Ethnomedicinal, Phytochemistry and Antiviral Potential of Turmeric (Curcuma longa)
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Date
2022
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
MDPI
Abstract
Turmeric (Curcuma longa) has been a famous root crop for its medicinal properties since
pre-historical times. Lack of effective therapeutics for most viral diseases, higher cost of some antiviral
therapies, and the emergence of antiviral drug resistance are increasingly reported. Drug resistance is
predicted to be a leading cause of mortality globally by 2050, thus requiring intervention. The need
for effective natural antiviral compounds to mitigate viral diseases, such as curcumin, calls for further
studies. Curcumin, a primary curcuminoid compound, has demonstrated a broad activity as an
antiviral agent. Due to the need to overcome drug resistance to chemically synthesised drugs, the best
option is to improve and adapt the use of natural antiviral agents. The antiviral potential of curcumin
is hindered by its solubility and bioavailability. Recently, different techniques, such as the preparation
of curcumin carbon quantum dots, have been used to improve curcumin antiviral activity. Therefore,
the current review aims to assess curcumin’s benefits as a natural antiviral agent and techniques to
improve its medicinal activity. Future use of curcumin will aid in mitigating viral diseases, including
resistant strain, hence sustainability of the entire community. In this case, research and innovation
are required to improve the solubility and bioavailability of curcumin for medical uses.
Description
Full text article. Also available at https://doi.org/10.3390/compounds2030017
Keywords
Curcuma longa, Turmeric, Antiviral drugs, Drug resistance, Health benefits, Ethnomedicinal uses, Phytochemistry, Antiviral Potential
Citation
Srivastava, B. B. L., Ripanda, A. S., & Mwanga, H. M. (2022). Ethnomedicinal, Phytochemistry and Antiviral Potential of Turmeric (Curcuma longa). Compounds, 2(3), 200-221.