Preclinical studies of the antitumor effect of curcumin-loaded polymeric nanocapsules: A systematic review and meta-analysis

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#animals #antioxidants #biological-availability #curcumin #humans

Preclinical studies of the antitumor effect of curcumin-loaded polymeric nanocapsules: A systematic review and meta-analysis

de et al., 2022 | Phytother Res | Meta Analysis

Citation

de Oliveira Thayse V, Stein Renan, ... Beck Ruy C R. Preclinical studies of the antitumor effect of curcumin-loaded polymeric nanocapsules: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Phytother Res. 2022-Aug;36(8):3202-3214. doi:10.1002/ptr.7538

Abstract

Curcumin, a plant-derived compound, has various well-known biological effects (anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antitumor, among others) as well as some important limitations for formulators, such as poor water solubility and low oral bioavailability. Its nanoencapsulation is reported to overcome these drawbacks and to improve its in vivo efficacy. Here, data from preclinical in vivo studies evaluating the antitumor efficacy of curcumin-loaded polymeric nanocapsules are collected, analyzed, and discussed as a systematic review. Meta-analyses are performed to assess the contribution of this nanoencapsulation compared with nonencapsulated curcumin. Eighteen studies (116 animals) meet the inclusion criteria. The evidence that curcumin-loaded polymeric nanocapsules inhibits tumor growth (SMD: -3.03; 95% CI: -3.84, -2.21; p < 0.00001) and decreases tumor weight (SMD: -3.96; 95% CI: -6.22, -1.70; p = 0.0006) in rodents is established, regardless of the solid tumor model. To assess the quality of the studies included in the review a bias risk analysis was performed using the SYRCLE's RoB tool. Therefore, encapsulation in polymeric nanocapsules represents an important tool to improve the antitumor effects of curcumin, and this systematic review paves the way for future clinical studies and the translation of curcumin formulations into novel nanomedicines for human cancer treatment.

Key Findings

Therefore, encapsulation in polymeric nanocapsules represents an important tool to improve the antitumor effects of curcumin, and this systematic review paves the way for future clinical studies and the translation of curcumin formulations into novel nanomedicines for human cancer treatment.

Outcomes Measured

  • inflammatory markers

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Antioxidants
  • Biological Availability
  • Curcumin
  • Humans
  • Nanocapsules
  • Nanomedicine

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: curcumin

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09