Anticancer Activity Of Curcumin Research Articles

Effects of Curcumin and Doxorubicin on the Viability of Neuroblastoma Cancer Cell Line

Aim: Neuroblastoma has a very important place among childhood diseases, and despite all the methods used in treatment, it is very difficult to prevent neuroblastoma invasion. The number of studies showing that curcumin, the most active component of turmeric, is not toxic, is increasing day by day. In this study, the anticancer activities of curcumin (Cur), one of the important active compounds, were demonstrated in the Neuroblastoma cancer cell line (Na2B). Method: Neuroblastoma cell line was used in the study. To determine the IC50 doses of Dox and Cur, Na2B cells line were cultivated with an automatic pipette. MTT analysis was performed to analyze cell survival (viability). Inhibition levels in the cells were determined at 24 and 48 hours. Results: While the IC50 of Na2B cell proliferation was approximately 124.5 uM at the 48th hour in Dox-treated cells, the IC50 value of Cur at the 48th hour was found to be 224.6 uM. Conclusion: These results showed that Cur could be an alternative agent in the treatment of neuroblastoma, and its fewer side effects compared to other chemotherapeutic agents such as Dox would increase its preferability.

Inhibitory effect of Curcumin on a cervical cancer cell line via the RAS/RAF signaling pathway.

Cervical cancer has a very important place in female infertility and ranks fourth among cancers affecting women. Curcumin (CUR) is closely associated with the expression and activity of various regulatory proteins. It is also known that curcumin has preventive and therapeutic effects on various types of cancer. In this study, the anticancer activities of curcumin were demonstrated in the human cervical cancer cell line (HeLa). qRT-PCR and western blot analyses were used to evaluate mRNA and protein expression of curcumin in HeLa and immortalized human skin keratinocyte cell lines (HaCaT) (proliferation and apoptosis regulatory markers of the RAS/RAF signaling pathway). MTT analysis was performed, showing HeLa and HaCaT cell proliferation depending on the dose and duration of curcumin and doxorubicin. A wound scratch healing assay was applied to examine cell migration and invasion of HeLa after curcumin application. To determine the role of curcumin and doxorubicin in the apoptosis of HeLa cells, the mRNA levels of caspase-3 were examined by qRT-PCR. The results were analyzed with a one-way ANOVA SPSS 20.0 program. CUR (IC50: 242.8 μM) and DOX (IC50: 92.1 μM) were determined to have the ability to inhibit the proliferation of HeLa cells and induce apoptosis over a 72-hour period and dose-dependently. Moreover, the results revealed that the mRNA and protein expression levels of RAF and RAS in HeLa cells were downregulated by CUR and DOX. The findings show that an alternative treatment method for cervical cancer can be developed with the application of CUR and DOX. Alternative methods for cervical cancer treatment may be developed using different methods in future studies.

Improved stability and anticancer activity of curcumin via pH-driven self-assembly with soy protein isolate

Curcumin exhibits promising anticancer properties, but its significant hydrophobic nature, instability, and low oral bioavailability pose challenges in utilizing it effectively in food and pharmaceutical fields. In this study the self-assembly of soy protein isolate (SPI) with curcumin (Cur) was driven by pH-driven method to realize the nanoencapsulation of curcumin by soy protein isolate. Characterization and stability analysis of soy protein isolate-curcumin nanoparticles (SPI-Cur) revealed that the SPI and Cur self-assembly altered the secondary structure of SPI, resulting in a significant reduction in the average particle size of SPI-Cur nanoparticles, and exhibited high aqueous dispersibility and stability. In addition, the self-assembly of SPI with Cur resulted in a significant reduction of the IC50 value of curcumin from 29.33 μg/mL to 17.44 μg/mL in human hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cells treated for 24 h, which effectively improved the anticancer activity. The molecular mechanism underlying its potentiating effect is the ROS-induced mitochondria-mediated cascade of caspase apoptotic pathways that exacerbate SPI-Cur-induced cell death events. These findings provide a theoretical basis for utilizing curcumin delivery carriers based on soy protein isolate to exert anticancer effects and increase the possibility of plant protein-curcumin nanoparticles for medical and food healthcare applications.

Curcumin alleviates inflammatory effects of ketamine anesthesia in postnatal rats.

Curcumin has been employed in traditional medicine for over a millennium to treat various ailments, and its global use is now widespread.Chinese medicine relies heavily on curcumin as a primary element and uses it to cure infectious diseases, skin disorders, depression, and stress. It has cardioprotective, neuroprotective, and anti-diabetic properties, as well as pharmacological effects on disorders like type II diabetes, atherosclerosis, and human immunodeficiency virus replication. The anti-cancer activity of curcumin has been studied extensively with notable improvements in gastrointestinal, melanoma, urogenital, breast, and lung malignancies. We investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of curcumin on expression of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, c-Fos, and interleukin (IL)-6 genes in brain and liver tissue owing to the effects of ketamine anesthesia on postnatal rats. The thalamic and hepatic tissues were collected without anesthesia, immediately after anesthesia, and 4 and 12 hr after anesthesia in control and curcumin treated postnatal rats. The results showed that glucose, triglyceride, high- and low-density lipoprotein levels were lowered with curcumin treatment. We also found that ketamine increased c-Fos and inflammatory cytokines like TNF-α and IL-6, all of which contribute to inflammation. Brain and liver immunohistochemistry studies confirmed the real-time polymerase chain reaction findings. Curcumin injections alone may be effective in decreasing ketamine-induced inflammation in both brain and liver tissues.

Microfluidic Formulation of Curcumin-Loaded Multiresponsive Gelatin Nanoparticles for Anticancer Therapy.

Current anticancer research shows that a combination of multiple treatment methods can greatly improve the killing of tumor cells. Using the latest microfluidic swirl mixer technology, combined with chemotherapy and photothermal-ablation therapy, we developed multiresponsive targeted antitumor nanoparticles (NPs) made of folate-functionalized gelatin NPs under 200 nm in size and with encapsulated CuS NPs, Fe3O4 NPs, and curcumin (Cur). By exploring gelatin's structure, adjusting its concentration and pH, and fine-tuning the fluid dynamics in the microfluidic device, the best preparation conditions were obtained for gelatin NPs with an average particle size of 90 ± 7 nm. The comparative targeting of the drug delivery system (DDS) was demonstrated on lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells (low level of folate receptors) and breast adenocarcinoma MCF-7 cells (high level of folate receptors). Folic acid helps achieve targeting and accurate delivery of NPs to the MCF-7 tumor cells. The synergistic photothermal ablation and curcumin's anticancer activity are achieved through infrared light irradiation (980 nm), while Fe3O4 is guided with an external magnetic field to target gelatin NPs and accelerate the uptake of drugs, thus efficiently killing tumor cells. The method described in this work is simple, easy to repeat, and has great potential to be scaled up for industrial production and subsequent clinical use.

Curcumin in the treatment of liver cancer: From mechanisms of action to nanoformulations

Liver cancer is the sixth most prevalent cancer and ranks third in cancer-related death, after lung and colorectal cancer. Various natural products have been discovered as alternatives to conventional cancer therapy strategies, including radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and surgery. Curcumin (CUR) with antiinflammatory, antioxidant, and antitumor activities has been associated with therapeutic benefits against various cancers. It can regulate multiple signaling pathways, such as PI3K/Akt, Wnt/β-catenin, JAK/STAT, p53, MAPKs, and NF-ĸB, which are involved in cancer cell proliferation, metastasis, apoptosis, angiogenesis, and autophagy. Due to its rapid metabolism, poor oral bioavailability, and low solubility in water, CUR application in clinical practices is restricted. To overcome these limitations, nanotechnology-based delivery systems have been applied to use CUR nanoformulations with added benefits, such as reducing toxicity, improving cellular uptake, and targeting tumor sites. Besides the anticancer activities of CUR in combating various cancers, especially liver cancer, here we focused on the CUR nanoformulations, such as micelles, liposomes, polymeric, metal, and solid lipid nanoparticles, and others, in the treatment of liver cancer.

ROS, pH, and magnetically responsive ZnFe2O4@l-Cysteine@NGQDs nanocarriers as charge-reversal drug delivery system for controlled and targeted cancer chemo-sonodynamic therapy

In this study, we designed ZnFe2O4 nano-sonosensitizers (NSSs) was achieved through coating with biocompatible l-Cysteine (Cys) and nitrogen-doped graphene quantum dots (NGQDs). ZnFe2O4 @Cys@NGQDs nanocarrier was showed change of surface charge (in cancer cells) as well as the enhancement of the sonocatalytic property (for the production of radicals) by external and internal stimuli, with pH and ultrasound (US), respectively. The results show the increase in the anticancer activity of Curcumin (Cur) using ZnFe2O4@Cys@NGQDs as an effective drug delivery system in chemo-sonodynamic therapy (CSDT). The results of the in vitro cytotoxic assay show a significant inhibition of A549 cells by ZnFe2O4@Cys@NGQDs-Cur compared to the free form of Cur. The Cur drug loading efficiency of nano-carriers were as high as 61.3 % w/w for ZnFe2O4@Cys) and 72.2 % w/w for ZnFe2O4@Cys-NGQDs. The value of Cur release with US radiation after 96 h for ZnFe2O4@Cys@NGQDs-Cur at pH = 5.5 was 89.17 %, which was higher than the value of release under the same conditions at pH = 7.4 (72.21 %).

Preparation of nano-composites based on curcumin/chitosan-PVA-alginate to improve stability, antioxidant, antibacterial and anticancer activity of curcumin

Curcumin (Cur) has been extensively used as an alternative therapeutic agent for various diseases, including cancer, because of its anti-cancer and antioxidant properties. In this study, we have synthesized nanocomposites from a combination of Chitosan (CS), sodium alginate (ALG), and Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) for drug delivery. Then, Curcumin was encapsulated into the nanocomposites and characterized by FT-IR, FE-SEM, TEM, and XRD. The encapsulated Cur showed a desirable loading efficiency with the curcumin loading efficiency on all nanocarriers in the range of 59.00 to 93.00 %. and more stability with a slower and more controllable release rate with a gradually increase up to 58 %. in the release rate than free Cur. Further, the encapsulated Cur showed a higher antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activity than free Cur. According to the results, the maximum inhibition for the albumin denaturation (83.59 %), maximum antioxidant activity (85.79 %) and the highest TPC content of 23.68 mg GAE/100 g was found in Cur/Cs-ALG-PVA. Besides, Cur-loaded nanocomposites indicated specific toxicity to cancer cells and also Cur/Cs-ALG-PVA nanocomposite has a greater anti-cancer effect than the other nanocomplexes and cell viability decreased to 25 %, raising the probability of curing gastric cancer cells (AGS). So, it is concluded that the simultaneous use of three biopolymers CS and ALG and PVA, would be synergistically enhanced the therapeutic efficacy of Curcumin. In conclusion, the novel nanocomposite of Cur/ CS-ALG-PVA provides an efficient strategy and a promising candidate for biomedical applications and drug delivery systems to treat various diseases especially inflammatory diseases and cancer.

Extraction, purification and anti-cancer activity of curcumin

Turmeric has long been used as a strong anti-inflammatory in Indian drug systems. Turmeric is rich in curcuminoids that have different chemical, physico-chemical properties. Current work reports exraction of curcuminoids, curcumin using the Soxhlet extractor. Purification and quantification of curcumin is performed by chromatography. The yield percentage of curcumin reported 4.09% by the Soxhlet extraction method. Different solvent were used for extraction, among them acetone extract was with high yield of curcumin. Individual curcumin extract analysed using UV-VIS Spectroscopy and HPLC. Our results showed that the Salem turmeric contains highest percentage of curcumin. The in vitroMTT assay on the U87MG glioma cell line demanstrated anti-cancer activity of isolated curcumin.

HDAC Inhibitory and Anti-Cancer Activities of Curcumin and Curcumin Derivative CU17 against Human Lung Cancer A549 Cells.

Previous research reported that the curcumin derivative (CU17) inhibited several cancer cell growths in vitro. However, its anticancer potential against human lung cancer cells (A549 cell lines) has not yet been evaluated. The purpose of this research was to examine the HDAC inhibitory and anti-cancer activities of CU17 compared to curcumin (CU) in A549 cells. An in vitro study showed that CU17 had greater HDAC inhibitory activity than CU. CU17 inhibited HDAC activity in a dose dependent manner with the half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) value of 0.30 ± 0.086 µg/mL against HDAC enzymes from HeLa nuclear extract. In addition, CU17 could bind at the active pockets of both human class I HDACs (HDAC1, 2, 3, and 8) and class II HDACs (HDAC4, 6, and 7) demonstrated by molecular docking studies, and caused hyperacetylation of histone H3 (Ac-H3) in A549 cells shown by Western blot analysis. MTT assay indicated that both CU and CU17 suppressed A549 cell growth in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Besides, CU and CU17 induced G2/M phase cell cycle arrest and p53-independent apoptosis in A549 cells. Both CU and CU17 down-regulated the expression of p53, p21, Bcl-2, and pERK1/2, but up-regulated Bax expression in this cell line. Although CU17 inhibited the growth of lung cancer cells less effectively than CU, it showed less toxicity than CU for non-cancer cells. Accordingly, CU17 is a promising agent for lung cancer treatment. Additionally, CU17 synergized the antiproliferative activity of Gem in A549 cells, indicating the possibility of employing CU17 as an adjuvant treatment to enhance the chemotherapeutic effect of Gem in lung cancer.

Synthesis and characterization of cinnamic acid based glyceride and its application for developing self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system for curcumin oral delivery

Curcumin (CU) possesses diverse pharmacological activities while being relatively safe; nevertheless, its clinical application is limited due to its physico-chemical characteristics. This study aimed to synthesize cinnamic acid based glyceride for use in a self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system (SNEDDS) to enhance CU anticancer activity and oral bioavailability. The synthesized glyceride was characterized by ESI-mass spectrometry, 1H-NMR spectroscopy, and 13C-NMR spectroscopy. The potential of synthesized glyceride as an oil component in SNEDDS was explored in combination with surfactant and co-surfactant. The concentration of SNEDDS components was optimized through a ternary phase diagram. The composition of 40% surfactant, 10% co-surfactant, and 50% synthetic glyceride as oil was selected as the optimized formulation. The optimized formulation was characterized through Zeta sizer, atomic force microscope (AFM) and FTIR, and was then evaluated for dilution and thermodynamic stability. The CU-loaded SNEDDS revealed nano-size droplets (182.06 ±6.90 nm) with -20.96 ± 0.61 mV surface negativity. The optimized SNEDDS was highly stable and maintained the chemical nature of the drug. The anticancer activity of CU was enhanced upon encapsulation in novel SNEDDS. Similarly, the CU bioavailability improved significantly upon oral administration in novel SNEDDS. It can be safely concluded that the novel synthetic glyceride based SNEDDS can significantly improve CU bioavailability and anticancer activity.

Milk-Derived Exosomes as Nanocarriers to Deliver Curcumin and Resveratrol in Breast Tissue and Enhance Their Anticancer Activity.

Dietary (poly)phenols are extensively metabolized, limiting their anticancer activity. Exosomes (EXOs) are extracellular vesicles that could protect polyphenols from metabolism. Our objective was to compare the delivery to breast tissue and anticancer activity in breast cancer cell lines of free curcumin (CUR) and resveratrol (RSV) vs. their encapsulation in milk-derived EXOs (EXO-CUR and EXO-RSV). A kinetic breast tissue disposition was performed in rats. CUR and RSV were analyzed using UPLC-QTOF-MS and GC-MS, respectively. Antiproliferative activity was tested in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer and MCF-10A non-tumorigenic cells. Cell cycle distribution, apoptosis, caspases activation, and endocytosis pathways were determined. CUR and RSV peaked in the mammary tissue (41 ± 15 and 300 ± 80 nM, respectively) 6 min after intravenous administration of EXO-CUR and EXO-RSV, but not with equivalent free polyphenol concentrations. Nanomolar EXO-CUR or EXO-RSV concentrations, but not free CUR or RSV, exerted a potent antiproliferative effect on cancer cells with no effect on normal cells. Significant (p < 0.05) cell cycle alteration and pro-apoptotic activity (via the mitochondrial pathway) were observed. EXO-CUR and EXO-RSV entered the cells primarily via clathrin-mediated endocytosis, avoiding ATP-binding cassette transporters (ABC). Milk EXOs protected CUR and RSV from metabolism and delivered both polyphenols to the mammary tissue at concentrations compatible with the fast and potent anticancer effects exerted in model cells. Milk EXOs enhanced the bioavailability and anticancer activity of CUR and RSV by acting as Trojan horses that escape from cancer cells’ ABC-mediated chemoresistance.

Liposome-based nanocapsules for the controlled release of dietary curcumin: PDDA and silica nanoparticle-coated DMPC liposomes enhance the fluorescence efficiency and anticancer activity of curcumin.

Nanosystems with various compositions and biological properties are being extensively investigated for drug and gene delivery applications. Many nanotechnology methods use novel nanocarriers, such as liposomes, in therapeutically targeted drug delivery systems. However, liposome matrices suffer from several limitations, including drug leakage and instability. Therefore, the surface modification of liposomes by coating them or adding polymers has advanced their application in drug delivery. Hence, the prevention of drug release from the liposome bilayers was the main focus of this work. For this purpose, liposomes were synthesized according to a thin film hydration method by applying various surface modifications. Three different nanocapsules, N1, N2, and N3, were prepared using 1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DMPC), poly(diallyldimethylammonium)chloride (PDAA) polymer, and silica nanoparticles. PDDA and silica nanoparticles were coated on the surface of liposomes using a layer-by-layer assembly method, completely encapsulating curcumin into the core of the liposome. Fluorescence spectroscopy, TGA, DLS, XRD, SEM, and zeta potential methods were used to characterize the prepared nanocapsules. Interestingly, the fluorescence of curcumin showed a blue shift and the fluorescence efficiency was extraordinarily enhanced ∼25-, ∼54-, and ∼62-fold in the N1, N2, and N3 nanocapsules, respectively. Similarly, encapsulation efficiency, drug loading, and the anticancer activity of dietary curcumin were investigated for the different types of DMPC nanocapsules. The drug efficiencies of the liposomes were established according to the release of curcumin from the liposomes. The results showed that the release of curcumin from the nanocapsules decreased as the number of layers at the surface of the liposomes increased. The release of curcumin follows the Higuchi model; thus, a slow rate of diffusion is observed when a number of layers is added. The better encapsulation and higher anti-cancer activity of curcumin were also observed when more layers were added, which is due to electrostatic interactions inhibiting curcumin from being released.

THERAPEUTIC IMPORTANCE OF CURCUMIN WITH A SPECIAL EMPHASIS ON MDR CANCER CELLS AND THE FACTORS INFLUENCING PHARMACODYNAMICS.

Curcuma longa or turmeric is a plant that is used as a spice and as a phytoconstituent in many formulations from Vedic age. Curcuminoids are the most important Phyto constituents present in turmeric with various pharmacological activities. The present study reveals various pharmacological activities of curcumin with special emphasis on MDR cancer cells. The curcuminoids are the Phyto constituents showing potent activity against neurological disorders, cardio vascular diseases, auto immune disorders, Metabolic disorders, cancer, inflammatory diseases, Skin allergies and disorders. This review give emphasis on anticancer activity of curcumin and its possible mechanism of actions. Many studies revealing that various formulations and combination therapy of curcumin is increasing its bioavailability and there by effective against various diseases. This review is lighting to a treasure buried inside the soil a potential therapeutic agent without side effects.

The Anticancer Activity of Curcumin: A Literature Review

Cancer is the world's second largest cause of mortality and one of the most serious public health issues. Despite significant advancements in cancer treatment, cancer incidence and mortality rates remain high. Current research is still focused on developing more effective and less hazardous cancer treatment options. Curcumin has gotten a lot of press in the last two decades as an anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and cancer-fighting agent Curcumin modulated intracellular signaling pathways that affect tumor growth, angiogenesis, metastasis, inflammation, invasion, and apoptosis, among other things. Curcumin suppresses tumor cell growth and enhances apoptosis via upregulating the expression and activity of p53. Curcumin also has a strong inhibitory impact on the NFB and COX2 activity, which are involved in the upregulation of antiapoptotic genes like Bcl2. It can also reduce the control of antiapoptosis PI3K signaling and enhance MAPK expression, resulting in endogenous reactive oxygen species generation. The goal of this research is to review curcumin's anticancer properties.

Investigations of adsorption behavior and anti-cancer activity of curcumin on pure and platinum-functionalized B12N12 nanocages

Recently boron nitride (BN) nanoparticles have been considered as good carrier candidates in drug delivery systems. Herein, the loading of curcumin (CUR) in different possible states onto a platinum functionalized B12N12 nanocage was studied to improve their solubility and stability using density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) models by B3LYP and B3PW91 functionals. It was found that the Pt atom in complex I can be strongly bound to B12N12 surface through the B---Pt---N coordination bond or B-Pt-N covalent bond compared to complexes II and III. We investigate the adsorption of CUR onto Pt-B12N12 in gas and solvent (water) phases. IR spectra and UV absorption were computed and investigated in order to identify the most significant alteration that take place as a consequence of interactions between the CUR and Pt-B12N12 nanocage. The decorated Pt on the B12N12 nanocage improves the adsorption of CUR with larger binding energy for both functionals. The strong binding of CUR with Pt-B12N12 can happen by larger charge transfer from the CUR to the cage, which leads to a substantial increase in dipole moment and energy gap change. The study of molecular docking indicates that CUR through its β-diketo group adsorbed on Pt and B atoms of the Pt-B12N12 nanocage and showed the best binding affinity and inhibition potential of tyrosine regulated kinase 2 (DYRK2) and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) as compared with the pure B12N12 nanocage. The results of molecular docking and in silico analysis of absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity revealed that the chosen complexes agree with the Lipinski Rule and have appropriate pharmacokinetic features which could be used as templates for the development of novel anti-inflammatory agents with substantial anticancer activity.

Anticancer Activity of Curcumin against Growth of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Anticancer Activity of Curcumin against Growth of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

TAp63α Is Involved in Tobacco Smoke-Induced Lung Cancer EMT and the Anti-cancer Activity of Curcumin via miR-19 Transcriptional Suppression.

As a key risk factor for lung cancer, tobacco smoke (TS) influences several cellular processes, including epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). TAp63α is a crucial transcription factor involved in tumor progression. The present study was designed to investigate the potential role and underlying mechanisms of TAp63α in TS-induced lung cancer EMT. We found that compared to normal tissues, the tumor tissues collected from lung cancer patients showed a lower level of TAp63α expression, along with downregulated E-cadherin expression and upregulated Vimentin expression. Results of treatment with TAp63α and TAp63α siRNA as well as with tumor growth factor-β (TGF-β) showed that TAp63α acted as a tumor suppressor gene, and its upregulated expression suppressed lung cancer EMT. Significantly, TS exposure altered expression of EMT-related markers, enhanced cell migratory and invasive capacities, and decreased the TAp63α expression level in lung cancer cells. Overexpression of TAp63α significantly alleviated TS-stimulated lung cancer EMT. Mechanistically, TAp63α expression transcriptionally reduced the miR-19 level, which resulted in the suppression of lung cancer EMT. Additionally, as a natural compound possessing anti-cancer effects, curcumin inhibited TS-induced lung cancer EMT by increasing TAp63α expression and reducing miR-19 expression. Collectively, our results indicate that TAp63α inhibits TS-induced lung cancer EMT via transcriptionally suppressing miR-19 and the inhibitory effect of TAp63α on miR-19 mediates the anti-cancer action of curcumin. These findings provide new insights into novel targets for lung cancer prevention.

Curcumin Encapsulated in Crosslinked Cyclodextrin Nanoparticles Enables Immediate Inhibition of Cell Growth and Efficient Killing of Cancer Cells.

The efficiency of anti-cancer drugs is commonly determined by endpoint assays after extended incubation times, often after days. Here we demonstrate that curcumin encapsulated in crosslinked cyclodextrin nanoparticles (CD-NP) acts extremely rapidly on cell metabolism resulting in an immediate and complete inhibition of cell growth and in efficient cancer-cell killing only few hours after incubation. This early onset of anti-cancer action was discovered by live-cell high-throughput fluorescence microscopy using an environmental stage. To date, only very few examples of covalently crosslinked nanoscale CD-based (CD-NP) drug carriers exist. Crosslinking cyclodextrins enables the adsorption of unusually high payloads of hydrophobic curcumin (762 µg CC/mg CD-NP) reflecting a molar ratio of 2.3:1 curcumin to cyclodextrin. We have investigated the effect of CD-NP encapsulated curcumin (CD-CC-NP) in comparison to free, DMSO-derived curcumin nanoparticles (CC-NP) on 4 different cell lines. Very short incubations times as low as 1 h were applied and cell responses after medium change were subsequently followed over two days. We show that cell proliferation is inhibited nearly immediately in all cell lines and that a cell- and concentration dependent cancer-cell killing occurs. Anti-cancer effects were similar with free and encapsulated curcumin, however, encapsulation in CD-NP drastically extends the long-term photostability and anti-cancer activity of curcumin. Curcumin-sensitivity is highest in HeLa cells reaching up to 90% cell death under these conditions. Sensitivity decreased from HeLa to T24 to MDA MB-231 cells. Strikingly, the immortalized non-cancerous cell line MCF-10A was robust against curcumin concentrations that were highly toxic to the other cell lines. Our results underline the potential of curcumin as gentle and yet effective natural anti-cancer agent when delivered solvent-free in stabilizing and biocompatible drug carriers such as CD-NP that enable efficient cellular delivery.

Anti-Cancer Activity of Curcumin on Multiple Myeloma

Anti-Cancer Activity of Curcumin on Multiple Myeloma