Nanoformulations of curcumin: an emerging paradigm for improved remedial application

Abstract

Curcumin is a natural polyphenol and essential curcuminoid derived from the rhizome of the medicinal plant <i>Curcuma longa</i> (<i>L</i>.) is universally acknowledged as "<i>Wonder drug of life</i>". It is a vital consumable and restorative herb, commonly keened for several ailments such as cancer, arthritis, pain, bruises, gastrointestinal quandaries, swelling and much more. Despite its enormous curative potential, the poor aqueous solubility and consequently, minimal systemic bioavailability with rapid degradation are some of the major factors which restrict the utilization of curcumin at medical perspective. However, to improve its clinically relevant parameters, nanoformulation of curcumin is emerging as a novel substitute for their superior therapeutic modality. It enhances its aqueous solubility and targeted delivery to the tissue of interest that prompts to enhance the bioavailability, better drug conveyance, and more expeditious treatment. Subsequent investigations are endeavored to enhance the bio-distribution of native curcumin by modifying with felicitous nano-carriers for encapsulation. In this review, we specifically focus on the recent nanotechnology based implementations applied for overcoming the innate constraints of native curcumin and additionally the associated challenges which restrict its potential therapeutic applications both <i>in vivo</i> and <i>in-vitro</i> studies, as well as their detailed mechanism of action, have additionally been discussed.