Neuroprotection by curcumin: A review on brain delivery strategies

Neurodegenerative diseases are a major global public health concern in the elderly population but therapeutic options are limited. Curcumin is a hydrophobic polyphenol extracted from the dried rhizomes of Curcuma longa L. and shows good potential for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases and brain tumors. The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is the major obstacle for the delivery of curcumin into the brain, limiting its therapeutic potential. The development of promising approaches to facilitate curcumin transportation across the BBB may resolve some of the problems associated with drug delivery. Studies have shown nano delivery of curcumin can improve a number of outcome measures in neurodegenerative diseases. The present review highlights current and emerging strategies to facilitate curcumin permeation across the BBB for the treatment of various neurodegenerative diseases.