Use of curcumin and its nanopreparations in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease

Abstract

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a nonspecific inflammatory disease of the intestine that includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Because IBD is difficult to heal and easily relapses, it could worsen patient quality of life and increase economic burdens. Curcumin (CUR) is a bioactive component derived from the rhizome of turmeric (Curcuma longa). Many basic and clinical studies have shown that CUR can efficiently treat IBD by decreasing the activity of proinflammatory cytokines by communicating with transcription factors and signaling molecules. However, due to the limitations of being almost insoluble in aqueous solutions and having low oral bioavailability, it is important to select appropriate pharmaceutical preparations.

Keywords: Curcumin; Inflammatory bowel disease; Bioavailability; Nanotherapeutics

Core Tip: Curcumin (CUR) can efficiently decrease the activity of proinflammatory cytokines by communicating with transcription factors and signaling molecules. It is a new area of research that may be promising in the future to treat patients with inflammatory bowel disease, especially in patients with ulcerative colitis. How to improve the bioavailability of CUR in vivo was also discussed.