Overcoming Curcumin's Limitations: Synthetic Derivatives in Diabetes and Cancer Management

This review discusses the limitations of curcumin, a compound with potential therapeutic benefits for diabetes and cancer, due to its poor bioavailability and stability. It highlights recent advancements in developing synthetic curcumin derivatives that exhibit improved pharmacokinetic properties, enhancing their antidiabetic and anticancer effects. The review draws on in vivo and in vitro studies to demonstrate how structural modifications of curcumin can significantly boost its biological activity. Additionally, it provides a comparative analysis of the molecular mechanisms linking diabetes and cancer, identifying translational gaps and future research directions. This dual focus on both diseases sets this review apart from previous studies that considered curcumin's effects on diabetes or cancer separately.