Recent advances in curcumin: An integrative overview of its mode of action, pharmacological properties, and health benefits

Abstract

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is used as a spice, preservative, and coloring matter and has a wide range of medicinal
and pharmacological applications. Curcumin, a polyphenolic herbal product, well-known shows healing hobby
for some of the diseases, attributed specially to its chemical shape and specific physical, chemical, and organic
properties. The oxidative damage and inflammation have been pointed out as the root cause of many chronic
diseases such as cancer, diabetes, hypertension, and Alzheimer’s disease. Curcumin and its analogs prevent
oxidative damage and inhibit the binding of toxic metabolites to DNA. The safety studies indicate that turmeric is
well tolerated at a very high dose (0.5–1.5 g/day/person) without any toxic effects. Epidemiological and clinical
studies of curcumin suggested that cancer could be prevented or significantly reduced by treatment with antioxidant
and anti-inflammatory drugs, therefore, Curcumin, an anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory compound
found in turmeric (a curry spice), could be a promising option for the prevention and/or treatment of cancer
and other chronic diseases. Curcumin, a highly pleiotropic drug with a great safety profile and strong molecular
evidence targeting various diseases, could not attain its optimal therapeutic effect in previous clinical studies,
owing to its limited solubility and poor absorption. Curcumin can be developed as a medicinal medication by
enhancing its absorption and cellular uptake through better formulation qualities or delivery mechanisms. This
review focuses on the properties, chemistry, toxicity studies, dosage, and the possibilities of the therapeutic
application of curcumin for the prevention and/or treatment of several diseases, and their safety profile.