8 March 2024 | Caroline Bertoncini-Silva, Adelina Vlad, Roberta Ricciarelli, Priscila Giacomo Fassini, Vivian Marques Miguel Suen, Jean-Marc Zingg
Curcumin, a polyphenolic compound derived from *Curcuma longa* roots, has gained attention for its potential health benefits, including anti-cancer, anti-obesity, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and lipid-lowering effects. However, its low bioavailability in the body, often measured in micromolar concentrations, limits its therapeutic potential. This review discusses strategies to enhance curcumin's bioavailability and bioactivity using nanoformulations, which can increase its levels in the body and potentially amplify its disease-preventing effects. The review covers the bioavailability of curcumin, the mechanisms by which nanoformulations improve its solubility, stability, and absorption, and its regulatory effects on various tissues, including the intestine, liver, adipose tissue, heart, and vessels. The antimicrobial actions of curcumin and its nanoformulations are also discussed, along with their potential in treating antimicrobial infections. The review highlights the promise of nanoformulations in enhancing curcumin's therapeutic efficacy, but also notes the need for careful monitoring to avoid adverse regulatory effects on cellular signaling and gene expression.Curcumin, a polyphenolic compound derived from *Curcuma longa* roots, has gained attention for its potential health benefits, including anti-cancer, anti-obesity, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and lipid-lowering effects. However, its low bioavailability in the body, often measured in micromolar concentrations, limits its therapeutic potential. This review discusses strategies to enhance curcumin's bioavailability and bioactivity using nanoformulations, which can increase its levels in the body and potentially amplify its disease-preventing effects. The review covers the bioavailability of curcumin, the mechanisms by which nanoformulations improve its solubility, stability, and absorption, and its regulatory effects on various tissues, including the intestine, liver, adipose tissue, heart, and vessels. The antimicrobial actions of curcumin and its nanoformulations are also discussed, along with their potential in treating antimicrobial infections. The review highlights the promise of nanoformulations in enhancing curcumin's therapeutic efficacy, but also notes the need for careful monitoring to avoid adverse regulatory effects on cellular signaling and gene expression.