Inclusion Of Curcumin Research Articles

Curcumin: A Potent Protectant against Esophageal and Gastric Disorders.

Turmeric obtained from the rhizomes of Curcuma longa has been used in the prevention and treatment of many diseases since the ancient times. Curcumin is the principal polyphenol isolated from turmeric, which exhibits anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiapoptotic, antitumor, and antimetastatic activities. The existing evidence indicates that curcumin can exert a wide range of beneficial pleiotropic properties in the gastrointestinal tract, such as protection against reflux esophagitis, Barrett’s esophagus, and gastric mucosal damage induced by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and necrotizing agents. The role of curcumin as an adjuvant in the treatment of a Helicobacter pylori infection in experimental animals and humans has recently been proposed. The evidence that this turmeric derivative inhibits the invasion and proliferation of gastric cancer cells is encouraging and warrants further experimental and clinical studies with newer formulations to support the inclusion of curcumin in cancer therapy regimens. This review was designed to analyze the existing data from in vitro and in vivo animal and human studies in order to highlight the mechanisms of therapeutic efficacy of curcumin in the protection and ulcer healing of the upper gastrointestinal tract, with a major focus on addressing the protection of the esophagus and stomach by this emerging compound.

Preparation and characterization of nanocomposites based on different zeolite frameworks as carriers for anticancer drug: zeolite Y versus ZSM-5

This research was to investigate and characterize different types of zeolites, i.e., Y and ZSM-5 as well as their corresponding nanocomposite of PEG (PEG/Y and PEG/ZSM-5), as carrier for loading and release of curcumin. Zeolites and PEG/zeolite nanocomposites were characterized by XRD, SEM and FT-IR techniques. Curcumin encapsulation efficiency of zeolite Y, ZSM-5, PEG/Y and PEG/ZSM-5 was determined to be 61.06, 40.45, 45.59 and 37.76%, respectively. Nitrogen adsorption–desorption measurement was used to measure the surface area and the pore volume of the hosts before and after curcumin loading. The decrease in surface areas and pore volumes after drug loading was attributed to the inclusion of curcumin in the zeolites pores. In vitro drug release of curcumin was studied in buffer solution (pH = 5.4 and 7.4) at 37 °C. The results showed higher levels of curcumin release from zeolite Y compared to ZSM-5. The zeolite nanocomposites also revealed the higher level of released curcumin in comparison with the corresponding zeolites. The amount of curcumin released at pH = 5.4 was higher than at pH = 7.4, which can be used as evidence to demonstrate the pH sensitivity of the zeolite as drug carrier. From the results, it can be concluded that zeolite-based drug delivery systems can be considered as promising candidate for delivery of hydrophobic drugs such as curcumin.

Inclusion of Curcumin in β-cyclodextrins as Potential Drug Delivery System: Preparation, Characterization and Its Preliminary Cytotoxicity Approaches

The development and application of organic based drug carrier in drug delivery system (DDSs) with greater efficacy and fewer side effects remains a significant challenge in modern scientific and medical research. The aim of current study was to evaluate the ability of β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) as drug delivery carrier to encapsulate Curcumin (CUR), a promising chemotherapeutic that exhibits low aqueous solubility and poor bioavailability forming inclusion complex by kneading method to enhance its delivery to cancer cells. Different methods and analysis such as Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectrometer, 1 H Nuclear Magnetic Resonance ( 1 H NMR), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and Thermo-gravimetric Analysis (TGA) were employed to approve the successful formation of the inclusion complex where the aromatic ring of CUR has been encapsulated by the hydrophobic cavity of β-CD. UV absorption indicated that β-CD complex with CUR with an apparent formation constant of 1.09 × 10 -8 mol -1 dm -3 . Based on the data obtained by methylthiazole tetrazolium (MTT), β-CD showed that not only did it enhanced Curcumin delivery, but it also improved and promoted the anti-proliferative effect of CUR during the complexation rather than CUR alone on the MCF-7 human breast cancer cells at 24 h incubation period with IC 50 lower than that of Curcumin alone. The toxicities of the β-CD-CUR towards MCF-7 cells were also compared to the free tamoxifen, Curcumin and β-CD. This study provides a preliminary toxicity evaluation based on β-CD-CUR inclusion complex as potential delivery system towards the selected cancer cells.

The Interactive Effect of Dietary Curcumin and Silver Nanoparticles on Gut Microbiota of Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio)

Discharge of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) into aquatic ecosystems is inevitable due to their vast industrial applications. Thus, the present study aimed to evaluate the protective effect of dietary curcumin supplementation against AgNPs toxicity to the gut microbiota of common carp (Cyprinus carpio) including total bacteria count, mesophilic, lactic acid bacteria and Enterobacteriaceae. Nine different treatments including different combinations of dietary AgNPs (0, 0.05 and 0.15 g/kg feed) and curcumin (0, 0.75 and 1.5 g/kg feed) in three respective replicates were designed. The trial was conducted under natural photoperiod condition for 60 days. Samples were taken on days 20, 40 and 60. Our results showed that dietary AgNPs contamination resulted in reduced intestinal bacterial count in a dose dependent manner, however, dietary curcumin inclusion level of 0.75 g/kg remarkably reduced the toxicity of AgNPs to intestinal microflora of common carp at least at 0.05 g/kg AgNPs (p < 0.05). The results also indicated that there were highly significant relationships (p < 0.001) between intestinal microflora count and dietary curcumin and AgNPs concentrations which were dependent upon exposure time. Beta values for different terms of regression equations implied that AgNPs concentration had remarkable effects on different bacteria classes of gut microbiota (−0.75, −0.89, −0.73 and −0.84 for total bacteria, mesophilic bacteria, lactic acid bacteria and Enterobacteriaceae count, respectively). Conclusively, microflora population change might be assumed as an indication of environmental pollutions in aquatic ecosystems health assessment programs especially for newly emerging nano-materials. We also showed curcumin protected intestinal microflora against feed-born nanosilver particles.

Ameliorative effect of curcumin on aflatoxin B1-induced changes in liver gene expression of Oreochromis niloticus

To evaluate the ameliorative effect of curcumin on dietary aflatoxin-induced changes in the expression of genes in Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus liver, the fish were fed with a diet contaminated by 200 ppb of atlatoxin B1 (AFB1) with and without curcumin (5 mg/kg diet) for 16 weeks in addition to a negative and positive controls fed with the basal diet and basal diet supplemented with curcumin, respectively. Further, two recovery groups with and without curcumin were tested after 2 more weeks. Relative mRNA expression of genes involved in antioxidant function (superoxide dismutase, SOD), biotransformation (cytochrome P4501A, CYPA) and immune response (interleukin-1β, IL-1β and transforming growth factor β, TGF-β) were assessed using RT-PCR. Also, fish weight gain and survival rate were determined. Results revealed that AFB1 significantly-reduced the survivability and weight gain, while curcumin inclusion improved them. Fish fed with AFB1-contaminated diet showed the up-regulation of CYP1A and down-regulation of SOD, IL-1β and TGF-β. This expression pattern was still evident in the recovery group without curcumin, but to a lesser extent. Supplementation of curcumin ameliorated the overall gene expression close to the control levels. It appears that curcumin exhibited protective effects on AFB1-induced liver toxicity in O. niloticus by moderating oxidative stress, toxin biotransformation, immune response, and hence growth performance.

Optimisation and in vivo evaluation of pectin based drug delivery system containing curcumin for colon.

The higher incidences of side effects of existing drugs have shifted researchers and clinicians to explore the dietary phytoconstituents for its therapeutic potentials. The present study is based on compression coated curcumin tablet for the colon. Curcumin has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Curcumin presents a bioavailability problem due to poor solubility. An inclusion complex was formed with hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin to enhance the solubility. In this study, the core tablet of curcumin inclusion complex was compressed between the layers of polymer blend of pectin and Eudragit S100. The 32 full factorial design was utilised for optimization of the formulation. The polymer ratio (X1) and coat thickness (X2) presented significant effects on the selected responses, i.e., percent drug release after 4 hours (Y240) and difference in percent drug release between 4th and 6th hour (Y diff) in presence of pectinase enzyme. The results revealed that higher coat weight (600 mg) and higher level of pectin ratio (70% w/w) protected the curcumin tablet till ascending colon. The in vivo studies by roentgenography method using human volunteers supported these observations. Hence, it can be concluded that the combination of pectin and Eudrgit S100 makes the system biodegradable and pH dependent for targeting the drug to the colon.

The effect of curcumin plus piperine on body weight and fat loss as well as on the plasma levels of inflammatory cytokines in obese mice

Obesity is a major risk factor for CVD, diabetes, and other chronic diseases. Identifying dietary component(s) that can accelerate BW loss in overweight and obese individuals undergoing a BW reduction regimen will be of great value. Current evidence supports the concept that inclusion of curcumin (Cur) in a food restricted (FR) diet would facilitate BW loss in overweight individuals. To test this hypothesis, we fed 47 mice a high fat (HF) diet for 6 mo to increase their BW. The mice were then divided into 5 groups. One group continued on HF diet ad‐libitum. Four groups were FR by 20% with or without Cur (1000mg/kg diet) and piperine (Pip) (50mg/kg diet) for an additional 8 mo. BWs were reduced due to body fat loss measured by MRI. Cur alone or combined with Pip in FR mice had no additional effects on total BW and fat loss. FR alone reduced plasma levels of IL‐1 and KC/GRO, but FR groups supplemented with Cur+Pip further reduced plasma levels of several inflammatory cytokines including IL‐1, IL‐6, IL‐10 and KC/GRO. While FR‐primed peritoneal macrophages showed lower lipids uptake, Cur and Pip supplementation increased lipid accumulation in these cells. Of note, FR reduced telomere length in liver cells whereas Cur+Pip prevented the FR effect. These results suggest that a more effective health impact is achievable when Cur is administered together with Pip. NIFA/USDA grant #2010–65200‐20395 &amp;USDA contract #58–1950‐0–014.

Curcumin Encapsulation in Submicrometer Spray-Dried Chitosan/Tween 20 Particles

Optimal curcumin delivery for medicinal applications requires a drug delivery system that both solubilizes curcumin and prevents degradation. To achieve this, curcumin has been encapsulated in submicrometer chitosan/Tween 20 particles via a benchtop spray-drying process. Spray-drying parameters have been optimized using a Taguchi statistical approach to minimize particle size and to favor spheroid particles with smooth surfaces, as evaluated with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) imaging. Nearly spherical particles with 285 ± 30 nm diameter and 1.21 axial ratio were achieved. Inclusion of curcumin in the spray-drying solution results in complete encapsulation of curcumin within the chitosan/Tween 20 particles. Release studies confirm that curcumin can be released completely from the particles over a 2 h period.

Release characteristic and stability of curcumin incorporated in β-chitin non-woven fibrous sheet using Tween 20 as an emulsifier

β-Chitin sheets containing curcumin—a naturally occurring substance that possesses several advantages biological properties including antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory activities—were fabricated by the paper-making process using a water-based system. Using the chitin matrix consisting of small fibers could give rise to a large surface area that could improve the diffusion of solvent and reagent, so as to make the material suitable for use as support and carrier for drugs. Tween 20 was used as an emulsifier to improve water solubility of the curcumin. The change in surface morphology of the fabricated chitin sheets after curcumin loading was indicated by scanning electron microscope (SEM). A rough surface consisting of fibrous chitin could be seen both on the neat chitin sheets and the curcumin-loaded chitin sheets, while the increase in the curcumin content led the sheets to show an occurrence of spots. Investigation of the release behavior of the curcumin loaded into the chitin sheet was carried out by the total immersion method in an acetate buffer solution, pH 5.5, at 37°C (simulating human skin). It was found that the amounts of loaded curcumin affected the release characteristics of the curcumin from the chitin sheet as a function of releasing time. In addition, the Tween 20 played an important role in the release ability of the curcumin to an exterior solution and in the stability of the curcumin present in the chitin sheet. It could be postulated that the water solubility, release ability, and stability of the curcumin incorporated into the β-chitin sheets was improved by the inclusion of curcumin into the cores of the Tween 20 micelles and the β-chitin non-woven fibrous sheet containing curcumin could be a promising candidate for would care materials.

Development and evaluation of conventional and PEGylated curcumin liposomes, absorption and tissue distribution studies in mice

Curcumin is the main biological active polyphenolic compound present in the rhizomes of turmeric (Curcuma longa Linn.), has a wide biological and pharmacological profile. It has been reported to possess anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic properties [1–3]. Many clinical study reports have revealed that curcumin has many beneficial properties in the treatment of various diseases in man such as pancreatic cancer and inflammatory bowel disease [4,5]. Despites these promising effects a poor oral absorption due to its extremely low aqueous solubility and rapid metabolism result in very low oral systemic bioavailability, thus limiting its clinical use. In order to overcome bioavailability drawbacks, this work proposes inclusion of curcumin into liposomal carriers.

Curcumin improves MMC-based chemotherapy by simultaneously sensitising cancer cells to MMC and reducing MMC-associated side-effects

Mitomycin C (MMC) potently suppresses tumour growth. However, its use is limited by its severe toxicity to the kidney and bone marrow. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether the chemoprevention agent curcumin can reduce MMC-associated side-effects and improve MMC efficacy in a breast cancer xenograft model. We first determined the effectiveness of combined MMC and curcumin to inhibit in vitro cell growth and to regress in vivo tumour outgrowth. We then investigated the mechanisms associated with MMC/curcumin-induced cell death by examining the effect of MMC/curcumin treatment on apoptosis, the activation of caspase-3, 8 and 9 and the expression of bcl-2 and bax. We also evaluated the ability of curcumin to alleviate MMC-associated side-effects by comparing the levels of creatinine/blood urea nitrogen (Cr/BUN) and glutamic oxalacetic transaminase/glutamic pyruvic transaminase (GPT/GOT) in serum between animals receiving MMC alone and MMC/curcumin. Curcumin significantly sensitised MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells to MMC-induced cell death and improved MMC’s ability to regress MCF-7 xenograft. MMC and curcumin together synergistically enhanced apoptosis in MCF-7 cells and the apoptosis most likely resulted from both the activation of caspases and modulation of bcl-2/bax expression. Most importantly, the inclusion of curcumin in MMC treatment decreased MMC-caused severe side-effects evidenced by significant improvement in the kidney function. Enhancing the tumoricidal effect of MMC, curcumin greatly reduces MMC-associated severe side-effects. Therefore, the combination treatment of MMC and curcumin may be of significant therapeutic benefit in treating breast cancer.

Mechanisms of growth inhibition of chemo-surviving colon cancer cells by curcumin and resveratrol

15088 Background: 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) or 5-FU plus oxaliplatin (FOLFOX) remains the backbone of colorectal cancer chemotherapeutics, but produces incomplete response resulting in survival of cells (Chemo-surviving cells) that often leads to cancer recurrence. Thus, validation of a non-toxic chemopreventative agent that could prevent the recurrence of colorectal cancer would be highly desirable. Curcumin (diferuloylmethane; the yellow pigment of turmeric used in South Asian cuisine) and resveratrol (trans-3,5,4'- trihydroxystilben; found in many plant species, including peanuts and grapes), with no discernible toxicity, are known to inhibit initiation, promotion and progression of carcinogenesis. The present investigation was, therefore, undertaken to examine whether addition of curcumin or resveratrol to FOLFOX will be a superior therapeutic strategy for chemo-surviving cells. Methods: Cell growth in HCT-116 and HT-29 colon cancer cell lines were assessed by MTT (3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay. Western blotting was used to assess the relative levels of various proteins in EGFR and IGF-1R pathway. Results: Forty-eight-hour treatment of colon cancer HCT-116 or HT-29 cells with FOLFOX (25 μM 5-FU+0.625 μM oxaliplatin) resulted in 60–70% cell survival, accompanied by a marked activation of IGF-1R and minor to moderate increase in EGFR, HER-2 as well as AKT, COX-2 and Cyclin-D1. However, inclusion of resveratrol or curcumin to continued FOLFOX treatment for another 48 h greatly decreased the survival of these cells, compared to those subjected or not subjected to continued FOLFOX treatment (control). While resveratrol and curcumin are both effective in inhibiting the growth of colon cancer HCT-116 and HT-29 cells, curcumin appears to be superior in this respect. These changes are associated with concomitant reduction in expression and activation of EGFR, HER-2 as well as IGF-1R. Additionally, expression of down-stream signaling effectors such as AKT, COX-2 and Cyclin-D1 was down-regulated in a similar fashion. Conclusions: Inclusion of curcumin or resveratrol to conventional chemotherapeutic regimen could be one of the effective strategy to prevent the emergence of chemo-resistant colon cancer cells. No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Curcumin treatment enhances islet recovery by induction of heat shock response proteins, Hsp70 and heme oxygenase-1, during cryopreservation

Limited recovery of islets post-cryopreservation influences graft survival and transplantation efficiency during diabetes treatment. As curcumin, a potent antioxidant/radical scavenging compound, protects islets against beta cell toxins, we hypothesized that inclusion of curcumin during cryopreservation or during post-thaw culture or both may rescue islets from cryoinjury. To test the effect of curcumin inclusion on islet recovery murine islets were isolated by the collagenase digestion, cultured for 48 h, cryopreserved using dimethylsulphoxide as cryoprotectant – with or without curcumin (10 μM) – and then slow cooled to − 40 °C before immersing them in liquid nitrogen for 7 days. Following rapid thawing with sucrose gradient and 24 h post-thaw culture – in presence or absence of curcumin (10 μM) – islet viability and functionality were determined. Islet recovery in curcumin treated groups was significantly higher than in groups where islets were cryopreserved without curcumin. Islets cryopreserved with curcumin also showed more intact islets as well as better morphology as compared to islets cryopreserved without curcumin. Curcumin treated islets also showed significant inhibition of ROS generation as compared to islets cryopreserved without curcumin. Glucose responsiveness and insulin secretion in islets cryopreserved with curcumin was equal to that of the freshly isolated islets as against islets cryopreserved without curcumin. Elevated level of Hsp 70 and HO-1 were observed in islets cryopreserved with curcumin and may contribute to curcumin-induced islet rescue. Hence, we conclude that inclusion of curcumin into cryopreservation medium inhibits ROS generation and corresponding islet damage and dysfunction.

Curcumin enhances the effects of 5‐fluorouracil and oxaliplatin in mediating growth inhibition of colon cancer cells by modulating EGFR and IGF‐1R

Curcumin (diferuloylmethane), which has been shown to inhibit growth of transformed cells, has no discernible toxicity and achieves high levels in colonic mucosa. 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) or 5-FU plus oxaliplatin (FOLFOX) remains the backbone of colorectal cancer chemotherapeutics, but with limited success. The present investigation was, therefore, undertaken to examine whether curcumin in combination with conventional chemotherapeutic agent(s)/regimen will be a superior therapeutic strategy for colorectal cancer. Indeed, results of our in vitro studies demonstrated that curcumin together with FOLFOX produced a significantly greater inhibition (p < 0.01) of growth and stimulated apoptosis (p < 0.001) of colon cancer HCT-116 and HT-29 cells than that caused by curcumin, 5-FU, curcumin + 5-FU or FOLFOX. These changes were associated with decreased expression and activation (tyrosine phosphorylation) of EGFR, HER-2, HER-3 (72-100%) and IGF-1R (67%) as well as their downstream effectors such as Akt and cycloxygenase-2 (51-97%). Furthermore, while these agents produced a 2-3-fold increase in the expression of IGF-binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3), curcumin together with FOLFOX caused a 5-fold increase in the same, when compared to controls. This in turn led to increased sequestration of IGF by IGFBP-3 rendering IGF-1 unavailable for binding to and activation of IGF-1R. We conclude that the superior effects of the combination therapy of curcumin and FOLFOX are due to attenuation of EGFRs and IGF-1R signaling pathways. We also suggest that inclusion of curcumin to the conventional chemotherapeutic agent(s)/regimen could be an effective therapeutic strategy for colorectal cancer.

Curcumin Prevents Tumor-induced T Cell Apoptosis through Stat-5a-mediated Bcl-2 Induction

Patients with advanced cancer exhibit multifaceted defects in their immune capacity, which are likely to contribute to an increased susceptibility to infections and disease progression. We demonstrated earlier that curcumin inhibits tumor growth and prevents immune cell death in tumor-bearing hosts. Here we report that tumor-induced immunodepletion involves apoptosis of thymic CD4+/CD8+ single/double positive cells as well as loss of circulating CD4+/CD8+ T cells. Administration of curcumin to tumor-bearing animals resulted in restoration of progenitor, effecter, and circulating T cells. In fact, tumor burden decreased the expression level of the pro-proliferative protein Bcl-2 while increasing the pro-apoptotic protein Bax in T cells. Curcumin down-regulated the Bax level while augmenting Bcl-2 expression in these cells, thereby protecting the immunocytes from tumor-induced apoptosis. A search for the upstream mechanism revealed down-regulation of the common cytokine receptor gamma chain (gammac) expression in T cells by tumor-secreted prostaglandin E2. As a result, Jak-3 and Stat-5a phosphorylation and to a lesser extent Stat-5b phosphorylation were also decreased in T cells. These entire phenomena could be reverted back by curcumin, indicating that this phytochemical restored the cytokine-dependent Jak-3/Stat-5a signaling pathway in T cells of tumor bearers. Overexpressed Stat-5a/constitutively active Stat-5a1*6 but not Stat-5b could efficiently elevate Bcl-2 levels and protect T cells from tumor-induced death, whereas C-terminal truncated Stat-5a713 overexpression failed to do so, indicating the importance of Stat-5a signaling in T cell survival. Thus, these results raise the possibility of inclusion of curcumin in successful therapeutic regimens against cancer.

Curcumin inhibits interferon-α induced NF-κB and COX-2 in human A549 non-small cell lung cancer cells

The A549 cells, non-small cell lung cancer cell line from human, were resistant to interferon (IFN)-α treatment. The IFN-α-treated A549 cells showed increase in protein expression levels of NF-κB and COX-2. IFN-α induced NF-κB binding activity within 30 min and this increased binding activity was markedly suppressed with inclusion of curcumin. Curcumin also inhibited IFN-α-induced COX-2 expression in A549 cells. Within 10 min, IFN-α rapidly induced the binding activity of a γ- 32P-labeled consensus GAS oligonucleotide probe, which was profoundly reversed by curcumin. Taken together, IFN-α-induced activations of NF-κB and COX-2 were inhibited by the addition of curcumin in A549 cells.

Diabetes in General Practice

Curcumin (diferuloylmethane), which has no discernible toxicity, inhibits initiation, promotion and progression of carcinogenesis. 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) or 5-FU plus oxaliplatin (FOLFOX) remains the backbone of colorectal cancer chemotherapeutics, but produces an incomplete response resulting in survival of cells (chemo-surviving cells) that may lead to cancer recurrence. The present investigation was, therefore, undertaken to examine whether addition of curcumin to FOLFOX is a superior therapeutic strategy for chemo-surviving cells. Forty-eight-hour treatment of colon cancer HCT-116 and HT-29 cells with FOLFOX resulted in 60-70% survival, accompanied by a marked activation of insulin like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF-1R) and minor to moderate increase in epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), v-erb-b2 erythroblastic leukemia viral oncogene homolog 2 (HER-2) as well as v-akt murine thymoma viral oncogene homolog 1 (AKT), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and cyclin-D1. However, inclusion of curcumin to continued FOLFOX treatment for another 48 h greatly reduced the survival of these cells, accompanied by a concomitant reduction in activation of EGFR, HER-2, IGF-1R and AKT, as well as expression of COX-2 and cyclin-D1. More importantly, EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor gefitinib or attenuation of IGF-1R expression by the corresponding si-RNA caused a 30-60% growth inhibition of chemo-surviving HCT-116 cells. However, curcumin alone was found to be more effective than both gefitinib and IGF-1R si-RNA mediated growth inhibition of chemo-surviving HCT-116 cells and addition of FOLFOX to curcumin did not increase the growth inhibitory effect of curcumin. Our data suggest that inclusion of curcumin in conventional chemotherapeutic regimens could be an effective strategy to prevent the emergence of chemoresistant colon cancer cells.