Curcumin as Natural Bioactive compound of Medicinal Plant Curcuma longa to combat against different Diseases

Abstract

Plants are gifts by nature as they gives alot of benefits to human race. Medicinal herb Curcuma longa has a long history of use in medicine due to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, analgesic, antimicrobial and against cancer progression. Turmeric contain two classes of secondary metabolites, Curcuminoids (curcumin, demethoxycurcumin and bisdemethoxycurcumin) and turmeric essential oils (TEO). Curcumin is an active constituent of it and is highly pleriopiotic molecule. It works as antimicrobial agent against different strains of fungus, bacteria and viruses by targeting their membrane efficiency and can active against various types of cancers by targeting molecular markers. This compound also shows drastic effects against various diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, neurodegenerative diseases and can also prevent selenium and ionizing radiations induced cataractogenesis. Bioavailability, stability and solubility power of curcumin is increasing as research expands by modifying it by functional groups or in combinational therapeutics. These effects are mediated through its regulation of various transcription factors, modulates mitochondrial functions, growth factors, inflammatory cytokines, protein kinases and other enzymes. Spoilage of food is also minimized by design of a papain that is immobilized in food packaging with curcumin is crosslinked and act as antimicrobial. Curcumin as natural medicinal compound is a novel targeted agent of modern era as it shows beneficial effects in different health perspectives without giving comparatively any side effects. Research reveals that it also has capability to target stem cells, restores immune system and activate self-renewal pathways. This component is easily available, safe and target different diseases at molecular level to eradicate it.