Curcumin, the main polyphenol from the Curcuma longa plant, exhibits versatile biological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and especially anticancer properties. The study investigates how curcumin influences various cellular signaling pathways involved in carcinogenesis, including transcription factors (e.g. NF-κB, STAT3), growth factors (VEGF, EGF) and apoptotic proteins (Bax, caspase-3).
Curcumin inhibits cell proliferation, promotes apoptosis of cancer cells and suppresses angiogenesis and metastasis. It has been shown to be effective in various types of cancer, including breast, lung, colon and prostate cancer. Its ability to reduce resistance to chemotherapy and act synergistically with other anti-cancer drugs is particularly promising.
A key problem is the low bioavailability of curcumin. However, new formulations such as nanoparticles and liposomal preparations show promising improvements. Despite encouraging preclinical and clinical results, further studies are needed to determine the optimal dosage, long-term safety and efficacy of curcumin in cancer treatment.
Background:
Cancer is one of the main causes of death worldwide. Despite advances in therapy, many cancers remain difficult to treat, particularly due to chemoresistance and side effects of conventional treatments. Curcumin, a bioactive component of turmeric root, has been shown to be a potent anti-cancer agent that acts on multiple signaling pathways in cancer cells.
Aims of the study:
This review summarizes the current knowledge on the anti-cancer effects of curcumin, including its ability to inhibit cell proliferation, promote apoptosis and suppress metastasis. Bioavailability and potential clinical applications are also discussed.
Methodology:
The study analyzes in vitro and in vivo results as well as clinical studies dealing with the effect of curcumin on different types of cancer. Particular attention is paid to the molecular mechanisms by which curcumin inhibits tumor progression.
Results:
1. Inhibition of cancer cell proliferation and promotion of apoptosis:
– Curcumin suppresses growth-promoting signaling pathways such as PI3K/Akt and Wnt/β-catenin.
– It promotes programmed cell death (apoptosis) through the upregulation of Bax and caspase-3 and the downregulation of Bcl-2.
2. Inhibition of inflammation:
– Curcumin inhibits NF-κB and STAT3, two central factors for inflammation and cancer growth.
– This leads to a reduction in inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6 and TNF-α.
3. Suppression of angiogenesis and metastasis:
– Curcumin blocks VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) and inhibits the formation of new blood vessels that support tumor growth.
– In breast and lung cancer models, a reduction in metastasis was observed by inhibiting epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT).
4. Synergistic effect with chemotherapeutic agents:
– Curcumin can overcome chemoresistance by reducing the expression of resistance proteins such as MDR1.
– In combination with 5-fluorouracil, paclitaxel or cisplatin, it showed improved efficacy in various cancer models.
5. Challenge: Bioavailability and new formulations:
– The low water solubility and rapid metabolization of curcumin limit its systemic efficacy.
– Advances in nanotechnology (e.g. liposomal curcumin, nanoparticles, curcumin-phospholipid complexes) improve stability and absorption.
Conclusion:
Curcumin is a promising compound with anti-cancer properties targeting multiple signaling pathways. Despite encouraging preclinical and clinical data, further well-designed studies are needed to determine the optimal dosage, bioavailability and safety. The combination of curcumin with chemotherapies or immunotherapies could open up new therapeutic possibilities in oncology.