Curcumin for The Management of Skin Diseases: A Review of the Results of Preclinical and Clinical Trials and Nanoformulations

Curcumin, one of the major bioactive compounds of Curcuma longa L., has been considerably studied for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and wound-healing properties. Despite its promising therapeutic potential in dermatology, including the management of conditions such as atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, vitiligo, acne, radiation dermatitis, and photoaging, its clinical use is limited by poor aqueous solubility, instability, and low bioavailability. Recent developments in nanotechnology, employing formulations such as solid lipid nanoparticles, nanostructured lipid carriers, nanoemulsions, and polymeric nanogels, have successfully addressed these barriers by enhancing curcumin's stability, improving its penetration, and controlling its release kinetics. Clinical studies suggest that these enhanced formulations can effectively reduce inflammatory cytokines, strengthen skin barrier function, and alleviate symptoms in chronic skin disorders. Preclinical studies revealed its role in modulating critical inflammatory pathways, specifically NF-κB and Nrf2, as well as mitigating oxidative stress. Early clinical trials showed that minimal adverse effects generally accompanied therapeutic benefits. In conclusion, curcumin-based nanoformulations represent an auspicious and tactical approach to make use of the bioactivities of curcumin for effective, targeted dermatological therapies, though large-scale, well-designed randomized controlled trials are necessary to develop optimal formulations, dosing regimens, and long-term safety.