?Curcumin, a naturally occurring bis-phenolic compound isolated from Curcuma longa, has displayed promising activity as an antiretroviral, anticancer, antidiabetic, and anti-inflammatory agent. Phase I and Phase II clinical trials indicate that curcumin is well-tolerated even at high doses of 12 g/day. However, curcumin is not considered as an attractive candidate, in spite of its potent activity, primarily due to its poor oral absorption. It has a short half-life and is extensively metabolized to its pharmacologically inactive glucuronide derivative. We have altered the core structure of curcumin iteratively and systematically to furnish novel curcumin analogs, termed as curcuminoids. They possess improved stability at the physiological pH. Our in vitro biological data indicates that the novel curcuminoids have retained their potent antiretroviral and anti-inflammatory properties. In addition, one of our analogs has shown promising neuroprotective activity indicating a potential for its use in the treatment of HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND). Our rationale for the development of a small, focused library of curcuminoids will be presented.

Development of curcumin-inspired compounds for the treatment of HIV and its comorbidities

248th National Meeting (2014)

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.