Curcuma Longa, the "Golden Spice" to Counteract Neuroinflammaging and Cognitive Decline-What Have We Learned and What Needs to Be Done

Lifestyle interventions for dementia risk reduction: A review on the role of physical activity and diet in Western and Asian Countries

Dementia, is a critical global public health challenge with no effective pharmacological treatments. Recent research highlights the significant role of lifestyle interventions, particularly physical activity and dietary habits, in mitigating cognitive decline among the elderly and preventing the progression to dementia in individuals with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). This comprehensive review explores the impact of physical exercise and dietary approaches on cognitive health, comparing strategies adopted in Western and Asian countries. Physical activity, including aerobic, resistance, balance training, and dual-task exercises, has been shown to enhance neurogenesis, improve cerebral blood flow, and delay cognitive decline. In Western countries, structured regimens such as the Mediterranean (MedDiet) and MIND diets are prominent, while Asian countries often integrate traditional mind-body practices like Tai Chi and culturally relevant diets rich in antioxidants and polyphenols. Although both regions recognize the importance of lifestyle changes in reducing dementia risk, their approaches differ significantly, shaped by cultural norms and dietary preferences. This review underscores the need for culturally tailored public health strategies to promote cognitive health globally, highlighting the importance of individualized approaches in MCI and dementia prevention.

Exploring the HPLC Profiling and Antioxidant Potency in Methanolic Extracts of Curcuma longa L. Rhizomes

In this exploration of Curcuma longa Linn., commonly known as turmeric, renowned for its therapeutic history, our study focuses on the bioactive compound curcumin. We established and validated an HPLC method for precise curcumin quantification, complemented by an examination of total phenolic and flavonoid content, as well as antioxidant capabilities in a methanolic extract from C. longa rhizomes obtained through a methanol-based Soxhlet extraction. The HPLC analysis utilized a C18 column with a mobile phase of 70:30 V/V Acetonitrile (ACN) to Water (with 1% Glacial Acetic Acid) under an isocratic elution at 1 mL/min, detection at 420 nm, and a reference standard. The method exhibited notable accuracy, precision, and reproducibility. Antioxidant potential, assessed through DPPH, nitric oxide, and hydroxyl radical scavenging assays, unveiled significant total phenol and total flavonoid quantities, highlighting C. longa's potent antioxidant capacity. The study demonstrated a correlation between antioxidant activities and phenolic and flavonoid concentrations, reinforcing the robustness of our method. In conclusion, this method offers an effective means of quantifying curcumin within C. longa rhizomes and holds promise as a valuable tool for maintaining quality control in the production of this botanical material.

Exploring the Mechanisms and Therapeutic Approaches of Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Alzheimer's Disease: An Educational Literature Review

Alzheimer's disease (AD) presents a significant challenge to global health. It is characterized by progressive cognitive deterioration and increased rates of morbidity and mortality among older adults. Among the various pathophysiologies of AD, mitochondrial dysfunction, encompassing conditions such as increased reactive oxygen production, dysregulated calcium homeostasis, and impaired mitochondrial dynamics, plays a pivotal role. This review comprehensively investigates the mechanisms of mitochondrial dysfunction in AD, focusing on aspects such as glucose metabolism impairment, mitochondrial bioenergetics, calcium signaling, protein tau and amyloid-beta-associated synapse dysfunction, mitophagy, aging, inflammation, mitochondrial DNA, mitochondria-localized microRNAs, genetics, hormones, and the electron transport chain and Krebs cycle. While lecanemab is the only FDA-approved medication to treat AD, we explore various therapeutic modalities for mitigating mitochondrial dysfunction in AD, including antioxidant drugs, antidiabetic agents, acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (FDA-approved to manage symptoms), nutritional supplements, natural products, phenylpropanoids, vaccines, exercise, and other potential treatments.

Phytotherapy in Alzheimer's Disease-A Narrative Review

Alzheimer's disease (AD) affects 50-70% of patients with dementia, making it the leading cause of dementia. The condition is classified as a neurodegenerative, progressive and incurable disease. The disease is affecting more and more people around the world. AD has a multifactorial nature, spreading from beta-amyloid deposition to inflammation in patients' brains. Patients experience cognitive impairment and functional decline. Although it is a disease that occurs mainly in the elderly, it is increasingly being diagnosed in young people between the ages of 30 and 40. It not only affects the patient themself but also reduces the quality of life of their closest caregivers. According to the WHO, the treatment of AD consumes USD 1.3 trillion globally, but it is only symptomatic, as there are no drugs to prevent the onset of AD or treat the cause of its onset. Due to the numerous side effects of therapy and the lack of proactive drugs that act on the pathomechanism of AD, alternative therapies are being sought. One possible option that has many studies confirming its effect is phytotherapy. Many herbs have pharmacological properties, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, or neuroprotective effects, making them the future of cognitive disorders and AD treatment. This review focuses on some of the most promising herbs that have potentially potent properties and effects in AD therapy. These include Curcuma longa, Panax ginseng, Berberis and Crocus sativus. These herbs may perhaps be key in the future to make functioning and life easier for patients struggling with AD.

TLR4/NFκB-Mediated Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidative Effect of Hexanic and Ethanolic Extracts of Curcuma longa L. in Buffalo Mammary Epithelial Cells

Mastitis is the commonest disease of bovines imposing a great economic setback and a drastic public health concern worldwide. Antibiotic resistance is the preliminary con of excessive antibiotics use for disease treatment. Studies validate an alarming increase in the antibiotic resistance of both humans and animals. For ages, medicinal plants have been used to treat a number of ailments in humans and animals, including mastitis. Curcuma longa, or turmeric, is the prerequisite in Indian cooking and has been used in traditional medicine for its magical properties. The rhizome of C. longa possesses significant anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidative properties. In the current study, we evaluated the hexanic and ethanolic extracts of C. longa for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidative potential against LPS-induced inflammation in buffalo mammary epithelial cells (BuMECs). Pretreatment with the extracts downregulated the expression of proinflammatory cytokine TNFα via the TLR4/NFκB-mediated signaling pathway. However, IL-6 was downregulated in only the hexanic C. longa-pretreated group. A significant upregulation of NRF2 mRNA expression was seen in both hexanic- and ethanolic-treated groups. A GC-MS/MS study of the extracts revealed the presence of important sesqueterpenoids and phenolics as the main bioactive phytoconstituents in the extracts. Sesqueterpenoids, such as turmerone, ar-turmerone, curlone, and atlantone, and phenols, such as guaiacol (2-Hydroxyanisole phenol, 2-methoxy), and ethyl ferulate/ethyl 4′-hydroxy-3′methoxycinnamate, were found in C. longa extracts. The protective role of C. longa in BuMECs against LPS-induced inflammation and oxidant insult might be due to the presence of bioactive compounds, such as terpenoid and phenolic compounds. However, we further propose the isolation of these phytoconstituents and their analysis using HPLC and NMR studies.

Preparation and evaluation of the anti-cancer properties of RGD-modified curcumin-loaded chitosan/perfluorohexane nanocapsules in vitro

Curcumin (Cur) encapsulation in nanocapsules (NCs) could improve its availability and therapeutic antitumor efficacy. Cur-loaded chitosan/perfluorohexane (CS/PFH) nanocapsules (CS/PFH-Cur-NCs) were thus synthesized via a nanoemulsion process. To further enhance the selective tumor targeting ability of Cur-loaded NCs, a novel CS/PFH-Cur-NCs with conjugation of Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) peptide (RGD-CS/PFH-Cur-NCs) were prepared in this study. The properties of these NCs were then explored through in vitro release experiments and confocal laser scanning microscopy-based analyses of the ability of these NCs to target MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. In addition, an MTT assay-based approach was used to compare the relative cytotoxic impact of CS/PFH-Cur-NCs and RGD-CS/PFH-Cur-NCs on these breast cancer cells. It was found that both CS/PFH-Cur-NCs and RGD-CS/PFH-Cur-NCs were smooth, relatively uniform, spheroid particles, with the latter being 531.20 ± 68.97 nm in size. These RGD-CS/PFH-Cur-NCs can be ideal for contrast imaging studies, and were better able to target breast cancer cells in comparison to CS/PFH-Cur-NCs. In addition, RGD-CS/PFH-Cur-NCs were observed to induce cytotoxic MDA-MB-231 cell death more swiftly in comparison to CS/PFH-Cur-NCs. These findings suggest that NC encapsulation and RGD surface modification can remarkably improve the anti-tumor efficacy of Cur. These novel NCs may thus manifest a significant potential value in the realm of image-guided cancer therapy, underscoring an important direction for future research.

Curcumin: A Promising Tool to Develop Preventive and Therapeutic Strategies against Non-Communicable Diseases, Still Requiring Verification by Sound Clinical Trials

Curcumin is a pleiotropic compound found in the rhizome of Curcuma longa (turmeric) [...]

Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Other Lifestyle Factors in the Prevention of Cognitive Decline and Dementia

Multiple factors combined are currently recognized as contributors to cognitive decline. The main independent risk factor for cognitive impairment and dementia is advanced age followed by other determinants such as genetic, socioeconomic, and environmental factors, including nutrition and physical activity. In the next decades, a rise in dementia cases is expected due largely to the aging of the world population. There are no hitherto effective pharmaceutical therapies to treat age-associated cognitive impairment and dementia, which underscores the crucial role of prevention. A relationship among diet, physical activity, and other lifestyle factors with cognitive function has been intensively studied with mounting evidence supporting the role of these determinants in the development of cognitive decline and dementia, which is a chief cause of disability globally. Several dietary patterns, foods, and nutrients have been investigated in this regard, with some encouraging and other disappointing results. This review presents the current evidence for the effects of dietary patterns, dietary components, some supplements, physical activity, sleep patterns, and social engagement on the prevention or delay of the onset of age-related cognitive decline and dementia.

Can specific nutrients, foods, or dietary patterns modulate cognitive function in (older) adults? Latest evidence from randomized controlled trials

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Epidemiological findings and results of randomized clinical trials in the last two decades have identified diet as a modifiable risk factor for cognitive decline, a predementia stage that is increasing worldwide as population ages. The literature on this critical association is expanding, making this review relevant and timely.

RECENT FINDINGS

Data from 15 trials and several systematic reviews/meta-analyses indicate that, in healthy older adults, isolated nutrients or antioxidant-rich foods usually fail to improve cognition. However, studies targeting populations at risk of cognitive decline tend to have positive results. There is ample epidemiological evidence of cognitive benefit from plant-based dietary patterns (i.e., Mediterranean diet), but more clinical trials are needed. Long-term multicomponent trials, simultaneously targeting several risk factors in patients with early dementia stages, offer promising evidence. A long-term multinutrient intervention in patients at risk for dementia appears as a sound preventive strategy.

SUMMARY

This review summarizes the latest evidence on nutrients, foods, and dietary patterns as tools to improve cognition and promote brain health. Dietary changes are important to help delay cognitive decline, particularly in populations more at risk. Large-scale strategies based on healthy diets combined with other health-promoting lifestyle changes should be a public health priority.

Polyphenols and neuroprotection: Therapeutic implications for cognitive decline

Dietary polyphenols have been the focus of major interest for their potential benefits on human health. Several preclinical studies have been conducted to provide a rationale for their potential use as therapeutic agents in preventing or ameliorating cognitive decline. However, results from human studies are scarce and poorly documented. The aim of this review was to discuss the potential mechanisms involved in age-related cognitive decline or early stage cognitive impairment and current evidence from clinical human studies conducted on polyphenols and the aforementioned outcomes. The evidence published so far is encouraging but contrasting findings are to be taken into account. Most studies on anthocyanins showed a consistent positive effect on various cognitive aspects related to aging or early stages of cognitive impairment. Studies on cocoa flavanols, resveratrol, and isoflavones provided substantial contrasting results and further research is needed to clarify the therapeutic potential of these compounds. Results from other studies on quercetin, green tea flavanols, hydroxycinnamic acids (such as chlorogenic acid), curcumin, and olive oil tyrosol and derivatives are rather promising but still too few to provide any real conclusions. Future translational studies are needed to address issues related to dosage, optimal formulations to improve bioavailability, as well as better control for the overall diet, and correct target population.

Whole-plant foods and their macromolecules: untapped approaches to modulate neuroinflammation in Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder. Recently, sustained neuroinflammatory response in microglia and astrocytes has been found to cause the deposition of amyloid beta plaques and the hyperphosphorylation of tau protein, thereby accelerating AD progression. The lipoxin A4-transcription factor nuclear factor-kappa B and mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways have been shown to play important roles in the regulation of inflammatory processes. There is growing research-based evidence suggesting that dietary whole-plant foods, such as mushrooms and berries, may be used as inhibitors for anti-neuroinflammation. The beneficial effects of whole-plant foods were mainly attributed to their high contents of functional macromolecules including polysaccharides, polyphenols, and bioactive peptides. This review provides up-to-date information on important molecular signaling pathways of neuroinflammation and discusses the anti-neuroinflammatory effects of whole-plant foods. Further, a critical evaluation of plants' macromolecular components that have the potential to prevent and/or relieve AD is provided. This work will contribute to better understanding the pathogenetic mechanism of neuroinflammation in AD and provide new approaches for AD therapy.

Curcumin-meropenem synergy in carbapenem resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae curcumin-meropenem synergy

Background and Objectives:

The frequency of multiple resistant bacterial infections, including carbapenems, is increasing worldwide. As the decrease in treatment options causes difficulties in treatment, interest in new antimicrobials is increasing. One of the promising natural ingredients is curcumin. It is known to be effective in bacteria such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Burkholderia pseudomallei through efflux pump inhibition, toxin inhibition and enzymes. However, because its bioavailability is poor, it seffectiveness occurs in combination with antibiotics. In the study, the interaction of meropenem and curcumin in carbapenemase producing strains of Klebsiella pneumoniae was tested.

Materials and Methods:

Thirty-nine Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates, resistant to meropenem, were used in this study. From those 15 MBL, 6 KPC, 17 OXA-48 and 1 AmpC resistance pattern were detected by combination disk method. Meropenem and Curcumin MIC values were determined by liquid microdilution. Checkerboard liquid microdilution was used to determine the synergy between meropenem and curcumin.

Results:

Synergistic effects were observed in 4 isolates producing MBL, 3 isolates producing KPC, 4 isolates producing OXA-48, and 1 isolates producing AmpC (totally 12 isolates) according to the calculated FICI. No antagonistic effects were observed in any isolates.

Conclusion:

Curcumin was thought to be an alternative antimicrobial in combination therapies that would positively contribute to the treatment of bacterial infection. The effectiveness of this combination should be confirmed by other in vitro and clinical studies.