Curcumin for neurological diseases: from molecular mechanisms to translational strategies

As a bioactive natural product, curcumin displays multiple pharmacological properties and has emerged as a promising candidate for the management of neurological disorders. Curcumin confers neuroprotection by targeting key processes such as oxidative imbalance, inflammatory activation, and cell survival regulation. Despite these benefits, its clinical translation remains constrained by low aqueous solubility and rapid metabolism. To overcome these limitations, efforts have focused on molecular modification and the development of novel delivery platforms. Several formulations have improved pharmacokinetic properties and entered clinical evaluation. This review summarizes the molecular mechanisms, structural modifications, and delivery strategies of curcumin, with a focus on its application in neurological diseases. This provides a basis for guiding the continued development and potential clinical application of curcumin.