Decoding the Gold of Life: a review by Curcumin

Introduction

Curcumin is a natural compound derived from the rhizome of the ginger family, which has a wide range of biological activities and pharmacological effects. Since the first isolation of Curcumin from turmeric in 1870, its unique pharmacological properties and potential therapeutic value have attracted extensive attention from researchers around the world. The purpose of this review is to give a comprehensive overview of its chemical structure, physicochemical properties, extraction methods, pharmacological effects, and clinical applications, to provide theoretical support for its further research and development.

Chemical structure and physicochemical properties of Curcumin

Curcumin (chemically known as Diferuloylmethane) is a diketone compound with the formula C₂₁H₂₀O₆ and molecular weight 368.38. At room temperature, it is an orange-yellow crystalline powder, with a bitter taste, insoluble in water, but in the alkaline medium is reddish-brown. It has a density of about 1.3±0.1 g/cm3, a boiling point of 593.2±50.0℃, and a melting point of 183℃. In addition, it has good stability and resistance to reduction and is sensitive to light, heat, oxygen, and iron ions.¹

Extraction method

Curcumin is mainly extracted from the roots of ginger plants such as Curcuma longa L. The traditional extraction methods include solvent extraction, ultrasonic extraction, microwave extraction, and so on. In recent years, with the development of science and technology, new extraction technologies such as supercritical fluid extraction, nanotechnology, enzymatic extraction, etc., have been gradually applied to the extraction process, and these methods have the advantages of high extraction efficiency, easy operation, and environmental protection.²

Pharmacological effects

Anti-inflammatory effect

Curcumin can inhibit the production and release of various inflammatory mediators, such as prostaglandin, nitric oxide, etc., thus playing an anti-inflammatory role. In addition, it inhibits the activation of inflammation-related signaling pathways such as NF-κB and MAPKs, further reducing the inflammatory response.³

Antioxidant effect

Curcumin has a strong antioxidant ability, which can clear free radicals in the body and protect cells from oxidative stress damage. Studies have shown that it can promote the expression of antioxidant enzymes by activating the Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway, thus enhancing the antioxidant capacity of cells.⁴

Anti-tumor effect

Curcumin can inhibit the proliferation and migration of various tumor cells and induce tumor cell apoptosis. Its mechanism may be related to inhibiting the proliferation cycle of tumor cells, inducing cell apoptosis, and inhibiting angiogenesis. In addition, it can indirectly play an anti-tumor role by inhibiting the activation of signaling pathways such as NF-κB and reducing the production of inflammatory mediators.⁵

Lowering blood lipids and protecting the liver

It can reduce the level of total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in the blood, and increase the level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, thus playing a role in lowering blood lipids. At the same time, it can also protect liver cells from damage and promote liver cell regeneration and repair.

Other effects

In addition to the above effects, it also has antiviral, antibacterial, anti-ischemia reperfusion injury, anti-vascular smooth muscle hyperplasia, and other pharmacological effects. These effects make Curcumin potentially useful in the treatment of a variety of diseases.

Clinical application

Curcumin has been widely used in clinics in recent years due to its extensive pharmacological effects and good safety. Studies have shown that it can be used to treat diabetes, ischemic stroke, hemorrhagic stroke, status epilepticus, as well as diseases of the respiratory system, digestive system, cardiovascular disease, peripheral artery disease, eye disease, and malignancies. In addition, it can also be used as an adjunct therapy for AIDS, autoimmune diseases, and neurodegenerative diseases. However, due to its low bioavailability and difficult in dissolving and extracting, its clinical application is still limited. Therefore, it is necessary to further optimize its extraction process and preparation technology in the future to improve its bioavailability and therapeutic effect.

Summary and prospect

Curcumin, as a natural compound with extensive pharmacological action and potential therapeutic value, has a broad application prospect in the field of medicine. Future studies should further explore its pharmacological mechanism, target, and interaction with other drugs to provide a more adequate theoretical basis for its clinical application. At the same time, it is also necessary to improve its bioavailability and therapeutic effect by optimizing the extraction process and preparation technology to better meet the clinical needs.

References

[1].Lestari, M. L.; Indrayanto, G., Curcumin. Profiles of drug substances, excipients and related methodology 2014, 39, 113-204.

[2].Sharma, R.; Gescher, A.; Steward, W., Curcumin: the story so far. European journal of cancer 2005, 41 (13), 1955-1968.

[3].Pulido-Moran, M.; Moreno-Fernandez, J.; Ramirez-Tortosa, C.; Ramirez-Tortosa, M., Curcumin and health. Molecules 2016, 21 (3), 264.

[4].Giordano, A.; Tommonaro, G., Curcumin and cancer. Nutrients 2019, 11 (10), 2376.

[5].Noorafshan, A.; Ashkani-Esfahani, S., A review of therapeutic effects of curcumin. Current pharmaceutical design 2013, 19 (11), 2032-2046.

You may like