抄録
Some plant functional constituents have been attracting attention as neutraceuticals because of potential health benefits as exemplified by evidence of prevention of chronic lifestyle-related diseases. Curcumin, quercetin, and resveratrol are very well-known neutraceuticals having common physicochemical and biological properties such as low water solubility and potent anti-oxidative activity. This issue focusses on curcumin, and integrated research perspectives on: (1) taxonomy and pharmacognosy of medicinally used Curcuma species and crude drugs from Curcuma plants; (2) experimental pharmacology of curcumin; and (3) clinical activities of curcumin especially with regard to cardio-vascular function. To provide appropriate neutraceutical effects in vivo, commercial products should contain functional compounds in suitable concentrations, readily released in the digestive tract, and effectively absorbed through intestinal membranes. Therefore, strict chemical as well as pharmaceutical validation is essential for targeted utilization of neutraceutical products. Collaboration of scientists active in food science and pharmaceutics is highly desirable toward this end.
