Curcumin encapsulation in nanostructures for cancer therapy: A 10-year overview

Curcumin (CUR) is a phenolic compound present in some herbs, including Curcuma longa Linn. (turmeric rhizome), with high bioactive capacity and characteristic yellow color. It mainly used as spice, although it has been found that CUR interesting pharmaceutical properties, acting natural antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antitumoral agent. Nonetheless, hydrophobic low water solubility, poor chemical stability, fast metabolism, limiting its use pharmacological compound. Smart drug delivery systems (DDS) have to overcome bioavailability improve stability. The current work overviews the literature from past 10 years on encapsulation of nanostructured systems, such micelles, liposomes, niosomes, nanoemulsions, hydrogels, nanocomplexes, emphasizing ability cancer therapy. studies highlighted this review shown these nanoformulations achieved higher improved tumor cytotoxicity, prolonged release, reduced side effects, among other advantages.