Cancer Res Treat.  2014 Jan;46(1):2-18.

Recent Developments in Delivery, Bioavailability, Absorption and Metabolism of Curcumin: the Golden Pigment from Golden Spice

• Prasad S
• Tyagi AK
• Aggarwal B

Abstract

Curcumin (diferuloylmethane) is a yellow pigment present in the spice turmeric (Curcuma longa) that has been associated with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antiviral, and antibacterial activities as indicated by over 6,000 citations. In addition, over one hundred clinical studies have been carried out with curcumin. One of the major problems with curcumin is perceived to be the bioavailability. How curcumin should be delivered in vivo, how bioavailable is it, how well curcumin is absorbed and how it is metabolized, is the focus of this review. Various formulations of curcumin that are currently available are also discussed.

Keyword

Curcumin; Nano-formulation; Biological availability; Metabolism; Anticancer

MeSH Terms

Absorption*
Biological Availability*
Curcuma
Curcumin*
Metabolism*
Spices*
Curcumin

Figure

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  Fig. 1 Various curcumin-based products include capsules, tablets, ointments, energy drinks, soaps, and cosmetics.

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  Fig. 2 Redesign of curcumin through various strategies to enhance bioavailability. GMO, glyceryl monoleate; PLGA, polylactic-co-glycolic acid; PHEMA, poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate); PEG-PEI, polyethylene glycol-poly(ethylene imine).

• 

  Fig. 3 Biodistribution of [18F]-curcumin (A) and of [18F]-curcumin co-injected with piperine (B) in mice. Adopted from Ryu et al. [117], J Med Chem. 2006;49:6111-9.

• 

  Fig. 4 Metabolism of curcumin.

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