Synergistic Potential of Curcumin and Berberine: From Plant-Origin Compounds to Nanoparticle-Enabled Therapeutics
Curcumin, a polyphenolic diarylheptanoid derived from Curcuma longa (turmeric), and berberine, an isoquinoline alkaloid prevalent in Berberis aristata (Indian barberry), are two powerful bioactive chemicals of plant origin, exhibiting significant antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer activities. This review examines the botanical origins, chemical characteristics, principle pharmacological qualities, and significant limitations—specifically inadequate aqueous solubility and limited oral bioavailability that hinder clinical applications.