In a review article published in the journal Foods , researchers in Italy have illustrated the neuroprotective role of curcumin and curcumin-containing nanoparticles in neurodegenerative diseases. Review: Neuroprotective Effects of Curcumin in Neurodegenerative Diseases . Image Credit: Anicka S / Shutterstock Curcumin is a hydrophobic polyphenol found in the rhizome of Curcuma longa.
The compound exhibits a range of biological properties, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiproliferative, anticancer, immunomodulatory, antimicrobial, anti-diabetic, and neuroprotective functions. These pharmacological properties have made curcumin a promising candidate for treating neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson’s Disease (PD), Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), Huntington’s Disease (HD), Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), and prion disease. Curcumin has been found to modulate a range of signaling pathways associated with the development of neurodegenerative diseases, including nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), serine/threonine kinase AKT, and transcription factor nuclear factor-kB (NF-kB).
However, certain factors restrict curcumin's clinical application, such as its low water solubility, poor stability, rapid metabolism, slow absorption rate, low bioavailability, and lower ability to cross the blood-brain barrier. Curcumin-loaded biomimetic nanomedicines prepared with cell membranes and extracellular vesicles have been devel.
