Curcumin and its Anti-Cancer Properties: Kitchen to the Laboratory

Abstract

Curcumin is a naturally derived hydrophobic polyphenolic compound extracted from the rhizome (turmeric) of the herb Curcuma
longa. It has been used as a common Indian spice in the form of turmeric since time immemorial. Curcumin is an active ingredient of
turmeric and has been found to have many health benefits.
Our main aim is to highlight curcumin's biological activity and anti-cancer properties.
Curcumin is a bright yellow-colored substance; curcumin plays a vital role in anti-cancer therapy by suppressing cell proliferation
and metastasis. Curcumin has regulatory effects on secondary signaling molecules and the further downstream process leading to
regulation of transcription factors like nuclear factor-kappa light chain enhancer of activated B cell or NF-kB. Cancer cells have enhanced
telomerase activity; therefore, their DNA never shortens due to the loss of telomeres. Curcumin initiates p53 protein-dependent and
protein-independent G2/M phase cell cycle arrest. Curcumin has plenty of targets like growth factor receptors (Epidermal Growth
Factor Receptor or EGFR), enzymes, and cytokines. Curcumin has poor bioavailability due to its low solubility in water (0.0004mg/mL at
normal pH 7) and hence produces poor effects when administered orally. Curcumin also produces toxicity in patients when consumed
in high concentrations.
The 21st century is the age of technology. We see that nanotechnology has enabled us to design curcumin-encapsulated, which reduces
its bulk size and brings it within 100 nm. Particles like liposomes (phospholipid vesicles), polymer micelles, SLNs, and microspheres
are some drug target delivery systems that can solve problems of transporting curcumin. Nanocurcumins can also be extracted from
pure curcumin without any carriers. It is under clinical trial where curcumin has been used as an adjuvant with other chemical agents
to control the spread of cancer.