Neuroprotective effect of curcumin and curcumin-integrated nanocarriers in stroke: from mechanisms to therapeutic opportunities

Stroke remains one of the world’s leading causes of death and disability. Curcumin, a bioactive component of turmeric derived from Curcuma longa Linn’s rhizomes, has a variety of pharmacological activities. Native curcumin’s therapeutic use against stroke has been limited by its low solubility, poor bioavailability, rapid metabolism, physicochemical instability, and poor pharmacokinetics. By implementing a more effective delivery system, these difficulties can be addressed. Encapsulating or putting curcumin into nanoformulations has been used to increase its pharmacokinetics, systemic bioavailability, and biological activity. A vast number of nanoformulations have been approved for therapeutic use following the conclusion of preclinical and human clinical trials. In light of this, the current updated review discusses the evidence, current status and molecular mechanisms underlying the therapeutic applications of curcumin and nanocurcumin formulations against stroke.