Curcumin as a Multi-Target Bioactive Molecule: Mechanistic Insights and Translational Perspectives

Curcumin, a natural polyphenolic compound derived from the curcuma genus, has attracted considerable attention due to its simple chemical structure, favorable safety profile, and broad-spectrum pharmacological activities. This review provides a comprehensive summary of recent advances in curcumin research, with a specific focus on its therapeutic potential in cancer, inflammation, depression, and metabolic disorders, including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, hypertension, and osteoporosis. It highlights curcumin's modulation of critical signaling pathways, such as PI3K/Akt, NF-κB, JAK/STAT, MAPK/ERK, mTOR, and Wnt/β-catenin, which regulate essential cellular processes, including proliferation, apoptosis, metabolism, and immune response. In various models of solid tumors and hematologic malignancies, curcumin has exhibited potent anti-cancer effects and shows promise in combination with chemotherapy to overcome drug resistance. Moreover, the mechanisms underlying curcumin's effects on inflammation-related diseases and chronic conditions are becoming increasingly well-understood. To address its limitations, such as poor water solubility, rapid metabolism, and low bioavailability, several advanced drug delivery systems-such as nanocarriers, microspheres, and solid dispersions-have been developed to enhance its in vivo stability and targeting efficiency. Beyond its pharmacological applications, curcumin is also employed as a functional additive in food science, particularly in active packaging and food safety testing. In conclusion, curcumin not only serves as a valuable pharmacological probe but also functions as a natural molecular template bridging basic research, formulation innovation, and multidisciplinary translational applications. Future research should focus on optimizing its chemical structure, advancing biosynthesis engineering, and conducting rigorous clinical trials to facilitate its widespread adoption in precision medicine and health interventions.