Role and development of nanoparticle in enhancing the therapeutic potency of curcumin: A review

Abstract

Turmeric, a traditional perennial herb widely used as a spice in most of the Asian countries [China, India, Iran]. Curcumin, a yellow hydrophobic polyphenol derived from the rhizome of Curcuma longa L., has been widely used in medicine for centuries. Curcumin has wide spectrum of biological and pharmacological activities such as anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, anti-carcinogenic, anti-bacterial, anti-HIV, anti-ageing, hepatoprotective activity, cardiovascular benefits, neurodegenerative and psychological disorders. All the above positive features were over shadowed by its poor bioavailability, which appears primarily due to poor absorption, rapid metabolism and rapid systemic elimination. This led to the formulation of solid liquid nanoparticles encapsulating curcumin. This imparted curcumin improved resistance to hydrolysis due to gastric juices or small intestinal enzymes. Thus, the available information suggests that Nano-formulation of curcumin maybe used as a novel drug delivery nutrient system.