Search Results (311)

A new spiral nematode species, Scutellonema curcumae sp. n., was identified from the rhizosphere of turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) in the Western Highlands of Vietnam. Integrative taxonomical analysis, combining detailed morphology and molecular characterization (ITS, 28S D2–D3 rDNA, and COI mtDNA), confirmed its distinctiveness. Scutellonema curcumae sp. n. is characterized by a unique combination of a spiral body, a hemispherical lip region with four annuli, a robust stylet, and a rounded tail with a prominent scutellum, forming a highly divergent lineage within the genus. Beyond its description, this study reveals a significant inverse correlation between nematode population density and the phytochemical quality of the host. High infestation levels were associated with a marked decline in total curcuminoid content. Notably, lower nematode density favored a specific shift in the curcuminoid profile, with bisdemethoxycurcumin levels increasing by up to 250%. These phytochemical alterations directly influenced the therapeutic potential of the rhizomes: lower infestation levels resulted in significantly enhanced antioxidant capacity (lower SC₅₀ values) and cytotoxic activity (lower IC₅₀ against HepG2 and A549 cell lines). This work represents the first report of a Scutellonema species associated with turmeric in Vietnam and underscores its detrimental impact on the medicinal and nutraceutical value of the crop. Our findings suggest that effective nematode management is crucial not only for yield protection but as a strategic intervention in precision agriculture to optimize the secondary metabolite profiles of medicinal plants. Full article

Abscess formation is commonly precipitated by bacterial infection. This study delineates the phytochemical composition and evaluates the antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-biofilm activities of a Thai traditional anti-abscess herbal formulation comprising Curcuma zedoaria, Vitex trifolia, and Azadirachta indica. Validated high-performance liquid chromatography–photodiode array detection (HPLC–PDA) analysis of the ethanolic extract identified curcumin, demethoxycurcumin, bisdemethoxycurcumin, and vitexicarpin as principal constituents. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents were 32.08 ± 2.54 mg GAE/g and 17.52 ± 1.28 mg QE/g dry weight, respectively. Antioxidant assessment by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay yielded an half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) of 53.46 ± 3.24 µg/mL, while reducing power corresponded to 383.97 ± 13.24 µg FeSO4/g dry weight. Molecular orbital analysis revealed a highest occupied molecular orbital and lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (HOMO–LUMO) gap for vitexicarpin (ΔE = 9.7710 eV), indicative of greater radical-scavenging potential relative to curcuminoids. Antibacterial assays demonstrated selective activity against Staphylococcus epidermidis (inhibition zone 1.48 ± 0.16 cm), with no observed inhibition of Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes. Curcumin exhibited the highest activity against S. epidermidis (minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) 62.5 µg/mL; minimal bactericidal concentration minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) 125 µg/mL). Molecular docking showed curcumin binding to the teicoplanin-associated transcriptional regulator (TcaR) with a binding energy of −8.00 kcal/mol, comparable to methicillin (−8.16 kcal/mol), suggesting a potential mechanism for modulation of biofilm-associated regulatory pathways. Collectively, these findings indicate that the formulation has measurable antioxidant activity and targeted antibacterial efficacy against S. epidermidis, which may contribute to attenuation of abscess progression via interference with biofilm regulation. Full article

Chronic inflammation is a well-established driving force in tumor initiation and progression, accounting for a substantial proportion of inflammation-associated malignancies. Persistent inflammatory stimulation creates a pathological microenvironment characterized by sustained inflammatory signaling, oxidative stress, immune dysregulation, and epigenetic reprogramming, which collectively promote genomic instability, malignant transformation, and tumor progression. Understanding the biological basis of inflammation–cancer transformation is therefore essential for the development of effective preventive and therapeutic strategies. Plant-derived bioactive compounds have attracted increasing attention as promising modulators of inflammation-driven carcinogenesis due to their structural diversity, multi-target regulatory capacity, and relatively low toxicity. Specifically, this review focuses on four major classes of these compounds: flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, and curcuminoids. Accumulating evidence demonstrates that these compounds can effectively interrupt the inflammation–cancer continuum by simultaneously targeting multiple pathogenic processes rather than single molecular pathways. In particular, these plant-derived agents suppress inflammation-driven signaling cascades, including NF-κB, MAPK, and JAK/STAT pathways; attenuate oxidative stress and inflammation-induced DNA damage; reprogram the immune microenvironment to restore anti-tumor immunity; and modulate epigenetic and transcriptional programs that stabilize pro-tumorigenic phenotypes. Accordingly, this review synthesizes the shared pathological drivers of inflammation–cancer transformation and summarizes how plant-derived compounds collectively target these mechanisms to interrupt disease progression. In addition, emerging translational strategies, including combination therapy and nanocarrier-based delivery systems, are discussed to highlight the clinical potential of plant-derived interventions. Collectively, this review offers an integrated mechanistic framework for understanding and exploiting plant-derived bioactive compounds in the prevention and treatment of inflammation-related cancers. Full article

Bisacurone is a sesquiterpenoid constituent of Curcuma longa that has received considerably less attention than curcuminoids despite emerging evidence of its biological activity. In this study, the anti-inflammatory potential of bisacurone isolated from the Ryudai gold variety of Curcuma longa was evaluated using an integrated in vivo and in silico approach. Acute inflammation was assessed in rats using a carrageenan-induced paw edema model, supported by histopathological examination of paw tissues. Bisacurone significantly reduced paw edema during the peak inflammatory phase and markedly attenuated dermal thickening and inflammatory cell infiltration, indicating effective suppression of acute inflammatory responses. The effects of bisacurone were comparable to that of indomethacin. To elucidate the underlying molecular basis, density functional theory calculations, molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulations, and pharmacokinetic and toxicity predictions were performed. In silico analyses revealed favorable electronic properties, drug-likeness, and stable interactions of bisacurone with key inflammatory regulators, particularly IKKβ and COX-1, along with moderate interactions with MAPKs and iNOS. Molecular dynamics simulations confirmed the stability of the protein–ligand complexes. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that bisacurone exerts anti-inflammatory effects through multi-target modulation of inflammatory signaling pathways and highlight its potential as a bioactive functional food component and a lead compound for anti-inflammatory drug development. Full article

Background/Objectives: The present study investigated the local analgesic effect of a novel synthetic cyclohexanone derivative, 2,6-bis-4-(hydroxyl-3-methoxybenzilidine)-cyclohexanone, or BHMC, in a mouse model of peripheral nociception. Methods: Local administration of BHMC (0.5–60 µg/paw) intra-plantarly in the hindpaws of mice exhibited significant inhibition in carrageenan-induced paw hyperalgesia. Intra-plantar pretreatment of naloxone (non-selective opioid receptor blocker), D-Phe-Cys-Tyr-D-Trp-Orn-Thr-Pen-ThrNH2 (CTOP, selective µ-opioid receptor blocker), and nor-binaltorphimine (nor-BNI, selective κ-opioid receptor blocker), but not naltrindole hydrochloride (selective δ-opioid receptor blocker), reversed the anti-nociceptive effect of BHMC. The peripheral analgesic effect of BHMC was also reversed by intra-plantar pretreatment of methylene blue (soluble guanosyl cyclase blocker), but not N^G-nitro-L-arginine (L-NAME, nitric oxide synthase blocker). Involvement of the potassium channel in the local analgesic effect of BHMC was shown through the reversed analgesic effect by intra-plantar pretreatment of glibenclamide (ATP-sensitive potassium channel blocker), but not by charybdotoxin (large-conductance calcium-sensitive potassium channel blocker), apamin (small-conductance calcium-sensitive potassium ion channel blocker), or tetraethylammonium (voltage-sensitive potassium channel blocker). Results: Taken together, the present study demonstrated that the local administration of BHMC attenuated nociception, with possible mechanisms that may involve the desensitization of inflammatory mediators’ receptors, opioid receptor activation, and nitric oxide-independent cyclic guanosine monophosphate activation of ATP-sensitive potassium ion channel opening. Conclusions: The current findings may further support the exploration of BHMC as a new therapeutic agent for pain and inflammation, for the betterment of human health. Full article

Despite major advances in guideline-directed cardiovascular therapy, residual cardiovascular risk persists, partly driven by oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, and mitochondrial injury not fully addressed by current drugs. Translation of plant-based cardioprotectants is constrained by preparation-dependent variability in extract chemistry (plant part/cultivar/processing and extraction method), low and variable systemic exposure for key actives (notably curcuminoids and many polyphenols), and clinically relevant safety/interaction considerations (e.g., hepatotoxicity reports with concentrated green tea extracts and antiplatelet-related bleeding-risk considerations for some botanicals). We therefore provide a mechanism- and translation-oriented synthesis of evidence for cardioprotective botanicals, chosen for long-standing traditional use and scientific validation with reproducible experimental data and, where available, human studies, including Crataegus monogyna, Allium sativum, Olea europaea, Ginkgo biloba, Leonurus cardiaca, and Melissa officinalis. Across studies, polyphenols (especially flavonoids and phenolic acids) and organosulfur compounds are most consistently associated with cardioprotection, while terpene-derived constituents and secoiridoids contribute mechanistically in plant-specific settings (e.g., Ginkgo and Olea). Predominantly in experimental models, these agents engage redox-adaptive (Nrf2), mitochondrial (mPTP), endothelial, and inflammatory (NF-κB) pathways, with reported reductions in ischemia–reperfusion injury, oxidative damage, and apoptosis. Clinical evidence remains heterogeneous and is largely confined to short-term studies and surrogate outcomes (blood pressure, lipids, oxidative biomarkers, endothelial function), with scarce data on hard cardiovascular endpoints or event reduction. Priorities include standardized, chemotype-controlled formulations with PK/PD-guided dosing and adequately powered randomized trials that assess safety and herb–drug interactions. Full article

Plants from the Zingiberaceae family, particularly Zingiber officinale, Curcuma longa, and Alpinia galanga, are rich sources of bioactive compounds with documented antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory properties. This review summarizes current evidence on their phytochemical profiles and pathways relevant to metabolic regulation. Key compounds, including gingerols, shogaols, curcuminoids, and phenylpropanoids, support glucose homeostasis by enhancing insulin sensitivity, promoting Glucose Transporter Type 4 (GLUT4)-mediated glucose uptake, improving β-cell function, and modulating metabolic signaling pathways such as PI3K/Akt, AMPK, PPARγ, and NF-κB. Their potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities further reduce oxidative stress and chronic low-grade inflammation, both central to the progression of type 2 diabetes and its complications. Evidence from selected clinical and experimental studies suggests that dietary supplementation with whole-rhizome preparations or standardized extracts (including formulation-enhanced products) may improve fasting blood glucose (FBG), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), lipid metabolism, and oxidative stress markers. Recent advances in delivery systems, including nanoemulsions, liposomes, and curcumin–piperine complexes, substantially enhance the bioavailability of poorly soluble phytochemicals, strengthening their therapeutic potential. Overall, Zingiberaceae plants emerge as promising natural supplements in nutritional and pharmacological strategies targeting diabetes. Further clinical research is required to refine dosage, confirm long-term efficacy, and support their integration into evidence-based metabolic interventions. Full article

Background: Chronic pain, which affects over 50 million adults in the United States, has stimulated growing interest in natural and nutrition-based remedies as adjuncts to pharmacologic therapies. Evidence suggests that turmeric and related extracts (i.e., curcuminoids) may provide pain relief, albeit often at levels above dietary ranges, while piperine from black pepper exhibits bioenhancer characteristics of relevance with dietary exposures. Objective: To test the effectiveness of dietarily relevant amounts of turmeric with and without black pepper on self-reported pain ratings among adults with chronic pain. Methods: A randomized, crossover clinical trial tested the effectiveness of turmeric only (one of three amounts within culinary ranges) or turmeric with black pepper to influence pain in adults ≥ 40 years of age. Participants (n = 30, with moderate pain: 4–7 on 0–10-point scale) were enrolled in a 21-day trial, and an experience sampling methodology approach was used. Participants were prompted to report current pain using the numeric pain rating scale (NPRS; 0–10) via text message three times per day for the full study period. Data were averaged and analyzed via linear mixed effects models for repeated measurements. Results: Pain ratings from baseline to week 3 were reduced and statistically significant (p < 0.001) but not statistically different between groups. The provided turmeric, both with and without black pepper, and varying amounts of turmeric (300 mg, 1 g, and 3 g, n = 10 participants/amount) did not show statistically significant differences in pain ratings (p = 0.157 and p = 0.338, respectively). Conclusions: Consuming dietarily relevant amounts of turmeric, either alone or with black pepper, appears to improve average pain ratings. This result suggests a feasible dietary option for further study of nutritional interventions for chronic pain management. Full article

The present study aimed to evaluate whether the inclusion of curcumin as a performance enhancer in finishing cattle has positive effects on animal production, the ruminal environment, hematological and biochemical markers, as well as meat quality. Sixteen castrated Holstein steers, 8 months of age, with an average body weight of 247 ± 3.89 kg were divided into two groups: Control, consisting of animals that consumed 144 mg of monensin/animal/day (n = 8); Treatment, consisting of animals that consumed 552 mg of curcumin/animal/day (n = 8). Animals were fed a diet containing 44% roughage (corn silage) and 56% concentrate for 105 days. During this period, body weight measurements were recorded, and blood samples were collected for the determination of hematological, biochemical, and immunological variables. At the end of the experimental period, animals were slaughtered and meat samples were collected for evaluation. No differences were observed between groups for animal performance, feed intake, or feed efficiency. A lower leukocyte count (lymphocyte and granulocyte) and a higher platelet count were observed in animals that consumed curcumin. These animals also exhibited higher cholesterol levels, along with lower circulating glucose concentrations compared to the control group. In the ruminal environment, higher bacterial activity and greater protozoal counts were observed in the treatment group, but no effects on ruminal short-chain fatty acids were observed. Higher activity of the enzymes glutathione S-transferase in serum and superoxide dismutase in meat was observed, combined with lower lipid peroxidation in serum and meat. Meat from steers fed curcumin showed greater yellow color intensity, higher water-holding capacity, and a higher proportion of monounsaturated fatty acids compared to the control group. These results suggest that curcumin can be used as a performance enhancer, similar to monensin, when thinking about performance, but beyond that, curcumin triggered anti-inflammatory and antioxidant action. Full article

The global rise in chronic inflammatory diseases has fueled an increased demand for functional beverages containing bioactive compounds with anti-inflammatory properties. This review synthesizes trends in research output, technological innovation, and consumer behavior related to such beverages from 2006 to 2025. A total of 1635 peer-reviewed articles were analyzed using bibliometric tools and content analysis. Results indicate a thirteenfold increase in publications, with China, India, the USA, and Brazil leading in research output. Key themes include polyphenols, curcuminoids, fermentation, encapsulation, and non-thermal processing. The review identifies four major research clusters: antioxidant mechanisms, metabolic and cytokine regulation, plant-derived flavonoids, and phytochemical profiling. Consumer behavior analysis reveals that taste, clean-label appeal, and health claims influence market success. While technological advances such as nanoencapsulation and high-pressure processing improve bioavailability and sensory quality, gaps persist in clinical validation and regulatory harmonization. This study offers integrated insights for researchers, industry professionals, and policymakers to guide innovation and evidence-based development of anti-inflammatory functional beverages. Full article

Immune dysregulation and chronic inflammation are central contributors to many diseases. Curcuma longa L. and Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench are widely used medicinal plants with extensive preclinical evidence supporting immunomodulatory effects. Their key metabolites, curcuminoids, turmerones, alkamides, polysaccharides, and caffeic acid derivatives, engage with critical pathways, including NF-κB, MAPK, JAK/STAT, and Nrf2. This interaction modulates cytokine production, oxidative stress responses, and both innate and adaptive immune activities. Although numerous mechanistic and early clinical studies support these actions, human evidence remains inconsistent, partly due to poor and variable oral bioavailability and substantial heterogeneity in extract composition, despite the existence of some standardized preparations. Recent technological strategies, including micelles, phytosomes, phospholipid complexes, nanoemulsions, polymeric nanoparticles, and liposomal systems, have improved solubility, stability, and systemic exposure of key metabolites, particularly curcuminoids. However, clinical results are still limited and often derived from small or heterogeneous trials. This review summarizes the ethnopharmacological background, mechanistic data, clinical findings, and formulation advances for both species and highlights the translational barriers that restrict their therapeutic application. Rigorous clinical studies using standardized and technologically optimized preparations are required to determine the true immunomodulatory potential of C. longa and E. purpurea. Full article

Curcuminoids demonstrate diverse pharmacological activity as antioxidant, neuroprotective, antitumor, and anti-inflammatory drugs. Dimethoxycurcumin (DMC) is a metabolically stable analog of curcumin, and both drugs modify the activity of several epigenetic enzymes that affect DNA methylation and histone modifications. 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) is an epigenetic mark involved in active demethylation and in gene expression regulation. The effect of curcuminoids on the activity and expression of TET enzymes involved in 5hmC oxidation and active demethylation in leukemia cells is unclear. In this study, we investigated the impact of curcumin and DMC on the activity and expression of the three isoforms of TET enzymes. We also studied their effect on global 5hmC and performed a genome-wide analysis of 5hmC distribution at the single CpG level using oxidative bisulfite sequencing, which can differentiate between 5hmC and 5-methylcytosine. Both curcumin and DMC increased the activity and the mRNA expression of the three isoforms of TET. Concordantly, they also increased the global 5hmC level in leukemia cells. Single CpG analysis showed that both drugs induced a 5hmC increase and active demethylation at gene promoters, CpG islands and shores, exons, introns, and intergenic regions. Curcumin induced a promoter 5hmC increase in 194 genes and promoter-active demethylation in 154 genes. On the other hand, DMC induced a promoter 5hmC increase in 173 genes and promoter-active demethylation in 171 genes. Our study identifies curcuminoids as active demethylators through the activation of TET enzymes and provides a rationale for testing their combination with DNA hypomethylating agents in leukemia animal models. Full article

Our previous study demonstrated that thiophene-substituted synthetic curcumin analogs possessed better antibacterial activity and stability than natural curcumin, demethoxycurcumin, or bisdemethoxycurcumin in antibacterial photodynamic therapy (aPDT). In addition, the activity of the furan-substituted analogs was weaker than that of the thiophene-substituted compounds. As oxygen, sulfur, and selenium belong to the same group in the periodic table, the antibacterial and anticancer activities of these three different elemental analogs were compared and investigated. The thiophene-substituted analog (compound 3) exhibited the most potent antibacterial activity in aPDT experiments. However, the furan-substituted analog (compound 1) exhibited the most potent anticancer activity. These results indicate that the differences in atomic radii or energy levels in these compounds produce different cell-attack results on generated free radicals. Ruthenium(II) complexes have a good reputation for use in PDT for cancer treatment. Our results show that complexation of ruthenium(II) with thiophene-substituted curcumin analogs does not enhance their antibacterial or anticancer activity. Full article

Background/Objectives: Recent studies have revealed that plants produce lipid-derived microvesicles with potent anti-inflammatory properties. In turmeric (Curcuma longa L.), such microvesicles have been identified in rhizome juice and shown to exert beneficial effects in murine models of colitis. In this study, we investigated whether turmeric extracts commonly used in phytotherapy (30% ethanolic or aqueous extracts, and freeze-dried or spray-dried preparations) contain Curcuma-derived microvesicles (CuMVs), and we evaluated the influence of extraction processes on their aggregation and morphology. Methods: All extracts were processed using a standardized protocol involving differential centrifugation, filtration, and ultracentrifugation. CuMVs with sizes from 50 to 200 nm were detected in all pellets, but CuMVs from dehydrated extracts were markedly aggregated compared to those from liquid preparations. Results: The 30% ethanolic extract yielded the most polydisperse CuMVs and was therefore selected for functional immunomodulatory analyses on macrophages. Protein quantification indicated that 600 mL of 30% ethanolic extract contained approximately 60 µg of CuMVs which contained curcumin and its derivatives demethoxycurcumin (DMC), and bisdemethoxycurcumin (BDMC) identified by high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC). Green fluorescence in the form of small dots close to the nuclei was detected in recipient THP-1 macrophages, indicating the incorporation of CuMVs and therefore the transfer of the naturally fluorescent curcumin. CuMV treatment reduced ROS production, downregulated CD86, and upregulated CD163 expression. Furthermore, CuMVs increased the expression of IL-10 and TGF-β, as well as antibacterial cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α), and enhanced RAW macrophage migration. Depletion of CuMVs from turmeric extracts markedly reduced their immunomodulatory effects. Conclusions: Collectively, these findings emphasize the importance of preserving CuMVs during the industrial processing of turmeric, as they play a crucial role in curcuminoid delivery and in mediating the immunomodulatory properties of turmeric extracts. Full article

This study describes the development of β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) inclusion complexes of curcumin (CUR) and a synthetic curcuminoid analogue (CN56), which were incorporated into poly(vinyl alcohol)/κ-carrageenan hydrogel films to create a multifunctional system capable of sustained drug release and effective antimicrobial action. Carrageenan was extracted from Gigartina skottsbergii, and hydrogels were prepared using a freeze–thaw crosslinking method. The inclusion complexes were formed at a 1:6 molar ratio, achieving loading efficiencies of 75.62% for CUR and 79.00% for CN56. FTIR confirmed molecular interactions between the complexes and the polymeric matrix, accompanied by reduced crystallinity and increased amorphous character. Thermogravimetric analysis revealed enhanced thermal stability, with degradation onset temperatures above 239 °C, while DSC analysis indicated irreversible amorphization after the first heating cycle. SEM analysis showed improved surface uniformity in complex-loaded films compared with those containing free compounds. Swelling experiments demonstrated significantly greater fluid uptake in complex-loaded hydrogels, particularly for CN56 (1080% after 45 min). Controlled release studies revealed sustained drug release profiles, with 76.49% of CUR and 56.02% of CN56 released over 36 h, following Fickian diffusion mechanisms. In vitro antimicrobial assays confirmed marked activity of CUR and CN56 against Gardnerella vaginalis, a key pathogen associated with bacterial vaginosis. Biocompatibility tests, including hemolysis and MTT reduction assays, indicated low cytotoxicity and satisfactory hemocompatibility. Rheological analysis further demonstrated increased viscosity and potential mucoadhesive behavior. Collectively, these findings highlight the potential of carrageenan-based PVA hydrogels as innovative pharmaceutical platforms for the prevention and treatment of recurrent bacterial vaginosis, offering a promising alternative to conventional therapies. Full article