Natural resources, chemical synthesis, chemo-bio transformations, metabolism, pharmacology, toxicology, and the underlying mechanisms of curdione

Curcuma is a traditional Chinese medicine that has been used for many centuries against various diseases. Terpenoids, especially monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes, are the main active constituents of the essential oil of Curcuma spp. Curdione, one of the important active ingredients, has been found in 25 Curcuma species, with the highest content in the essential oil of rhizomes of Curcuma trichosantha Gagnep. Curdione can also be synthesized chemically, and regio-/stereo- selective optimization of curdione can be further achieved through chemo-bio transformations. Curdione exhibits many attractive therapeutic potentials, including anticancer, anti-thrombus, anti-inflammation, anti-viral, anti-fungal, anti-diabetic, and multi-organ protective activities. Despite intriguing biological activities, the poor water solubility and potential toxicity bring challenges for clinical application of curdione. This review outlines the natural resources, chemical synthesis, chemo-bio transformations, metabolism, pharmacokinetics, pharmacological activities, potential toxicities, and the underlying mechanisms of curdione. In addition, insights into the future drug discovery of curdione are also provided with intention to promoting the clinical application of this promising compound.