Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 6, 2026
06:39
Curcuminoid-Mediated Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy on a Murine Model of Oral Candidiasis
Published on: October 27, 2023
Curcuma as a parasiticidal agent: a review
Mohamed Haddad1, Michel Sauvain, Eric Deharo
1Laboratoire de pharmacochimie des substances naturelles et pharmacophores redox, UMR 152, UPS, Université de Toulouse, Toulouse, France. mohamed.haddad@ird.fr
Planta Medica
|November 25, 2010
Summary
Curcuma plants offer potent medicinal compounds with significant parasiticidal activity. This review highlights their effectiveness against tropical and common parasites, showcasing their therapeutic potential.
Area of Science:
- Ethnobotany and Pharmacology
- Phytochemistry and Medicinal Chemistry
Background:
- Curcuma species (Zingiberaceae) have a long history of use in traditional medicine.
- These plants possess diverse pharmacological properties, including anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and anti-parasitic effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the parasiticidal activities of Curcuma-derived compounds.
- To focus on efficacy against tropical parasites like Plasmodium, Leishmania, and Trypanosoma, as well as common parasites.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on Curcuma's bioactive compounds.
- Analysis of research investigating anti-parasitic effects in vitro and in vivo.
Main Results:
- Curcuma extracts and isolated compounds demonstrate broad-spectrum anti-parasitic activity.
- Specific efficacy noted against Plasmodium, Leishmania, Trypanosoma, Schistosoma, nematodes, and other pathogens.
Conclusions:
- Curcuma bioactive compounds represent a promising source for novel anti-parasitic drug development.
- Further research is warranted to explore their full therapeutic potential against neglected tropical diseases.
Related Concept Videos
01:15Anthelminthic Agents
Anthelmintic drugs differ significantly from antiparasitic therapies targeting protozoa, primarily due to differences in parasite biology. Whereas most protozoal treatments act on proliferating cells, anthelmintics are typically directed against mature, nonproliferative helminths. The therapeutic approach considers the helminth's reliance on neuromuscular coordination, glucose metabolism, and microtubular integrity for survival, reproduction, and localization within the host. Most anthelmintics...
01:21Antiprotozoal Agents
Leishmaniasis is a widespread parasitic disease caused by several Leishmania species. It affects millions of people each year and remains a major public health problem in endemic regions. First-line treatment relies on pentavalent antimonials, including meglumine antimoniate and sodium stibogluconate. Even so, how these drugs work has not been fully clear, especially their interaction with parasite-specific biochemical pathways. One key target is trypanothione reductase (TR), an enzyme that...
01:22Microbial Interactions: Parasitism
Parasitism is a form of microbial interaction in which parasitic microbes exploit a host organism for nutrients and shelter, often at the host's expense. Unlike mutualistic relationships, where both organisms benefit, parasitism benefits only the parasite and harms the host.Classification of ParasitesMicrobial parasites are broadly classified based on their location relative to the host.Ectoparasites remain on the host’s surface, such as the skin or outer tissues, drawing nutrients...