Curcumin and Curcumin Derivatives for Therapeutic Applications: In vitro and In vivo Studies

Abstract

Curcumin is a naturally derived phytochemical compound obtained from the turmeric plant Curcuma longaL. (Zingiberaceae family), which is a popular spice and food color and has been actively researched for decades. It has been shown to have a variety of pharmacological properties both in vitro and in vivo. Several investigations have shown that curcumin's metabolites contribute to its pharmacological effectiveness. Curcumin has potent anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor activity when used alone or in conjunction with conventional treatments. There are various unique and diverse pharmacological effects of curcumin against various disease conditions like diabetes, inflammation, cancer, malaria, and Alzheimer's. The in vitro and in vivo mechanisms by which curcumin exerts its pharmacological effects are reviewed. Based on data from the clinical and experimental evaluation of curcumin in animal models and human subjects, the review summarizes the pharmacological effect of curcumin and its derivatives concerning anti-tumor property, their mechanism of action, and their cellular target. The current research focuses on identifying curcumin's function in the immune system's cascade and determining the ideal effective dose (ED50). Through in-vitro and in-vivo experiments, the current study aims to comprehend and establish the role of curcumin in the healing of disease conditions.