Open AccessRole And Application Of Curcumin As An Alternative Therapeutic Agent
Author(s) -
Ravi Gupta
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
advances in microbiology research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2689-694X
DOI - 10.24966/amr-694x/100014
Subject(s) - curcumin , curcuma , pharmacology , medicine , cancer , traditional medicine
The golden spice, turmeric has been an essential element in Asian culinary since many years. Curcumin is the major and important constituent of turmeric obtained from Curcuma longa L. Due to poor stability, solubility and biodegradability the effective concentration of curcumin was not able to reach to the tissues by oral consumption of turmeric in food. However, recent developments in drug delivery methods have elevated the formation of several nano-capsulation of curcumin. The formation of biodegradable nano-curcumin is one of the major breakthroughs for its therapeutic translation in humans and animals against various diseases. Since, ancient time it has been used for various ailments and also as a supportive therapeutic agent. Curcumin is now well-established therapeutic agent against cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, microbial infections, arthritis and other inflammatory disorders. It has hepatoprotective, immune-enhancer, cardiovascular and gastrointestinal effects. In this mini review article, we have explored the therapeutic role and application of curcumin in human diseases specifically as anti-bacterial and anti-cancer. The combinatorial study of curcumin with available drugs on different types of cancer has been discussed. We have also reviewed the types of nano-formulations available till date for curcumin and its role as therapeutic agent.