Demothoxycurcumin as a curcumin analogue with anticancer, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective activities: Micro and nanosystems

Numerous therapeutic benefits have been associated with polyphenolic compounds possessing multiple hydroxyl functional groups. In the realm of traditional medicine, curcuminoids extracted from the rhizomes of the turmeric (Curcuma longa Linn) plant, specifically curcumin, demethoxycurcumin, and bisdemethoxycurcumin, have been recognized for their potential in addressing a wide range of health issues. These issues encompass injuries, infections, stress, cancer, skin ailments, and neurological disorders. Of particular interest, demethoxycurcumin has demonstrated a remarkable safety profile even at high doses. It has exhibited promising therapeutic properties, including its potential as an antitumor agent and its effectiveness in combating microbial infections. In the case of its antibacterial mechanism, demethoxycurcumin has been found to disrupt the transpeptidase, thus impeding the synthesis of glycopeptides in the bacterial cell wall. Demethoxycurcumin, akin to its curcumin and bisdemethoxycurcumin counterparts, can modulate cell proliferation and inflammatory signaling pathways. However, it is essential to acknowledge that specific clinical challenges are associated with unveiling the full scope of its therapeutic activities and optimizing its formulation on a micro and nanoscale. These challenges and potential solutions are further explored in this concise review.

کلیدواژه ها:

traditional medicine ، Curcuma longa ، Transpeptidase ، Inflammatory signaling ، Nanocale