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

Mohamed T. El-Saadony; Ahmed M. Saad; Dina Mostafa Mohammed; Samar Sami Alkafaas; Soumya Ghosh; Shaimaa H. Negm; Heba M. Salem; Mohamed A. Fahmy; Walid F. A. Mosa; Essam H. Ibrahim; Synan F. AbuQamar; Khaled A. El-Tarabily

doi:10.3389/fimmu.2025.1603018

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

Journal article

Open access

Peer reviewed

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

Mohamed T. El-Saadony, Ahmed M. Saad, Dina Mostafa Mohammed, Samar Sami Alkafaas, Soumya Ghosh, Shaimaa H. Negm, Heba M. Salem, Mohamed A. Fahmy, Walid F. A. Mosa, Essam H. Ibrahim, …

Frontiers in immunology, Vol.16, 1603018

2025

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2025.1603018

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Abstract

bioavailability

<italic>Curcuma longa</italic>

medicinal properties

pharmacological actions

traditional medicine

turmeric

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 article 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.

Details

Title: Curcumin, an active component of turmeric: biological activities, nutritional aspects, immunological, bioavailability, and human health benefits - a comprehensive review
Authors/Creators: Mohamed T. El-Saadony
Ahmed M. Saad
Dina Mostafa Mohammed
Samar Sami Alkafaas
Soumya Ghosh
Shaimaa H. Negm
Heba M. Salem
Mohamed A. Fahmy
Walid F. A. Mosa
Essam H. Ibrahim
Synan F. AbuQamar
Khaled A. El-Tarabily
Publication Details: Frontiers in immunology, Vol.16, 1603018
Publisher: Frontiers Media S.A.
Number of pages: 43
Identifiers: 991005808667107891
Copyright: © 2025 El-Saadony et al.
Murdoch Affiliation: Centre for Terrestrial Ecosystem Science and Sustainability
Language: English
Resource Type: Journal article

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Collaboration types: Domestic collaboration; International collaboration
Citation topics: 3 Agriculture, Environment & Ecology; 3.16 Phytochemicals; 3.16.1399 Curcumin
Web Of Science research areas: Immunology
ESI research areas: Immunology