A Review on Current Aspects of Curcumin-Based Effects in Relation to Neurodegenerative, Neuroinflammatory and Cerebrovascular Diseases
Claudia-Andreea Moldoveanu,
Maria Tomoaia-Cotisel,
Alexandra Sevastre-Berghian,
Gheorghe Tomoaia,
Aurora Mocanu,
Csaba Pal-Racz,
Vlad-Alexandru Toma,
Ioana Roman,
Madalina-Anca Ujica,
Lucian-Cristian Pop
Affiliations
Claudia-Andreea Moldoveanu
Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Babeș-Bolyai University, Clinicilor St., RO-400371 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Maria Tomoaia-Cotisel
Research Center of Excellence in Physical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, “Babes-Bolyai University”, 11 Arany Janos St., RO-400028 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Alexandra Sevastre-Berghian
Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 1 Clinicilor St., RO-400006 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Gheorghe Tomoaia
Academy of Romanian Scientists, 3 Ilfov St., RO-050044 Bucharest, Romania
Aurora Mocanu
Research Center of Excellence in Physical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, “Babes-Bolyai University”, 11 Arany Janos St., RO-400028 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Csaba Pal-Racz
Research Center of Excellence in Physical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, “Babes-Bolyai University”, 11 Arany Janos St., RO-400028 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Vlad-Alexandru Toma
Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Babeș-Bolyai University, Clinicilor St., RO-400371 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Ioana Roman
Department of Experimental Biology and Biochemistry, Institute of Biological Research from Cluj-Napoca, a Branch of NIRDBS Bucharest, 48 Republicii St., RO-400015 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Madalina-Anca Ujica
Research Center of Excellence in Physical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, “Babes-Bolyai University”, 11 Arany Janos St., RO-400028 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Lucian-Cristian Pop
Research Center of Excellence in Physical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, “Babes-Bolyai University”, 11 Arany Janos St., RO-400028 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Curcumin is among the most well-studied natural substances, known for its biological actions within the central nervous system, its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and human health benefits. However, challenges persist in effectively utilising curcumin, addressing its metabolism and passage through the blood–brain barrier (BBB) in therapies targeting cerebrovascular diseases. Current challenges in curcumin’s applications revolve around its effects within neoplastic tissues alongside the development of intelligent formulations to enhance its bioavailability. Formulations have been discovered including curcumin’s complexes with brain-derived phospholipids and proteins, or its liposomal encapsulation. These novel strategies aim to improve curcumin’s bioavailability and stability, and its capability to cross the BBB, thereby potentially enhancing its efficacy in treating cerebrovascular diseases. In summary, this review provides a comprehensive overview of molecular pathways involved in interactions of curcumin and its metabolites, and brain vascular homeostasis. This review explores cellular and molecular current aspects, of curcumin-based effects with an emphasis on curcumin’s metabolism and its impact on pathological conditions, such as neurodegenerative diseases, schizophrenia, and cerebral angiopathy. It also highlights the limitations posed by curcumin’s poor bioavailability and discusses ongoing efforts to surpass these impediments to harness the full therapeutic potential of curcumin in neurological disorders.
