NANOTECHNOLOGY APPLIED TO CURCUMA LONGA L. IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF ANTI-INFLAMMATORY THERAPIES

Abstract

The use of medicinal plants in pharmaceutical research has attracted considerable interest due to the presence of bioactive compounds with potential applications in the development of new therapeutic strategies. Among these species, Curcuma longa L., commonly known as turmeric, stands out because of its main bioactive compound, curcumin. This compound has been investigated for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties in several experimental studies. However, its low water solubility, reduced bioavailability, metabolism, and absorption limitations restrict its use in conventional pharmaceutical formulations. In this context, pharmaceutical nanotechnology has emerged as an innovative strategy to improve the physicochemical and pharmacokinetic characteristics of curcumin. This study aimed to analyze the potential of nanotechnology applied to curcumin obtained from Curcuma longa L., considering its pharmacological properties, bioavailability limitations, and the main nanotechnological systems investigated. An exploratory qualitative literature review was conducted using scientific studies related to Curcuma longa, curcumin, nanotechnology, nanoparticles, bioavailability, and anti-inflammatory activity. The findings indicate that systems such as polymeric nanoparticles, lipid nanoparticles, liposomes, and nanoemulsions may improve the dispersion, stability, protection, and release of curcumin. Nevertheless, despite promising results, important challenges remain regarding safety, toxicity, stability, standardization, production costs, and large-scale manufacturing. Furthermore, results obtained from laboratory and preclinical studies are not sufficient to confirm therapeutic efficacy in humans. Therefore, the association between Curcuma longa, curcumin, and nanotechnology represents a relevant perspective for pharmaceutical innovation, but further clinical studies are required to establish its safety and therapeutic effectiveness.