Recent advances in the antioxidant activity of metal-curcumin complexes: a combined computational and experimental review

Abstract

Curcumin, an extensively studied phytochemical compound, has gained attention for its potential therapeutic applications across a spectrum of diseases. Its notable attributes include its relatively high tolerability within the human body and its perceived absence of adverse side effects. This review article presents a comprehensive overview of the antioxidant effects exhibited by complexes formed by curcumin and curcumin derived ligands with metals like Mn, Cu, Fe, Zn, Ga and In, which leads to toxic effects beyond a certain limit, based on both experimental and theoretical findings. Additionally, the discussion delves into metal-curcumin complexes characterized by stoichiometries of 1:1 and 1:2, exploring their geometric arrangements and corresponding antioxidant activity, as highlighted in recent studies. These complexes hold the promise of improving curcumin’s solubility, stability, and bioavailability, potentially augmenting its overall therapeutic potential and expanding its scope for medical applications.

Keywords:

• Free radical scavenging
• mechanisms
• metal-curcumin
• density functional theory (DFT)
• Curcuma longa

Acknowledgments

The authors are thankful to Shyam Lal College, University of Delhi; VIPS-TC, New Delhi; GLA University, Mathura; Shivaji College, University of Delhi; and Kalindi College, University of Delhi for the infrastructural support.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.