Delivery of curcumin through colloidal systems and its applications in functional foods

• Curcumin is a nutraceutical with several therapeutic properties. • Its functional moieties contribute to reducing inflammation and oxidative stress . • Colloidal systems can overcome its low solubility and enhance its bioavailability. • It is a valued fortificant for production of functional foods. Curcumin is a nutraceutical with documented therapeutic properties. Functional moieties of the curcumin molecule contribute to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, and neuroprotective action. It can play a valuable role in attenuating inflammation in arthritis and modulating oxidative stresses that can damage body tissues and organs. However, its low bioavailability and fast metabolism limit its absorption by the body. Colloidal systems recently emerged as vehicles for enhancing the solubility of curcumin and controlling its delivery. Encapsulated curcumin can be utilized as a fortificant for the production of functional foods with improved health effects. This review highlights recent studies on the enhanced delivery of curcumin and the possibilities of food fortification with this nutraceutical.