Curcumin And Its Role In Health And Disease

The plant-derived polyphenol curcumin has been used in promoting health and combating disease for thousands of years. Its therapeutic effects have been successfully utilized in Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese Medicine in order to treat inflammatory diseases. Current results from modern biomolecular research reveal the modulatory effects of curcumin on a variety of signal transduction pathways associated with inflammation and cancer. In this context, curcumin’s antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumorigenic, and even anti-metastatic activities are discussed. On the cellular level, the reduced activity of several transcription factors (such as NFkB or AP-1) and the suppression of inflammatory cytokines, matrix degrading enzymes, metastasis related genes and even microRNAs are reported. On functional levels, these molecular effects translate into reduced proliferative, invasive, and metastatic capacity, as well as induced tumor cell apoptosis. All these effects have been observed not only in vitro but also in animal models. In combination with anti-neoplastic drugs like Taxol, kinase inhibitors, and radiation therapy, curcumin potentiates the drugs’ therapeutic power and can protect against undesired side effects. Natural plant-derived compounds like curcumin have one significant advantage: They do not usually cause side effects. This feature qualifies curcumin for primary prevention in healthy persons with a predisposition to cancer, arteriosclerosis, or chronic inflammatory diseases. Nonetheless, curcumin is considered safe, although potential toxic effects stemming from high dosages, long-term intake, and pharmacological interactions with other compounds have yet to be assessed. This Special Issue examines in detail and updates current research on the molecular targets, protective effects, and modes of action of natural plant-derived compounds and their roles in the prevention and treatment of human diseases.

The medicinal uses of Curcumin (also called turmeric) have been known and described for more than 5000 years. A large body of recent research suggests that curcumin is potentially useful in the treatment of inflammatory diseases, through modulation of numerous molecular targets. This is the first monograph to focus on the potential use of curcumin in the treatment of cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, arthritis, Alzheimer’s, psoriasis and more.

This book contains eight chapters discussing curcumin and its role in health and disease. Chapter One evaluates curcumin's role in cancer prevention. Chapter Two reviews curcumin's function as a natural systemic disease modulator. Chapter Three looks at the effects of curcumin supplantation and exercise training on Alzheimer's disease and age-associated cognitive decline. Chapter Four focuses on the antiviral effects of curcumin, with a special emphasis on COVID-19. Chapter Five examines green extraction techniques for curcumin, synthetic approaches, as well as its anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and anti-neoplastic effects. Chapter Six reviews the possible effects of immune responses to the preventive combined effects of exercise training and curcumin supplementation in chronic disease. Chapter Seven is a mini review of the essential therapeutic effects of curcumin. The eighth and final chapter examines the promises and challenges of curcumin in medical research.

Turmeric belongs to the family Zingiberaceae and is a yellow spice of high economic importance due to its medicinal value. Cultivated in tropical and sub-tropical regions around the world, it is used extensively as a colouring, flavouring and preserving agent. In recent years, several drugs derived from natural products have been developed and current drug research is actively investigating the possible therapeutic roles of many Ayurvedic medicines, most notable among those being examined is turmeric. The wide range of pharmacological activities attributed to turmeric come mainly from curcuminoids and two related compounds, demethoxycurcumin and bisdemethoxycurcumin. This comprehensive book brings together the research carried out on constituents obtained from turmeric and highlights their chemical and biological activities. Comprising 17 chapters, each written by experts in their respective field and curated by authorities, it will be invaluable to all those who are involved in the production, processing, marketing, and the use of turmeric. Appealing to researchers and professionals in natural products, nutraceuticals and food chemists, this book is exposing some of the myths and showing areas for possible future use.

This book explores the potential benefits of turmeric, and specifically curcumin, in the treatment and prevention of neurodegenerative diseases. The book covers various aspects of turmeric, including its traditional use in Ayurveda and Chinese medicine, secondary metabolites, curcuminoids, and sesquiterpenoids found in turmeric, as well as the use of nano curcumin in neurodegenerative diseases. It discusses the different ways in which turmeric can be used to treat neurodegenerative diseases, including as a therapy for brain diseases, curcumin-induced neuroprotection in cerebral ischemia, and neural stem cell therapy in combination with curcumin. It also discusses the role of nano curcumin in neurodegenerative diseases, including its potential use in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. The book provides the scientific evidence behind the use of turmeric and its compounds in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. Overall, this book is an invaluable resource for researchers and healthcare professionals interested in exploring the potential benefits of turmeric and curcumin in the treatment and prevention of neurodegenerative diseases.

Turmeric and Curcumin for Neurodegenerative Diseases examines protective mechanisms of turmeric products and novel nanotechnological therapeutics and biomaterial design strategies to circumvent Alzheimer’s Disease, Parkinson’s, and liver diseases. With neurodegenerative and liver diseases posing a serious threat to health care systems worldwide, this book addresses how existing nanotechnology and therapeutic strategies have not been as successful in their treatment. In addition to discussing drawbacks, possible future perspectives to overcome these challenges are also examined. Chapters also focus on therapeutic efficacy and drug delivery systems, providing readers with a full summary of research in this field in one handy reference. Summarizes the therapeutic efficacy of turmeric and curcumin for neurodegenerative diseases Includes effects on Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and liver diseases Focuses on different types of drug delivery systems and their challenges Examines novel nanotechnological therapeutics and biomaterial design strategies

The medicinal uses of Curcumin (also called turmeric) have been known and described for more than 5000 years. A large body of recent research suggests that curcumin is potentially useful in the treatment of inflammatory diseases, through modulation of numerous molecular targets. This is the first monograph to focus on the potential use of curcumin in the treatment of cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, arthritis, Alzheimer’s, psoriasis and more.