Abstract

ADVANCEMENTS IN CURCUMIN-LOADED PHARMACEUTICAL DELIVERY SYSTEMS: A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF THERAPEUTIC APPLICATIONS AND OUTCOMES

Khushi Quadri and Neha Quadri*

Abstract

Curcumin, a polyphenolic compound derived from Curcuma longa, has shown considerable promise in treating pulmonary diseases due to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antifibrotic properties. However, its clinical application in pulmonary conditions is hindered by its poor bioavailability, rapid metabolism, and low water solubility. To address these limitations, various curcumin-loaded pharmaceutical delivery systems have been developed. This review focuses on advancements in the formulation of curcumin-loaded delivery systems specifically for pulmonary diseases, including liposomes, nanoparticles, micelles, solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs), hydrogels, and nanoemulsions. These systems aim to improve curcumin’s solubility, stability, and bioavailability, thereby enhancing its therapeutic potential for conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, pulmonary fibro-sis, and other inflammatory lung disorders. Additionally, targeted drug delivery approaches are being employed to ensure that curcumin accumulates specifically in lung tissues, maxim-izing its efficacy while minimizing side effects. Recent studies have shown promising results in preclinical models, including improved lung function, reduced inflammation, and protec-tion against oxidative stress in pulmonary diseases. Despite the progress, challenges remain in large-scale production, long-term stability, and ensuring safety for clinical use. Future re-search should focus on optimizing curcumin formulations for personalized treatments, over-coming manufacturing hurdles, and expanding clinical trials. This review underscores the po-tential of curcumin-loaded pharmaceutical delivery systems to transform the treatment of pulmonary diseases, offering a novel and effective therapeutic strategy.

Keywords: Curcumin, Pharmaceutical Delivery Systems, Bioavailability, Anticancer, Anti-inflammatory, Targeted Drug Delivery.