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Curcumin is a major curcuminoid present in turmeric. The compound is attributed with various therapeutic
properties, which include, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-malarial, and neuroprotection. Due to its
therapeutic potential, curcumin has been employed for centuries in treating different ailments. Curcumin has been
investigated lately as a novel therapeutic agent in the treatment of cancer. However, the mechanisms by which curcumin
exerts its cytotoxic effects on malignant cells are still not fully understood. One of the main limiting factors in the clinical
use of curcumin is its poor bioavailability and rapid elimination. Advancements in drug delivery systems such as,
nanoparticle based vesicular drug delivery platforms have improved several parameters, namely, drug bioavailability,
solubility, stability, and controlled release properties. The use of curcumin-encapsulated niosomes to improve the physical
and pharmacokinetic properties of curcumin is one such approach. This review provides an up-to-date summary on
nanoparticle based vesicular drug carriers and their therapeutic applications. Specifically, we focus on niosomes as novel
drug delivery formulations and their potential in improving the delivery of challenging small molecules, including
curcumin. Overall, the applications of such carriers will provide a new direction for novel pharmaceutical drug delivery,
as well as, biotechnology, nutraceutical, and functional food industries.