CURCUMIN 'S ANTI - CANCER PROPERTIES

Curcumin (diferuloylmethane) is a lipophilic polyphenol derived from the rhizome of East Indian plant Curcuma longa of the ginger family (Zingiberaceae) known as turmeric. Curcumin consists 2-5% of turmeric and it is responsible for the yellow color of the spice as well as the majority of turmeric's therapeutic effects Curcumin has been used extensively in Ayurvedic medicine since 1900 BC, for centuries, as it is nontoxic. It has been consumed as a dietary supplement and is considered pharmacologically safe and effective mainly because of its action as a free radical scavenger and antioxidant.

Many reports refers that curcumin has been found to possess anti-cancer activities in multiple cancers via its effect on a variety of biological pathways involved in mutagenesis, oncogene expression, cell cycle regulation, apoptosis, angiogenesis, autophagy of cells, and metastasis. In murine models curcumin seems to prevent aberrant crypt foci (ACF) and adenomas of colorectal carcinogenesis. In adittion reduces mucosal concentrations of the eicosanoids prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) and 5-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid.

 Co-supplementation with 20 mg of piperine (extracted from black pepper) significantly increased the absorption of curcumin. However, the increase in absorption only occurred during the first hour. Due to its effects on drug metabolism, piperine should be taken cautiously by individuals taking other medications. Some benefits of curcumin, such as the potential protection from colon cancer, may not require systemic absorption. In any way potential risks and side effects in high doses (>2–12 grams) have not been well documented especially for pregnant women


Epidemiological studies attribute the low incidence of colon cancer in India to the chemopreventive and antioxidant properties of diets rich in curcumin but recently (2011) have been published the results from first results of a phase II chemoprevention study of curcumin by Carroll and colleagues who examined the effects of oral curcumin on various putative biomarkers of colonic tumorigenesis in smokers. Researchers assessed the effects of oral curcumin (2 g or 4 g per day for 30 days) on procarcinogenic eicosanoids prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) and 5-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid of a clinical trial in 44 eligible smokers with eight or more ACF on screening colonoscopy. The results suggest that curcumin can decrease ACF number, and this is potentially mediated by curcumin conjugates delivered systemically.

Source

Carroll RE, Benya RV, Turgeon DK, Vareed S, Neuman M, Rodriguez L, Kakarala M, Carpenter PM, McLaren C, Meyskens FL Jr, Brenner DE.Phase IIa Clinical Trial of Curcumin for the Prevention of Colorectal Neoplasia.Cancer Prev Res (Phila). 2011 Mar;4(3):354-64