Curcuma longa L. extract exhibits anti-inflammatory and cytoprotective functions in the articular cartilage of monoiodoacetate-injected rats.

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA), the most prevalent form of arthritis, is a degenerative joint disease marked by the progressive deterioration of articular cartilage, leading to clinical manifestations such as joint pain. Objective: This study investigated the effects of Curcuma longa L. extract (CL) containing curcumin, demethoxycurcumin, and bisdemethoxycurcumin on monosodium iodoacetate (MIA)-induced OA rats. Design: Sprague-Dawley rats with MIA-induced OA received CL supplementation at doses of 5, 25, and 40 mg/kg body weight. Results: CL extract administration suppressed mineralisation parameters and morphological modifications and decreased arachidonate5-lipoxygenase and leukotriene B4 levels in articular cartilage. Additionally, it decreased serum prostaglandin E2, NO, and glycosaminoglycanlevels as well as the protein expression of phosphorylated inhibitor kappa B-alpha, phosphorylated p65, cyclooxygenase-2, and inducible nitric oxide synthase in the cartilage of MIA-injected rats. Furthermore, it also reduced matrix metalloproteinases and elevated SMAD family member 3 phosphorylation, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases, aggrecan, collagen type I, and collagen type II levels in the articular cartilage of MIA-induced OA rats. Conclusions: This study's findings suggest that CL supplementation helps prevent OA development and is an effective therapy for OA.

Influence of Curcuma Longa extract in citral addition on functional properties of thin films with triple-layer structure based on furcellaran and gelatin.

In this study, we obtained triple-layer films based on furcellaran and gelatin, in which the middle layer was enriched with extract of Curcuma longa in citral. This newly developed material underwent a comprehensive characterisation process to identify significant improvements in its functional properties. Both SEM, XRD and FTIR analyzes indicated the formation of interactions not only between the components but also between the film layers. Notably, the incorporation of the natural extract led to a significant reduction in solubility, decreasing it from 74.79 % to 57.25 %, while enhancing thermal stability expressed as a melting point elevating it from 147.10 °C in the control film to 158.80 °C in the film with the highest concentration of the active ingredient. Simultaneously, the addition of this active ingredient resulted in decreased water contact angle (WCA) values, rendering the film more hydrophilic. The produced films exhibit great promise as packaging materials, particularly within the food industry, and the conducted research is marked by its forward-looking and developmental approach.

Phytotherapy of Vulvovaginal Candidiasis: A Narrative Review.

Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is a real gynecological problem among women of reproductive age from 15 to 49. A recent analysis showed that 75% of women will have an occurrence at least once per year, while 5% are observed to have recurrent vaginal mycosis-these patients may become unwell four or more times a year. This pathology is caused in 85-90% of cases by fungi of the Candida albicans species. It represents an intractable medical problem for female patients due to pain and pruritus. Due to the observation of an increasing number of strains resistant to standard preparations and an increase in the recurrence of this pathology when using local or oral preferential therapy, such as fluconazole, an analysis was launched to develop alternative methods of treating VVC using herbs such as dill, turmeric, and berberine. An in-depth analysis of databases that include scientific articles from recent years made it possible to draw satisfactory conclusions supporting the validity of herbal therapy for the pathology in question. Although phytotherapy has not yet been approved by the Food and Drug Administration, it appears to be a promising therapeutic solution for strains that are resistant to existing treatments. There is research currently undergoing aimed at comparing classical pharmacotherapy and herbal therapy in the treatment of vaginal candidiasis for the purpose of increasing medical competence and knowledge for the care of the health and long-term comfort of gynecological patients.

Effect of Curcuma longa extract on reproduction function in mice and testosterone production in Leydig cells.

Curcuma longa, best known for its culinary application as the main constituent of curry powder, has shown potential impact on the reproductive system. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of Curcuma longa extract (CLE) on Kidney-Yang deficiency mice induced by hydrocortisone and the possible roles in testosterone secretion in Leydig cells. We evaluated male sexual behaviour, reproductive organ weight, testosterone levels, and histological tissue changes in hydrocortisone-induced mice. CLE effectively reversed hydrocortisone-induced Kidney-Yang deficiency syndrome by improving sexual behaviour, testis and epididymis weight, testosterone levels and reducing pathological damage. Our in vitro study further indicated that CLE stimulated testosterone production via upregulating the mRNA and protein expression of steroidogenic enzymes in Leydig cells. It significantly improved H89-inhibited protein expression of StAR and cAMP-response element-binding (CREB), as well as melatonin-suppressed StAR protein expression. The data obtained from this study suggest that CLE could alleviate Kidney-Yang deficiency symptoms and stimulate testosterone production by upregulating the steroidogenic pathway. This research identifies CLE as a potential nutraceutical option for addressing testosterone deficiency diseases.

Subjective biosafety assessment of bisdemethoxycurcumin from the rhizomes of Curcuma longa.

Introduction/Background: Curcuma longa, a plant native to the Indian subcontinent has a variety of biological activities. Curcumin is the most abundant and biologically active compound with many therapeutic properties. Demethoxycurcumin (DMC) and bisdemethoxycurcumin (BDMC) - the two other bioactive components present in Curcuma longa, besides curcumin, are collectively termed curcuminoids. Apart from the well-known curcumin, BDMC also has been reported to possess promising biological and pharmacological effects, but very little scientific evidence on its safety assessment has been published.Objective: The present study was undertaken to determine the safety of pure BDMC from Curcuma longa extract in rodents which comprises of general toxicity (both four weeks and three months duration), reproductive/developmental toxicity and genotoxicity studies.Methods: The Good Laboratory Practice studies were carried out in accordance with the test guidelines established by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development.Results: No treatment-related adverse findings were seen in general toxicity testing and a no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) of 1000 mg/kg/day was established after four weeks (sub-acute) and three-months (sub-chronic) dosing. Evaluation of fertility, embryo-fetal, and post-natal reproductive and developmental parameters also showed no adverse findings with a NOAEL of 1000 mg/kg/day established. The results of genotoxicity as evaluated by in vitro reverse mutation assay, and in vivo micronucleus test in mice indicate that BDMC did not induce any genotoxic effects.Conclusion: Oral administration of BDMC is safe in rodents and non-mutagenic, with no adverse effects under experimental conditions.

Physiochemical and Sensory Properties of a Turmeric, Ginger, and Pineapple Functional Beverage with Effects of Pulp Content.

Beverage mixtures based on pineapple juice (80-100%), with varying concentrations of turmeric (0-20%) and ginger (0-20%) juice were developed. The pineapple juice alone exhibited a total soluble solid (TSS) content of 15.90-16.03 °Brix. The total polyphenols content (TPC) varied between 0.32 and 1.79 mg GAE/mL, and the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) inhibition was between 40.56% and 86.19% and correlated with the TPC and curcumin and other curcuminoids. The formulations with a high pulp content showed a significantly higher TPC and greater DPPH inhibition than those with a low pulp content. Turmeric and ginger with a high amount of pulp had a higher abundance of volatile compounds. Significant differences were observed by the panelists in the taste and mouthfeel attributes and the low-pulp juices were associated with increased palatability due to the better mouthfeel, higher sweetness, and decreased bitterness, pepperiness, pulpiness, and spiciness. The pineapple juice mixtures with 10% turmeric juice and 10% or less ginger juice were most preferred by sensory panelists.

Components from Curcuma longa (Turmeric) Against Hepatobiliary Diseases Based on Gut-Liver Axis: Pharmacotherapeutic Properties and Potential Clinical Applications.

Turmeric is widely used worldwide, and there are many examples of its use in treating hepatobiliary diseases. The gut-liver axis is a bidirectional relationship between gut microorganisms and the liver that is closely related to the pathogenesis of hepatobiliary diseases. This review systematically summarizes the components of turmeric. It links the studies on turmeric affecting gut microorganisms to its effects on liver and biliary diseases to explain the potential mechanism of turmeric's regulation of the gut-liver axis. Besides, ethnopharmacology, phytochemicals, and clinical adverse events associated with turmeric have been researched. Furthermore, turmeric is a safe agent with good clinical efficacy and without apparent toxicity at a certain amount. By summarizing the influence of turmeric on the liver by regulating the gut-liver axis, especially the gut microbiota, it provides a preclinical basis for using turmeric as a safe and effective therapeutic agent for the prevention and treatment of hepatobiliary diseases based on the gut-liver axis. However, more efforts should be made to exploit its clinical application further.

Curcuma longa extract reduces serum inflammatory markers and postprandial hyperglycemia in healthy but borderline participants with overweight and glycemia in the normal/prediabetes range: a randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled trial.

The spice turmeric, which has the Latin name Curcuma longa (C. longa), has various physiological effects. This study evaluated the effects of a hot water mixture with supercritical carbon dioxide C. longa extracts, CLE, and the potential active components of C. longa, turmeronols A and B and bisacurone on inflammation and glucose metabolism. First, we investigated the effect of CLE and the potential active components of C. longa on lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation in RAW264.7 macrophages. We found a significant decrease in the production of interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and nitric oxide with CLE, turmeronol A, and bisacurone, Significant inhibition of each of these substances was also observed, except for TNF-α with turmeronol B. The second part of our work was a 12-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in healthy but borderline adults aged 40 to 69 years with overweight and normal/prediabetes glycemia. We compared blood inflammatory and glycometabolic markers in the CLE (n = 55) and placebo groups (n = 55). We found significantly lower serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and hemoglobin A1c levels in the CLE group. This group also showed significant improvements in postprandial hyperglycemia and insulin sensitivity indices. Our findings indicate that CLE may reduce low-grade inflammation and thus improve insulin sensitivity and postprandial hyperglycemia. Clinical trial registration: https://center6.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr/ctr_view.cgi?recptno=R000051492, UMIN-CTR, UMIN000045106.

Olive oil nanoemulsion containing curcumin: antimicrobial agent against multidrug-resistant bacteria.

The present work aimed to develop, characterize, and evaluate the antibacterial and antibiofilm activity of two nanoemulsions (NEs) containing 500 µg/mL of curcumin from Curcuma longa (CUR). These NEs, produced with heating, contain olive oil (5%) and the surfactants tween 80 (5%) and span 80 (2.5%), water q.s. 100 mL, and were stable for 120 days. NE-2-CUR presented Ø of 165.40 ± 2.56 nm, PDI of 0.254, ζ of - 33.20 ± 1.35 mV, pH of 6.49, and Entrapment Drug Efficiency (EE) of 99%. The NE-4-CUR showed a Ø of 105.70 ± 4.13 nm, PDI of 0.459, ζ of - 32.10 ± 1.45 mV, pH of 6.40 and EE of 99.29%. Structural characterization was performed using DRX and FTIR, thermal characterization using DSC and TG, and morphological characterization using SEM, suggesting that there is no significant change in the CUR present in the NEs and that they remain stable. The MIC was performed by the broth microdilution method for nine gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, as well as Klebsiella pneumoniae clinical isolates resistant to antibiotics and biofilm and efflux pump producers. The NEs mostly showed a bacteriostatic profile. The MIC varied between 125 and 250 µg/mL. The most sensitive bacteria were Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecalis, for which NE-2-CUR showed a MIC of 125 µg/mL. The NEs and ceftazidime (CAZ) interaction was also evaluated against the K. pneumoniae resistant clinical isolates using the Checkerboard method. NE-2-CUR and NE-4-CUR showed a synergistic or additive profile; there was a reduction in CAZ MICs between 256 times (K26-A2) and 2 times (K29-A2). Furthermore, the NEs inhibited these isolates biofilms formation. The NEs showed a MBIC ranging from 15.625 to 250 µg/mL. Thus, the NEs showed physicochemical characteristics suitable for future clinical trials, enhancing the CAZ antibacterial and antibiofilm activity, thus becoming a promising strategy for the treatment of bacterial infections caused by multidrug-resistant K. pneumoniae. KEY POINTS: • The NEs showed physicochemical characteristics suitable for future clinical trials. • The NEs showed a synergistic/additive profile, when associated with ceftazidime. • The NEs inhibited biofilm formation of clinical isolates.

Protective Assessment of Novel (Bncs Formulation) against Brain Tumor.

BACKGROUND: Oxidative stress refers to non-homeostatic elevation within intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and is associated with several neuro-related pathological conditions. Diclofenac is a commonly prescribed non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) for treating aches and pain by reducing inflammation. Diclofenac is also associated with the induction of apoptotic cell death by altering the homeostatic balance within mitochondria. In the present report, the neuroprotective effects of BNC formulation constituted by Bacopa monnieri leaves, Nigella sativa and Curcuma longa rhizome seeds were investigated. METHODS: The synthesized formulation was characterized using FT-IR and LC-MS along with organoleptic evaluation. Thereafter neuroprotective efficacy of BNC formulation was subsequently investigated against Diclofenac-induced oxidative stress in SH-SY5Y cells. The cells were pretreated with synthesized formulation and subsequently evaluated for amelioration in Diclofenac-induced cytotoxicity, and ROS augmentation. The neuroprotective effect of synthesized formulation was further explored by evaluating the changes in nuclear morphology, and apoptosis alleviation with concomitant regulatory effects on caspase-3 and -9 activation. RESULTS: Diclofenac was found to be considerably cytotoxic against human neuroblastoma SHSY5Y cells. Intriguingly, Diclofenac-mediated toxicity was reduced significantly in SH-SY5Y cells pretreated with BNC formulation. Augmented ROS levels within Diclofenac-treated SHSY5Y cells were also reduced in the BNC formulation pretreated SH-SY5Y cells. Furthermore, BNC formulation pretreated SH-SY5Y cells also exhibited reduced dissipation of mitochondrial membrane potential, caspase-3 and -9, along with apoptosis after Diclofenac treatment. CONCLUSION: These findings indicated that, indeed, Diclofenac induces considerable ROSmediated apoptosis in SH-SY5Y cells, which further intriguingly ameliorated Diclofenacmediated cytotoxic effects on SH-SY5Y cells. This manuscript further collected information about available National and International patents published or granted in preparation of and thereof applications against motor and non-motor brain dysfunctions.

Topical delivery of extracted curcumin as curcumin loaded spanlastics anti-aging gel: Optimization using experimental design and ex-vivo evaluation.

Objective: This study aimed to extract and separate the organic coloring agent known as Curcumin from the rhizomes of Curcuma longa, and then to create Spanlastics that were loaded with curcumin using the ethanol injection technique. The optimized Spanlastic dispersions were then incorporated into a gel preparation for topical anti-aging use. The Spanlastic dispersions were analyzed for particle size, zeta potential, drug loading efficiency, and in vitro release profile. Furthermore, the rheological properties of the gel preparation were assessed, and a skin penetration study was conducted using confocal microscopy. Methods: Twelve different Curcumin-loaded Spanlastic dispersions using the ethanol injection method with Span® 60 as a surfactant and Tween® 80 as an edge activator in varying ratios. The dispersions were then subjected to various tests, such as particle size analysis, zeta potential measurement, drug entrapment efficiency assessment, and in vitro release profiling. The optimized formula was selected using Design-Expert® software version 13, then used to create a gel preparation, which utilized 2% HPMC E50 as a gelling polymer. The gel was evaluated for its rheological properties and analyzed using confocal microscopy. Additionally, Raman analysis was performed to ensure that the polymers used in the gel were compatible with the drug substance. Results: F5 formula, (that contains 10 mg Curcumin, and mixture 5 of span-tween mixtures that consist of 120 mg Span® 60 with 80 mg Tween® 80) was selected as the optimized formula with a desirability produced by Design Expert® software equal to 0.761, based on its particle size (212.8 ± 4.76), zeta potential (-29.4 ± 2.11), drug loading efficiency (99.788 ± 1.34), and in vitro release profile evaluations at Q 6hr equal to almost 100 %. Statistical significance (P < 0.05) was obtained using one-way ANOVA. Then F5 was used to formulate HPMC E50 gel-based preparations. The gel formula that was created and analyzed using Raman spectroscopy demonstrated no signs of incompatibility between the Curcumin and the polymers that were utilized.The confocal spectroscopy found that the anti-aging gel preparation showed promising results in terms of skin penetration. Also, images revealed that the gel could penetrate the layers of the skin (reached a depth of about 112.5 µm), where it could potentially target and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The gel also appeared to be well-tolerated by the skin, with no signs of irritation or inflammation observed in the images. Conclusion: The obtained results successfully confirmed the potential of the promising (F5) formula to produce sustained release action and its ability to be incorporated into 2% HPMC E50 anti-aging gel. The confocal microscopy study suggested that the anti-aging gel had the potential to be an effective and safe topical treatment for aging skin.

Curcumin-loaded nanostructured systems for treatment of leishmaniasis: a review.

Leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical disease that has affected more than 350 million people worldwide and can manifest itself in three different forms: cutaneous, mucocutaneous, or visceral. Furthermore, the current treatment options have drawbacks which compromise efficacy and patient compliance. To face this global health concern, new alternatives for the treatment of leishmaniasis have been explored. Curcumin, a polyphenol obtained from the rhizome of turmeric, exhibits leishmanicidal activity against different species of Leishmania spp. Although its mechanism of action has not yet been fully elucidated, its leishmanicidal potential may be associated with its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. However, it has limitations that compromise its clinical use. Conversely, nanotechnology has been used as a tool for solving biopharmaceutical challenges associated with drugs, such as curcumin. From a drug delivery standpoint, nanocarriers (1-1000 nm) can improve stability, increase solubility, promote intracellular delivery, and increase biological activity. Thus, this review offers a deep look into curcumin-loaded nanocarriers intended for the treatment of leishmaniasis.

Screening of Multitarget Compounds against Acetaminophen Hepatic Toxicity Using In Silico, In Vitro, and In Vivo Approaches.

Combination therapy and multitarget drugs have recently attracted much attention as promising tools to fight against many challenging diseases and, thus, represent a new research focus area. The aim of the current project was to screen multitarget compounds and to study their individual and combined effects on acetaminophen-induced liver injury. In this study, 2 of the best hepatoprotective multitargeting compounds were selected from a pool of 40 major compounds present in Curcuma longa and Cinnamomum zeylanicum by using molecular docking, ADMET profiling, and Pfizer's rule of five. The two selected compounds, quercetin and curcumin, showed a high binding affinity for the CYP2E1 enzyme, MAPK, and TLR4 receptors that contribute to liver injury. The candidates caused the decreased viability of cancer cell lines (HepG2 and Huh7) but showed no effect on a normal cell line (Vero). Examination of biochemical parameters (ALT, AST, ALP, and bilirubin) showed the hepatoprotective effect of the candidate drugs in comparison with the control group, which was confirmed by histological findings. Taken together, quercetin and curcumin not only satisfied the drug-like assessment criterion and proved to be multitargeting by preventing liver damage but also showed anticancer activities.

Leaves and pseudostems extract of Curcuma longa attenuates immunoglobulin E/bovine serum albumin-stimulated bone marrow-derived cultured mast cell activation and passive cutaneous anaphylaxis in BALB/c mice.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Curcuma longa, known as turmeric, is an herbaceous perennial plant belonging to the genus Curcuma. It is dispersed throughout tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. Since ancient times, turmeric has been used as an ethnomedicinal plant in the Ayurvedic system, particularly in Asian countries. Rhizomes of turmeric possess several pharmacological properties that give high value as a medicinal remedy for treating a range of conditions, including inflammation, pain, allergies, and digestive issues. Moreover, turmeric leaves and pseudostems also contain a variety of health-enhancing secondary metabolites, such as curcumin, flavonoids, and other phenolic compounds, which exhibit anti-inflammatory, antitumor, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties. AIM OF THE STUDY: Allergic diseases are a group of immune-mediated disorders mainly caused by an immunoglobulin E (IgE)-dependent immunological response to an innocuous allergen. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of leaves and pseudostems extract of turmeric (TLSWE-8510) on IgE/bovine serum albumin (BSA)-stimulated allergic responses in mouse bone marrow-derived cultured mast cells (BMCMCs) and passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) in BALB/c mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The effect of TLSWE-8510 on mast cell degranulation has been evaluated by investigating the release of ß-hexosaminidase and histamine in IgE/BSA-stimulated BMCMCs. Additionally, anti-allergic properties of TLSWE-8510 on IgE/BSA-stimulated BMCMCs were investigated using suppression of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), and spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk)-linker for T-cell activation (LAT)-extracellular-signal-regulated kinase (ERK)-GRB2 associated binding protein 2 (Gab2) signaling pathway and downregulation of allergy-related cytokines and chemokines expression. Furthermore, in vivo, studies were conducted using IgE-mediated PCA in BALB/c mice. RESULTS: TLSWE-8510 treatment significantly inhibited the degranulation of IgE/BSA-stimulated BMCMCs by inhibiting the release of ß-hexosaminidase and histamine dose-dependently. Additionally, TLSWE-8510 reduced the expression of high-affinity IgE receptors (Fc epsilon receptor I-FcεRI) on the surface of BMCMCs and the binding of IgE to FcεRI. Besides, the expression of cytokines and chemokines is triggered by IgE/BSA stimulation via activating the allergy-related signaling pathways. TLSWE-8510 dose-dependently downregulated the mRNA expression and the production of allergy-related cytokines (interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-3, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-13, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and interferon (IFN)-γ), and chemokines (thymus and activation-regulated chemokine (TARC), and regulated upon activation, normal T cell expressed and secreted (RANTES)) by regulating the phosphorylation of downstream signaling molecules, NF-κB, and Syk, LAT, ERK and Gab2 in IgE/BSA-stimulated BMCMCs. Moreover, PCA reaction in IgE/BSA-stimulated BALB/c mice ears was effectively decreased by TLSWE-8510 treatment in a dose-dependent manner. CONCLUSIONS: These results collectively demonstrated that TLSWE-8510 suppressed mast cell degranulation by inhibiting the release of chemical mediators related to allergies. TLSWE-8510 downregulated the allergy-related cytokines and chemokines expression and phosphorylation of downstream signaling molecules in IgE/BSA-stimulated BMCMCs. Furthermore, in vivo studies with IgE-mediated PCA reaction in the BALB/c mice ears were attenuated by TLSWE-8510 treatment. These findings revealed that TLSWE-8510 has the potential as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of allergic diseases.

Curcuma longa essential oils: toxicity and repellency against imported fire ants (Formicidae: Hymenoptera).

Curcuma longa L. (Zingiberales: Zingiberaceae) leaf and rhizome essential oils were evaluated for their toxicity and repellency against invasive fire ants: red imported fire ants (RIFA), Solenopsis invicta Buren, black imported fire ants (BIFA), Solenopsis richteri Forel, and a reproductively functional hybrid (HIFA). Ar-turmerone was the major constituent of leaf (42.4%) and rhizome (40.4%) essential oils. A range of concentrations starting from 156 µg/g until the failure of treatment were used. Removal of treated sand in digging bioassay was used as a criterion for repellency. Leaf essential oil showed significantly higher repellency at concentrations of 19.5, 9.8, and 4.9 µg/g against RIFA, BIFA, and HIFA workers, respectively, as compared with control whereas rhizome essential oil was active at 39, 19.5, and 4.9 µg/g against BIFA, RIFA, and HIFA, respectively. Ar-turmerone exhibited repellency at 19.5 µg/g against HIFA workers whereas DEET (N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide) failed at 39 µg/g. Leaf essential oil showed LC50 values of 85.8, 97.7, and 182.7µg/g against RIFA, BIFA and HIFA workers, whereas the rhizome essential oil had LC50 values of 127, 109.9, and 151.2 µg/g against these species, respectively. Ar-turmerone, tested only against HIFA, with LC50 value of 57.2 was the most active compound. Bifenthrin, a commonly used pyrethroid, with LC50 of 0.03, 0.32, and 0.018 µg/g was toxic against RIFA, BIFA, and HIFA workers, respectively. Both the essential oils and ar-turmerone showed toxicity and repellency against imported fire ants. Different formulations of these natural products will be tested to explore the use potential of these natural products under field conditions.

Recent advances in the antioxidant activity of metal-curcumin complexes: a combined computational and experimental review.

Curcumin, an extensively studied phytochemical compound, has gained attention for its potential therapeutic applications across a spectrum of diseases. Its notable attributes include its relatively high tolerability within the human body and its perceived absence of adverse side effects. This review article presents a comprehensive overview of the antioxidant effects exhibited by complexes formed by curcumin and curcumin derived ligands with metals like Mn, Cu, Fe, Zn, Ga and In, which leads to toxic effects beyond a certain limit, based on both experimental and theoretical findings. Additionally, the discussion delves into metal-curcumin complexes characterized by stoichiometries of 1:1 and 1:2, exploring their geometric arrangements and corresponding antioxidant activity, as highlighted in recent studies. These complexes hold the promise of improving curcumin's solubility, stability, and bioavailability, potentially augmenting its overall therapeutic potential and expanding its scope for medical applications.

Safety and Efficacy of Moderately-High Dose Turmacin® (Turmerosaccharide >10% w/w) Supplementation on Joint Discomfort in Healthy Adults - A Pilot Proof-of-Concept Single Arm Study.

Turmeric is well-known for its analgesic, anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic properties but 69.4% of the turmeric rhizome contains Turmerosaccharides whose clinical benefit is still unexplored. Turmacin®/NR-INF-02 is an aqueous extract of Turmeric containing Turmerosaccharides (>10%w/w) with negligible curcuminoids. Previous study with low dose Turmacin® confirmed its safety and efficacy in alleviating induced knee pain in healthy volunteers. Hence, this study aimed to assess the safety and explore the efficacy of moderately high dose Turmacin®. It was an open-label, single-arm interventional trial conducted from August 2018 - January 2019 in a tertiary care teaching hospital. Turmacin® was administered for seven days to 15 healthy volunteers as four capsules of 500 mg each in the morning with food. The stair mill at a speed of 60 steps per minute was used to induce knee pain and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) was used to measure the pain intensity. Assessments were performed at baseline, Days 5 and 7. One participant reported dyspepsia of mild grade that resolved on its own. When compared to baseline, time to initial discomfort significantly increased on Day-5 (Mean Difference [MD] = 30s, p = 0.016) and Day-7 (MD = 32s, p = 0.007). Whereas the maximum VAS score decreased with time and on Day-7 and it was significantly low when compared with baseline (MD = -0.93, p = 0.008). In summary, Turmacin® supplements given at a dose of 2 g/day was safe and tolerable. Similar to the previous study with low dose Turmacin®, there was a significant increase in pain threshold and decrease in the maximum pain score post intervention.

Targeted therapies of curcumin focus on its therapeutic benefits in cancers and human health: Molecular signaling pathway-based approaches and future perspectives.

The curry powder spices turmeric (Curcuma longa L.), which contains curcumin (diferuloylmethane), an orange-yellow chemical. Polyphenols are the most commonly used sources of curcumin. It combats oxidative stress and inflammation in diseases, such as hyperlipidemia, metabolic syndrome, arthritis, and depression. Most of these benefits are due to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Curcumin consumption leads to decreased bioavailability, resulting in limited absorption, quick metabolism, and quick excretion, which hinders health improvement. Numerous factors can increase its bioavailability. Piperine enhances bioavailability when combined with curcumin in a complex. When combined with other enhancing agents, curcumin has a wide spectrum of health benefits. This review evaluates the therapeutic potential of curcumin with a specific emphasis on its approach based on molecular signaling pathways. This study investigated its influence on the progression of cancer, inflammation, and many health-related mechanisms, such as cell proliferation, apoptosis, and metastasis. Curcumin has a significant potential for the prevention and treatment of various diseases. Curcumin modulates several biochemical pathways and targets involved in cancer growth. Despite its limited tissue accumulation and bioavailability when administered orally, curcumin has proven useful. This review provides an in-depth analysis of curcumin's therapeutic applications, its molecular signaling pathway-based approach, and its potential for precision medicine in cancer and human health.

Antitumor Effects of Curcumin on Cervical Cancer with the Focus on Molecular Mechanisms: An Exegesis.

Cervical cancer is one of the most prevalent malignancies among females and is correlated with a significant fatality rate. Chemotherapy is the most common treatment for cervical cancer; however, it has a low success rate due to significant side effects and the incidence of chemo-resistance. Curcumin, a polyphenolic natural compound derived from turmeric, acts as an antioxidant by diffusing across cell membranes into the endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria, and nucleus, where it performs its effects. As a result, it's been promoted as a chemo-preventive, anti-metastatic, and anti-angiogenic agent. As a consequence, the main goal of the present review was to gather research information that looked at the link between curcumin and its derivatives against cervical cancer.

Determining the In Vivo Efficacy of Plant-Based and Probiotic-Based Antibiotic Alternatives against Mixed Infection with Salmonella enterica and Escherichia coli in Domestic Chickens.

Restrictions on the use of antimicrobial compounds have led to a surge of interest in alternative solutions, such as natural, plant-based compounds. In our study, we investigated the efficacy of three feed supplements containing different additives, namely, probiotics (Lactobacillus spp., "Test substance A"), turmeric (Curcuma longa L., "Test substance B"), and fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum, "Test substance C"). In the experiment, we tested 180 birds of the Bábolna Tetra-SL laying hybrid breed that were infected with Salmonella enteritidis strains. The birds were randomly divided into six groups: three groups treated with the different additives, a negative control group, a positive control group, and an antibiotic-treated group using enrofloxacin. We examined the maturation and the time course of shedding of Salmonella; at the end of rearing, pathological and histopathological examinations were performed. When Salmonella was isolated from the cloacal swab samples, the enrofloxacin-treated group had a high number of animals shedding Salmonella by day 9, which was like the group treated with test material C. The greatest reduction in Salmonella shedding was observed in the groups treated with test materials A and B. In terms of pathological parameters, villus length and crypt depth were significantly better in the group treated with test material C compared to the positive and negative controls, and when comparing the body weight of the tested animals, the group treated with test material B had a significantly larger absorption surface area compared to the positive control group. Overall, the supplement with test material C proved to be the most effective. In the future, it is worthwhile to investigate the combination of the tested active substances for their possible synergistic effects and to perform a dose-response study to select the optimal dosage.