A Review on Synthesis and Biological Activity of Curcumin and Curcumin Derivatives

Curcumin is a common polyphenolic composite and is the main chemical component of Curcuma longa linn.commonlyknown as turmeric. It is a well-known natural herbal herb traditionally utilized as a flavoring and coloring agent in Indian cooking. Curcumin chemically is diferuloyl methane unit [1,7-bis (4-hydroxy-3- methoxyphenyl)-1,6 heptadiene-3,5-dione] including two ferulic acid residues linked by a methylene bridge. An aromatic o-methoxy phenolic group, α,β-unsaturated β-diketo moiety and a seven carbon linker are essential for the activity. Extensive research gave proof for the role of these various functional groups in its significant biological activities. Due to physiochemical properties such as solubility, stability, bioavailability issues its use is limited in the therapy. To widen its use, various curcumin derivatives and analogs were summarized and assessed for its biological influence. The present review summarisesthe different ways of synthesis of curcumin derivatives with its potential activities that are now in development for the enhancement of bioavailability and therapeutic activity.