was significant difference between the ethanol and aqueous extracts (P < .05). This study reveal that Turmeric plant has antibacterial potential against selected organisms and may be of great use of pharmaceutical industries for the development of medicine to cure ailments and control abnormal serum lipid profile.

Turmeric (Curcuma longa): an alternative to antibiotics in poultry nutrition

Turmeric, a common spice in many countries has been used for centuries in traditional medicine for its antimicrobial properties. Recent research has shown that turmeric can be a viable alternative to antibiotics in poultry production. Antibiotic overuse in poultry has led to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which poses a threat to both animal and human health. Turmeric contains curcumin, a compound that has been shown to have antimicrobial activity against a wide range of bacteria, including those resistant to antibiotics. In addition, turmeric has anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties, which can help boost the immune system of poultry and reduce the need for antibiotics. Studies have shown that turmeric can improve growth performance, and gut health, and reduce the incidence of disease in poultry. Therefore, the use of turmeric as an alternative to antibiotics in poultry production has the potential to not only improve animal health and welfare but also contribute to the fight against antibiotic resistance. This review aims to provide an overview of the recent knowledge on the use of these plant extracts in poultry feeds as feed additives and their effects on poultry performance.

Extraction of Active Compounds from Mixtures of Hemp (Cannabis sativa) with Plants of the Zingiberaceae Family

Hemp is probably one of the most studied plants for its health-promoting properties, with countless documented and patented extraction methods, but literature is scarce on the simultaneous extraction of mixture of raw materials. Hemp, along with other plant materials, could represent a potentially highly valuable source material with resulting reciprocal effects. In this study, hemp (Cannabis sativa) and three members of the Zingiberaceae family, ginger (Zingiber officinale), turmeric (Curcuma longa), and cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum), were extracted simultaneously, and their bioactive component values were investigated. Two extraction methods were used, namely ultrasound-assisted extraction with ethanol and supercritical fluid extraction with carbon dioxide. First, extracts were obtained from separate plant materials. Then, hemp was extracted in combination with ginger, turmeric, and cardamom in a 1:1 ratio. The extracts obtained were evaluated for their antioxidant activity and total phenolic content using UV/VIS spectrophotometry; cannabinoid content, 6-gingerol, and 6-shogaol were measured using liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS); volatile components such as 1,8-cineole, alpha-terpinyl acetate, linalool, and aR-turmerone were measured using gas chromatography with mass spectrometry (GC/MS).

PVA Nanofibers as an Insoluble pH Sensor

Turmeric has been widely studied as a color indicator for pH variations due to its halochromic properties. It has been tested in solution or included in some polymeric matrices. Some studies have demonstrated that its change in color is due to the tautomeric species of curcumin, and this property can be observed even if turmeric is assimilated in a film or nanofiber. Chitosan/polyethylene oxide (PEO) polymers have been tested in previous studies. Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) nanofibers are used as potential carriers of drugs once they are insolubilized. The aim of this work is to cross-link PVA with citric acid (CA) to insolubilize the nanofibers and determine the effect on turmeric's halochromic properties. The nanofibers were treated with a sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution, and a chromatic study was undertaken to determine color change. The change in color was assessed by eye (subjective) and by spectroscopy (objective). The nanofibers were characterized, in addition to the colorimetric study, by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) as well. The results demonstrate how thermal treatment induces cross-linking between the nanofibers, allowing them to keep their shape once the NaOH solution is applied to them. The opposite effect (solubilization) can be observed for non-cross-linked (NCL) samples. Although the final color varied, the cross-linked (CL) nanofibers' halochromic behavior was maintained. It was demonstrated that during cross-linking, ester groups are formed from the free carboxyl group in the cross-linked CA and the ketones present in the curcumin under acid conditions. So, CA acts as an acid catalyst to bond turmeric to the cross-linked PVA nanofibers.

A New Synthetic Curcuminoid Displays Antitumor Activities in Metastasized Melanoma

AIM

The semisynthetic derivatives MePip-SF5 and isogarcinol, which are aligned with the natural products curcumin and garcinol, were tested for their antitumor effects in a preclinical model of pulmonary melanoma metastasis.

METHODS AND RESULTS

MePip-SF5 was almost five times more effective in inhibiting B16F10 melanoma cell proliferation than its original substance of curcumin (IC50 MePip-SF5 2.8 vs. 13.8 µM). Similarly, the melanoma cytotoxicity of isogarcinol was increased by 40% compared to garcinol (IC50 3.1 vs. 2.1 µM). The in vivo toxicity of both drugs was assessed in healthy C57BL/6 mice challenged with escalating doses. Isogarcinol induced toxicity above a dose of 15 mg/kg, while MePip-SF5 showed no in vivo toxicity up to 60 mg/kg. Both drugs were tested in murine pulmonary metastatic melanoma. C57BL/6 mice (n = 10) received 500,000 B16F10 melanoma cells intravenously. After intraperitoneal injection of MePip-SF5 (60 mg/kg) or isorgarcinol (15 mg/kg) at days 8, 11 and 14 and sacrifice at day 16, the MePip-SF5-treated mice showed a significantly (p < 0.05) lower pulmonary macroscopic and microscopic tumor load than the vehicle-treated controls, whereas isogarcinol was ineffective. The pulmonary RNA levels of the mitosis marker Bub1 and the inflammatory markers TNFα and Ccl3 were significantly (p < 0.05) reduced in the MePip-SF5-treated mice. Both drugs were well tolerated, as shown by an organ inspection and normal liver- and kidney-related serum parameters.

CONCLUSIONS

The novel curcuminoid MePip-SF5 showed a convincing antimetastatic effect and a lack of systemic toxicity in a relevant preclinical model of metastasized melanoma.

Molecular bases for the use of functional foods in the management of healthy aging: Berries, curcumin, virgin olive oil and honey; three realities and a promise

As the number of older people has grown in recent decades, the search for new approaches to manage or delay aging is also growing. Among the modifiable factors, diet plays a crucial role in healthy aging and in the prevention of age-related diseases. Thus, the interest in the use of foods, which are rich in bioactive compounds such as functional foods with anti-aging effects is a growing market. This review summarizes the current knowledge about the molecular mechanisms of action of foods considered as functional foods in aging, namely berries, curcumin, and virgin olive oil. Moreover, honey is also analyzed as a food with well-known healthy benefits, but which has not been deeply evaluated from the point of view of aging. The effects of these foods on aging are analyzed from the point of view of molecular mechanisms including oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, inflammation, genomic stability, telomere attrition, cellular senescence, and deregulated nutrient-sensing. A comprehensive study of the scientific literature shows that the aforementioned foods have demonstrated positive effects on certain aspects of aging, which might justify their use as functional foods in elderly. However, more research is needed, especially in humans, designed to understand in depth the mechanisms of action through which they act.

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

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

Chronic supplementation of a multi-ingredient herbal supplement increases speed of cognitive task performance alongside changes in the urinary metabolism of dopamine and the gut microbiome in cognitively intact older adults experiencing subjective memory decline: a randomized, placebo controlled, parallel groups investigation

Background

The effects of herbs on brain function are often investigated in isolation, yet herbal preparations are often complex combinations of phytochemicals, designed to target widespread mechanisms.

Objective

To assess the effects of chronic, 12 weeks, supplementation of a multi-ingredient herbal supplement (containing Bacopa monnieri, Gotu kola leaf, Turmeric whole powder, Reishi full spectrum, Rosemary, Cardamom, Holy Basil, Turmeric Wholistic™ extract, Green Tea & Seagreens) on cognitive function in older adults with subjective memory decline. Secondly, to investigate whether effects are underpinned by shifts in microbial composition and/or metabolism of the herbs.

Methods

Male and female participants (N = 128) aged between 55-75 years completed lab-based cognitive assessments, and provided stool and urine samples, at baseline and then following 90 days of multi-ingredient herb, or placebo, supplementation.

Results

Deficits in memory were observed in response to 90 days of multi-ingredient herbal supplement supplementation but the positive effects were all focused on speed of cognitive task performance, with an additional improvement in the false alarm rate on the rapid visual information processing task. These improvements coincided with an increased presence of tyrosine in the urinary metabolome and this may implicate the role of dopamine in these processing and/or motor speed increases. Finally, multi-ingredient herbal supplementation significantly reduced levels of 3 bacterial species in the gut microbiome and one of these, Sutterella, coincides with lower levels of constipation reported in the multi-ingredient herbal supplement condition.

Conclusion

A multi-ingredient herbal supplement increases speed of cognitive task performance and increased metabolism of tyrosine suggests that this is modulated by increased dopaminergic activity. Reduced levels of Sutterella in the gut is associated with improved bowel movements of participants. Interpretation of the negative effects on memory are, however, stymied by an unequal randomization of participants into treatment groups pre- and post-COVID 19.Clinical trial registration: identifier NCT05504668.

An Overview of the Pharmacological Properties of Calebin-A

The natural polyphenol, calebin-A, was recently discovered and identified as a novel phytopharmaceutical with anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, and antiproliferative properties. Calebin-A occurs naturally in trace quantities in Curcuma longa/C cassia, commonly known as turmeric, from the Zingiberaceae family. Calebin-A is a curcumin analog or 'chemical cousin' of curcumin with a similar chemical structure. Although few research studies have been conducted on the pharmacological and therapeutic properties of calebin-A, it is a very promising molecule with a variety of pharmacological properties. Some studies have suggested that calebin-A is helpful in treating various cancers due to its inhibitory effect on cell growth and anti-inflammatory properties. Other studies have suggested that calebin-A may improve neurocognitive status associated with neurodegeneration caused by Alzheimer's disease (AD) by inhibiting the aggregation of β-amyloid. Finally, several studies have proposed that calebin-A may potentially be therapeutically beneficial in treating patients with obesity. This novel compound downregulates nuclear factor (NF)-κB-mediated processes involved with cancer, such as tumor cell invasion, proliferation, metastasis, and, most profoundly, inflammation. Moreover, calebin-A influences the activities of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) in cancer cells. The present review identifies and discusses the pharmacological and phytochemical properties of calebin-A, as well as its therapeutic benefits and limitations, for future scientists and clinicians interested in exploring calebin-A's medicinal qualities.

The effect of curcuma longa extract and significance of mordant as an alternative for eosin in H and E: A comparative study

Background and Aim

Hematoxylin and Eosin (H and E) staining is a common and routine staining method used in Histopathology. In origin, Hematoxylin is natural and Eosin is a synthetic dye. Synthetic dyes are widely accepted due to its staining efficiency. However, due to synthetic and toxic properties, natural alternatives have gained importance. In this present study, Curcuma Longa rhizome (Turmeric) extract with and without mordant are examined as a natural substitute for Eosin in H and E staining. This study assessed the staining quality of Turmeric (H and T) compared to Eosin (H and E) and the significance of mordant in H and T staining.

Materials and Methods

A comparative study is conducted in a Histopathology laboratory in a tertiary care hospital. Five tissue specimens were collected and stained with H and T with mordant, H and T without mordant, and conventional H and E stain. Two independent pathologists examined the quality of each stain. The results are graded as excellent, good, and poor. These results are statistically compared and analyzed.

Result

Staining quality of Turmeric and Eosin are comparable to each other. At the same time, Turmeric gives yellow color instead of pink in Eosin. The result also shows that the addition of mordant in Turmeric significantly improves the staining quality.

Interpretation and Conclusion

Turmeric with mordant can be used as an alternative stain to synthetic Eosin in H and E staining.

Application of Kombucha Fermentation Broth for Antibacterial, Antioxidant, and Anti-Inflammatory Processes

Treatment for sepsis and its complications in the clinic is primarily in the forms of antibiotics, anti-inflammatory agents, and antioxidant drugs. Kombucha, a traditional fermented beverage rich in tea polyphenols and organic acids, offers several benefits including bacteriostasis, anti-inflammation ability, and boosting the immune system. Currently, research on kombucha is primarily focused on its antibacterial and antioxidant properties; however, in-depth exploration of the involved mechanisms is lacking. Herein, turmeric, Paeoniae alba, and black tea were used as fermentation substrates to detect the bacteriostatic and antioxidant activities of the fermentation broth and evaluate its anti-inflammatory effects on RAW264.7 cells stimulated by lipopolysaccharides (LPSs). The results showed that fermentation enhanced the antibacterial activity of turmeric against E. coli and S. aureus and that of Paeoniae alba against S. aureus. Turmeric black tea exhibited the highest antioxidant activity. The fermentation broth of turmeric and turmeric black tea significantly reduced the expression of inflammatory cytokines induced by LPSs. Our results showed that using turmeric and Paeoniae alba culture media as substrates can enhance the anti-inflammatory effects of fermentation broth and provide a new strategy for developing anti-inflammatory substances.

Hybrid method for accurate starch estimation in adulterated turmeric using Vis-NIR spectroscopy

Turmeric is widely used as a health supplement and foodstuff in South East Asian countries because of its medicinal benefits. Like several other plants and peppers, turmeric is prone to exploitation because of its economic value, rising consumer need, and essential food element that adds colour and flavour. Due to this, quick and comprehensive testing processes are needed to detect adulterants in turmeric. In this study, pure turmeric powders were mixed with starch in proportions ranging from 0 to 50% with a 1% variation to obtain different combinations. Reflectance spectra of pure turmeric and starch mixed samples were recorded using a JASCO-V770 spectrometer from 400 to 2050 nm. The recorded spectra were pre-processed using a Multiplicative Scatter Correction (MSC) and Standard Normal Variate (SNV). The Savitzky-Golay (SG) filter was initially applied to these original (X), MSC, and SNV-corrected spectra. Secondly, the Extra Tree Regressor (ETR) feature selection method was employed to select the best features. Finally, principal component analysis (PCA) was used to reduce the dimension of the selected features. The stacked generalization method was applied to improve the performance of this work. Both regressors and classifier stacking techniques have been tested with different classification and regression methods. The K-Nearest Neighbours (KNN), Decision Tree (DT), and Random Forest (RF) models were used as base learners, and Logistic Regression (LRC) was used as a meta-model for classification and Linear Regression (LR) for regression analysis. The proposed method achieved the best regression performance with r2 of 0.999, Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) of 0.206, Ratio of Performance to Deviation (RPD) of 73.73, and Range Error Ratio (RER) of 480.58, whereas 100% F1 score and Matthew's Correlation Coefficient (MCC) classification performance.

Lead Poisoning From Home-Prepared Indian Spices in 3 Families

Spice consumption, along with other environmental factors, can contribute to pediatric lead poisoning. Although public health efforts have increased awareness of contamination of spices, false assumptions regarding the safety of home-prepared spices have emerged. Here, we present the clinical features, family beliefs, and environmental toxicology of 3 spice-associated pediatric lead poisoning cases.

Applications of Curcumin and Its Nanoforms in the Treatment of Cancer

Due to the diverse medicinal and pharmacokinetic properties of turmeric, it is well-known in the therapeutic, pharmaceutic, nutraceutical, cosmetic, and dietary industries. It gained importance due to its multitude of properties, such as wound-healing, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-microbial, cytoprotective, anti-aging, anti-cancer, and immunomodulatory effects. Even though the natural healing effect of turmeric has been known to Indians as early as 2500 BCE, the global demand for turmeric has increased only recently. A major reason for the beneficiary activities of turmeric is the presence of the yellow-colored polyphenolic compound called curcumin. Many studies have been carried out on the various properties of curcumin and its derivatives. Despite its low bioavailability, curcumin has been effectively used for the treatment of many diseases, such as cardiovascular and neurological diseases, diabetes, arthritis, and cancer. The advent of nanobiotechnology has further opened wide opportunities to explore and expand the use of curcumin in the medical field. Nanoformulations using curcumin and its derivatives helped to design new treatment modalities, specifically in cancer, because of the better bioavailability and solubility of nanocurcumin when compared to natural curcumin. This review deals with the various applications of curcumin nanoparticles in cancer therapy and broadly tries to understand how it affect the immunological status of the cancer cell.

Evaluation of curcumin-loaded chitosan nanoparticles for wound healing activity

Background and purpose

Wound healing is a biological process that can be difficult to manage clinically. In skin wound healing, the interaction of many cells, growth factors, and cytokines reveals an outstanding biological function mechanism. Wound healing that occurs naturally restores tissue integrity, however, it is usually restricted to wound repair. Curcumin synthesised in a chitosan matrix can be used to heal skin sores.

Experimental approach

The ionotropic gelation procedure required crosslinking chitosan with a tripolyphosphate (TPP) crosslinker to generate curcumin nanoparticles encapsulated in chitosan.

Key results

The nanoparticles were between 200 and 400 nm in size, with a strong positive surface charge and good entrapment efficacy, according to SEM and TEM investigations. Curcumin and chitosan compatibility was investigated using FTIR spectroscopy. All batches showed consistent drug release, with the F5 batch having the highest curcumin release, at 75% after 16 hours. On L929 cells, scratch assays were utilised to assess wound healing. Wound closure with widths of 59 and 65 mm with curcumin and 45 and 78 mm with curcumin-loaded chitosan nanoparticles was seen after 24 and 48 hours of examination.

Conclusions

According to the findings, prepared curcumin chitosan nanoparticles are beneficial in healing skin damage.

Colon-Targeted Release of Turmeric Nonextractable Polyphenols and Their Anticolitis Potential via Gut Microbiota-Dependent Alleviation on Intestinal Barrier Dysfunction in Mice

Solid evidence has emerged supporting the role of nonextractable polyphenols (NEPs) and dietary fibers (DFs) as gut microbiota modulators. This study aims to elucidate gut microbiota-dependent release of turmeric NEPs and examine the possible anti-inflammatory mechanism in the dextran sulfate sodium-induced ulcerative colitis (UC) model. 1.5% DSS drinking water-induced C57BL/6J mice were fed a standard rodent chow supplemented with or without 8% extractable polyphenols (EPs), NEPs, or DFs for 37 days. The bound curcumin, demethoxycurcumin, and bisdemethoxycurcumin in NEPs were released up to 181.5 ± 10.6, 65.2 ± 6.0, and 69.5 ± 7.6 μg/mL by in vitro gut microbiota-simulated fermentation and released into the colon of NEP-supplemented mice by 5.7-, 11.0-, and 7.8-fold higher than pseudo germ-free mice, respectively (p < 0.05). NEPs also enhanced the colonic microbiota-dependent production of short-chain fatty acids in vitro and in vivo (p < 0.05). Interestingly, NEP feeding significantly improved the DSS-caused gut microbiota disorder, epithelial barrier damage, and inflammation of UC mice better than EPs or DFs (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, the pseudo germ-free mice supplemented with NEPs failed to ameliorate UC symptoms. These findings manifest that turmeric NEPs as macromolecular carriers exert the target delivery of polyphenols into the colon for regulating gut microbiota to restore the impaired gut barrier function for alleviation of inflammation.

Enhancing Anti-cancer Activity: Green Synthesis and Cytotoxicity Evaluation of Turmeric-Gold Nanocapsules on A549 Lung Cancer Cells

Background Lung cancer remains a major global health concern, with a notable increase in new cases in recent years. This study aims to investigate the cytotoxic effects of polymeric turmeric-gold nanocapsules on A549 human lung cancer cells, utilizing green-synthesized gold nanoparticles from Curcuma longa L. and ethyl cellulose-based nanocapsules. Methods Gold nanoparticles were synthesized using the aqueous root extract of Curcuma longa L., and the resulting nanoparticles were characterized using UV-Vis, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and energy dispersive x-ray (EDX) techniques. Subsequently, polymeric nanocapsules of turmeric with encapsulated gold nanoparticles were prepared. The cytotoxicity of these nanocapsules was evaluated using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay on both A549 lung cancer cell lines and normal cell lines. Results The turmeric-gold nanocapsules exhibited a half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) value of 40 μg/ml, while the gold nanoparticles alone showed an IC50 value of 60 μg/ml when tested on A549 cells. Furthermore, apoptosis was observed in A549 cells treated with turmeric-gold nanocapsules. The combination of gold nanoparticles and turmeric polymer (gold turmeric nanocapsules) demonstrated a more potent anti-cancer effect on the lung cancer cell line, with an IC50 value of 40 μg/ml compared to green-synthesized gold nanoparticles (IC50 of 60 μg/ml). Conclusion The utilization of polymeric nanocapsules of turmeric, with green-synthesized gold nanoparticles, presents a promising solution to overcome the limited water solubility of turmeric. The results suggest that the combination of gold nanoparticles and turmeric enhances the cytotoxic effects on A549 human lung cancer cells. These findings contribute to the potential application of turmeric-gold nanocapsules as a novel therapeutic approach in lung cancer research.

Effectiveness of Curcuma domestica leave extract in inhibiting the growth of Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is one of the Gram-negative bacteria that causes nosocomial infection in patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). The therapy provided could be antibiotics and the provision of therapy is considered difficult due to antibiotic resistance; therefore, an alternative is needed such as active ingredients from medicinal plants. Turmeric (Curcuma domestica) is believed to have compounds that have antibacterial activities. The aim of this study was to determine the antibacterial activities of ethanol extract from turmeric leaves against the growth of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. An experimental study was conducted using posttest-only design. Antibacterial activities were determined using disc diffusion method with concentration of 50%, 75%, and 100% Curcuma domestica extract. The positive and negative controls were ciprofloxacin and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), respectively. The inhibition zone of 50%, 75%, and 100% extract groups against Pseudomonas aeruginosa were 8.9 mm, 10.6 mm, and 11.8 mm, respectively. There was no significant different of antibacterial activities between different concentrations of Curcuma domestica (50%, 75% and 100% of extracts). All groups of Curcuma domestica extract had lower antibacterial activities significantly than ciprofloxacin (positive control). This data indicated that the leave extract of Curcuma domestica had a weak inhibition against the growth of Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Physicochemical and Functional Properties and Storage Stability of Chitosan-Starch Films Containing Micellar Nano/Microstructures with Turmeric and Hibiscus Extracts

The dynamic development of the food industry and the growing interest of consumers in innovative solutions that increase the comfort and quality of life push the industry towards seeking pioneering solutions in the field of food packaging. Intelligent and active packaging, which affects the quality and durability of food products and allows one to determine their freshness, is still a modern concept. The aim of our study was to obtain two types of films based on chitosan and starch with micellar nanostructures containing extracts from turmeric rhizomes and hibiscus flowers. The presence of spherical nanostructures was confirmed using a scanning electron microscope. The structural and optical properties of the obtained composites were characterised by Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR), UltraViolet-Visible (UV-VIS), and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis confirmed the presence of spherical micellar structures with a size of about 800 nm in the obtained biocomposites. The presence of nano-/microstructures containing extracts affected the mechanical properties of the composites: it weakened the strength of the films and improved their elongation at break (EAB). Films with nano-/microparticles were characterised by a higher water content compared to the control sample and lower solubility, and they showed stronger hydrophilic properties. Preliminary storage tests showed that the obtained biocomposites are sensitive to changes occurring during the storage of products such as cheese or fish. In addition, it was found that the film with the addition of turmeric extract inhibited the growth of microorganisms during storage. The results suggest that the obtained bionanocomposites can be used as active and/or intelligent materials.

Effects of dietary polyphenol curcumin supplementation on metabolic, inflammatory, and oxidative stress indices in patients with metabolic syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Objective

The aim was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis for assessing the effectiveness and safety of dietary polyphenol curcumin supplement on metabolic, inflammatory, and oxidative stress indices in patients with metabolic syndrome (MetS).

Methods

A comprehensive search for clinical trials was conducted in the following scientific databases: PubMed, SCOPUS, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Web of Science, and China Biological Medicine. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the efficacy and safety of curcumin supplement for MetS were identified. A random-effects meta-analysis was performed using inverse variance, and efficacy was expressed as mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence interval (CI). The metabolic syndrome markers that were evaluated in the present study included waist circumference (WC), fasting blood sugar (FBS), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-a), interleukin 6 (IL-6), C-reactive protein (CRP), ultrasensitive c-reactive protein (hsCRP), and malondialdehyde (MDA). By employing the Cochrane tool, RCTs were assessed for bias risk.

Results

A total of 785 participants from 13 RCTs were included, with intervention durations ranging from 4 to 12 weeks. Compared with the control group, the curcumin group had positive effects on WC (MD = -2.16, 95% CI: -3.78 to -0.54, p = 0.009, seven studies), FBS (MD = -8.6, 95% CI: -15.45 to -1.75, p = 0.01, nine studies), DBP (MD = -2.8, 95% CI: -4.53 to - 1.06, p = 0.002, five studies), HDL-C (MD = 4.98, 95% CI: 2.58 to 7.38, p < 0.0001, eight studies), TNF-a (MD = -12.97, 95% CI: -18.37 to -7.57, p < 0.00001, two studies), CRP (MD = - 1.24, 95% CI: -1.71 to -0.77, p < 0.00001, two studies), and MDA (MD = -2.35, 95% CI: -4.47 to -0.24, p = 0.03, three studies). These improvements were statistically significant. Meanwhile, there was no significant improvement in SBP (MD = -4.82, 95% CI: -9.98 to 0.35, p = 0.07, six studies), TG (MD = 1.28, 95% CI: -3.75 to 6.30, p = 0.62, eight studies), IL-6 (MD = -1.5, 95% CI: -3.97 to 0.97, p = 0.23, two studies), or hsCRP (MD = -1.10, 95% CI: -4.35 to 2.16, p < 0.51, two studies). FBS, SBP, HDL-C, IL-6, CRP, hsCRP, and MDA had a relatively high heterogeneity.

Conclusion

Curcumin exhibited promising potential in enhancing markers associated with metabolic syndrome, including inflammation. However, additional studies are required to confirm such findings since the included evidence is limited and has a relatively high heterogeneity.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero, identifier CRD42022362553.

Effects of black pepper and turmeric powder on growth performance, gut health, meat quality, and fatty acid profile of Japanese quail

In poultry production, the search for alternatives to in-feed antibiotics continues unabated. This study investigated the effects of dietary supplementation of black pepper and turmeric powder, separately or in combination, on the growth performance, gastrointestinal microbiota population, intestinal morphology, serum biochemical parameters, meat quality, and meat fatty acid profile in Japanese quails. Five hundred-day-old mixed-sex Japanese quail chicks were randomly assigned to one of five treatments: a control diet (CON); CON +0.2% antibiotic flavomycin as an antibiotic growth promoter (AGP); CON +0.5% turmeric powder (TUP); CON +0.5% black pepper powder (BPP); and CON +0.5% TUP, and 0.5% BPP (MIX). The findings showed that quail chicks fed AGP and TUP throughout the rearing period had better body weight gain (p = 0.007) and feed conversion ratio (p = 0.02) than the other treatments. The TUP, BPP, and MIX feeds reduced (p = 0.005) abdominal fat percentage. The MIX group had a better breast muscle water-holding capacity (p = 0.04) and lightness index (p = 0.02) and lower (p = 0.02) malondialdehyde concentration after 7 days of refrigerated storage. Feeding BPP, TUP, and MIX diets decreased (p = 0.001) serum cholesterol concentration. Quail chicks fed the CON diet showed significantly higher coliform counts in the crop and ileum (p < 0.001), whereas the lactic acid bacterial population was lower (p = 0.008) in the ileum. Birds that received the MIX diet exhibited a higher (p = 0.02) villus height to crypt depth ratio in the duodenum compared to the other groups. The tested feed additives increased (p < 0.001) villus height in the jejunum and ileum compared to other groups. Feeding the TUP, BPP, and MIX diets reduced (p < 0.001) total saturated fatty acid content and increased (p = 0.004) total polyunsaturated fatty acid concentration, where the MIX diet had the best results. Overall, the present data indicate that supplementing the basal diet with turmeric powder enhances the growth performance of Japanese quails. In some respects, such as gut health and meat quality, combining turmeric powder and black pepper powder was more effective than using them independently.

Turmeric: The Yellow Allergen

Turmeric is the dried rhizome of Curcuma longa Linn which is extensively used in Indian culture. Curcumin is its most active pharmaceutical component. Turmeric use is very closely related with the socio-religious life of the population. Topical application of turmeric is a very common practice in the daily lives and auspicious occasions in South India. However, the allergenic potential of this commonly used spice is mentioned in various case reports and studies. The dermatologists and patients should be aware of the possible allergic reactions of this widely used herb. The purpose of this review is to give a brief overview of allergenic potential of this commonly used spice.

Assessment of Physicochemical Parameters and Contaminants in Herbal Dietary Supplements Used in the Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammatory bowel disease is a complex disorder characterized by chronic gastrointestinal inflammation. Thus, patients prefer to use herbal dietary supplements containing turmeric, Indian frankincense, green chiretta, and black pepper in an attempt to cope better with their chronic condition. The dietary supplements' dosage forms and herbal ingredients were assessed in terms of the products' physicochemical parameters (weight uniformity, friability, disintegration, rupture test, tablet's breaking force, and powder flowability) in view of the USP-NF requirements. In addition, contaminants such as organic solvents and ethylene oxide were evaluated using gas chromatography. Assessment of gluten via an Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay was also performed. Most of the products met USP requirements. The high average weight of one multicomponent tablet sample with a high breaking force value can explain the observed negative results of the disintegration test. A total of 26% of samples tested positive for gluten, but the most alarming fact is that the ethylene oxide levels found in two samples were up to 30 times higher than the EU limit. Accordingly, dietary supplement quality control is of fundamental importance.

Curcuma longa-Based Optical Sensor for Hydrochloric Acid and Ammonia Vapor Detection

In this research, we present a prototype optical system that offers significant advances in detecting hydrochloric acid (HCl) and ammonia (NH3) vapors. The system utilizes a natural pigment sensor based on Curcuma longa that is securely attached to a glass surface support. Through extensive development and testing with HCl (37% aqueous solution) and NH₃ (29% aqueous solution) solutions, we have successfully demonstrated the effectiveness of our sensor. To facilitate the detection process, we have developed an injection system that exposes C. longa pigment films to the targeted vapors. The interaction between the vapors and the pigment films triggers a distinct color change, which is then analyzed by the detection system. By capturing the transmission spectra of the pigment film, our system allows a precise comparison of these spectra at different concentrations of the vapors. Our proposed sensor exhibits remarkable sensitivity, allowing the detection of HCl at a concentration of 0.009 ppm using only 100 µL (2.3 mg) of pigment film. In addition, it can detect NH₃ at a concentration of 0.03 ppm with a 400 µL (9.2 mg) pigment film. Integrating C. longa as a natural pigment sensor in an optical system opens up new possibilities for detecting hazardous gases. The simplicity and efficiency of our system, combined with its sensitivity, make it an attractive tool in environmental monitoring and industrial safety applications.

Treatment of the common cold with herbs used in Ayurveda and Jamu: monograph review and the science of ginger, liquorice, turmeric and peppermint

Background

The common cold is typically managed with decongestants, antihistamines, antitussives and antipyretics. In addition to these established medications, herbal ingredients have been used over centuries to help treat common cold symptoms. The Ayurveda and Jamu systems of medicine, originating from India and Indonesia, respectively, have leveraged herbal therapies to treat many illnesses.

Method

An expert roundtable discussion comprising specialists in Ayurveda, Jamu, pharmacology and surgery along with a literature review was conducted to evaluate the use of four herbs - ginger, liquorice, turmeric and peppermint - for common cold symptom management in Ayurvedic texts, Jamu publications and monographs from the World Health Organization, Health Canada and various European guidelines.

Discussion

Due to a lack of antivirals, common cold management revolves around maintaining personal hygiene and symptom management. Herbal medicines have been an integral part of many cultures worldwide. Despite its growing acceptance, there is a perception that healthcare providers lack interest and may prevent patients from discussing the use of herbal medicines. Limited education and training may also widen the communication gap between patients and healthcare providers, hindering effective management.

Conclusion

Evaluation of scientific evidence and the standing in international monographs can offer perspectives on the use of herbal medicines for common cold management.

Effect of Turmeric-Boswellia-Sesame Formulation in Menstrual Cramp Pain Associated with Primary Dysmenorrhea-A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study

Primary dysmenorrhea is a common menstrual disorder that significantly impacts women's quality of life, productivity, and healthcare utilization. In this randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial, sixty women with primary dysmenorrhea were randomly divided into two groups with thirty participants each, and were allocated either turmeric-boswellia-sesame formulation (treatment) or placebo. The participants were advised to take two softgels of 500 mg as a single dose of allocated study intervention (total dose 1000 mg) when their menstrual pain reached 5 or more on a numerical rating scale (NRS). Menstrual cramp pain intensity and relief were evaluated every 30 min post-dose until 6 h. Results indicated a promising role of turmeric-boswellia-sesame formulation for menstrual pain relief compared to the placebo. The mean total pain relief (TOTPAR) of the treatment group (18.9 ± 0.56) was found to be 12.6 times better than the placebo group (1.5 ± 0.39). The NRS analysis showed that there was a statistically significant difference in pain intensity between the treatment and placebo groups (p < 0.001) at every timepoint. Additionally, the sum of pain intensity difference at 6 h (SPID6) of the treatment group (34.32 ± 1.41) showed a significant difference (p < 0.0001) and was 20.19 times better when compared to placebo (1.7 ± 0.56). Based on the study results, the turmeric-boswellia-sesame formulation exhibited remarkable menstrual pain relief as compared to the placebo.

Synergy of Plant Essential Oils in Antibiotic Therapy to Combat Klebsiella pneumoniae Infections

Increased antibiotic resistance presents a health problem worldwide. The World Health Organization published a list of pathogens considered a priority for designing new treatments. Klebsiella pneumoniae (Kp) is a top-priority microorganism, highlighting the strains that produce carbapenemases. Developing new efficient therapies or complementing existing treatments is a priority, and essential oils (EOs) provide an alternative. EOs could act as antibiotic adjuvants and enhance antibiotic activity. Employing standard methodologies, the antibacterial activity of the EOs and their synergic effect with antibiotics were detected. A string test was used to identify the impact of the EOs over the hypermucoviscosity phenotype presented by Kp strains, and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry analysis identified EOs and the composition of EOs. The potential of EOs for designing synergistic therapies with antibiotics to combat the infection of KPC diseases was demonstrated. In addition, the alteration of the hypermucoviscosity phenotype was shown as the principal mechanism of a synergic action between EOs and antibiotics. The differential composition of the EOs lets us identify some molecules that will be analyzed. Synergic activity of EOs and antibiotics can provide a solid platform for combating multiresistant pathogens that represent a severe health sector problem, such as Kp infections.

Fast Fabrication of Multifunctional PCL/Curcumin Nanofibrous Membranes for Wound Dressings

Therapeutic intervention to skin wounds requires covering the affected area with wound dressings. Interdisciplinary efforts have focused on the development of smart bandages that can perform multiple functions. In this direction, here, we designed a low cost (U$0.012 per cm²) multifunctional therapeutic wound dressing fabricated by loading curcumin (CC) into poly(ϵ-caprolactone) (PCL) nanofibers using solution blow spinning (SBS). The freestanding PCL/CC bandages were characterized by distinct physicochemical approaches and were successful in performing varied functions, including controlled release of CC, colorimetric indication of the wound conditions, barrier against microorganisms, being biocompatible, and providing a photosensitive platform for antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT). The chemical nature of PCL and CC and the interactions between these components allowed CC to be released for 192 h (ca. 8 days), which could be correlated with the Korsmeyer-Peppas model, with a burst release suitable to treat the inflammatory phase. Due to the CC keto-enol tautomerism, an optical indication of the healing status could be obtained using PCL/CC, which occurred immediately, ranging between red/orange and yellow shades. The effect against pathogenic microorganisms evaluated by agar disc-diffusion, affected skin wound simulation (ex vivo), and microbial penetration tests demonstrated the ability to block and inhibit microbial permeation in different environments. The biocompatibilities of PCL and PCL/CC were verified by in vitro cytotoxicity study, which demonstrated that cell viabilities average above 94 and 96% for human dermal fibroblasts. In addition, the proposed bandage responded to aPDT applied to an in vivo assay, showing that, when irritated, PCL/CC was able to reduce the bacteria present on the real wound of mice. In summary, our findings demonstrate that using PCL and CC to produce nonwovens by the SBS technique offers potential for the rapid fabrication of biocompatible and multifunctional wound dressings, paving the way for large-scale production and utilization of such dressings in the treatment of skin wounds.

Effects of curcumin/turmeric supplementation on lipid profile: A GRADE-assessed systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

INTRODUCTION

Numerous approaches have been assigned to treat dyslipidemia (DLP). Turmeric/curcumin have been widely investigated with this regard. In the current study, we explored the effect of curcumin/turmeric supplementation on lipid profile.

METHODS

Online databases were searched up to October 2022. The outcomes included triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), apolipoprotein B (Apo-B), and apolipoprotein A (Apo-A). We used the Cochrane quality assessment tool to evaluate the risk of bias. The effect sizes were estimated as weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS

Out of 4182 articles retrieved from the initial search, 64 randomized clinical trials (RCTs) were included in the study. Between-study heterogeneity was significant. Meta-analysis showed that turmeric/curcumin supplementation exerts statistically significant improvements on blood levels of TC (WMD = -3.99mg/dL; 95% CI = -5.33, -2.65), TG (WMD = -6.69mg/dL; 95% CI = -7.93, -5.45), LDL-c (WMD = -4.89mg/dL; 95% CI = -5.92, -3.87), and HDL-c (WMD = 1.80mg/dL; 95% CI = 1.43, 2.17). However, turmeric/curcumin supplementation was not associated with improvements in blood levels of Apo-A or Apo-B. The studies did not thoroughly address the issues of potency, purity, or consumption with other foods.

CONCLUSION

Turmeric/curcumin supplementation seems to be effective in improving blood levels of TC, TG, LDL-c, and HDL-c; but may not be capable of improving their pertinent apolipoproteins. Since the evidence was assessed to be low and very low concerning the outcomes, these findings should be dealt with caution.