Multifunctional Curcumin Mediate Multitherapeutic Effects

Abstract

Inflammation can promote the development of arthritis, obesity, cardiovascular, type II diabetes, pancreatitis, metabolic and neurodegenerative diseases, and certain types of cancer. Compounds isolated from plants have been practiced since ancient times for curing various ailments including inflammatory disorders and to support normal physiological functions. Curcumin (diferuloylmethane) is a yellow coloring agent, extracted from turmeric that has been used for the prevention and treatment of various inflammatory diseases. Numerous studies have shown that curcumin modulate multiple molecular targets and can be translated to the clinics for multiple therapeutic processes. There is compelling evidence that curcumin can block cell proliferation, invasion, and angiogenesis as well as reduced the prolonged survival of cancer cells. Curcumin mediates anti-inflammatory effect through downregulation of inflammatory cytokines, transcription factors, protein kinases, and enzymes that promote inflammation and development of chronic diseases. In addition, curcumin induces apoptosis through mitochondrial and receptor-mediated pathways by activating caspase cascades. Curcumin is a safe and nontoxic drug that has been reported to be well tolerated. Available clinical trials support the potential role of curcumin for treatment of various inflammatory disorders. However, curcumin's efficacy is hindered by poor absorption and low bioavailability, which limit its translation into clinics. This review outlines the potential pharmacological and clinical role of curcumin, which provide a gateway for the beneficial role of plant isolated compounds in treatment of various inflammatory diseases and cancer.

Molecular targets of curcumin in breast cancer (Review)

“…Angiogenesis is the normal physiological mechanism by which novel blood vessels are formed from pre-existing blood vessels. It occurs during embryogenesis, menstruation and wound healing (81). Angiogenesis in tumors is crucial for cancer progression.…”

“…Angiogenesis in tumors is crucial for cancer progression. Tumor cells procure nutrients for their uncontrolled growth through tumor angiogenesis (81). Tumor cells constitutively produce pro-angiogenic factors, including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor, which curcumin may inhibit in order to modulate tumor angiogenesis (81,82).…”

Lirioresinol B dimethyl ether inhibits NF-κB and COX-2 and activates IκBα expression in CCl4-induced hepatic fibrosis

“…Liver inflammation is a progressive disorder involving the recruitment of various proinflammatory molecules such as interleukins, cytokines, and nuclear-factor kappa B (NF-κB) [6,7]. Several studies have implicated the activation of transcription factor NF-κB in various inflammation-induced cancers including HCC [8].…”

“…Several studies have implicated the activation of transcription factor NF-κB in various inflammation-induced cancers including HCC [8]. Upon activation, NF-κB is translocated from cytoplasm to the nucleus, where it encodes and activates many downstream targets, including inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), which are inflammatory mediators and involved in the development of various cancers including HCC [7,9]. NF-κB activation increases cell proliferation, inhibit apoptosis as well as induces invasion and metastasis of cancer cells [10].…”

Effect of Liposomal Curcumin on Acetaminophen Hepatotoxicity by Down-regulation of Oxidative Stress and Matrix Metalloproteinases

“…Natural products are attracting the interest of many researchers to study their effects on various disorders. Among the nutraceutical compounds commonly appreciated for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties is curcumin, which can improve cell viability in various disorders by reducing cell apoptosis and necrosis (19). The antioxidant activity of curcumin is based on its scavenging properties for ROS (20,21).…”