Curcumin, a polyphenolic compound derived from the traditional Chinese medicine turmeric, which has a variety of pharmacological effects, including anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiviral properties. However, its clinical application is hindered by low solubility and bioavailability. To overcome these limitations, researchers have developed various formulations such as nanoformulations, solid dispersions, and microspheres. These advancements have led to improved therapeutic effects and have facilitated the progression of clinical research, primarily focusing on Phase I and Phase II trials for conditions like diabetes, obesity, and metabolic syndrome. In recent years, there has been a noticeable increase in Phase III and IV clinical trials, particularly concerning oral and dental diseases and arthritis. This article reviews recent literature from both domestic and international sources, providing a comprehensive overview of curcumin’s research progress, including its pharmacological mechanisms, formulation developments, and clinical studies.

Ginkgolide B (GB), which has been demonstrated as the most efficacious naturally occurring platelet-activating factor (PAF) antagonist, is extensively utilized for the management of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular ailments. Nevertheless, its limited oral bioavailability is hindered by its low solubility in gastric acid and inadequate stability in intestinal fluid, thereby constraining its practical application. This study aimed to develop GB nanocrystals (GB-NCs) and GB nanocrystals self-stabilized Pickering nano-emulsion (GB-NSSPNE) using a miniaturized wet bead milling method. Comparative evaluations were conducted in vivo and in vitro to assess their effectiveness. The findings revealed that GB-NSSPNE, with its intact nanoparticle slow release and absorption, was more effective in enhancing the oral bioavailability of GB compared to the rapid release and absorption of GB-NCs. This finding suggests a potential novel strategy for the oral delivery of GB.

Objective: This review aims to summarize the research progress of glycocholic acid to promote its broader development and application.Methods: This article collects relevant literature from databases such as Science Direct, PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar and CNKI from the establishment to 2024, systematically organizing and analyzing aspects of glycocholic acid including its physicochemical properties, synthesis and extraction techniques, detection methods, pharmacological effects, mechanisms of action, clinical research, and application as an excipient.Results: Glycocholic acid, as a key conjugated component in bile acids, exhibits various pharmacological effects such as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. Nevertheless, current research on glycocholic acid is insufficient, with synthesis techniques requiring improvement, limited application of detection technologies, and a need for in-depth exploration of its pharmacological mechanisms. Due to its amphiphilic molecular structure, glycocholic acid is primarily used as a pharmaceutical excipient.Conclusion: This review summarizes the existing research on glycocholic acid, indicating that future research should strengthen work in this field, including improving synthesis processes and enhancing the sensitivity of detection technologies, to provide a scientific basis for the development of new formulations and drug combinations, thereby promoting the advancement of traditional Chinese medicine.