nanocurcumin

An orally bioavailable nanoparticle-based formulation containing curcumin, a poorly water-soluble phytopolylphenol pigment isolated from the plant Curcuma longa, commonly known as turmeric, with a variety of pharmacologic properties, including antineoplastic, chemopreventive, antioxidant, anti-angiogenic, neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory activities. Upon oral administration, nanocurcumin blocks the formation of reactive-oxygen species (ROS), neutralizes free radicals, and prevents oxidative stress and DNA damage. Curcumin possesses anti-inflammatory properties as a result of inhibition of cyclooxygenases (COX) and other enzymes involved in inflammation, and inhibits the activity of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kB), and the NF-kB-mediated signaling pathway. This decreases the production of inflammatory mediators, such as interferon-gamma (IFNg). It disrupts various cell signal transduction pathways involved in carcinogenesis and prevents the expression of many transcription factors, and modulates the expression of many genes and proteins involved in tumor cell proliferation, invasion and angiogenesis. It also induces tumor cell apoptosis. It may also modulate the immune system, enhance an immune response against tumor cells, and may decrease regulatory T cells (Tregs). This may prevent and/or inhibit tumor cell formation and proliferation. Compared to the very poorly absorbed curcumin alone, this nanoformulation may have greater bioavailability, an improved pharmacokinetic profile and increased efficacy.