Structural Physiological Activities and Applications of Curcumin

Curcumin has multiple phenolic hydroxyl groups and is a water-insoluble orange-yellow crystalline powder. In food, curcumin is mainly used for the coloring of intestinal products, canned food, and soy sauce products. It has a wide range of pharmacological effects in many aspects such as the system, and its safety is good, but the chemical structure of curcumin is unstable, and the metabolic process in the body is extremely fast, resulting in extremely low bioavailability, and it is not widely used in clinical practice.

01 Structure of Curcumin

The molecular formula of curcumin is C21H206, the molecular weight is 368.37g/mol, the melting point is 183°C, and it is crystalline. ketone composition. The β-diketone structure has an enol-ketone interconversion structure, but the spectral structure proves that curcumin mainly exists in the enol form in solid state and solution.

The solubility and stability of curcumin are related to the type of solvent and pH. Curcumin is extremely insoluble in water, but easily soluble in organic solvents. Curcumin is more stable under acidic to neutral conditions. Under alkaline conditions, curcumin is very unstable and easily broken down, giving it a yellow or tan color.

02 Physiological activity of curcumin

The curcumin molecule contains multiple double bonds, as well as active groups such as phenolic hydroxyl groups and carbonyl groups, so it has strong physiological activity. Studies have shown that curcumin has anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, free radical scavenging, anti-microbial and effects on the cardiovascular system and digestive system.

Anti-tumor

Clinical studies have shown that curcumin, as a natural compound, has great anticancer potential, and the National Cancer Institute (NCI) has listed it as a third-generation cancer chemopreventive drug. A large number of studies have shown that curcumin can inhibit the proliferation of a variety of cancer cells, and no obvious toxic side effects were found when the mice were given an oral dose of 5g/kg. In vitro experiments, in vivo experiments, and human clinical experiments have confirmed the efficacy of curcumin for various cancers and the potential for various clinical treatments. Its anti-cancer mechanism is mainly achieved by inducing tumor cell apoptosis, and its anti-cancer molecular mechanism has also been widely studied.

Anti-inflammatory

Anti-inflammatory Acute and chronic inflammation is a major factor in the development of obesity, type 2 diabetes, arthritis, pancreatitis, cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative disease and metabolic syndrome and various cancers. Curcumin has been used as an anti-inflammatory drug for hundreds of years, and a large number of studies have confirmed its anti-inflammatory effect and mechanism of action, and it has varying degrees of inhibition on inflammation caused by a variety of etiologies, and has few side effects and adverse reactions. Compared with other anti-inflammatory drugs, it has obvious advantages.

Antioxidant

As a natural compound, curcumin can directly scavenge free radicals in vivo and in vitro. Its antioxidant activity is comparable to that of natural pigments such as beta-carotene and anthocyanin, and studies have shown that curcumin`s antioxidant capacity is superior to conventional of vitamins. The preventive and therapeutic potential of curcumin for some diseases is also believed to be related to its antioxidant effects.

Neuroprotection

Neurodegenerative diseases are a class of diseases caused by dysfunction of the central nervous system, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and other diseases, and there is currently no effective treatment. Recent studies have shown that curcumin has neuroprotective effects. Curcumin protects PC12 cells against β-amyloid toxicity by inhibiting oxidative damage and tau hyperphosphorylation. Ma et al. injected curcumin, methylcobalamin, and normal saline into the peritoneal cavity of nerve-injured mice for 4 weeks for comparison. Retrograde labeling technology and morphometric analysis were used to analyze axonal regeneration, and motor function recovery was evaluated by electrophysiological, behavioral, and histological appearance indicators. Data analysis showed that curcumin and methylcobalamin treatment groups achieved better nerve regeneration. and functional recovery effects.

Anti-fibrosis

Fibrosis can lead to structural damage, functional decline, and failure of organs, which seriously affects the quality of life of patients. Studies have shown that curcumin has obvious anti-fibrotic physiological activity, and has curative effect on liver fibrosis, pulmonary fibrosis, kidney fibrosis, etc., but its anti-fibrosis mechanism needs to be further explored, and how to improve the bioavailability of curcumin To enhance the curative effect is also a problem that scholars at home and abroad need to solve together.

Improve intestinal flora imbalance

The bacteria living in the human intestine are called "gut flora", which play an important role in digestion, immunity and disease resistance. They are in a dynamic balance under normal conditions, but once the intestinal flora is out of balance, it will have adverse effects on the body. Diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and hypertension are all related to flora disturbance. Studies have shown that curcumin can regulate intestinal flora such as Escherichia coli and Bacteroidetes to restore the dynamic balance. Li Yun et al. have confirmed that curcumin can improve depression and intestinal flora imbalance in rats caused by intermittent sleep. In addition, turmeric also has physiological activities such as lowering blood sugar, improving allergic asthma, anti-microbial, and anti-HIV.

03 Application of curcumin

As a natural yellow acid phenolic pigment, curcumin is widely used and has great potential for development. As a representative of natural pigments, curcumin is safer than synthetic pigments. It is currently one of the seven natural food pigments with the largest sales in the world. It is a natural food additive recognized by WHO and FDA. Coloring of flour, instant rice noodles, etc. Because of its anti-cancer, antioxidant and other physiological activities, it can be used as a drug to treat diseases. At present, curcumin capsules have entered the health care product market. Clinical studies have shown that curcumin capsules have certain curative effects on cardiovascular system diseases, gastrointestinal diseases and cancer. Curcumin can also be used in cosmetics and health care products. Curcumin is insoluble in water and has extremely low bioavailability, which limits the pharmacological effects of curcumin.

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2022-5-12

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