Use of nanosystems to improve the anticancer effects of curcumin

• Published in: Beilstein journal of nanotechnology Vol. 12; no. 1; pp. 1047 - 1062
• Main Authors: Araya-Sibaja, Andrea M, Salazar-López, Norma J, Wilhelm Romero, Krissia, Vega-Baudrit, José R, Domínguez-Avila, J Abraham, Velázquez Contreras, Carlos A, Robles-Zepeda, Ramón E, Navarro-Hoyos, Mirtha, González-Aguilar, Gustavo A
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Germany Beilstein-Institut zur Föerderung der Chemischen Wissenschaften 2021; Beilstein-Institut
• Subjects: Antiangiogenics; Anticancer properties; Antigens; Bioavailability; Biological activity; Cancer therapies; Chemotherapy; Clinical trials; Kinases; Metabolism; Metastasis; Morphology; nanocarrier; Nanocrystals; Nanoemulsions; nanoformulations; Nanoparticles; Nanoscience; nanosized delivery systems; Nanotechnology; Particle size; Pharmacokinetics; phenolic compounds; Phenols; Photodynamic therapy; Review; Smart materials; Synergistic effect; Vascular endothelial growth factor; phenolic compounds; nanocarrier; nanosized delivery systems; nanoformulations
• ISSN: 2190-4286; 2190-4286
• DOI: 10.3762/bjnano.12.78

Curcumin (CUR) is a phenolic compound that is safe for human consumption. It exhibits chemopreventive, antiproliferative, antiangiogenic, and antimetastatic effects. However, these benefits can be hampered due to the lipophilic nature, rapid metabolism, low bioavailability, and fast elimination of the molecule. Considering this, the present work reviews the use of CUR-based nanosystems as anticancer agents, including conventional nanosystems (i.e., liposomes, nanoemulsions, nanocrystals, nanosuspensions, polymeric nanoparticles) and nanosystems that respond to external stimuli (i.e., magnetic nanoparticles and photodynamic therapy). Previous studies showed that the effects of CUR were improved when loaded into nanosystems as compared to the free compound, as well as synergist effects when it is co-administrated alongside with other molecules. In order to maximize the beneficial health effects of CUR, critical factors need to be strictly controlled, such as particle size, morphology, and interaction between the encapsulating material and CUR. In addition, there is an area of study to be explored in the development of CUR-based smart materials for nanomedical applications. Imaging-guided drug delivery of CUR-based nanosystems may also directly target specific cells, thereby increasing the therapeutic and chemopreventive efficacy of this versatile compound.