Nanotechnology and Curcumin: A Novel and Promising Approach in Digestive Cancer Therapy

Abstract

This study reviews the application of nanotechnology and curcumin, a polyphenol extracted from turmeric, in treating digestive cancers, one of the most common types of malignancies worldwide. Despite curcumin’s potential for inhibiting tumor growth, its clinical application is hindered by issues such as poor solubility and bioavailability. Nanomedicine, with its unique ability to enhance drug delivery and reduce toxicity, offers a solution to these limitations. The paper focuses on the development of nanoformulations of curcumin, such as nanoparticles and liposomes, that improve its bioavailability and efficacy in treating digestive cancers, including liver and colorectal cancers. The study serves as a valuable reference for future research and development in this promising therapeutic approach.

Plain language summary

This article reviews the burgeoning field of nanotechnology and its applications in anticancer therapeutics, particularly focusing on the utilization of curcumin nanoparticles for the treatment of digestive cancers. With the global rise in the prevalence of digestive cancer, there is an urgent need for newer, more efficient and less toxic therapeutic strategies. Curcumin, a compound derived from turmeric, has shown considerable promise due to its broad-spectrum anticancer properties; however, its clinical application has been limited, as it is not absorbed well by the body and is cleared quickly. Nanotechnology presents a potential solution to these challenges, allowing for the enhanced delivery and therapeutic effectiveness of curcumin. This review delves into the advancements made in the field of curcumin nanoparticle research and the results of preclinical and clinical studies, focusing on digestive cancers. In addition, the challenges encountered in the development and clinical implementation of curcumin nanoparticles are addressed and a perspective on future directions in this promising area of research is provided. By combining the age-old wisdom of curcumin’s therapeutic potential with the cutting-edge technology of nanomedicine, this review aims to shed light on the evolution and prospects of a novel therapeutic modality against digestive cancers.

Tweetable abstract

Exploring the promising intersection of nanotechnology and curcumin in the battle against digestive cancers. Nanoformulations enhance curcumin’s bioavailability, improving its efficacy in cancer therapy while reducing toxicity. #Nanomedicine #Curcumin

Keywords::

• bioavailability
• curcumin
• digestive cancer
• nanoformulations
• nanotechnology

Author contributions

Conceptualization: B Zou, Y Xu. Writing (original draft preparation): Y Zhang, Z Li and Y Huang. Writing (review and editing): Y Zhang, Z Li and Y Huang. Supervision: B Zou, Y Xu. Funding acquisition: B Zou, Y Xu. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

Acknowledgments

The authors extend their acknowledgment to BioRender (www.biorender.com), the platform employed to generate the figures presented in this review.

Financial disclosure

This research was funded by the Clinical Research Incubation Project, West China Hospital, Sichuan University (grant no. 2021HXFH022); the Science and Technology Department of Sichuan Province (grant no. 22GJHZ0015); the Beijing Medical Award Foundation (grant no. YXJL-2021-1009-0660) and the Medjaden Academy & Research Foundation for Young Scientists (grant no. MJA202306053). The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

Competing interests disclosure

The authors have no competing interests or relevant affiliations with any organization or entity with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

Writing disclosure

Medjaden Bioscience Ltd and Cambridge Proofreading LLC were used for language editing services. Funding source had no role in the writing of this manuscript.

Additional information

Funding

This research was funded by the Clinical Research Incubation Project, West China Hospital, Sichuan University (grant no. 2021HXFH022); the Science and Technology Department of Sichuan Province (grant no. 22GJHZ0015); the Beijing Medical Award Foundation (grant no. YXJL-2021-1009-0660) and the Medjaden Academy & Research Foundation for Young Scientists (grant no. MJA202306053). The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.