Nanomicelle Curcumin Research Articles

Evaluation of riboflavin, nanocurcumin, and hydrogen peroxide under light conditions: reduction of mature dental biofilms and enamel mineral loss

BackgroundBiofilms are a potential harbor for many microorganisms. The aim of this study was to test the efficacy of riboflavin (Rib), nano-micelle curcumin (NC), and hydrogen peroxide (HP), alone and in combination with the respective light (light-emitting diode (LED) or 980 nm diode laser) on the reduction of Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus acidophilus dual-species biofilms and their effect on the enamel mineral loss. Materials and methodsThe biofilms were formed on saliva-coated enamel slabs. Then, the biofilms were treated with antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (PDT) based on LED, Rib, and NC photosensitizers and with HP also based on a 980 nm diode laser (n = 8 per group). A crystal violet assay was performed to determine the reduction of the dual-species biofilms. The enamel slabs were analyzed for calcium and phosphorus content by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). ResultsWhile HP-PDT showed a reduction of 37% (p < 0.001), PDT with NC resulted in an even greater reduction of dual-species biofilms (40%, p < 0.001) than HP- and Rib-mediated PDT. In the EDX test, no significant difference was found between the control group and the treatment groups. ConclusionsThe use of natural photosensitizers such as NC in PDT has an effect that may be potentially important in reducing caries-causing bacteria.

Protective Effects of Curcumin and Nanomicelle Curcumin on Chlorpyrifos-induced Oxidative Damage and Inflammation in the Uterus, Ovary and Brain of Rats.

Chlorpyrifos (CPF), which is classified as an Organophosphorus Pesticide (OP), has been identified as a toxic agent for the reproductive system due to its capacity to induce oxidative stress and inflammation. Curcumin (CUR) has been reported as a natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent that could combat toxicity in various tissues. This study aims to examine the protective effects of CUR and its nanoformulation against reproductive impairment induced by CPF. Forty-eight female Wistar albino rats were randomly allocated to six groups (n=8): control (0.5 mL of corn oil, the solvent for CPF), CPF (10 mg/kg), CPF + CUR 100 mg/kg/day, CPF + CUR 300 mg/kg/day, CPF + nano-micelle curcumin (NMC) 2.5 mg/kg/day, and CPF + NMC 5 mg/kg/day. The experimental treatment was performed for 30 days. Then, brain, ovary and uterus tissues were collected for measuring oxidative stress and inflammatory indices. MDA, NO, IL-6, and TNF-α concentrations significantly increased in the brain, ovary and uterus of the CPF group versus the control group (p < 0.001). The levels of GSH and SOD in the uterus, ovaries, and brain exhibited a significant decrease in the CPF group compared to the control group (p < 0.05). However, CUR (300 mg/kg) and NMC (5 mg/kg) significantly decreased MDA, NO, TNF-α, and Il-6 and increased SOD and GSH levels in the uterus, ovaries and brain of the CPF-exposed animals versus the CPF-exposed non-treated animals (p < 0.001). Our findings indicated that CUR and NMC could be effective in alleviating CPFinduced reproductive toxicity.

The Effect of Aerobic Training and Nanomicelle Curcumin Supplementation on MDA and BAX And BCL2 Activity Levels on Cardiotoxicity of Mice Infected with Breast Cancer in the Phase of Mani with Doxorubicin

Background: Doxorubicin is a universal drug in the treatment of all types of cancers, which is limited due to its many side effects. Therefore, the present study has investigated the effect of aerobic exercise and the use of curcumin nano micelles on the activity levels of BAX, BCL2, and MDA concentration in doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity in mice with breast cancer.&#x0D; Methods: In this research, which was of a fundamental type and controlled experimentally, 24BalbC female rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: doxorubicin, doxorubicin patient and exercise, doxorubicin patient and nano curcumin supplement and doxorubicin patient, exercise and supplement. Breast cancer induction was done with MC4-L2 cells. Doxorubicin 2mg/kg was injected subcutaneously 6 times on day 28, 21, 14, 7, 1 and 35. The aerobic program consisted of 5 sessions per week for 42 days with an increase in the speed of the treadmill every two weeks including 14, 16, and 18 meters per minute and the use of nano curcumin at a dose of 100mg/k. The collected data were analyzed with a two-way analysis of variance with a significance level of 0.05 in the tests.&#x0D; Results: 6 weeks of aerobic training had no effect on BCL2 activity and MDA concentration, but it significantly decreased BAX activity. Taking nano curcumin supplement for 6 weeks decreased BAX activity and MDA concentration and significantly increased BCL2 activity. Conclusion 6 A week of aerobic training along with nano curcumin supplementation did not affect BAX activity and MDA concentration, but it caused an increase in BCL2 activity (p value &lt; 0.05).&#x0D; Conclusion: Aerobic exercise and the use of curcumin nano micelle supplement separately or at the same time can be effective in reducing the cardiac toxicity of doxorubicin in patients with breast cancer.

Nanomicelle curcumin-induced testicular toxicity: Implications for altered mitochondrial biogenesis and mitophagy following redox imbalance

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of nano-micelle curcumin (NMC)-induced redox imbalance on mitochondrial biogenesis and mitophagy. For this purpose, 24 mature male Wistar rats were divided into control and NMC-received groups (7.5, 15, and 30 mg/kg) groups. After 48 days, the Nrf1, Nrf2, and SOD (Cu/Zn) expression levels, as well as GSH/GSSG, NADP+ /NADPH relative balances (elements involved in redox homeostasis) were analyzed. Moreover, to explore the effect of NMC on mitochondrial biogenesis, the expression levels of Mfn1, Mfn2, OPA1, Fis1, and Drp1 were investigated. Finally, the expression levels of Parkin/PARK and PINK (genes involved in mitochondrial quality control), as well as LC3-I/II (mitophagy marker), were analyzed. Observations showed that NMC, dose-dependently, altered GSH/GSSG, NADP+ /NADPH relative balances, suppressed SOD expression and diminished its biochemical level, and repressed Nrf1 and Nrf2 expression levels. Moreover, it could change the Mfn1, Mfn2, OPA1, Fis1, and Drp1 expression pattern and stimulate the Parkin/PARK and PINK as well as LC3-I/II expression levels, dose-dependently. In conclusion, chronic and high-dose NMC is able to suppress the redox capacity by down-regulating the Nrf1 and Nrf2 expression. Finally, at high-dose levels, it is able to trigger mitophagy signaling in the testicles.

Effect of Aerobic Training and Use of Nanomicelle Curcumin on Gene Expression of GPX, Cat, SOD and MDA Enzymes in Heart Tissue of Balb C Female Mice with Induced Breast Cancer in Treatment Phase with Doxorubicin

Introduction:Doxorubicin is a universal drug in treatment of all types of cancers, which is limited in its use due to various side effects in body tissues, so the present study investigated effect of aerobic exercise and use of curcumin nanomicelles on gene expression of the enzymes (GlutathionePeroxidase) GPX, (Catalase) Cat (Superoxidedismutase) SOD and (Malondialdehyde) MDA was investigated in the heart tissue of BalbC female rats with induced breast cancer in the treatment phase of doxorubicin.&#x0D; method: This research was practical, it was experimental in terms of control of variables and it was a laboratory in terms of place of implementation. Thirty-six BalbC mice were randomly divided into 6 groups (n=6): healthy, patient, doxorubicin patient, doxorubicin patient and aerobic exercise, doxorubicin patient and nanocurcumin supplement, and doxorubicin patient, aerobic exercise and supplementation. Breast cancer induction was done with MC4-L2 cells. Doxorubicin 2mg/kg was injected subcutaneously 6 times on days 1,7,14,21,28 and 35. Aerobic program consisted of 5 sessions per week for 42 days with an increase in the speed of the treadmill every two weeks, including 14, 16 and 18meters per minute and the use of nanocurcumin at a dose of 100mg/kg.The data collected with SPSS version16 and two-way analysis of variance and for the normality of the frequency distribution with skewness and non-parametric Kolmogorov-Smirnov test were performed with a significance level of P ≤ 0.05.&#x0D; Results: Six weeks of aerobic training had no effect on the expression of GPX, MDA and SOD genes in the target groups, but it significantly increased the expression of Catgene (P ≤ 0.05). The use of nanocurcurmin supplement for 6 weeks decreased the expression of MDA gene and significantly increased the expression of GPX, SOD and Catgenes. Six weeks of aerobic training along with nanocorcurmin supplementation significantly increased Cat gene expression (P≤0.05), but had no effect on GPX, MDA and SOD gene expression.&#x0D; Conclusion: Aerobic exercises and the use of nanocurcurmin supplement separately or at the same time can be effective in reducing the cardiac toxicity of doxorubicin in the patients with breast cancer.

Histopathological Evaluation of Nanocurcumin for Mitigation of Radiation- Induced Small Intestine Injury.

In the current study, we aimed to mitigate radiation-induced small intestinal toxicity using post-irradiation treatment with nano-micelle curcumin. Small intestine is one of the most radiosensitive organs within the body. Wholebody exposure to an acute dose of ionizing radiation may lead to severe injuries to this tissue and may even cause death after some weeks. This study aimed to evaluate histopathological changes in the small intestine following whole-body irradiation and treatment with nanocurcumin. Forty male Nordic Medical Research Institute mice were grouped into control, treatment with 100 mg/kg nano-micelle curcumin, whole-body irradiation with cobalt-60 gamma-rays (dose rate of 60 cGy/min and a single dose of 7 Gy), and treatment with 100 mg/kg nano-micelle curcumin 1 day after whole-body irradiation for 4 weeks. Afterward, all mice were sacrificed for histopathological evaluation of their small intestinal tissues. Irradiation led to severe damage to villi, crypts, glands as well as vessels, leading to bleeding. Administration of nano-micelle curcumin after whole-body irradiation showed a statistically significant improvement in radiation toxicity of the duodenum, jejunum and ileum (including a reduction in infiltration of polymorphonuclear cells, villi length shortening, goblet cells injury, Lieberkühn glands injury and bleeding). Although treatment with nano-micelle curcumin showed increased bleeding in the ileum for non-irradiated mice, its administration after irradiation was able to reduce radiation-induced bleeding in the ileum. Treatment with nano-micelle curcumin may be useful for mitigation of radiationinduced gastrointestinal system toxicity via suppression of inflammatory cells' infiltration and protection against villi and crypt shortening.

Effect of nano-micelle curcumin on hepatic enzymes: A new treatment approach for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is characterized by excessive lipid accumulation in hepatocytes with no consumption of alcohol. Recently, curcumin is a natural polyphenol found in turmeric has been examined for the treatment of NAFLD. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of 160 mg/day nano-micelle curcumin on the amelioration of NAFLD by measuring liver enzymes. Patients with NAFLD were randomly divided into curcumin (intervention group n=33) and placebo (n=33) groups and at the end of the study, the data of 56 participants who completed the 2-month intervention were analyzed. Laboratory tests and questionnaires were used to gather information. Both groups received recommendations for lifestyle modification, and were advised to other necessary advices. Patients in the curcumin group received 160 mg/day of nano-micelle curcumin in two divided doses for 60 days. The 2 groups were followed up for two months and clinical and laboratory indices were compared. Our data showed a significant decrease in alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in the curcumin group (p<0.01) as well as a significant difference between the groups before and after the intervention in curcumin group (p<0.05). Interestingly, a meaningful decrease in AST serum level was observed in the intervention group (p<0.01). Our study demonstrated that short-term supplementation with nano-micelle curcumin results in the reduction of AST and ALT and is beneficial for the treatment of NAFLD.

How can nanomicelle-curcumin modulate aluminum phosphide-induced neurotoxicity?: Role of SIRT1/FOXO3 signaling pathway

Aluminum phosphide (ALP) is among the most significant causes of brain toxicity and death in many countries. Curcumin (CUR), a major turmeric component, is a potent protective agent against many diseases, including brain toxicity. This study aimed to examine the probable protection potential of nanomicelle curcumin (nanomicelle-CUR) and its underlying mechanism in a rat model of ALP-induced brain toxicity. A total of 36 Wistar rats were randomly divided into six groups (n = 6) and exposed to ALP (2 mg/kg/day, orally) + CUR or nanomicelle-CUR (100 mg/kg/day, orally) for 7 days. Then, they were anesthetized, and brain tissue samples were dissected to evaluate histopathological alterations, oxidative stress biomarkers, gene expression of SIRT1, FOXO1a, FOXO3a, CAT and GPX in brain tissue via hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, biochemical and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) methods and Real-Time PCR analysis. CUR and nanomicelle-CUR caused significant improvement in ALP-induced brain damage by reducing the MDA levels and induction of antioxidant capacity (TTG, TAC and SOD levels) and antioxidant enzymes (CAT, GPX), modulation of histopathological changes and up-regulation of gene expression of SIRT1 in brain tissue. It was concluded that nanomicelle-CUR treatment ameliorated the harmful effects of ALP-induced brain toxicity by reducing oxidative stress. Therefore, it could be considered a suitable therapeutic choice for ALP poisoning.

Digestive enzyme activities, intestinal histology, and gut microbiota of Pacific white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei fed with turmeric, curcumin, and nanomicelle curcumin

Digestive enzyme activities, intestinal histology, and gut microbiota of Pacific white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei fed with turmeric, curcumin, and nanomicelle curcumin

Evaluation of curcumin as add-on therapy in patients with Parkinson's disease: A pilot randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled trial

Background and objectivePreclinical studies suggest that curcumin might be a potential neuroprotective agent in Parkinson's disease (PD). This clinical trial aimed to evaluate the efficacy of adding nanomicelle curcumin on improving the motor and non-motor symptoms of PD patients and their quality of life. Material and methodsIdiopathic PD patients aged ≥30 whose symptoms were under control were included in this pilot, randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled, add-on trial. Eligible patients were randomly assigned to either the curcumin (n = 30, 80 mg/day) or placebo (n = 30) groups and were followed for nine months. Primary outcomes were the Movement Disorder Society-sponsored revision of the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS) and Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire (PDQ-39). These variables, along with demographic data, drug history, and possible side effects of curcumin, were gathered at the beginning of the study and every three months. A mixed effects model was used to compare the group-by-time interaction, followed by post hoc analysis. ResultsAlthough the mean MDS-UPDRS and PDQ-39 scores were not significantly different between the curcumin and placebo groups at any time points, MDS-UPDRS part III (P = 0.04) showed a significant difference in its overall trend between the study groups. However, post hoc analysis failed to spot this difference at study time points. The most common side effects of curcumin were nausea and vomiting (P = 0.25) and gastroesophageal reflux (P = 0.42). ConclusionWhile curcumin is a well-tolerated natural compound, this trial was unsuccessful in showing its efficacy in quality of life and clinical symptoms of PD patients.

Evaluation of Antimicrobial Effects of Photo-sonodynamic Antimicrobial Chemotherapy Based on Nano-micelle Curcumin on Virulence Gene Expression Patterns in Acinetobacter baumannii.

Abaumannii baumannii rapidly resistant to a wide range of antimicrobial agents. The combination of Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy (aPDT) and Sonodynamic Antimicrobial Chemotherapy (SACT), known as Photo-Sonodynamic Antimicrobial Chemotherapy (PSACT), has received considerable attention as one of the emerging and promising strategies against microbial infections. This study aimed to investigate the antimicrobial effects of PSACT based on nano-micelle curcumin (N-MCur) on the virulence gene expression patterns in A. baumannii. N-MCur as a photo-sonosensitizer was synthesized and confirmed. To determine sub-significant reduction dose of PSACT, sub-significant reduction dose of N-MCur and blue laser light during aPDT, and ultrasound power output during SACT was assessed. Finally, changes in the expression of genes involved in treated A. baumannii by minimum sub-significant reduction dose of PSACT were determined using quantitative real-time-PCR (qRT-PCR). PSACT using 12.5 mM N-MCur at the ultrasound power outputs of 28.7, 36.9, and 45.2 mW/cm2 with 4 min irradiation time of the blue laser, as well as 6.2 mM N-MCur at an ultrasound power output of 45.2 mW/cm2 plus 3 min blue laser irradiation time exhibited the significant dosedependent reduction against A. baumannii cell viability compared to the control group (P<0.05). After treatment of A. baumannii using 3.1 mM N-MCur + 2 min blue laser irradiation time + 28.7 mW/cm2 ultrasound as the minimum sub-significant reduction doses of PSACT, mRNA expression was significantly upregulated to 6.0-, 11.2-, and 13.7-folds in recA, blsA, and dnaK and downregulated to 8.6-, 10.1-, and 14.5-folds in csuE, espA, and abaI, respectively. N-MCur-mediated PSACT could regulate the expression of genes involved in A. baumannii pathogenesis. Therefore, PSACT can be proposed as a promising application to treat infections caused by A. baumannii.

Development and psychometric evaluation of the Persian version of the Phoneme Recognition Test: A central auditory processing measure.

ObjectivesEpilepsy is the most prevalent chronic neurologic disorder in children. One-third of patients with epilepsy do not respond to antiepileptic drugs. This condition is known as intractable epilepsy. Previous studies have shown the beneficial effects of curcumin in the treatment of epilepsy. There are no randomized controlled clinical trials assessing the use of curcumin in epilepsy. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of nanomicelle curcumin on intractable pediatric epilepsy. Materials & MethodsThis double-blinded randomized crossover clinical trial was performed by a consecutive sampling to select 22 patients with intractable epilepsy divided into two groups. Patients received a daily dose of 4 mg/kg of curcumin or placebo as add-on therapy for 4 weeks. After a 2-week washout period, the treatment was replaced, and the new treatment was given for another 4 weeks. The SPSS software version 16 was used for statistical analysis. The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Iran.ResultsA total of 22 children were enrolled in this study, 11 of which were boys. The mean age of the patients was 4.28±5 years. A female patient taking a placebo was excluded in the first week of the trial due to parental dissatisfaction. The most common type of seizure among our patients was a generalized myoclonic seizure (42.9%). The mean number of seizure attacks among the subjects was 68.76±69.26 pre-intervention and 39.85±39.41at the end of the intervention, which represents a statistically significant difference (P=0.01).ConclusionNanomicelle curcumin reduced the number of seizures significantly. Our results imply that curcumin treatment can help treat patients with intractable pediatric epilepsy.

Effects of nano-curcumin supplementation on oxidative stress, systemic inflammation, adiponectin, and NF-κB in patients with metabolic syndrome: A randomized, double-blind clinical trial

BackgroundOxidative stress and inflammation are known to play a central pathophysiological role in the development and clinical expression of metabolic syndrome (MetS). Curcumin, a yellow polyphenolic compound extracted from turmeric, has been found to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of nano-micelle curcumin on oxidative stress, systemic inflammation, adiponectin, and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) in patients with MetS. MethodsIn this randomized, double-blind, clinical trial, 50 patients with metabolic syndrome were randomly assigned into the nano-micelle curcumin and the placebo groups to receive either 80 mg/day nano-curcumin or placebo for 12 weeks. ResultsThe mean malondialdehyde (MDA) level decreased in the nano-micelle curcumin group compared to the baseline (8.07 ± 3.14 vs. 6.39 ± 2.11; p < 0.05). Also, the mean adiponectin level improved in the nano-micelle curcumin group (2.62 ± 0.13 vs. 2.96 ± 0.15; p < 0.05). Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) increased significantly in both arms of the study. However, there were no significant differences between the two groups for MDA, TAC, and adiponectin after the intervention. There were no significant differences in other parameters, including high sensitive-C reactive protein (hs-CRP) and NF-kB within and between groups. ConclusionA 12-week supplementation with 80 mg/day nano-micelle curcumin could improve MDA, TAC, and adiponectin within nano-micelle curcumin, but it had no significant effects on hs-CRP and NF-κB within and between groups.

Efficacy of nanomicelle curcumin, Nigella sativa oil, and their combination on bone turnover markers and their safety in postmenopausal women with primary osteoporosis and osteopenia: A triple-blind randomized controlled trial.

Literature supports the potential effects of nanomicelle curcumin and Nigella sativa on the amelioration of osteoporosis, a health concern of postmenopausal women. This study aimed to evaluate the impacts of nanomicelle curcumin (CUR), Nigella sativa oil (NS), and their combination on bone turnover biomarkers and assess their safety. This triple‐blind randomized controlled trial was performed on 120 postmenopausal women aged 50–65 with primary osteoporosis or osteopenia. The subjects were randomly allocated to receive microcrystalline cellulose (placebo), 80 mg of CUR, 1000 mg of NS, or their combination (CUR‐NS) for 6 months. All patients were also treated with alendronate (70 mg) and calcium (500 mg), vitamin D (400 IU) supplements. The serum levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), osteocalcin (OC), and osteopontin (OP) were measured at the baseline and after the intervention. For safety assessment, the hepatic enzyme levels of aspartate transaminase and alanine transaminase as well as serum urea and creatinine were evaluated. ALP levels were significantly reduced in the NS (p = .029) and CUR‐NS (p = .015) groups compared with those in the placebo. After adjustment for the covariates, this effect was still significant in the CUR‐NS group (p = .004). The OC levels were decreased in the placebo, CUR, and NS groups, and the OP concentration also was attenuated in all groups through the trial. However, the intergroup differences were not significant for both biomarkers. Evaluating the key renal metabolites and hepatic enzyme levels indicated no toxicity of the administered doses. This study reveals the beneficial effects of CUR‐NS on the improvement of some bone turnover biomarkers. These compounds seem to be safe at the current dosage for supplementation in postmenopausal women.

The effect of curcumin nanomicelles on quality of life, severity of illness, fatigue and sleep quality in Parkinson's patients compared with the control group

Considering the evidences of neuronal protective effects of curcumin in previous in vitro, experimental animal and clinical studies, this double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, and parallel-group trial would explore the possible nanomicelle curcumin (SinaCurcumin®. Nano-Micellar Soft gel)-mediated impact on sleep, fatigue, and quality of life (QoL) in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD).

Effects of nanomicelle curcumin capsules on prevention and treatment of oral mucosits in patients under chemotherapy with or without head and neck radiotherapy: a randomized clinical trial

BackgroundOne of the most prevalent complications of chemotherapy and radiotherapy is oral mucositis (OM) and manifests as erythema and ulceration. Curcumin is one of the components of turmeric and possesses anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative features. Some of studies have proved the effectiveness of Curcumin in OM. This study aimed to investigate the effects of nanomicelle Curcumin on OM related chemotherapy and head and neck radiotherapy.MethodsIn this clinical trial study, 50 patients underwent chemotherapy with or without head and neck radiotherapy were divided into study and control group. The study group was received Curcumin nanomicelle capsules 80 mg twice a day and the control group took placebo two times a day for 7 weeks and the severity and pain of OM was measured.ResultsOral mucositis severity in control group in the first (P = 0.010), fourth (P = 0.022) and seventh (P < 0.001) weeks were significantly more than the study group. Pain grade in study group was lower than control group only in the seventh week. (P = 0.001) Additionally, NRS incremental gradient in control group was more than study group. OM severity in patients who underwent only chemotherapy in the control group were significantly more than the study group in all weeks. In patients who were under chemotherapy and head and neck radiotherapy, OM in control group was significantly more intense than the study group only in the fourth and seventh weeks.ConclusionsNabomicelle Curcumin capsules is effective on prevention and treatment of head and neck radiotherapy and especially chemotherapy induced OM.Trial registrationRegistered 12 February 2019 at Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT). IRCT code: IRCT20100101002950N6. https://en.irct.ir/trial/36665. GUMS ethical code: IR.Gums.Rec.1397.296.

The effect of nanomicelle curcumin supplementation and Nigella sativa oil on the expression level of miRNA-21, miRNA-422a, and miRNA-503 gene in postmenopausal women with low bone mass density: A randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial with factorial design.

This study aimed to investigate the effect of nanomicelle curcumin (CUR), Nigella sativa oil (NS), and CUR and NS on the plasma levels of miR-21, miR-422a, and miR-503 expression in postmenopausal women with low bone mass density (BMD). This randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial with a factorial design was conducted on 120 postmenopausal women from the integrated healthcare system, Tabriz-Iran. The BMD was determined using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). Women were randomly divided into four groups of 30 participants: (a) CUR (80 mg) and placebo of NS, (b) NS (1,000 mg) and placebo of CUR, (c) CUR (80 mg) and NS (1,000 mg), and (d) both placebos (containing microcrystalline cellulose). The plasma level of miRNA-21, miRNA-422a, and miRNA-503 was determined by qRT-PCR. The expression level of miRNAs at the baseline was similar. At the end of the intervention, only the expression level of miRNA-21 changed statistically significantly between the four groups (p=.037) and between the NS and placebo groups (p=.005). Also, its expression in the two groups receiving NS (p=.037) and NS-CUR (p=.043) was significantly increased. NS and NS-CUR supplementation can increase the expression level of miRNA-21 in postmenopausal women with low bone density, and bring perspective to further studies of the target.

Dietary supplementation with curcumin nanomicelles, curcumin, and turmeric affects growth performance and silver nanoparticle toxicity in Cyprinus carpio.

An 8-week feeding experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of curcumin nanomicelle, curcumin, and turmeric (Curcuma longa) on growth performances, body composition, fatty acid profile, and biochemical parameters of common carp (Cyprinus carpio), and their ameliorative effects against toxicity of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). A total of 120 healthy carps were randomly distributed into four equal treatments. Curcumin nanomicelle, curcumin, and turmeric were each added separately to the basal diet. After the feeding trials, all treatments were exposed to a non-lethal concentration of AgNPs (0.5 mg L-1) for 96 h. Fish fed dietary turmeric showed a significantly higher weight gain. The body protein content was significantly increased in all feeding groups, while the lipid content showed a significant decrease in the turmeric-treated group. Dietary turmeric improved the concentration of saturated fatty acids (SFA) and monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA). AgNP exposure led to increases in liver catalase (CAT) activity of carps fed with turmeric and curcumin. The lowest amount of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) was obtained in fish fed with nanomicelle curcumin and curcumin diets. The lowest amount of silver accumulation in the liver of carps was found in fish fed with dietary curcumin nanomicelle. This experiment suggests that supplementation of turmeric (50 g kg-1) or curcumin (1000 mg kg-1) may play an important role in enhancing growth performances and fatty acid composition of the common carp. Moreover, administration of curcumin nanomicelle in the diet may have a potential ameliorative effect against toxicity of AgNPs.

The effects of nano-curcumin supplementation on glycemic control, blood pressure, lipid profile, and insulin resistance in patients with the metabolic syndrome: A randomized, double-blind clinical trial.

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is one of the most important health hazards. Curcumin is extracted from Curcuma longa (turmeric), which can affect the components of MetS. To increase the oral bioavailability of curcumin, nano-micelle curcumin is used instead of curcumin powder. In this randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trial, 50 patients with MetS were randomly assigned to two groups to receive either 80 mg/day nano-curcumin (n=25) or placebo (n=25), for 12 weeks anthropometric measurements, blood pressure, and biochemical factors-including fasting blood sugar (FBS), Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), homeostatic model assessment (HOMA) for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), pancreatic β cell function (HOMA-β) and lipid profile-were assessed at the baseline and the end of the study. Statistical analyses were done using SPSS software (Version 23). The analysis between the two groups has illustrated a significant reduction in the average change of triglyceride (TG) levels (-60.5 ± 121.7 vs. 13.1 ± 78.1mg/dL; p < .05) and HOMA-β (-5.7 ± 48.2 vs. -4.01 ± 16.9; p < .05). But there were no significant differences in anthropometric measurements, blood pressure and biochemical factors-including FBS, HbA1c, HOMA-IR, HOMA-β, and lipid profile variables include (total cholesterol, LDL-C, and HDL-C) at the end of the study. In conclusion, supplementation with nano-micelle curcumin significantly improved serum TG in MetS patients.

The Effect of Nanocurcumin in Improvement of Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease of the joints. Non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are being used for the treatment of osteoarthritis. However, their use is limited due to complications, such as gastrointestinal bleeding. Therefore, it is necessary to find alternative treatments for osteoarthritis. Recently, nanomicelle curcumin has been developed to increase the oral bioavailability of curcumin. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of nano curcumin on the alleviation of the symptoms of knee osteoarthritis patients. In this randomized, double-blind controlled trial, the intervention group was administered 40 mg of nanocurcumin capsule every 12 hours over a period of six weeks, and the control group received the placebo (similar components of nanomicelle curcumin capsules yet without curcumin). In the final analysis, 36 patients in the nanocurcumin group and 35 patients in the placebo group were enrolled. The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) was filled for patients in their first visit and at the end of six weeks. Differences were statistically significant at P-value < 0.05. There were no significant differences between the two groups regarding gender, age, Kellgren score, and the duration of the disease before the intervention. A significant decrease was observed in the overall score, along with the scores of pain, stiffness and physical activity subscales of the WOMAC questionnaire in patients of the nano curcumin group compared with the placebo group. Nanocurcumin significantly improves the symptoms of osteoarthritis patients.