ABSTRACT Mitochondria (MT), commonly known as the powerhouse of the cell, performs a wide range of critical cellular functions beyond energy production. Mitochondrial dysfunction has been implicated in the pathophysiology of several diseases, making them an attractive target for therapeutic interventions. Disorders associated with mitochondrial dysfunction include metabolic disorders, cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases, neurological disorders, and cancer. Curcumin (CUR), a polyphenolic compound derived from turmeric (Curcuma longa) rhizomes, is a potent phytomolecule known for its diverse biological activities, including anticancer, anti‐inflammatory, antioxidant, antimutagenic, antidiabetic, cardioprotective, pulmonoprotective, neuroprotective, and lipid‐modifying effects. Targeting CUR to MT is a promising drug‐delivery strategy for diseases in which mitochondrial dysfunction plays a critical role in pathogenesis. This article highlights the role of mitochondrial dysfunction in the development of various diseases and discusses the significance of mitochondria‐targeted delivery of CUR using various drug‐delivery approaches. Furthermore, the article elaborates on the key challenges in mitochondrial biology and the biological barriers associated with MT‐targeted drug delivery systems. Translational challenges, clinical hurdles and limitations of MT‐targeted curcumin delivery systems are also highlighted.
G et al. (Wed,) studied this question.