HomeIngredientPolymeric nanomicelles of curcumin: Potential applications in cancer

Polymeric nanomicelles of curcumin: Potential applications in cancer

March 1, 2022

Int J Pharm. 2022 Feb 25:121622. doi: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2022.121622. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Natural compounds, primarily derived from plants, have been isolated and evaluated as alternative and complementary treatments for cancer. Curcumin has been proven to be beneficial in cancer therapy due to its multiple effects on cell signaling pathways, although the application of curcumin is limited due to its low oral bioavailability. Nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems have been used to overcome limited bioavailability and ensure greater biodistribution after administration. Nano-formulations of curcumin have shown more significant anticancer activity than free curcumin. Among the various nanocarriers, polymeric micelles with inherent stability and ease of formulation are ideal for tumor targeting via the enhanced permeation and retention (EPR) effect. The structure of polymeric micelles is suitable for the encapsulation of hydrophobic or low water-soluble drugs. Additionally, the outer shell of polymeric micelles provides protection against the normal uptake of foreign compounds by the reticuloendothelial system (RES). This review discusses the recent developments in curcumin delivery using polymeric micelles for various cancers.

PMID:35227805 | DOI:10.1016/j.ijpharm.2022.121622

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About The Author

Patrick Blanchard MD

Meet Dr. Blanchard Dr. Blanchard’s medical practice is an embodiment of Integrative health which brings conventional and complementary approaches together in a coordinated way. Conveniently located in sunny Florida and over the internet with ValiseMD’s secure HIPPA compliant telXmed servers. Since 1994, patients with a wide range of challenging medical problems have achieved optimum health using the best of natural medicine, judiciously combined with high-tech innovations. Breakthroughs are often achieved even after patients have consulted mainstream specialists and holistic practitioners. Dr. Blanchard is founder and CEO of ValiseMD, Inc. He is board certified in Family Medicine since 1994 and awarded Fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians in 2001. He received the ‘Teacher of the Year’ award from the University of Kansas School of Medicine at completion of his residency in Family Medicine. He completed a fellowship at Wake Forest University in the field of vascular neurosonology. He holds a medical patent in the field of Gastroenterology. He holds an unrestricted license to practice medicine and surgery in Florida. He started his medical career as a Emergency Medical Technician, then as a Paramedic and later a Medical Doctor.