Curcumin in Therapeutics: From Molecule to Nanomaterials

Turmeric is a rhizomatous herbaceous perennial plant which belongs to the ginger family. It has been traditionally used as spices in Asian countries, particularly in India. Curcumin is a major natural polyphenol found in the rhizome of curcuma longa. Due to its medicinal properties in the wide range of diseases, it has always been a center of attraction to the researchers working in the field of medicine. However, its poor water solubility and bioavailability are major concerns and demand for the development of new technologies. Therefore, there are diverse nanomaterials-based approaches coming up, which claim enhanced bioavailability due to the increased water dispersibility. This chapter summarizes the chemical and spectroscopic properties of curcumin, its biological applications, and the conjugation with different nanomaterials for enhanced bio-applicability. It is believed that curcumin in the nanoparticulate form may revolutionize the field of health care in near future.