Anti-Inflammatory Potential of Curcumin: From Chemistry and Mechanistic Insight to Nanoformulations

Abstract

Curcumin is a natural compound obtained from Curcuma longa that possesses a vast therapeutic potential for disease treatment. It is a potent anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-aging phytochemical as evident from numerous studies. Curcumin's anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties are thought to be more potent than its other biological actions. Curcumin's anti-inflammatory properties can lead to an improvement in symptoms and make it a viable candidate for the treatment and prevention of pro-inflammatory disorders. The goal of this review is to analyse curcumin's anti-inflammatory properties and mechanisms in the treatment of various disorders. The effect of different curcumin-based nanoformulations on anti-inflammatory potential is also reviewed, as the therapeutic use of curcumin is influenced by its solubility, bioavailability, and pharmacokinetic profile. The literature searched during the last ten years using keywords such as curcumin, anti-inflammatory mechanisms, cytokines, and nanoformulations from multiple databases, such as PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, and others. The quality research and review articles containing the aforementioned keywords were chosen for this review article. This review focuses on the anti-inflammatory properties of curcumin against a variety of inflammatory disorders that arise over the course of various illnesses. It also emphasises the importance of developing alternative nanoformulations to address the limitations of curcumin usage. Further, it will aid the scientific community's understanding of curcumin and its anti-inflammatory mechanisms, prompting them to devise innovative treatment options.