Curcumin, an active component of turmeric: Biological activities, nutritional aspects, immunological, bioavailability, and human health benefits -A comprehensive review

Mohamed T. El-Saadony^1*Ahmed M. Saad²Dr. Dina Mostafa Mohammed³Samar Sami Alkafaas⁴Soumya Ghosh⁵Shaimaa Hassan Negm⁶Heba Salem⁷Mohamed A Fahmy⁸Walid F A Mosa⁹Essam Ibrahim¹⁰Synan F. AbuQamar^11*Khaled A El-Tarabily^12*

• ¹Department of Agricultural Microbiology, Faculty of Agriculture, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
• ²Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Agriculture, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44511, Egypt, Zagazig, Al Sharqia, Egypt
• ³Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, National Research Centre (Egypt), Cairo, Beni Suef, Egypt
• ⁴Division of Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Tanta, Gharbia, Egypt
• ⁵Natural and Medical Sciences Research Center, University of Nizwa, Nizwa, Oman
• ⁶Port Said University, Port Said, Port Said, Egypt
• ⁷Department of Poultry Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, Giza, Egypt
• ⁸Poultry Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Zagazig University, Zagazig, 44519, Egypt, Zagazig, Al Sharqia, Egypt
• ⁹Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Alexandria, Egypt
• ¹⁰Departement of Civil Engineering, College of Engineering, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
• ¹¹College of Science, United Arab Emirates University, AlAin, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
• ¹²Department of Biology, College of Science, United Arab Emirates University, AlAin, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Curcumin (1,7-bis-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-hepta-1,6-diene-3,5-dione) is a naturally occurring polyphenol molecule. It is lipophilic and has demonstrated in vitro and in vivo therapeutic effects through multiple pathways. Extensive studies on its pharmacological properties have shown its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antinociceptive, antimicrobial, antiparasitic, antimalarial, and wound-healing properties. However, its limited bioavailability in humans due to poor intestinal absorption, rapid metabolism, and rapid systemic elimination remains a significant challenge. Various curcumin formulations have been developed to address this limitation. This paper reviews current studies on the biological and pharmacological properties of curcumin. It also examines methods for curcumin isolation, including pressurized fluid extraction, Soxhlet extraction, enzyme-assisted extraction, and microwave extraction. Furthermore, analytical methods for the identification and quantification of curcumin in diverse matrices, as well as procedures for formulating curcumin, will also be addressed. This review consolidates recent studies on curcumin's chemical, bioactive, and pharmacological properties. It also highlights significant knowledge gaps, indicating the need for future research to elucidate curcumin's mechanism of action, safety, efficacy, and therapeutic potential for treating various human and animal diseases.