The Effect of Curcumin on Breast Cancer Cells

Abstract

Curcumin, which is extracted from the plant Curcuma longa, has been used in the therapeutic arsenal for clinical oncology. Curcumin has chemopreventive and antitumoral activities against some aggressive and recurrent cancers. The expressions and activities of various proteins, such as inflammatory cytokines and enzymes, transcription factors, and gene-products linked with cell survivals and proliferation, can be modified by curcumin. Moreover, curcumin decreases the toxic effect of mitomycin C. Though curcumin has shown highly cytotoxic to some cancer cell lines, curcumin is insoluble and instable in water. The solubility of curcumin could be enhanced by utilizing the solubilizing properties of rubusoside. In addition, the selective delivery of synthetic analogs or nanotechnology-based formulations of curcumin to tumors may improve the chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic effects. The focus of this short review is to describe how curcumin participates in antitumor processes in breast cancer cells.

Characteristics of Curcumin-Loaded Bacterial Cellulose Films and Anticancer Properties against Malignant Melanoma Skin Cancer Cells

“…It has been reported to kill tumor cells and inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells, primarily through induction of apoptosis. This activity has been observed against malignant cells including: breast [19,20], thyroid [21,22], colon [23], leukemia [24,25], prostate [26], lung [27], ovarian [28] and pancreatic cancer cells [29], as well as malignant melanoma cells [30]. Curcumin has also been shown to inhibit vital processes of cancerous cells, including adhesion, migration, invasion, and spreading.…”

Evaluation of Curcumin Capped Copper Nanoparticles as Possible Inhibitors of Human Breast Cancer Cells and Angiogenesis: a Comparative Study with Native Curcumin

“…Breast cancer is the most frequent cancer worldwide and the second leading cause of cancer-related death among females in the world (1). The global concern of breast cancer exceeds all other cancers and the incidence rates of breast cancer are increasing (2).…”

Curcumin inhibits cancer progression through regulating expression of microRNAs

“…It is nice to see that synthesis of curcumin derivatives, use of new drug delivery systems based on nanoscience, and technology of nanoparticles and liposome have improved the basis for the curcumin clinical treatment. 95 Despite limitations of this study, we still believe curcumin could bring a new insight into molecular targeting treatment of malignant tumors. …”