Abstract
Curcumin is a polyphenol extracted from the rhizomes of the turmeric plant, Curcuma longa which has anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. Chronic inflammation is associated with the development of cancer. Curcumin acts on the regulation of various immune modulators, including cytokines, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and reactive oxygen species (ROS), which partly explains its anticancer effects. It also takes part in the downregulation of growth factors, protein kinases, oncogenic molecules and various signaling pathways, such as nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling. Clinical trials of curcumin have been completed or are ongoing for various types of cancer. This review presents the molecular mechanisms of curcumin in different types of cancer and the evidence from the most recent clinical trials.
Highlights
Curcumin is a polyphenol extracted from the rhizomes of the turmeric plant, Curcuma longa which has anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties
More recent studies explored the ability of curcumin to suppress the formation of cancer stem cells (CSCs) which are responsible for the high proliferation rate and rapid tumor growth of pancreatic cancer with promising results in suppressing tumor growth [91,92]
Various natural products have attracted the notice of researchers as possible chemotherapeutic agents, thanks to their efficacy and safety
Summary
Commonly known as turmeric, is a herbaceous plant belonging to the ginger family. [1] The plant produces a variety of secondary metabolites including flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins and phenolic acids [2], among which the active hydrophobic polyphenol diferuloymethane, named curcumin, is of special notice [3]. Curcumin is used in the treatment of various health conditions, including inflammatory disorders, liver disease, metabolic syndrome, neurodegenerative diseases and, most importantly, in several types of cancer [4]. Curcumin has shown promising results in the treatment of several types of cancer both alone and in combination with other antineoplastic agents. It affects several signaling pathways and can effectively modify both the development and the growth of various tumors. This review summarizes the immunomodulatory effects of curcumin and the most recent evidence on the effectiveness of curcumin in the treatment of different types of cancer in vitro both alone and in combination with other chemotherapeutic agents
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