Dana Emanuela Coț (Pitic), Liana Todor, Ramona Amina Popovici, Norina Forna, Iustin Olariu, Silviu Constantin Bădoiu, Viorel Jinga, Alexandru Blidaru

DOI : 10.62610/RJOR.2025.2.17.5

ABSTRACT

Aim of the study The present study was designed to investigate the phytochemical profile of two extracts of curcumin based on ethanol and distilled water, as well as the antioxidant capacity and in vitro biological profile (biosafety and antitumor effects) on two healthy human cell lines and one tumorigenic cell line. Materials and methods The phytochemical profile was assessed using liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (LC-MS). The antioxidant capacity was performed through the free radical scavenging assay, by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method. The cell lines used were human gingival fibroblasts (HGF) and primary human gingival keratinocites (PGK), and the tumoral cell line was tongue squamous cell carcinoma (SCC-4). The cell lines employed were relevant for oral buccal mucosa. The cell lines were treated with four concentrations of curcumin-based extracts (ethanolic and aqueous) (25–100 μg/mL) for 24 h. Results The results showed that both Curcumin-based extracts possess moderate to high antioxidant capacity with an IC50 of 1.55 μg/mL in the case of CUR_EtOH extract and 1.78 μg/mL in the case of CUR_H2O extract. The main polyphenols found in both extracts were curcumin, demethoxycurcumin, and bidemethoxycurcumin, alongside several curcumin metabolites. As regards the in vitro biological activity, both extracts exhibit high viability values after 24 h treatment of HGF and PGK cell lines, even at the highest tested concentration (100 μg/mL) and cytotoxicity rates of 18.30% (CUR_H2O) and 25.71% (CUR_EtOH). Conclusions The obtained outcomes support turmeric’s use in dentistry, reflecting its historical significance and contemporary relevance as a natural therapeutic agent. Its biological properties position it as a critical component in modern dental practices aimed at enhancing oral health outcomes.