Journal of Nanotechnology and Nanomedicine Research

Curcumin, the polyphenolic pigment from turmeric has excellent therapeutic potential but due to poor aqueous solubility and metabolic instability, it has not yet been possible to use it as a drug. Structural studies have revealed that depending upon ambient pH, curcumin can remain in keto- enol tautomeric forms. The keto form is generated at acidic pH and due to the presence of the β-diketone motif in the molecule, the methylene group gets activated and can donate a hydrogen atom to reactive oxygen species which is responsible for its anti-oxidative properties.

Despite recent advances in clinical research, the major problem faced by clinics is the lack of effective therapeutic approaches to treat various diseases. Most of the current therapeutic agents are water-insoluble leading to poor bioavailability, the least effect at the disease site, and severe therapy-associated side effects. 

Nanomedicine is an increasing science area concerned with the development and fabrication of nanometer-scale structures for improved cancer care, detection, and imaging. Most cancer treatment options available in the clinic currently limit their usages with limited solubility and off-target side effects. Nanomaterials improve the bioavailability, solubility, selective organ distribution, and therapeutic effect of several biomolecules.