Curcumin and curcumin-loaded nanoparticles: antipathogenic and antiparasitic activities.

Curcumin and curcumin-loaded nanoparticles: antipathogenic and antiparasitic activities. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther. 2020 Feb 18;:1-13 Authors: Rai M, Ingle AP, Pandit R, Paralikar P, Anasane N, Santos CAD Abstract Introduction: Curcumin is an important bioactive compound present in Curcuma longa, and is well known for its bioactivities such as anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antimicrobial, antiparasitic and antioxidant activity. The use of curcumin is limited owing to its poor solubility in water, fast degradation, and low bioavailability. This problem can be solved by using nano-curcumin, which is soluble in water and enhances its activity against various microbial pathogens and parasites.Areas covered: We have reviewed curcumin, curcumin-loaded nanoparticles and their activities against various pathogenic microbes (antifungal, antiviral and antiprotozoal) and parasites, as curcumin has already demonstrated broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity. It has also inhibited biofilm formation by various bacteria including Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The antimicrobial activity of curcumin can be increased in the presence of light radiation due to its photo-excitation. Further, it has been found that the activity of curcumin nanoparticles is enhanced when used in combination with antibiotics. Finally, we discussed the toxicity and safety issues of curcumin.Expert opinion: Since many microbial pathogens have developed resistance to antibiotics, t...
Source: Expert Review of Anti-Infective Therapy - Category: Infectious Diseases Tags: Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther Source Type: research