Abstract

PHARMACOLOGICAL ACTIVITIES OF CURCUMINOIDS FROM TURMERIC AND THEIR DERIVATIVES A REVIEW

Sandeep Mukhamale* and Harish Rathod

ABSTRACT

Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) is a popular natural drug, traditionally used for the treatment of diseases. In recent years, several drugs have been developed deriving from traditional products and current drug research is actively investigating the possible therapeutic roles of many Ayurvedic and Traditional Indian medicinal therapies. Its root is the most popular part used for medicinal purposes, which contains different types of active chemical constituents and some minerals. Its most important active ingredient is curcuminoids. Curcuminoids are the phenolic compounds used as a spice, pigment and additive also utilized as a therapeutic agent used in several foods. Various preclinical cell culture and animals studies suggest that curcuminoids have extensive biological activity as an antioxidant, neuroprotective, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, cardioprotective and arthritis. Different clinical trials also suggest a potential therapeutic role of curcuminoids in various types of chronic diseases such as colon cancer, lung cancer, breast cancer, inflammatory bowel diseases. In short, curcumin is considered as the main constituent in ground turmeric rhizome. The aim of this review is to summarize the chemistry, analog, plant profile, formulations of curcuminoids and their safety, pharmacological activity and clinical applications of turmeric.

Keywords: Antioxidant, Neuroprotective, Antitumor, Anti-inflammatory, Antimicrobial, Cardioprotective.