New perspectives of curcumin in cancer prevention - PubMed (original) (raw)

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New perspectives of curcumin in cancer prevention

Wungki Park et al. Cancer Prev Res (Phila). 2013 May.

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Abstract

Numerous natural compounds have been extensively investigated for their potential for cancer prevention over the decades. Curcumin, from Curcuma longa, is a highly promising natural compound that can be potentially used for chemoprevention of multiple cancers. Curcumin modulates multiple molecular pathways involved in the lengthy carcinogenesis process to exert its chemopreventive effects through several mechanisms: promoting apoptosis, inhibiting survival signals, scavenging reactive oxidative species (ROS), and reducing the inflammatory cancer microenvironment. Curcumin fulfills the characteristics for an ideal chemopreventive agent with its low toxicity, affordability, and easy accessibility. Nonetheless, the clinical application of curcumin is currently compromised by its poor bioavailability. Here, we review the potential of curcumin in cancer prevention, its molecular targets, and mechanisms of action. Finally, we suggest specific recommendations to improve its efficacy and bioavailability for clinical applications.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest: None

Figures

Figure 1

Figure 1

Chemical structure of three polyphenols from Curcuma longa

Figure 2

Figure 2

Molecular targets of curcumin. C: Curcumin, CIAP: cleavage inhibitor of apoptosis, FADD: Fas-associated protein with death domain, FLIP: FLICE-like inhibitory protein, DISC: Death-inducing signaling complex, MOMP: Mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization, PKC: Protein kinase C, PLC: phospholipase C, XIAP: X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein, VEGF: vascular endothelial growth factor, FGF: fibroblast growth factor, PDGF: Platelet-derived growth factor, EGF: epidermal growth factor.

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