What is Curcumin?
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Curcumin is a bioactive compound derived from the rhizomes of Curcuma longa, known for its anti-tumor, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. It is a polyphenolic element with immunomodulatory benefits and nutritional value for animals and humans. Curcumin, along with its derivatives, has shown positive effects on animal nutrition but faces challenges like poor bioavailability. Studies highlight curcumin's diverse biological activities, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions, with potential in treating various diseases like cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular issues. Despite its low systemic bioavailability, efforts are being made to enhance its solubility and permeability for improved therapeutic outcomes. In essence, curcumin is a versatile compound with promising health benefits and therapeutic applications.
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| Papers (5) | Insight |
|---|---|
| Curcumin is a key compound from turmeric with diverse biological activities like antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, potentially used in novel drug delivery systems for treating various diseases. | |
| Curcumin is a versatile compound found in turmeric, showing potential in preventing and treating non-communicable diseases, pending further validation through robust clinical trials. | |
| Curcumin is a natural organic compound derived from Curcuma longa's rhizomes, exhibiting anti-tumor, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties, with a focus on its role in ovarian cancer treatment. | |
| Curcumin is a polyphenolic compound from turmeric, known for immunomodulatory properties and potential health benefits in animals and humans, despite challenges with bioavailability. | |
01 Dec 2022 6 Citations | Curcumin is a plant-derived polyphenolic compound with potent bioactivity, particularly against cancer. It acts as an epigenetic regulator, influencing gene expression without altering DNA sequence. |
Related Questions
Cancer treatment with curcumin5 answersCurcumin, a natural product with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antitumor properties, has shown promise in cancer treatment. Studies have explored curcumin's ability to inhibit IKKβ kinase activity and suppress proinflammatory cytokines in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma patients, indicating its potential therapeutic benefits. Furthermore, combining curcumin with quercetin has demonstrated synergistic anticancer and anti-inflammatory effects in prostate cancer cells, suggesting a novel therapeutic approach. Nanotechnology-based delivery systems have been utilized to enhance curcumin's bioavailability and efficacy in cancer treatment, highlighting the importance of nanoformulations like micelles, liposomes, and nanoparticles. Overall, curcumin shows promise in cancer therapy through its multifaceted mechanisms and potential synergies with other compounds.
What is the role of curcumin in antidiabetic effects?5 answersCurcumin, a bioactive component found in Curcuma longa, has been shown to have antidiabetic effects. It exhibits several physiological and pharmacological properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-diabetic activities. Curcumin's anti-diabetic activity is attributed to its ability to suppress oxidative stress and the inflammatory process, leading to a reduction in fasting blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin, and body mass index. It also reduces triglycerides, cholesterol levels, and inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein. Curcumin targets critical genes and pathways related to diabetes, supporting its potential as a therapeutic agent. It has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity, inhibit diabetes-related enzymes, and prevent diabetic complications such as retinopathy. Curcumin's anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, along with its modulation of various molecular targets, contribute to its role in preventing and treating diabetes.
How does curcumin affect on depression?3 answersCurcumin has been shown to have potential antidepressant effects by targeting various biological pathways involved in depression. It has been found to modulate neurotransmitter concentrations, inflammatory pathways, excitotoxicity, neuroplasticity, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal disturbances, insulin resistance, oxidative and nitrosative stress, and the endocannabinoid system, all of which are implicated in the pathophysiology of depression. Curcumin's protective effects against depression may be attributed to its ability to suppress oxidative stress and inflammation, inhibit neuronal apoptosis, prevent synaptic loss, and enhance synaptic functioning. Additionally, curcumin has been found to regulate genes, transcription factors, and miRNAs associated with depression, further supporting its potential as an antidepressant. Clinical trials have also suggested a benefit of curcumin in the management of depression. However, further research is needed to optimize therapy and fully understand the pharmacological properties of curcumin before it can be utilized as a treatment for depression.
What are the characteristics of curcumin nanomicelles?5 answersCurcumin nanomicelles have the following characteristics: they have a small size, with an average size ranging from 32.60 ± 4.2 nm; they exhibit high entrapment efficiency and content, with an entrapment efficiency of 82.2% and an entrapment content of 147.96 µg/mL; they are stable and have a mean zeta potential of -17.5ζ, indicating moderate stability; they can be self-assembled with other materials, such as ATRA-SS-HA, to improve tumor targeting and drug release; they can induce proliferation and migration of fibroblasts, suggesting potential wound healing properties; and they can release curcumin in a controlled manner, with a diffusion coefficient of 9.1 × 10-7 cm2⋅min-1 and a kinetic rate of 6.51 × 10-7 min-1.
What is chemical formula of Curcumin?2 answersCurcumin is a chemical compound extracted from turmeric. Its chemical formula is not explicitly mentioned in the abstracts provided.
How Curcumin works in body?3 answersCurcumin, the active component of turmeric, works in the body by modulating various signaling pathways and cellular components involved in tumorigenesis and cancer progression. It can regulate reactive oxygen species (ROS) and calcium ion levels, affect signaling molecules such as nuclear factor kappa B (NF-KB) and cytokines, and trigger endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondrial stress, leading to the death of cancer cells. Curcumin can also arrest the cell cycle and reduce cancer cell proliferation, induce apoptosis, and sensitize cancer cells to chemotherapy drugs. Additionally, curcumin has the ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, protect neurons from oxidative stress and inflammation, and provide cardiological protection. It may also protect the liver and spleen against oxidative and inflammatory injury. The pleiotropic activities of curcumin are attributed to its ability to modulate signaling pathways and interact with molecules directly or indirectly. Nanocarrier formulations, such as nanolipid carriers, have been developed to enhance the bioavailability and target cell recognition of curcumin. Furthermore, curcumin has been shown to enhance the production of structural components of elastic fibers, making it a potential functional compound for drugs, foods, and cosmetics.