Research progress of curcumin and its derivatives as anti-inflammatory agents: From molecular mechanism to clinical
Nan Wu1, Yue Zhang1, Chengyu Cui1
1Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines of the Changbai Mountain, Ministry of Education, Yanbian University College of Pharmacy, Yanji, 133002, PR China.
Abstract:
Curcumin, a diarylheptane compound, which has multidimensional pharmacological activities such as anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-tumor, and neuroprotective effects. However, its poor water solubility, low bioavailability, and metabolic instability seriously hinder its clinical application. This article provides a systematic review of the research progress of CUR: elaborating on the chemical structural characteristics of CUR and its structure-activity relationship with activity. Based on chemical structural characteristics, the molecular mechanism of its anti-inflammatory pharmacological effects is analyzed by targeting multiple signaling pathways, revealing its "multi-target, multi pathway" mode of action. Focusing on the bottleneck of bioavailability, this article summarizes the innovative design of structural modification strategies and novel delivery systems, demonstrating their potential to break through pharmacokinetic limitations by enhancing solubility, avoiding first pass effects, and achieving targeted delivery. Further combining clinical applications, summarize the current status of CUR in the treatment of inflammation related diseases. This review explores possible ways to promote the transformation of CUR from a "dietary supplement" to a "precision medicine" based on future development prospects, providing theoretical support for the in-depth development of natural products.
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