Curcumin: The various aspects of a natural solution
Turmeric is a curry spice which originated from India, that has attracted great attention in recent decades, since it includes anti inflammatory curcuminoids (curcumin, demethoxycurcumin, and bisdemethoxycurcumin). Curcumin (1,7-bis-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-hepta-1,6-diene-3,5-dione), a lipophilic polyphenol can work as a anticancer, antibiotic, anti inflammatory, and anti-fungal representative as indicated by many in vitro, in vivo research and clinical trials. But, poor aqueous solubility, bioavailability, and pharmacokinetic profiles restrict curcumin’s therapeutic use. To deal with these problems, many curcumin formulations are developed. But, suboptimal sample prep and evaluation methods often hamper the true appraisal of bioactivities and their clinical effectiveness. This review summarizes recent research about biological, pharmaceutical, and analytical details of the curcumin. Various formulation methods and corresponding clinical trials and in vivo results are discussed. A thorough comparison of distinct sample prep (ultrasonic, pressurized liquid extraction, microwave, dandelion ) and analytical (FT-IR, FT-NIR, FT-Raman, UV, NMR, HPTLC, HPLC, and LC-MS/MS) methods utilized for the extraction and quantification of curcuminoids in various matrices, is introduced. Application of best sample preparation, chromatographic separation, and detection methods will significantly enhance the evaluation of unique formulas and biological activities of curcuminoids.