AN EXPLORATION OF THERAPEUTIC ASPECTS AND DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEMS OF CURCUMIN

Abstract

Curcumin, a phenolic compound can be extracted from the rhizome part of Curcuma longa linn as well as it is most seen in tropical southeast part of Asia. It was known that it belongs to the family Zingiberaceae. The name of the plant is specific to different countries. In addition to its medicinal use, this plant has been used in cooking for its spice and color. Its medicinal use has been proven in various ayurvedic medicine. This review focuses on exploring various therapeutic activities exhibited by curcumin and its distinct drug delivery systems that contribute for the enhancement of those therapeutic actions. Therapeutic aspects include anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, anticancer, wound healing, antiaging, neuroprotective activities of curcumin have been explored. Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant pave the way for the management of variable pathologic conditions. Some of the clinical trials which expose the various therapeutic activity of curcumin have been discussed. Drug delivery systems has been emerged for achieving the desired curative effects of drug in concern with safety. This drug delivery system approaches to development of different formulations and several therapeutic transporting systems of drug. Different types of drug delivery systems like nano formulations, polymeric micelles, hydrogels, and phospholipid complexes of curcumin which helps in supporting therapeutic activity and in overcoming the barriers of curcumin have been discussed.