Absorption mechanism of three curcumin constituents through in situ intestinal perfusion method

This study aimed to investigate the absorption mechanism of three curcumin constituents in rat small intestines. Self-emulsification was used to solubilize the three curcumin constituents, and the rat in situ intestinal perfusion method was used to study factors on drug absorption, including drug mass concentration, absorption site, and the different types and concentrations of absorption inhibitors. Within the scope of experimental concentrations, three curcumin constituents were absorbed in rat small intestines through the active transport mechanism.

Antimicrobial and molecular interaction studies on derivatives of curcumin against Streptococcus pneumoniae which caused pneumonia

Background: The antimicrobial properties and molecular interaction analysis of curcumin and its derivatives against three different strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae (Penicillin-susceptible, Penicillin-intermediate and Penicillin-resistant) are studied. Results: These properties were analyzed based on the measurement of the inhibition zone, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), and rate of kill revealed that curcumin monoglucoside, curcumin diglucoside and curcumin possessed strong antimicrobial properties even on the Penicillin-resistant strains. Additionally, the molecular docking simulation analyses against Penicillin Binding Protein of S. pneumoniae also confirm that these compounds docked at the active site of the enzyme. Further, the molecular dynamics simulation validates the conformational stability of the docked ligand-protein complexes in the dynamic environment. Conclusion: curcumin monoglucoside, curcumin diglucoside and curcumin can be prescribed for treatment against Penicillin-resistant S. pneumoniae.

Inhibitory effect of cinnamoyl compounds against human malignant cell line.

In the present study, anti-proliferative effects of dietary polyphenolic compounds have been observed and demonstrated the strong anticancer efficacy of curcumin (CMN), an active constituent of dietary spice (turmeric) using human leukemia cancer cell line. CMN inhibited the proliferation of K562 leukemic cells by induction of apoptosis. The current study demonstrated synergy with combination of drug therapy, and suggested that combination of ferulic acid and cisplatin synergistically inhibited cellular proliferation. Cytotoxic synergy was observed independent of the sequence of addition of two drugs to cultured cells. The synergized growth inhibitory effect with cisplatin was probably associated with G2-M arrest in cell cycle progression. These findings suggested that among the cinnamoyl compounds, CMN was most potent and FER appeared to be a better modulating agent on human malignant cell line.

Biological activities of Curcuma longa L

There are several data in the literature indicating a great variety of pharmacological activities of Curcuma longa L. (Zingiberaceae), which exhibit anti-inflammatory, anti-human immunodeficiency virus, anti-bacteria, antioxidant effects and nematocidal activities. Curcumin is a major component in Curcuma longa L., being responsible for its biological actions. Other extracts of this plant has been showing potency too. In vitro, curcumin exhibits anti-parasitic, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory and gastrointestinal effects; and also inhibits carcinogenesis and cancer growth. In vivo, there are experiments showing the anti-parasitic, anti-inflammatory potency of curcumin and extracts of C. longa L. by parenteral and oral application in animal models. In this present work we make an overview of the pharmacological activities of C. longa L., showing its importance

Cúrcuma: planta medicinal, condimentar e de outros usos potenciais / Curcuma: medicinal, spice and of other potential use plant

A cúrcuma (Curcuma longa L.), espécie originária do sudeste asiático, é considerada uma preciosa especiaria. Com a proibiçäo do uso de pigmentos sintéticos nos principais países da América do Norte e Europa, têm sido procuradas alternativas naturais. A cúrcuma, além de sua principal utilizaçäo como condimento, possui substâncias antioxidantes, antimicrobianas e corantes (curcumina) que lhe conferem possibilidade de emprego nas áreas de cosméticos, têxtil, medicinal e alimentício. Até o presente momento, poucos estudos foram realizados com a cúrcuma no Brasil, fato que determina baixa produtividade. Entretanto, recentes resultados de pesquisa mostram a possibilidade de obtençäo de produtividades semelhantes às de seu país de origem, ainda que maiores estudos sejam necessários para definiçäo de estande, adubaçäo e outras práticas culturais. Os objetivos do presente trabalho säo apresentar a versatilidade mercadológica da cúrcuma, caracterizar a espécie quanto a aspectos botânicos, nutricionais e químicos, bem como reunir e discutir informaçöes técnicas para melhoria da produtividade e qualidade dos rizomas.