Curcumin effects on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A systematic review

Comparative Efficacy of Nutritional Supplements in Modulating Lung Function and Exercise Capacity in COPD Patients: A Network Meta-Analysis

Objective

To compare the effects of nutritional supplements on lung function and exercise tolerance in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Methods

We searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on nutritional supplements in COPD patients, with the search ending December 31, 2023. Two authors independently screened studies, extracted data, and assessed quality using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Data were analyzed using RevMan 5.4 and R 4.2.3.

Results

Forty-eight studies with 2481 COPD patients were included. Network meta-analysis showed six supplements significantly improved the 6-minute walk distance (6MWD) (all p<0.05), with the top three being: Coenzyme Q10+ Creatine [MD=63, 95% CI (36, 90)], L-carnitine [MD=53, 95% CI (24, 82)], and anabolic steroids [MD=44, 95% CI (7.1, 82)]. Four supplements improved FEV1%(all p<0.05): nanocurcumin [MD=13, 95% CI (7.7, 18)], Vitamin D [MD=7.5, 95% CI (5.1, 9.9)], probiotics [MD=7.1, 95% CI (5.2, 9.1)] and BSO [MD=4.9, 95% CI (1.6, 8.3)]. In pairwise comparisons, nanocurcumin outperformed BSO and Probiotics. Nanocurcumin [MD=12, 95% CI (4.6, 19), p<0.05] improved FEV1/FVC, and nitrate [MD=26, 95% CI (9.7, 42), p<0.05] was effective for the Incremental Shuttle Walk Test (ISWT). Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) products [MD=-1.3, 95% CI (-1.9, -0.67)], melatonin (MLT) [MD=-0.9, 95% CI (-1.6, -0.21)] and Calcitriol [MD=-0.66, 95% CI (-0.93, -0.39)] improved the modified Medical Research Council(mMRC) dyspnea score (all p<0.05), with comparable efficacy among them.

Conclusion

Nutritional supplements improve lung function and exercise endurance in COPD. Coenzyme Q10+Creatine is most effective for endurance, while Nanocurcumin has the greatest impact on lung function.

From bench to bedside: exploring curcumin-driven signaling pathways in immune cells for cancer management

The use of natural compounds as effective therapeutic agents is an expanding area of health and disease research. Curcumin, a bioactive component derived from the rhizome of the turmeric plant (Curcuma longa L.), has been primarily used in culinary applications for several centuries, but now its potential health benefits are the focus of growing scientific research. Interestingly, some studies have found that curcumin has antitumorigenic effects due to its ability to influence the tumor microenvironment and possibly promote immune system response by modulating specific signaling pathways in immune cells. The interaction of curcumin with immune cells in the field of cancer chemoprevention is a complex area of research. It has been suggested that curcumin might promote T cell recruitment, reduce neutrophil and macrophage accumulation in the tumor microenvironment, and prevent the conversion of infiltrating lymphocytes into immunosuppressive subpopulations. Thus, its possible mechanisms of action also include a shift of the immune balance toward activation by reversing the prevalence of immunosuppressive cells. With innovations and improvements in our understanding of the potential benefits of curcumin on immune cells in cancer prevention and treatment, it is important to have an overview of current findings. Therefore, in this study, we aim to provide a review of the latest discoveries regarding curcumin in the field of cancer and immune cell research.

Curcumin-loaded nanoemulsion for acute lung injury treatment via nebulization: Formulation, optimization and in vivo studies

Introduction

Curcumin, a polyphenolic bioactive molecule, exhibits potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties by reducing cytokine levels such as IL-6, TNF-α, and TGF-β. It regulates IL-17A and modulates key signaling pathways, including PI3K/AKT/mTOR, NF-κB and JAK/STAT. However, its clinical application is hindered by rapid metabolism, poor solubility, and chemical instability.

Method

Using the Box-Behnken design, this study developed and optimized a curcumin-loaded turmeric oil-based nanoemulsion system. The effects of turmeric oil, Tween 80 and sonication cycles on particle size (PS), polydispersity index (PDI), and encapsulation efficiency were analyzed. The optimized nanoemulsion was characterized by zeta potential, PDI, PS, morphology, loading efficiency, EE, and antioxidant activity (DPPH assay). In vitro cytotoxicity was evaluated using A549 cells, while in vivo efficacy was assessed in BALB/c mice through histological analysis, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid analysis, and TNF-α and IL-1β estimation via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

The optimized nanoemulsion had high entrapment efficiency (92.45±2.4 %), a PS of 130.6 nm, a PDI of 0.151, and a zeta potential of -1.7±0.6 mV. Nanoparticle tracking analysis confirmed a mean PS of 138.3±1.6 nm with a concentration of 3.78×1012 particles/mL. Transmission electron microscopy imaging confirmed spherical morphology. The IC 50 value was 25.65 μg/mL. The nanoemulsion remained stable for three months at 4±1 and 25±2 °C/ 60±5 % relative humidity. The optimized formulation significantly reduced BALF total cell count, alveolar wall thickening, and TNF-α and IL-1β levels (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Overall, the optimized formulation significantly lowered levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the acute lung injury /acute respiratory distress syndrome mouse model.

Crosstalk between ROS-inflammatory gene expression axis in the progression of lung disorders

A significant number of deaths and disabilities worldwide are brought on by inflammatory lung diseases. Many inflammatory lung disorders, including chronic respiratory emphysema, resistant asthma, resistance to steroids, and coronavirus-infected lung infections, have severe variants for which there are no viable treatments; as a result, new treatment alternatives are needed. Here, we emphasize how oxidative imbalance contributes to the emergence of provocative lung problems that are challenging to treat. Endogenic antioxidant systems are not enough to avert free radical-mediated damage due to the induced overproduction of ROS. Pro-inflammatory mediators are then produced due to intracellular signaling events, which can harm the tissue and worsen the inflammatory response. Overproduction of ROS causes oxidative stress, which causes lung damage and various disease conditions. Invasive microorganisms or hazardous substances that are inhaled repeatedly can cause an excessive amount of ROS to be produced. By starting signal transduction pathways, increased ROS generation during inflammation may cause recurrent DNA damage and apoptosis and activate proto-oncogenes. This review provides information about new targets for conducting research in related domains or target factors to prevent, control, or treat such inflammatory oxidative stress-induced inflammatory lung disorders.

Soothing the Itch: The Role of Medicinal Plants in Alleviating Pruritus in Palliative Care

Chronic pruritus, or persistent itching, is a debilitating condition that severely impacts quality of life, especially in palliative care settings. Traditional treatments often fail to provide adequate relief or are associated with significant side effects, prompting interest in alternative therapies. This review investigates the antipruritic potential of eight medicinal plants: chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla), aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis), calendula (Calendula officinalis), curcumin (Curcuma longa), lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra), peppermint (Mentha piperita), and evening primrose (Oenothera biennis). These plants are analyzed for their traditional applications, active bioactive compounds, mechanisms of action, clinical evidence, usage, dosage, and safety profiles. Comprehensive searches were conducted in databases including PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and b-on, focusing on in vitro, animal, and clinical studies using keywords like "plant", "extract", and "pruritus". Studies were included regardless of publication date and limited to English-language articles. Findings indicate that active compounds such as polysaccharides in aloe vera, curcuminoids in turmeric, and menthol in peppermint exhibit significant anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immune-modulating properties. Chamomile and calendula alleviate itching through anti-inflammatory and skin-soothing effects, while lavender and licorice offer antimicrobial benefits alongside antipruritic relief. Evening primrose, rich in gamma-linolenic acid, is effective in atopic dermatitis-related itching. Despite promising preclinical and clinical results, challenges remain in standardizing dosages and formulations. The review highlights the necessity of further clinical trials to ensure efficacy and safety, advocating for integrating these botanical therapies into complementary palliative care practices. Such approaches emphasize holistic treatment, addressing chronic pruritus's physical and emotional burden, thereby enhancing patient well-being.

Cellular probing using phytoceuticals encapsulated advanced delivery systems in ameliorating lung diseases: Current trends and future prospects

Chronic respiratory diseases such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and asthma have posed a significant healthcare and economic cost over a prolonged duration worldwide. At present, available treatments are limited to a range of preventive medicines, such as mono- or multiple-drug therapy, which necessitates daily use and are not considered as viable treatments to reverse the inflammatory processes of airway remodelling which is inclusive of the alteration of intra and extracellular matrix of the airway tract, death of epithelial cells, the increase in smooth muscle cell and the activation of fibroblasts. Hence, with the problem in mind a considerable body of study has been dedicated to comprehending the underlying factors that contribute to inflammation within the framework of these disorders. Hence, adequate literature that has unveiled the necessary cellular probing to reduce inflammation in the respiratory tract by improving the selectivity and precision of a novel treatment. However, through cellular probing cellular mechanisms such as the downregulation of various markers, interleukin 8, (IL-8), Interleukin 6 (IL-6), interleukin 1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) have been uncovered. Hence, to target such cellular probes implementation of phytoceuticals encapsulated in an advanced drug delivery system has shown potential to be a solution with in vitro and in vivo studies highlighting their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. However, the high costs associated with advanced drug delivery systems and the limited literature focused exclusively on nanoparticles pose significant challenges. Additionally, the biochemical characteristics of phytoceuticals due to poor solubility, limited bioavailability, and difficulties in mass production makes it difficult to implement this product as a treatment for COPD and asthma. This study aims to examine the integration of many critical features in the context of their application for the treatment of chronic inflammation in respiratory disorders.

Unlocking daidzein's healing power: Present applications and future possibilities in phytomedicine

BACKGROUND

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death and a great threat to people around the world. Cancer treatment modalities include surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, radiochemotherapy, hormone therapy, and immunotherapy. The best approach is to use a combination of several types. Among the treatment methods mentioned above, chemotherapy is frequently used, but its activity is hampered by the development of drug resistance and many side effects. In this regard, the use of medicinal plants has been discussed, and in recent decades, the use of isolated phytochemicals came into the focus of interest. By critically evaluating the available evidence and emphasizing the unique perspective offered by this review, we provide insights into the potential of daidzein as a promising therapeutic agent, as well as outline future research directions to optimize its efficacy in clinical settings.

PURPOSE

To summarized the therapeutic potential of daidzein, an isoflavone phytoestrogen in the management of several human diseases with the focuses on the current status and future prospects as a therapeutic agent.

METHODS

Several search engines, including PubMed, GoogleScholar, and ScienceDirect, were used, with the search terms "daidzein", "daidzein therapeutic potential", or individual effects. The study included all peer-reviewed articles. However, the most recent publications were given priority.

RESULTS

Daidzein showed protective effects against malignant diseases such as breast cancer, prostate cancer but also non-malignant diseases such as diabetes, osteoporosis, and cardiovascular diseases. Daidzein activates multiple signaling pathways leading to cell cycle arrest and apoptosis as well as antioxidant and anti-metastatic effects in malignant cells. Moreover, the anticancer effects against different cancer cells were more prominent and discussed in detail.

CONCLUSIONS

In short, daidzein represents a promising compound for drug development. The comprehensive potential anticancer activities of daidzein through various molecular mechanisms and its therapeutic/clinical status required further detail studies.

Nanocrystal Agglomerates of Curcumin Prepared by Electrospray Drying as an Excipient-Free Dry Powder for Inhalation

Curcumin has shown beneficial effects on pulmonary diseases with chronic inflammation or abnormal inflammatory responses, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, and pulmonary fibrosis. Clinical applications of curcumin are limited due to its chemical instability in solution, low water solubility, poor oral bioavailability, and intestinal and liver first-pass metabolism. Pulmonary delivery of curcumin can address these challenges and provide a high concentration in lung tissues. The purpose of the current work was to prepare a novel inhalable dry powder of curcumin nanocrystals without added excipients using electrospray drying (ED) with improved dissolution and aerosolization properties. ED of curcumin was performed at 2 and 4% w/v concentrations in acetone. Physicochemical properties of the formulated powders were evaluated by powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), density and powder flow measurements, and in vitro dissolution. The in vitro deposition studies were conducted using next-generation impactor (NGI) and aerosol performance and aerodynamic particle size parameters were calculated for prepared formulations. ED could produce agglomerates of nanocrystals with a size of about 500 nm at an acceptable yield of about 50%. PXRD and FTIR data revealed that prepared nanocrystals were in a stable crystalline state. The bulk and tapped density of prepared agglomerates were in the range appropriate for pulmonary delivery. Formed nanocrystals could significantly improve the dissolution rate of water-insoluble curcumin. The optimized formulation exhibited acceptable recovered dose percentage, high emitted dose percentage, optimum mean mass median aerodynamic diameter, small geometric standard deviation, and high fine-particle fraction that favors delivery of curcumin to the deep lung regions. The ED proved to be an efficient technique to prepare curcumin nanocrystals for pulmonary delivery in a single step, at a mild condition, and with no surfactant.

Liposomal curcumin inhibits cigarette smoke induced senescence and inflammation in human bronchial epithelial cells

Curcumin, the principal curcuminoid of turmeric (Curcuma longa extract), is very well known for its multiple biological therapeutic activities, particularly its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potential. However, due to its low water solubility, it exhibits poor bioavailability. In order to overcome this problem, in the current study, we have employed liposomal technology to encapsulate curcumin with the aim of enhancing its therapeutic efficacy. The curcumin-loaded liposomes (PlexoZome®) were tested on a cigarette smoke extract-induced Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) in vitro model using minimally immortalized human bronchial epithelial cells (BCiNS1.1). The anti-senescence and anti-inflammatory properties of PlexoZome® were explored. 5 µM PlexoZome® curcumin demonstrated anti-senescent activity by decrease in X-gal positive cells, and reduction in the expression of p16 and p21 in immunofluorescence staining. Moreover, PlexoZome® curcumin also demonstrated a reduction in proteins related to senescence (osteopontin, FGF basic and uPAR) and inflammation (GM-CSF, EGF and ST2). Overall, the results clearly demonstrate the therapeutic potential of curcumin encapsulated liposomes in managing CSE induced COPD, providing a new direction to respiratory clinics.

Nanocurcumin supplementation improves pulmonary function in severe COPD patients: A randomized, double blind, and placebo-controlled clinical trial

Considering the anti-inflammatory properties of curcumin, the present study was designed to investigate the effect of nano-curcumin on respiratory indices and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels in severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients as a common pulmonary disease causing restricted airflow and breathing problems. In the current double-blind placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial study, 60 patients with stages 3 and 4 COPD were randomly assigned into 80 mg nano-curcumin (n = 30) and placebo groups (n = 30) for 3 months. The effect of nano-curcumin on pulmonary function was evaluated by the first second of forced expiration (FEV1) to the full, forced vital capacity (FVC) ratio. IL-6 serum level, blood pressure, and anthropometric indices were also measured. Nano-curcumin supplementation led to a significant decrease in IL-6 level (p < 0.001) and an increase in FEV1 (p < 0.001), FVC (p = 0.003), and FEV1/FVC (p < 0.001) compared to placebo at the endpoint. Nano-curcumin had a significantly increasing effect on weight and body mass index compared to the placebo group (PANCOVA adjusted for baseline values  = 0.042). There was a meaningful improvement in systolic blood pressure in the nano-curcumin group compared to the placebo group (PANCOVA adjusted for baseline values  = 0.026). There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, and diastolic blood pressure (PANCOVA adjusted for baseline values >0.05). Nano-curcumin supplement seems to have favorable effects on inflammation status and respiratory indices of patients with severe COPD.

Metabolic regularity of bioactive compounds in Bufei Jianpi granule in rats using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with triple quadrupole mass spectrometry analysis technology

Bufei Jianpi granule (BJG) is clinically effective for treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). At present, there is no report regarding the drug metabolism of BJG in vivo. This work developed an ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with triple quadrupole mass spectrometry method with high accuracy and sensitivity to determine drug metabolism of this compound in vivo. After continuous administration of BJG, the concentrations of 10 components in rat plasma, namely betaine, peimine, peiminine, astragaloside A, sinensetin, nobiletin, naringin, calycosin, formononetin, and magnolol, were determined at different time points. Meanwhile, the pharmacokinetic parameters and metabolic rules of these 10 components were evaluated: Cmax , 8.624-574.645 ng/mL; Tmax , 0.250-8.667 h; AUC0-t , 17.640-8947.393 ng h/mL; T1/2 , 3.405-66.014 h; mean residence time (MRT), 6.893-11.223 h. All these components possessed anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and other biological activities to varying degrees, contributing to improving lung function, mitigating pneumonia and pulmonary fibrosis, and preventing and treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Exploring the pharmacokinetic parameters and the laws of chemical components in BJG forms the scientific basis for applying the compound clinically and identifying quality markers for the control of the compound.

Differential gene expression analysis under salinity stress in the selected turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) cultivars for curcuminoid biosynthesis

BACKGROUND

Curcuminoids are the phenolic compounds found exclusively in turmeric. Their presence is known to increase immunity and resistance against certain cancers and neurological disorders in humans also, protecting the plant itself against salinity stress.

METHODS

In this experiment, we studied the expression levels of MAPK1 and DCS genes, their curcuminoid biosynthesis under salinity stress conditions so that the impact of individual genes can be understood using semi- quantitative PCR.

RESULTS

The expressions of the genes with respect to curcuminoid biosynthesis showed fluctuations in their band intensity values due to the production of curcuminoids, which is initiated first in the leaves followed by the rhizomes. Not all the genes responsible for the curcuminoid biosynthesis show positive regulation under salt stress conditions which is observed in response to the severity of the stress imposed on the cultivars.

CONCLUSIONS

In our findings, both the genes MAPK1 and DCS were down-regulated for curcuminoid biosynthesis compared to their controls in both the cultivars Vallabh Sharad and Selection 1.

Phenotypical and molecular assessments on the pharmacological effects of curcumin in Drosophila melanogaster

Curcumin, a dietary polyphenol derived from turmeric's rhizome, exhibits a range of pharmacological activities, such as antioxidant, analgesic, antipyretic, and anti-inflammatory effects. It has been investigated for its therapeutic potential in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) due to its ability to inhibit nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), modulate oxidative stress, impact cell viability, and regulate gene expression. However, most studies have been limited to in vitro conditions. To address this gap, we conducted in vivo experiments using the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster to explore the antioxidant activities and biological significance of curcumin. Several parameters were assessed using different assays, including curcumin toxicity assay, fly survival, locomotor response to curcumin treatment (with or without cigarette smoke), trypan blue staining, larval crawling assays, and gene expression analysis. Our data revealed no significant differences in toxicity and locomotor tests across various curcumin concentrations. D. melanogaster tolerated curcumin at concentrations of 0.5 μM, 5 μM, 50 μM, and 500 μM, suggesting its safety without negatively impacting locomotor. Furthermore, curcumin at 5 μM extended the lifespan of D. melanogaster exposed to cigarette smoke, while reversing the negative effects of smoke exposure on gut cell viability and larval locomotor activity. In conclusion, curcumin administration appeared safe for D. melanogaster, with potential benefits for longevity and locomotory function. These findings support the idea that curcumin possesses in vivo antioxidant properties and may serve as a promising pharmacological agent. However, further study is needed to explore its potential applications in human health and disease management, particularly in the context of COPD.