Curcumin Extract Research Articles

Curcumin-assisted Preparation of α-Fe2O3@TiO2 Nanocomposites for Antibacterial and Photocatalytic Activity.

Harmful microorganisms like pathogens significantly impact human health. Meanwhile, industrial growth causes pollution and water contamination by releasing untreated hazardous waste. Effective treatment of these microorganisms and contaminants is essential, and nanocomposites may be a promising solution. The present attempt demonstrates the green synthesis of α-Fe2O3@TiO2 nanocomposites (FTNCs) for the effective treatment of pathogens and organic contaminants. The α-Fe2O3@TiO2 nanocomposites (FTNCs) has been synthesized through a green approach utilizing curcumin extract. Curcumin (Turmeric) extract (TEx) was prepared by washing, drying, and crushing 5 g of turmeric, then boiling it in 100 mL distilled water at 70°C for 1 hour. Metal salts (Fe3+/Ti4+, 2:1) were added to 100 mL of TEx under continuous stirring at 70°C for 24 h. The solution was rinsed and dried at 80°C overnight and heated at 300°C for 3 h to remove impurities. Synthesized FTNCs have been tested for the potent antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Enterococcus faecalis) and Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli, Salmonella Abony, Pseudomonas sp.). Observations discovered noteworthy inhibition of both Gram-positive and Gramnegative bacteria by FTNCs. Furthermore, the FTNCs system shows the energy band gap of ~2.6 eV which may suppress electron recombination, thereby enhancing photocatalysis and examined against Evans blue (EB) and Congo red (CR) dyes under UV and visible light (125 W) irradiation. The remarkable photocatalytic degradation efficiency (DE) for CR reached ~67.4% in 60 min. A simple green approach has been demonstrated for the synthesis of the FTNCs using curcumin-mediated reduction. As prepared FTNCs have been evaluated for potent antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Enterococcus faecalis) and Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli, Salmonella Abony, Pseudomonas sp.). The results show that the highest ZID values have been obtained for 5 mg/mL concertation of FTNCs of ~14, 22,18, 21, and 20 and 29 mm for E. coli, S. abony, S. aureus, B. subtilis, E. faecalis, and Pseudomonas sp., respectively. Additionally, FTNCs demonstrate remarkable photocatalytic degradation efficiency against EB and CR dyes under UV (125 W) irradiation, achieving 56, 67% degradation within 60 minutes for EB and CR. The findings suggest that the FTNCs hold promise for long-term antimicrobial efficacy against various bacteria and offer the potential for addressing water and wastewater contaminants through photocatalysis.

Combination of Green Tea, Green Coffee, and Turmeric Extract Improve the THOC5 and AIF1, but not ACTA2 and CNN1 Gene Expression in the Aortic Tissue of Metabolic Syndrome Model

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a group of risk factors in the form of central obesity, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and hypertension, increasing oxidative stress. This pathological event leads to the development of cardiovascular disease, for instance, atherosclerosis. Besides modifiable risk factors, non-modifiable risk factors such as genetic factors also play a role in the formation of atherosclerosis in MetS conditions such as THOC5, AIF1, CNN1, and ACTA2. Recently, natural compound derivatives, such as epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), chlorogenic acid (CGA), and turmeric, have shown beneficial effects in MetS improvement. This study aimed to investigate the effect of green tea, green coffee, and turmeric extract on the expression of THOC5, AIF1, CNN1, and ACTA2 genes that contributed to atherosclerotic vasculopathy development in the MetS rat model. Twenty-five MetS rat models were grouped into 4 groups (n = 5): Standard control (SC), MetS (MetS), a combination of green tea, green coffee, and turmeric extract with treatment doses: 300/100/150 mg/BW(C1) and 400/200/250 mg/BW(C2) group. The THOC5, AIF1, CNN1, and ACTA2 expression were measured at the end of treatment periods. This study found that administering green tea, green coffee, and turmeric extract can lower the expression of THOC5, AIF1, CNN1, and ACTA2. The correlation test showed that there is a strong correlation between THOC5 and AIF1 gene expression, with positive value. In summary, the combined effects of green tea, green coffee, and curcumin extract show significant promise as a potential anti-atherosclerosis treatment by improve the THOC5 and AIF1, but not ACTA2 and CNN1 gene expression in the aortic tissue of metabolic syndrome model. HIGHLIGHTS Metabolic syndrome is a group of risk factors consist of central obesity, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and hypertension. Individuals with MetS have an increased risk of developing atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Besides modifiable risk factors, non-modifiable risk factors such as genetic factors also play a role in the formation of atherosclerosis in MetS conditions such as THOC5, AIF1, CNN1, and ACTA2. This study aimed to investigate the effect of green tea, green coffee, and turmeric extract on the expression of THOC5, AIF1, CNN1, and ACTA2 genes that contributed to atherosclerotic vasculopathy development in the MetS rat model. Administering green tea, green coffee, and turmeric extract can lower the expression of THOC5, AIF1, CNN1, and ACTA2. The correlation test showed that there is a strong correlation between THOC5 and AIF1 gene expression, with positive value. In summary, the combined effects of green tea, green coffee, and curcumin extract show significant promise as a potential anti-atherosclerosis treatment by improve the THOC5 and AIF1, but not ACTA2 and CNN1 gene expression in the aortic tissue of metabolic syndrome model. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Promising Phytogenic Feed Additives Used as Anti-Mycotoxin Solutions in Animal Nutrition.

Mycotoxins are a major threat to animal and human health, as well as to the global feed supply chain. Among them, aflatoxins, fumonisins, zearalenone, T-2 toxins, deoxynivalenol, and Alternaria toxins are the most common mycotoxins found in animal feed, with genotoxic, cytotoxic, carcinogenic, and mutagenic effects that concern the animal industry. The chronic negative effects of mycotoxins on animal health and production and the negative economic impact on the livestock industry make it crucial to develop and implement solutions to mitigate mycotoxins. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge of the mycotoxicosis effect in livestock animals as a result of their contaminated diet. In addition, we discuss the potential of five promising phytogenics (curcumin, silymarin, grape pomace, olive pomace, and orange peel extracts) with demonstrated positive effects on animal performance and health, to present them as potential anti-mycotoxin solutions. We describe the composition and the main promising characteristics of these bioactive compounds that can exert beneficial effects on animal health and performance, and how these phytogenic feed additives can help to alleviate mycotoxins' deleterious effects.

Effect of curcumin on the embryotoxic effect of ethanol in a zebrafish model

Curcumin, a natural polyphenol found in the turmeric plant, has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It has been widely studied for its potential protective effect against various health conditions, including ethanol-induced malformation.Ethanol exposure during pregnancy can lead to various developmental abnormalities, known as fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) and fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). Due to the high prevalence of FASD and FAS and no effective treatment, it is essential to develop preventive strategies. Recent studies have investigated the potential protective effect of curcumin against ethanol-induced malformation in animal models.This study aimed to examine whether curcumin can reduce the toxic effects of ethanol in zebrafish embryos. The present study showed that pure curcumin applied together with 1.5 % ethanol (v/v) did not lead to a protective effect on ethanol-induced malformations such as disturbances of body length and width or pericardia oedema in growing zebrafish embryos. Moreover, curcumin extract showed a pro-oxidant effect in the Fenton reaction in the presence of ethanol.

Effect of curcumin and cacao extract on interleukin-6 expression on ribociclib-induced hepatotoxicity in rats

Purpose: To assess the relationship between interleukin-6 (IL-6) expression and the protective effect of curcumin and cacao extract on hepatotoxicity caused by ribociclib. Method: Sixty adult male albino rats (9 – 10 weeks old) were utilized in this experiment. The rats were separated into six groups (n = 10 each). Group 1 (control) rats received 2 mL of normal saline daily. Group 2 rats were administered 5 mg/kg ribociclib and group 3 rats received 5 mg/kg ribociclib with a cacao dose of 200 mg/kg daily. Group 4 rats were administered 5 mg/kg ribociclib treated with curcumin (200 mg/kg) daily. Groups 5 and 6 were administered cacao and curcumin doses of 200 mg/kg daily. All rats were sacrificed and liver immunohistochemical and histological examinations were performed. Result: The findings demonstrated that ribociclib administration caused liver damage and morphological changes at a histological level in liver tissue. The immunohistochemical investigation revealed that IL-6 levels were significantly increased in group 2 and control group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, co-administration of curcumin and cacao with ribociclib suppressed the levels of IL-6 expression in the liver tissue of rats compared to control group 1. Conclusion: Co-administration of curcumin and cacao protects the liver against ribociclib-induced liver damage. It is necessary to determine the effect of long-term administration of these extracts on the functions of some organs such as the liver and kidney.

Investigating the impact of curcumin extract incorporation on PVA/Collagen/Chitosan/HAp nanofiber scaffold: morphological, mechanical, wettability, degradation rate, and antibacterial activity

This study investigates the impact of curcumin extract incorporation on the properties of PVA/Collagen/Chitosan/HAp nanofiber scaffolds for bone tissue engineering applications. Nanofibers were fabricated via electrospinning using PVA, collagen, chitosan, hydroxyapatite (HAp), and curcumin. Their morphology, mechanical properties, wettability, degradation rate, and antibacterial activity were comprehensively evaluated. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy confirmed the successful incorporation of all components into the nanofibers and the potential for interactions between their functional groups. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) revealed bead-free, fine nano-fibers with a decrease in diameter ranging from 139 nm to 108 nm. Simultaneously, enhanced mechanical properties were observed, with ultimate strength increasing from 2.8 MPa to 8.8 MPa as the diameter decreased. Notably, 15% curcumin extract maintained favorable hydrophilicity and degradation rates, crucial factors for tissue regeneration. Antibacterial activity was also enhanced, with an inhibition zone of 6.71 mm against E.coli observed at 15% curcumin treatment. Staphylococcus aureus exhibited the largest zone of inhibition (8.74 mm) at 15% curcumin concentration. This research demonstrates the feasibility of incorporating curcumin into nanofiber scaffolds for bone tissue engineering applications.

Curcumin extract improves beta cell functions in obese patients with type 2 diabetes: a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundType 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic condition characterized by insulin resistance and impaired insulin production, leading to elevated blood glucose levels. Curcumin, a polyphenolic compound from Curcuma longa, has shown potential in improving insulin sensitivity and reducing blood glucose levels, which may help mitigate type 2 diabetes progression.ObjectiveTo assess the efficacy of improving type 2 diabetes (T2DM).Study designThis randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial included subjects (n = 272) with criteria for type 2 diabetes.MethodsAll subjects were randomly assigned to receive curcumin (1500 mg/day) or placebo with blind labels for 12 months. To assess the improvement of T2DM after curcumin treatments body weight and body mass index, fasting plasma glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin A1c, β-cell function (homeostasis model assessment [HOMA-β]), insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), insulin, adiponectin, and leptin were monitored at the baseline and at 3-, 6-, 9-, and 12-month visits during the course of intervention.ResultsAfter 12 months of treatment, the curcumin-treated group showed a significant decrease in fasting blood glucose (115.49 vs.130.71; P < 0.05), HbA1c (6.12 vs. 6.47; P < 0.05). In addition, the curcumin-treated group showed a better overall function of β-cells, with higher HOMA-β (136.20 vs. 105.19; P < 0.01) The curcumin-treated group showed a lower level of HOMA-IR (4.86 vs. 6.04; P < 0.001) and higher adiponectin (14.51 vs. 10.36; P < 0.001) when compared to the placebo group. The curcumin-treated group also showed a lower level of leptin (9.42 vs. 20.66; P < 0.001). Additionally, body mass index was lowered (25.9 4 vs.29.34), with a P value of 0.001.ConclusionsA 12-month curcumin intervention in type 2 diabetes patients shows a significant glucose-lowering effect. Curcumin treatment appeared to improve the overall function of β-cells and reduce both insulin resistance and body weight, with very minor adverse effects. Curcumin intervention in obese patients with type 2 diabetes may be beneficial.Trial registrationThai clinical trials regentrify no.20140303003.

Therapeutic potential of targeting AKR1C2 in the treatment of prostate cancer.

Prostate cancer development and progression are driven by androgens, and changes in androgen metabolic pathways can lead to prostate cancer progression or remission. AKR1C2 is a member of the aldo-keto reductase superfamily and plays an important role in the metabolism of steroids and prostaglandins.Alterations in the expression and activity of AKR1C2 affect the homeostasis of active androgens, which in turn affects the progression of prostate cancer. AKR1C2 reduces the highly active dihydrotestosterone to the less active 3α-diol in the prostate, resulting in lower androgen levels. Whereas the expression of AKR1C2 is significantly reduced in prostate cancer tissues relative to normal prostate tissues, this results in a weakening of the dihydrotestosterone metabolic inactivation pathway, leading to the retention of dihydrotestosterone in the prostate cancer cells, which promotes the progress of prostate cancer. Given the critical role of AKR1C2 in prostate cancer cells, targeting AKR1C2 for the treatment of prostate cancer may be an effective strategy. It has been demonstrated that curcumin and neem leaf extract effectively inhibit prostate cancer in vitro and in vivo by modulating AKR1C2.

EFFECT OF SELECTED NATURAL EXTRACTS ON ANTIOXIDANT PROPERTIES AND SENSORY QUALITY OF VARIOUS CEREAL PRODUCTS

The aim of this study was to observe antioxidant properties as well as possible changes in sensory quality of selected bakery products after their enrichment with chosen natural extracts. Four types of natural extracts in mixture with wheat flour were used in various amounts for preparation of selected bakery products (wheat bread, sweet biscuits, salty crackers, and muffins). Specifically: turmeric (Curcuma longa, L.) rhizome extract (curcumin), quercetin dihydrate extracted from the pods of Sophora japonica, L., and extracts from medicinal fungus Shiitake (Lentinula edodes) and Maitake (Grifola frondosa) were used as additions. Antioxidant properties in total antioxidant activity (TAA; using DPPH radical scavenging assay), total polyphenols content and total phenolic acids content were examined, as well as the effect of selected natural extracts on the sensory properties of bakery products (intensity of certain characteristics and overall preference). The results of antioxidant properties varied according to the used extract and its amount. Compared with control products, the TAA was significantly higher in all enriched products. While the total polyphenol content was the highest in the bread and biscuits with quercetin (20.623 mg and 18.117 mg GAE.g-1, respectively), the total phenolic acids content was the highest in those with curcumin (8.846 mg and 3.286 mg CAE.g-1, respectively). The intensity of other smell and taste of enriched bakery products influenced considerably overall acceptance, e.g. the products with quercetin associated with bitter taste were evaluated as unfavourable. On the other hand, the breads and crackers with Shiitake extract with indistinct antioxidant properties were evaluated the best, followed with curcumin and Maitake extract. Considering our overall results, we can recommend chosen non-bakery raw materials for a production of new, innovative designed cereal-based products.

The beneficial impact of curcumin on cardiac lipotoxicity.

Lipotoxicity is defined as a prolonged metabolic imbalance of lipids that results in ectopic fat distribution in peripheral organs such as the liver, heart, and kidney. The harmful consequences of excessive lipid accumulation in cardiomyocytes cause cardiac lipotoxicity, which alters the structure and function of the heart. Obesity and diabetes are linked to lipotoxic cardiomyopathy. These anomalies might be caused by a harmful metabolic shift that accumulates toxic lipids and shifts glucose oxidation to less fatty acid oxidation. Research has linked fatty acids, fatty acyl coenzyme A, diacylglycerol, and ceramide to lipotoxic stress in cells. This stress can be brought on by apoptosis, impaired insulin signaling, endoplasmic reticulum stress, protein kinase C activation, p38 Ras-mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activation, or modification of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) family members. Curcuma longa is used to extract curcumin, a hydrophobic polyphenol derivative with a variety of pharmacological characteristics. Throughout the years, curcumin has been utilized as an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, hepatoprotective, cardioprotective, anti-diabetic, and anti-obesity drug. Curcumin reduces cardiac lipotoxicity by inhibiting apoptosis and decreasing the expression of apoptosis-related proteins, reducing the expression of inflammatory cytokines, activating the autophagy signaling pathway, and inhibiting the expression of endoplasmic reticulum stress marker proteins.

Incorporation of Nanostructural Hydroxyapatite and Curcumin Extract from Curcuma longa L. Rhizome into Polylactide to Obtain Green Composite.

This study showed that a polylactide (PLA)-based composite filled with nanostructured hydroxyapatite (HAp) and a natural extract from the rhizome of Curcuma longa L. could provide an alternative to commonly used fossil-based plasticsfor food packaging. The incorporation of HAp into the PLA matrix had a positive effect on improving selected properties of the composites; the beneficial effect could be enhanced by introducing a green modifier in the form of an extract. Prior to the fabrication of the composite, the filler was characterized in terms of morphology and composition, and the composite was then fully characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), Raman and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and the mechanical, thermal, thermomechanical, and optical properties were investigated. The proposed material exhibits antioxidant properties against DPPH radicals and antibacterial performance against Escherichia coli (E. coli). The results showed that the nanocomposite has the highest antioxidant and antibacterial properties for 10 wt% HAp with an average diameter of rod-shaped structures below 100 nm. In addition, the introduction of turmeric extract had a positive effect on the tensile strength of the nanocomposites containing 1 and 5% HAp. As the resulting material adsorbs light in a specific wavelength range, it can be used in the medical sector, food-packaging, or coatings.

Evaluation of antimicrobial photodynamic activity of CuminUP60®- A commercially-available high-soluble curcumin

Curcumin, a polyphenol extracted from Curcuma longa L. with a variety of biological and pharmacological activities, has been identified as a promising photosensitizer for food sterilization. However, its low aqueous solubility and bioavailability greatly restrict the practical application of curcumin. In the last decades, a number of approaches have been proposed to address this challenge, with several having already attained notable commercial viability. CuminUP60®, a patented curcumin complex consisting of curcumin extract and Poloxam407, has gathered attention in commercial realms for its enhanced solubility, bioavailability and therapeutic potential. However, the antimicrobial photodynamic activity of this novel curcumin complex has not been investigated. In the current study, we found that CuminUP60® showed a maximum absorption intensity at 434 nm with capability to produce Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) upon blue light excitation. Furthermore, CuminUP60® showed desirable bactericidal activity against a range of typical foodborne bacteria including Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Shewanella putrefaciens, Pseudomonas fluorescens (MIC = 83.33 μM) and Escherichia coli (MIC = 166.66 μM) upon blue light (5.3 mW/cm2) illumination for 30 min. Taken together, the results demonstrated that CuminUP60® possess desirable antibacterial photodynamic activity, which could provide crucial support for the development of industrially applicable photodynamic sterilization systems within the food industry.

Anti-tumoral Immunity and Chemo-preventive Effectiveness of Herbal Extracts of Curcumin, Ginger, Clove and Amygdaline in Ehrlich Ascites Carcinoma-Challenging Mice.

Due to its systemic toxicity, traditional chemotherapy of tumors is being taken into consideration. Herbal therapy, containing phytochemical polyphenol derivatives such as Curcumin (Cur), Ginger (Gin), Cloves (Clov) and Amygdaline (Amyg), is one of the numerous complementary and alternative approaches as an anti-cancer therapy and holds great promise for cancer chemo-prevention with fewer side effects. The current study was designated to assess anti-tumoral immunity and anti-cancer and chemo-preventive effectiveness of herbal extracts of Cur, Ginger, Clov and Amyg in Ehrlich Ascites Carcinoma (EAC)-challenging mice. Chemo-preventive efficacy of herbal extracts of Cur, Gin, Clov and Amyg were analyzed in vivo by examination of the apoptosis rate of EAC tumor cells by flow cytometry. The total numbers of EAC cells, splenocytes counts and leucocytes count with their differentials relative % in peripheral blood (PB) of EACchallenging mice were investigated. EAC-challenging mice treated with herbal extracts of Cur, Gin, Clov and Amyg showed a marked decline in EAC tumor cell count and a noticeable increase in apoptosis rate of EAC tumor cells, a remarkable decrease in serum level of cancer antigen 125 (CA-125) with an obvious increase in the number of splenocytes comparing to that in EAC-challenging mice treated with PBS alone. Moreover, the data indicated an insignificant change in the total leucocytes count and their differentials relative % of eosinophil, neutrophils, monocytes and lymphocytes in EAC-challenging mice treated with Cur and Amyg, but these parameters were markedly increased in EAC-challenging mice injected with Gin and Clov compared to that in EAC-challenging mice treated with PBS alone. To conclude, the herbal extracts of Cur, Gin, Clov and Amyg may have anti-tumoral immunity and anti-cancer potency and potential to reduce the resistance to cancer conventional chemotherapy and exert cancer chemo-protective approaches with low adverse effects. Further research is necessary to determine the regimen's toxicity on various tissues and organs and to connect the diagnostic and therapeutic approaches used in the regimen's biomedical use.

Fabrication, Evaluation and In-vitro, In-vivo Efficacy of Electrospun Nanofiber Mats of Tinospora cordifolia Extract and Curcumin

The current research work highlights the fabrication and evaluation of nanofiber mats prepared using electrospinning technology containing Tinospora cordifolia extract and curcumin incorporated in chitosan polymer. The study of the prepared mats was carried out to optimize the formulations, to check in-vitro antibacterial activity, and to establish the effectiveness in diabetic wound healing by conducting an animal study. The nanofiber mats of curcumin and leaf extract of T. cordifolia using chitosan as a base polymer were prepared, optimized, and evaluated for antibacterial activity in-vitro, while their ability to enhance the wound healing process was checked using an animal model. The research parameters included the rate at which the wound contracted besides the time taken for epithelialization by using the wound healing model- excision technique. The results we found are encouraging for further studies. The nanofibers showed good antibacterial potential and faster healing of wounds. The research finished by developing an improved new formulation that effectively combats bacterial resistance, a common problem in the diabetic wound healing process. The mixture will not only fight resistant bacteria, but it will also help diabetic wounds heal faster because the T. cordifolia leaf extract is known to improve blood vessel growth and tissue remodeling.

Formulation and Evaluation of Electrospun Nanofiber Mats of Curcumin and Leaf Extract of Tinospora cordifolia: Designed for Accelerating Diabetic Wound Healing

Traditional herbs like Tinospora cordifolia and curcumin have many therapeutic benefits. However, curcumin’s limited bioavailability is a problem. Electrospun nanofibers are an answer because they increase the effective surface area greatly, and make drug delivery better in almost all aspects. The combination in the form of nanofibers can be greatly useful in the treatment of diabetic wound healing, where curcumin, the known antibacterial and anti-inflammatory element, plays an important role. It is observed that when combined with extract of leaves of T. cordifolia, which has known antidiabetic and wound healing actions, blended in the chitosan polymer, which is itself a weak antibacterial compound hence can be one of the solutions to the menace of bacterial resistance which is very common in diabetic wound healing. This research aims to create and test electrospun nanofiber mats of curcumin and T. cordifolia leaves extract blended in chitosan as a base polymer in the treatment of diabetic wound healing. Leaves of the plant T. cordifolia, which were collected from the institute’s botanical garden, were subjected to drying and then prone to solvent extraction using methanol and acetone, resulting in the production of bioactive extracts. The curcumin was obtained as a gift sample from Sanjay Chemicals, Mumbai. Nanofibers were electrospun from chitosan, T. cordifolia leaf extract and curcumin. Characterization included scanning electron microscope (SEM), water contact angle measurement, TGA/DSC analysis, drug release studies, fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) analysis, swelling tests and in-vitro release profiling. The nanofiber mats of curcumin and leaves extract of T. cordifolia using chitosan as a base polymer were prepared and evaluated at various parameters. The results we found are very promising. The nanofibers formed by using electrospinning techniques show good content uniformity as well as good diameter which was checked using SEM. The study confirmed no component interactions using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The good hydrophilicity of mats was found to ensure good retention time. The study concluded with the formation of a novel formulation that can fight the menace of bacterial resistance, which is very common in the diabetic wound healing process. The formulation will ensure not only countering bacterial resistance but also the faster healing of diabetic wounds, as T. cordifolia leaves extract is known to improve angiogenesis and tissue remodeling.

Donkey Gelatin and Keratin Nanofibers Loaded with Antioxidant Agents for Wound Healing Dressings.

Acute and chronic wounds present a significant healthcare challenge, requiring innovative solutions for effective treatment. The exploitation of natural by-products with advanced cell regeneration potential and plant-based materials, which possess bioactive properties, is an innovative topic in wound management. This study investigates the potential of donkey gelatin and keratin for blending with natural bioactive extracts such as sumac, curcumin, and oak acorn to fabricate antioxidant and antimicrobial nanofibers with accelerated wound healing processes. The fabricated nanofibers possess good in vitro biocompatibility, except for the sumac-based donkey nanofibers, where cell viability significantly dropped to 56.25% (p < 0.05 compared to non-treated cells). The nanofiber dimensions showed structural similarities to human extracellular matrix components, providing an ideal microenvironment for tissue regeneration. The donkey nanofiber-based sumac and curcumin extracts presented a higher dissolution in the first 10 min (74% and 72%). Curcumin extract showed similar antimicrobial and antifungal performances to rivanol, while acorn and sumac extracts demonstrated similar values to each other. In vitro tests performed on murine fibroblast cells demonstrated high migration rates of 89% and 85% after 24 h in the case of acorn and curcumin nanofibers, respectively, underscoring the potential of these nanofibers as versatile platforms for advanced wound care applications.

Accelerating healing of infected wounds with G. glabra extract and curcumin Co-loaded electrospun nanofibrous dressing.

This study aimed to construct a nanofibrous wound dressing composed of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and chitosan (CS) containing curcumin and Glycyrrhiza glabra root extract to inhibit infection and accelerate wound healing. Loading 10wt% of G. glabra extract-curcumin (50:50) by electrospinng technique resulted in the formation of nanofibers (NFs) with diameter distribution 303 ± 38 and had a uniform and defect-free morphology. FTIR analysis confirmed the loading of the components without adverse interactions. Also, the results showed extremely high porosity, extraordinary liquid absorption capacity, and complete wettability. In addition, G. glabra extract-curcumin showed significant antioxidant activity and their release profile from NFs was continuous and sustained. Also, the prepared NF could inhibit the growth of both Gram-positive Saureus and Gram-negative E. coli strains. Wound healing evaluation in the infected animal model showed that the NFs caused full wound closure and accelerated skin regeneration. The studies on inhibiting the bacteria growth at the wound site also revealed complete inhibitory effects. Moreover, histopathology studies confirmed the complete regeneration of skin layers, formation of collagen fibers, and angiogenesis. Finally, PVA/CS NFs containing G. glabra extract-curcumin as a multifunctional bioactive wound dressing presented a promising approach for promoting the healing of infected wounds.

Effects of a Functional Food Made with Salvia hispanica L. (Chia Seed), Amaranthus hypochondriacus L. (Amaranth), and an Ethanolic Extract of Curcuma longa L. (Curcumin) in a Rat Model of Childhood Obesity.

Obesity is a global health problem and is increasing in prevalence in most countries. Although obesity affects all age groups, children are the most vulnerable sector. Functional foods are novel formulated foods containing substances (i.e., nutrients, phytochemicals, probiotics, etc.) that have potential health-enhancing or disease-preventing value. The research objective was to study the possible beneficial effects of providing a functional food made with amaranth flour, chia seed, and curcumin extract on the metabolism and behavior of a rat model of childhood obesity. Male Wistar rat pups from two litters of different sizes, a normal litter (NL) (10 pups) and a small litter (SL) (4 pups), were used. After weaning, the rats were fed a hypercaloric diet (HD) or an HD supplemented with the functional food mixture. Body weight and energy intake were measured for seven weeks, and locomotor activity, learning, and memory tests were also performed. At the end of the experiment, glucose and lipid metabolism parameters were determined. The results showed that in this model of obesity produced by early overfeeding and the consumption of a hypercaloric diet, anxiety-like behaviors and metabolic alterations occurred in the rat offspring; however, the provision of the functional food failed to reduce or prevent these alterations, and an exacerbation was even observed in some metabolic indicators. Interestingly, in the NL rats, the provision of the functional food produced some of the expected improvements in health, such as significant decreases in body weight gain and liver cholesterol and non-significant decreases in adipose tissue and leptin and insulin serum levels.

Polysaccharide-fecal microbiota-based colon-targeted self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system of curcumin for treating polycystic ovarian syndrome.

The gut microbiome is involved in the pathogenesis of many diseases including polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Modulating the gut microbiome can lead to eubiosis and treatment of various metabolic conditions. However, there is no proper study assessing the delivery of microbial technology for the treatment of such conditions. The present study involves the development of guar gum-pectin-based solid self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system (S-SNEDDS) containing curcumin (CCM) and fecal microbiota extract (FME) for the treatment of PCOS. The optimized S-SNEDDS containing FME and CCM was prepared by dissolving CCM (25mg) in an isotropic mixture consisting of Labrafil M 1944 CS, Transcutol P, and Tween-80 and solidified using lactose monohydrate, aerosil-200, guar gum, and pectin (colon-targeted CCM solid self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system [CCM-CT-S-SNEDDS]). Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic evaluation was carried out on letrozole-induced female Wistar rats. The results of pharmacokinetic studies indicated about 13.11 and 23.48-fold increase in AUC of CCM-loaded colon-targeted S-SNEDDS without FME (CCM-CT-S-SNEDDS (WFME)) and CCM-loaded colon-targeted S-SNEDDS with FME [(CCM-CT-S-SNEDDS (FME)) as compared to unprocessed CCM. The pharmacodynamic study indicated excellent recovery/reversal in the rats treated with CCM-CT-S-SNEDDS low and high dose containing FME (group 13 and group 14) in a dose-dependent manner. The developed formulation showcasing its improved bioavailability, targeted action, and therapeutic activity in ameliorating PCOS can be utilized as an adjuvant therapy for developing a dosage form, scale-up, and technology transfer.

Formulation and evaluation of antioxidant and antibacterial activity of a peel-off facial masks moisturizer containing curcumin and Rosa Damascena extract.

Acne is a common skin issue that typically occurs during adolescence. It causes long-lasting redness and swelling in the skin. An alternative approach to treating acne could involve using a cosmetic facial mask containing herbal ingredients such as Curcumin and Rosa Damascena extract for its antibacterial properties. This study aims to create and try out a peel-off mask gel made from Curcumin and R. Damascena extract. This gel is intended to have the ability to kill bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Propionibacterium acnes and remove dead cells from the skin surface. The peel-off mask was made using polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) in 8% and 10% as solidifier. The evaluation of peel-off masks comprises the examination of physiochemical and mechanical aspects. Furthermore, their longevity, effectiveness, and antibacterial properties are also considered. The white color, pleasant smell, and soft texture were the defining features of the peel-off gel mask. The changes in PVA affect the pH level, thickness, and how quickly the peel-off mask dries. The stability test found that the peel-off mask had no significant physical changes when exposed to freezing and thawing. However, there were some differences in color and separation when using the real-time method. A prepared peel-off mask containing 10% PVA and curcumin works best against P. acne. The amount of PVA in the formula affected the physical and chemical qualities, but it did not impact on the antibacterial abilities of the peel-off mask gel. The best formula that gives the best results uses 10% PVA + curcumin. Using the Curcumin and R. Damascena extract in the creation of the peel-off mask gel ensures its efficacy and safety for skin application.