Curcuma longa extract protects against 5-fluorouracil-induced oral mucositis in hamsters

Abstract Curcumin, contained at Turmeric (Curcumalonga), can exert many beneficial pleiotropic activities in the gastrointestinal tract. This study evaluated the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity of C. longa on 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-induced oral mucositis (OM) in hamsters. Phytochemical analysis of crude C. longa extract (CLE) was performed to detect the presence of curcumin by TLC and HPLC. Golden Syrian hamsters were orally pre-treated with CLE (5, 50, or 100mg/kg). Cheek pouch samples were subjected to macroscopic and histopathological evaluation. ELISA was performed to quantify the inflammatory cytokines IL-1ß and TNF-α. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were assessed by ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy analysis. Behavior analysis was conducted by the open field test. Curcumin content in the CLE was 0.55%m/m ± 0.0161 (2.84%). The group treated with 5mg/kg CLE showed healing evidence with macroscopic absence of ulceration (p<0.05) and microscopic aspect of re-epithelialization, discrete inflammatory infiltrate and absence of edema. Treatment with 5mg/kg CLE significantly increased GSH levels, and reduced MDA levels and SOD activity (p˂0.05), and decreased IL-1ß (p˂0.05) and TNF-α (p˂0.01) levels. A significant reduction in walking distance, ambulation, speed, and rearing was observed for motor activity. Curcumin reduced oxidative stress, inflammation, and motor activity in hamsters with 5-FU-induced OM.

Propriedades e usos da cúrcuma / Properties and uses of turmeric / Propiedades y usos de la cúrcuma

A Cúrcuma (Curcuma longa) é uma planta originária do sudoeste asiático, que faz parte da família Zingiberaceae. É uma erva amarga, adstringente, com cheiro característico e forte cor amarela e que cujas raízes (rizomas) secas e maceradas têm sido utilizadas atualmente como corante e condimento para carnes e vegetais. O principal composto bioativo da cúrcuma é a curcumina, que se encontra em percentuais de dois a cinco por cento em suas raízes, sendo também é responsável pela sua coloração. Sabendo-se das suas propriedades bioativas e de várias que ainda estão sendo testadas, esse trabalho objetivou apresentar as principais propriedades e usos da cúrcuma. Historicamente a cúrcuma é empregada em diversos medicamentos utilizados pela medicina Ayurveda (sistema medicinal característico da Índia Antiga). Quimicamente é um pó insolúvel na água e no éter etílico, mas solúvel no etanol e acetona, é um diferoilmetano com a fórmula C21H20O6 e peso molecular 368,4. Muitos trabalhos estão sendo produzidos ultimamente buscando entender o funcionamento metabólico da curcumina e suas possíveis atividades biológicas. Entre as propriedades já estudadas destacam-se as capacidades anticoagulante, antifúngica, anti-inflamatória, antimalárica, antioxidante, antiviral, cicatrizante, esquistossomicida, hipolipemiante, leishmanicida, nematocida, tripanocida neuroprotetora, anti-amiloidogênica e imunomoduladora. A curcumina possui a vantagem de ser uma molécula de fácil acesso, uma vez que pode ser adquirida como condimento doméstico em todo o mundo e possui variadas aplicações, porém devido a sua baixa biodisponibilidade, baixa solubilidade em água e alta afinidade pelas proteínas plasmáticas faz-se necessário que novos estudos sejam realizados para que ela possa ser empregada efetivamente como um bioativo vegetal.(AU)

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a plant originated from Southeast Asia; it belongs to the Zingiberaceae family. It is a bitter, astringent herb, with a characteristic smell and strong yellow color. Its dried and macerated roots (rhizomes) have been used as coloring and condiment for meat and vegetables. Turmeric main bioactive compound is curcumin, which is found at concentrations of approximately two to five percent on its roots, being also responsible for its coloration. With the knowledge of its bioactive properties and of several other properties that are still being tested, this paper aimed at presenting the main properties and uses of turmeric. Turmeric has historically been used in various medicines by Ayurveda medicine (a medicinal system characteristic of ancient India). Chemically, it is a powder insoluble in either water or ethyl ether, despite being soluble in ethanol and acetone. It is a difoylmethane of formula C21H20O6 and molecular weight 368.4. Many works are being produced seeking to understand the metabolic functioning of curcumin and its possible biological activities. Among the properties already studied, it has proven anticoagulant, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antimalarial, antioxidant, antiviral, scarring, schistosomicide, hypolipidemic, leishmanicidal, nematocidal, trypanocidal neuroprotective, anti-amyloidogenic and immunomodulatory capacities. Curcumin has the advantage of being an easily accessible molecule as it can be purchased as a domestic condiment worldwide and is widely applied in several cuisines. However, due to its low bioavailability, low water solubility and high affinity for plasma proteins, further studies should be carried out so that it can be effectively employed as a plant bioactive.(AU)

La cúrcuma (Curcuma longa) es una planta originaria del sudeste asiático, pertenece a la familia Zingiberaceae. Es una hierba amarga y astringente, con un olor característico y un fuerte color amarillo y cuyas raíces (rizomas) secas y maceradas se utilizan actualmente como colorante y condimento para carnes y vegetales. El principal compuesto bioactivo de la cúrcuma es la curcumina, que se encuentra cerca del dos al cinco por ciento de sus raíces y también es responsable por su coloración. Debido a sus propiedades bioactivas y de varias que aún se están probando, ese estudio tuvo como objetivo presentar las principales propiedades y usos de la cúrcuma. Históricamente, la cúrcuma es empleada en varias medicinas utilizadas por la medicina Ayurveda (sistema medicinal característico de la antigua India). Químicamente es un polvo insoluble en agua y éter etílico, pero soluble en etanol y acetona, es un diferoilmetano de fórmula C21H20O6 y peso molecular 368.4. Últimamente se están produciendo muchos trabajos que buscan comprender el funcionamiento metabólico de la curcumina y sus posibles actividades biológicas. Entre las propiedades ya estudiadas se encuentran las capacidades anticoagulante, antifúngica, antiinflamatoria, antipalúdica, antioxidante, antiviral, cicatrizante, esquistosomicida, hipolipidémica, leishmanicida, nematocida, tripanocida, neuroprotectora, antiamiloidogénica e inmunomoduladora. La curcumina tiene la ventaja de ser una molécula de fácil acceso, ya que se puede comprar como condimento doméstico en todo el mundo y tiene una variedad de aplicaciones, pero debido a su baja biodisponibilidad, baja solubilidad en agua y alta afinidad por las proteínas plasmáticas se hace necesario que nuevos estudios sean llevados a cabo para que ella pueda ser empleada efectivamente como planta bioactiva.(AU)

Propriedades e usos da cúrcuma / Properties and uses of turmeric / Propiedades y usos de la cúrcuma

A Cúrcuma (Curcuma longa) é uma planta originária do sudoeste asiático, que faz parte da família Zingiberaceae. É uma erva amarga, adstringente, com cheiro característico e forte cor amarela e que cujas raízes (rizomas) secas e maceradas têm sido utilizadas atualmente como corante e condimento para carnes e vegetais. O principal composto bioativo da cúrcuma é a curcumina, que se encontra em percentuais de dois a cinco por cento em suas raízes, sendo também é responsável pela sua coloração. Sabendo-se das suas propriedades bioativas e de várias que ainda estão sendo testadas, esse trabalho objetivou apresentar as principais propriedades e usos da cúrcuma. Historicamente a cúrcuma é empregada em diversos medicamentos utilizados pela medicina Ayurveda (sistema medicinal característico da Índia Antiga). Quimicamente é um pó insolúvel na água e no éter etílico, mas solúvel no etanol e acetona, é um diferoilmetano com a fórmula C21H20O6 e peso molecular 368,4. Muitos trabalhos estão sendo produzidos ultimamente buscando entender o funcionamento metabólico da curcumina e suas possíveis atividades biológicas. Entre as propriedades já estudadas destacam-se as capacidades anticoagulante, antifúngica, anti-inflamatória, antimalárica, antioxidante, antiviral, cicatrizante, esquistossomicida, hipolipemiante, leishmanicida, nematocida, tripanocida neuroprotetora, anti-amiloidogênica e imunomoduladora. A curcumina possui a vantagem de ser uma molécula de fácil acesso, uma vez que pode ser adquirida como condimento doméstico em todo o mundo e possui variadas aplicações, porém devido a sua baixa biodisponibilidade, baixa solubilidade em água e alta afinidade pelas proteínas plasmáticas faz-se necessário que novos estudos sejam realizados para que ela possa ser empregada efetivamente como um bioativo vegetal.(AU)

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a plant originated from Southeast Asia; it belongs to the Zingiberaceae family. It is a bitter, astringent herb, with a characteristic smell and strong yellow color. Its dried and macerated roots (rhizomes) have been used as coloring and condiment for meat and vegetables. Turmeric main bioactive compound is curcumin, which is found at concentrations of approximately two to five percent on its roots, being also responsible for its coloration. With the knowledge of its bioactive properties and of several other properties that are still being tested, this paper aimed at presenting the main properties and uses of turmeric. Turmeric has historically been used in various medicines by Ayurveda medicine (a medicinal system characteristic of ancient India). Chemically, it is a powder insoluble in either water or ethyl ether, despite being soluble in ethanol and acetone. It is a difoylmethane of formula C21H20O6 and molecular weight 368.4. Many works are being produced seeking to understand the metabolic functioning of curcumin and its possible biological activities. Among the properties already studied, it has proven anticoagulant, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antimalarial, antioxidant, antiviral, scarring, schistosomicide, hypolipidemic, leishmanicidal, nematocidal, trypanocidal neuroprotective, anti-amyloidogenic and immunomodulatory capacities. Curcumin has the advantage of being an easily accessible molecule as it can be purchased as a domestic condiment worldwide and is widely applied in several cuisines. However, due to its low bioavailability, low water solubility and high affinity for plasma proteins, further studies should be carried out so that it can be effectively employed as a plant bioactive.(AU)

La cúrcuma (Curcuma longa) es una planta originaria del sudeste asiático, pertenece a la familia Zingiberaceae. Es una hierba amarga y astringente, con un olor característico y un fuerte color amarillo y cuyas raíces (rizomas) secas y maceradas se utilizan actualmente como colorante y condimento para carnes y vegetales. El principal compuesto bioactivo de la cúrcuma es la curcumina, que se encuentra cerca del dos al cinco por ciento de sus raíces y también es responsable por su coloración. Debido a sus propiedades bioactivas y de varias que aún se están probando, ese estudio tuvo como objetivo presentar las principales propiedades y usos de la cúrcuma. Históricamente, la cúrcuma es empleada en varias medicinas utilizadas por la medicina Ayurveda (sistema medicinal característico de la antigua India). Químicamente es un polvo insoluble en agua y éter etílico, pero soluble en etanol y acetona, es un diferoilmetano de fórmula C21H20O6 y peso molecular 368.4. Últimamente se están produciendo muchos trabajos que buscan comprender el funcionamiento metabólico de la curcumina y sus posibles actividades biológicas. Entre las propiedades ya estudiadas se encuentran las capacidades anticoagulante, antifúngica, antiinflamatoria, antipalúdica, antioxidante, antiviral, cicatrizante, esquistosomicida, hipolipidémica, leishmanicida, nematocida, tripanocida, neuroprotectora, antiamiloidogénica e inmunomoduladora. La curcumina tiene la ventaja de ser una molécula de fácil acceso, ya que se puede comprar como condimento doméstico en todo el mundo y tiene una variedad de aplicaciones, pero debido a su baja biodisponibilidad, baja solubilidad en agua y alta afinidad por las proteínas plasmáticas se hace necesario que nuevos estudios sean llevados a cabo para que ella pueda ser empleada efectivamente como planta bioactiva.(AU)

Chemical constituents and biological research on plants in the genus Curcuma.

Curcuma, a valuable genus in the family Zingiberaceae, includes approximately 110 species. These plants are native to Southeast Asia and are extensively cultivated in India, China, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Peru, Australia, and the West Indies. The plants have long been used in folk medicine to treat stomach ailments, stimulate digestion, and protect the digestive organs, including the intestines, stomach, and liver. In recent years, substantial progress has been achieved in investigations regarding the chemical and pharmacological properties, as well as in clinical trials of certain Curcuma species. This review comprehensively summarizes the current knowledge on the chemistry and briefly discusses the biological activities of Curcuma species. A total of 720 compounds, including 102 diphenylalkanoids, 19 phenylpropene derivatives, 529 terpenoids, 15 flavonoids, 7 steroids, 3 alkaloids, and 44 compounds of other types isolated or identified from 32 species, have been phytochemically investigated. The biological activities of plant extracts and pure compounds are classified into 15 groups in detail, with emphasis on anti-inflammatory and antitumor activities.

Efeito do extrato de Curcuma longa L. sobre infecções in vitro por Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa e Candida albicans em macrófagos murinos (RAW 264.7) / Effect of Curcuma longa L. extract on Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida albicans in vitro infections in murine macrophages

Os seres humanos vivem em constante relação com micro-organismos, comensais e patogênicos, que podem ameaçar a homeostase do hospedeiro. Espécies patogênicas apresentam mecanismos capazes de contornar as barreiras de defesa do hospedeiro, facilitando sua disseminação e proliferação nos tecidos invadidos. Cepas resistentes aos antimicrobianos disponíveis surgem diariamente, por isso, é relevante encontrar métodos alternativos para controla-las. Produtos de plantas medicinais vem sendo investigados para essa finalidade. No presente estudo, foi avaliada a capacidade do extrato de C. longa em controlar infecções in vitro por S. aureus, P. aeruginosa e C. albicans em macrófagos murinos (RAW 264.7). Para isto, foram aplicadas as concentrações inibitórias mínimas (CIM) do extrato vegetal nas infecções e por meio de análise da fagocitose foi analisado a contribuição delas para a eliminação destes micro-organismos. A viabilidade dos macrófagos foi analisada por meio de teste colorimétrico com corante vermelho neutro. Foram checadas a produção de citocinas inflamatórias (IL-1ß, IL-6, TNF-α e IL-10) e óxido nítrico (NO), por ELISA e com reagente de Griess, respectivamente. Os resultados foram analisados por ANOVA e Tukey's Test (P ≤ 0.05). Foi verificado que o extrato de C. Longa auxiliou de maneira efetiva os macrófagos na fagocitose dos micro-organismos avaliados, apresentando reduções significativas de unidades formadoras de colônia por mililitro (UFC/mL), e atuou mediação da síntese de citocinas e NO. Os macrófagos apresentaram-se viáveis durante a infecção. Desta forma, foi constatado que o extrato de C. longa foi capaz de auxiliar in vitro os macrófagos na eliminação de S. aureus, P. aeruginosa e C. albicans, além de proporcionar efeito imunomodulador na síntese de IL-1ß, TNF-α, IL-10 e NO, no intuito de controlar as infecções microbianas in vitro(AU)

Humans live in constant contact with microorganisms, commensals and pathogens, which may threaten host homeostasis. Pathogenic species present mechanisms able circumventing the host defense barriers, facilitating their dissemination and proliferation in invaded tissues. Antimicrobial-resistant strains emerge daily, then it is important finding an alternative method to control them. Medicinal plant products have been investigated for this purpose. In this study, the ability of C. longa extract to control in vitro infections by S. aureus, P. aeruginosa and C. albicans in murine macrophages (RAW 264.7) was evaluated. For this, the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of the plant extract were used in the infections. Phagocytosis was analyzed to check if they would contribute to eliminate these microorganisms. The viability of the macrophages was analyzed by colorimetric test using neutral red dye. Productions of inflammatory cytokines (IL-1ß, IL-6, TNF-α and IL-10) and nitric oxide (NO) were verified during infection by ELISA and Griess's reagent, respectively. The results were analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey's Test (P ≤ 0.05). C. Longa L. extract effectively assisted the macrophages in the phagocytosis of the evaluated microorganisms, presenting significant reductions of colony-forming units per milliliter (CFU/mL), and mediated the synthesis of cytokines and NO. In addition, macrophages were viable during infection. C. Longa L. extract assisted in vitro the macrophages in the elimination of S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, and C. albicans, promoting immunomodulatory effect in the synthesis of IL-1ß, TNF-α, IL-10 and NO, in order to control microbial infections in vitro(AU)

Conservation and population genetic diversity of Curcuma wenyujin (Zingiberaceae), a multifunctional medicinal herb.

Curcuma wenyujin is an important multifunctional medicinal herb in China. Currently, populations of C. wenyujin are decreasing, and wild individuals have almost disappeared from their natural habitats. Moreover, little is known regarding the molecular characteristics of this plant. In this study, we investigated the genetic diversity and variation of five populations of C. wenyujin, using ran-dom amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers. We found that the percentages of polymorphic loci (PPL) at the species level (98.25% by RAPD and 100% by ISSR) were significantly higher than those at the population level (66.32% by RAPD and 67.14% by ISSR). The highest values of PPL, expected heterozygosity, and Shannon's information index were in Pop1, while the lowest values were in Pop2. Both DNA markers revealed a short genetic distance between Pop1 and Pop2 (0.1424 by RAPD and 0.1904 by ISSR). Phylogenetic trees produced similar results, with Pop1, Pop2, and Pop5 in one group and Pop3 and Pop4 in another. There were no significant correlations between their genetic distances and their geographical distances. The highest genetic diversity was in Pop1 and the lowest was in Pop2, and genetic diversity at the species level was relatively low, but much higher than that at the population level. We recommended the establishment of a germplasm bank, in situ con-servation, and propagation of wild individuals. The present study will improve the evaluation, protection, and utilization of the population resources of C. wenyujin.

Evaluation of phenolic profile, antioxidant and anticancer potential of two main representants of Zingiberaceae family against B164A5 murine melanoma cells.

BACKGROUND: Curcuma longa Linnaeus and Zingiber officinale Roscoe are two main representatives of Zingiberaceae family studied for a wide range of therapeutic properties, including: antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-angiogenic, antibacterial, analgesic, immunomodulatory, proapoptotic, anti-human immunodeficiency virus properties and anticancer effects. This study was aimed to analyse the ethanolic extracts of Curcuma rhizome (Curcuma longa Linnaeus) and Zingiber rhizome (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) in terms of polyphenols, antioxidant activity and anti-melanoma potential employing the B164A5 murine melanoma cell line. RESULTS: In order to evaluate the total content of polyphenols we used Folin-Ciocâlteu method. The antioxidant activity of the two ethanolic extracts was determined by DPPH assay, and for the control of antiproliferative effect it was used MTT proliferation assay, DAPI staining and Annexin-FITC-7AAD double staining test. Results showed increased polyphenols amount and antioxidant activity for Curcuma rhizome ethanolic extract. Moreover, 100 µg/ml of ethanolic plant extract from both vegetal products presented in a different manner an antiproliferative, respectively a proapoptotic effect on the selected cell line. CONCLUSIONS: The study concludes that Curcuma rhizome may be a promising natural source for active compounds against malignant melanoma.

Evaluation of phenolic profile, antioxidant and anticancer potential of two main representants of Zingiberaceae family against B164A5 murine melanoma cells

BACKGROUND: Curcuma longa Linnaeus and Zingiber officinale Roscoe are two main representatives ofZingiberaceae family studied for a wide range of therapeutic properties, including: antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-angiogenic, antibacterial, analgesic, immunomodulatory, proapoptotic, anti-human immunodeficiency virus properties and anticancer effects. This study was aimed to analyse the ethanolic extracts of Curcuma rhizome (Curcuma longa Linnaeus) and Zingiber rhizome (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) in terms of polyphenols, antioxidant activity and anti-melanoma potential employing the B164A5 murine melanoma cell line. RESULTS: In order to evaluate the total content of polyphenols we used Folin-Ciocâlteu method. The antioxidant activity of the two ethanolic extracts was determined by DPPH assay, and for the control of antiproliferative effect it was used MTT proliferation assay, DAPI staining and Annexin-FITC-7AAD double staining test. Results showed increased polyphenols amount and antioxidant activity forCurcuma rhizome ethanolic extract. Moreover, 100 μg/ml of ethanolic plant extract from both vegetal products presented in a different manner an antiproliferative, respectively a proapoptotic effect on the selected cell line. CONCLUSIONS: The study concludes that Curcuma rhizome may be a promising natural source for active compounds against malignant melanoma.

Assessing the genetic relationships of Curcuma alismatifolia varieties using simple sequence repeat markers.

The genus Curcuma is a member of the ginger family (Zingiberaceae) that has recently become popular for use as flowering pot plants, both indoors and as patio and landscape plants. We used PCR-based molecular markers (SSRs) to elucidate genetic variation and relationships between five varieties of Curcuma (Curcuma alismatifolia) cultivated in Malaysia. Of the primers tested, 8 (of 17) SSR primers were selected for their reproducibility and high rates of polymorphism. The number of presumed alleles revealed by the SSR analysis ranged from two to six alleles, with a mean value of 3.25 alleles per locus. The values of HO and HE ranged from 0 to 0.8 (mean value of 0.2) and 0.1837 to 0.7755 (mean value of 0.5102), respectively. Eight SSR primers yielded 26 total amplified fragments and revealed high rates of polymorphism among the varieties studied. The polymorphic information content varied from 0.26 to 0.73. Dice's similarity coefficient was calculated for all pairwise comparisons and used to construct an unweighted pair group method with arithmetic average (UPGMA) dendrogram. Similarity coefficient values from 0.2105 to 0.6667 (with an average of 0.4386) were found among the five varieties examined. A cluster analysis of data using a UPGMA algorithm divided the five varieties/hybrids into 2 groups.

Atividade antimicrobiana do óleo essencial de rizomas de açafrão (Curcuma longa L. ) e gengibre (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) frente a salmonelas entéricas isoladas de frango resfriado / Antimicrobial activity of essential oil from Curcuma longa and Zingiber officinale rhizomes against enteric Salmonella isolated from chicken

Objetivou-se com este trabalho identificar, quantificar os constituintes, e avaliar a atividade antibacteriana dos óleos essenciais extraídos de rizomas de açafrão (Curcuma longa L.) e gengibre (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) cultivados nas condições de Manaus/AM frente a 14 salmonelas entéricas isoladas de frango resfriado. A extração dos óleos essenciais foi realizada utilizando-se aparelho tipo Clevenger e a composição determinada por Cromatografia Gasosa acoplada a Espectrometria de Massas (CG-MS). A atividade antibacteriana foi realizada com o emprego de técnica de microdiluição em caldo. O óleo essencial de gengibre se mostrou expressivamente mais eficiente do que o óleo de açafrão, tanto em termos de ação bacteriostática (concentração inibitória mínima de 2500 a 5000 µg.mL-1) quanto bactericida (concentração bactericida mínima de 5000 a 10000 µg.mL-1) observando-se variação apenas em duas as amostras em termos de resistência a ação bactericida deste óleo. Assim, o óleo essencial de gengibre, representa uma alternativa para o controle de Salmonella enterica, entretanto, demais estudos abordando o sinergismo com alimentos são indicados.

The objective of this work was to identify, quantify constituents and evaluate the antibacterial activity of essential oils from rhizomes of turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) and ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) grown under conditions of Manaus/AM front of enteric salmonella isolated from chilled poultry. The extraction of essential oils was performed using the Clevenger type apparatus and composition determined by Gas Chromatography coupled to Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). The antibacterial activity was performed with the use of microdilution broth. The essential oil of ginger proved significantly more efficient than tumeric oil, both in terms of bacteriostatic action (minimum inhibitory concentration 2500-5000 mg µg mL-1) and bactericidal (minimum bactericidal concentration 5000-10000 mg µg mL-1) observing changes in only two samples in terms of resistance to bactericidal activity of this oil. Thus, the essential oil of ginger, is an alternative for the control of Salmonella enterica, however, other studies addressing the synergism with food are indicated.

Use of Curcuma longa in cosmetics: extraction of curcuminoid pigments, development of formulations, and in vitro skin permeation studies

Curcuma longa is a ginger family aromatic herb (Zingiberaceae) whose rhizomes contain curcuminoid pigments, including curcumin, a compound known for its anti-inflammatory effects. The objective of this study was to obtain curcuminoid-rich extracts, develop topical formulations thereof, and assess the stability and skin permeation of these formulations. Curcuma longa extracts were obtained and used to develop formulations. Skin permeation studies were conducted in a modified Franz diffusion cell system, and skin retention of curcuminoid pigments was quantified in pig ear membrane. Prepared urea-containing gel-cream formulations were unstable, whereas all others had satisfactory stability and pseudoplastic rheological behavior. The amount of curcuminoid pigments recovered from the receptor solution was negligible. The skin concentration of curcuminoid pigments retained was positive (>20 µg/g of skin, mostly in the stratum corneum), considering the low skin permeability of curcumin. We conclude that development of topical formulations containing curcumin or Curcuma longa extract is feasible, as long as adjuvants are added to improve preservation and durability. The formulations developed in this study enabled penetration of curcumin limited to the superficial layers of the skin and then possibly without a risk of systemic action, thus permitting local use as a topical anti-inflammatory.

Curcuma longa é uma erva aromática, pertencente à família Zingiberaceae e seus rizomas contêm pigmentos curcuminoides, dentre eles a curcumina, conhecida por seu efeito anti-inflamatório. O objetivo deste trabalho foi obter extratos ricos nestes pigmentos, desenvolver e avaliar a estabilidade de formulações tópicas e realizar o estudo da penetração cutânea. Extratos de Curcuma longa foram obtidos e utilizados no desenvolvimento de formulações. A penetração e retenção cutâneas de pigmentos curcuminoides foi avaliada em pele de orelha de porco, utilizando célula de difusão de Franz modificada. As formulações de gel creme preparadas que continham ureia foram instáveis e as demais apresentaram estabilidade satisfatória e comportamento reológico pseudoplástico. A quantidade de pigmentos curcuminoides encontrada na solução receptora foi insignificante, enquanto que a quantidade retida na pele foi superior a 20 µg/g de pele. Concluiu-se como possível o desenvolvimento de formulações tópicas contendo curcumina ou extrato de Curcuma longa, conciliando a adição de adjuvantes para a preservação e maior durabilidade da mesma. As formulações promoveram a penetração da curcumina limitada às camadas superiores da pele, possivelmente sem o risco de ocorrência de ação sistêmica sendo possível a sua utilização para ação local com atividade anti-inflamatória.

Genetic diversity of turmeric germplasm (Curcuma longa; Zingiberaceae) identified by microsatellite markers.

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a triploid, vegetatively propagated crop introduced early during the colonization of Brazil. Turmeric rhizomes are ground into a powder used as a natural dye in the food industry, although recent research suggests a greater potential for the development of drugs and cosmetics. In Brazil, little is known about the genetic variability available for crop improvement. We examined the genetic diversity among turmeric accessions from a Brazilian germplasm collection comprising 39 accessions collected from the States of Goiás, Mato Grosso do Sul, Minas Gerais, São Paulo, and Pará. For comparison, 18 additional genotypes were analyzed, including samples from India and Puerto Rico. Total DNA was extracted from lyophilized leaf tissue and genetic analysis was performed using 17 microsatellite markers (single-sequence repeats). Shannon-Weiner indexes ranged from 0.017 (Minas Gerais) to 0.316 (São Paulo). Analyses of molecular variance (AMOVA) demonstrated major differences between countries (63.4%) and that most of the genetic diversity in Brazil is found within states (75.3%). Genotypes from São Paulo State were the most divergent and potentially useful for crop improvement. Structure analysis indicated two main groups of accessions. These results can help target future collecting efforts for introduction of new materials needed to develop more productive and better adapted cultivars.