Curcumin and curcumin-loaded nanoparticles: antipathogenic and antiparasitic activities

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Curcumin is an important bioactive compound present in Curcuma longa, and is well known for its bioactivities such as anti–inflammatory, anticancer, antimicrobial, antiparasitic and antioxidant activity. The use of curcumin is limited owing to its poor solubility in water, fast degradation, and low bioavailability. This problem can be solved by using nano-curcumin, which is soluble in water and enhances its activity against various microbial pathogens and parasites.

Areas covered: We have reviewed curcumin, curcumin-loaded nanoparticles and their activities against various pathogenic microbes (antifungal, antiviral and antiprotozoal) and parasites, as curcumin has already demonstrated broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity. It has also inhibited biofilm formation by various bacteria including Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The antimicrobial activity of curcumin can be increased in the presence of light radiation due to its photo-excitation. Further, it has been found that the activity of curcumin nanoparticles is enhanced when used in combination with antibiotics. Finally, we discussed the toxicity and safety issues of curcumin.

Expert opinion: Since many microbial pathogens have developed resistance to antibiotics, the combination of curcumin with different nanoparticles will prove to be a boon for their treatment. Moreover, curcumin and curcumin-loaded nanoparticles can also be used against various parasites.

KEYWORDS:

• Curcumin
• curcumin-loaded nanoparticles
• antimicrobial activity
• antiparasitic activity
• antipathogenic
• broad-spectrum
• bioactivities

Article highlights

• Curcumin is an important bioactive compound present in Curcuma longa and is being used traditionally as a spice since ancient times.

• It has a wide range of bioactivities including anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities.

• Curcumin and curcumin-loaded nanoparticles have demonstrated antimicrobial (antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antigiardial) and antiparasitic activities.

• The antibacterial activity of curcumin is due to (i) the formation of transmembrane pores or ion channels on the cellular membrane, leading to the leakage of essential metabolites, and (ii) the disruption of the bacterial cell wall structure, that interfere with various important components like ergosterol which are responsible for synthesis and maintenance of cell wall rigidity

• There are no convincing reports regarding the toxicity of curcumin. It is Generally Recognised as Safe (GRAS) by the FDA.

Declaration of interest

The authors have no 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. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

Reviewer disclosures

Peer reviewers on this manuscript have no relevant financial or other relationships to disclose.

Additional information

Funding

MK Rai is thankful to the University Grants Commission, New Delhi, India, for providing financial assistance in the form of the Basic Science Research Faculty Fellowship.