title: Curcumin targets in inflammation and cancer.
abstract: Curcumin (1,7-bis(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-1,6-heptadiene-3,5-dione) is commonly used as a spice, food additive or dietary pigment. Accumulating evidence suggests that curcumin has several pharmacologic effects, including anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and anti-cancer activities. The molecular mechanisms underlying the targets of curcumin are diverse and involve combinations of multiple signaling pathways, including NF-κB and STAT3 signaling. Thus, curcumin is one of the most promising phytochemicals that target various cancers and inflammation-mediated diseases. Clinical trials have been ongoing or completed for various cancers, including breast, pancreatic and colorectal cancers, and multiple myeloma. In this review, the molecular mechanisms and the issue of bioavailability are mainly discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacology, Tokyo Women's Medical University, 8-1 Kawada-cho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8666, Japan. deguchi@research.twmu.ac.jp.
authors.forename: Atsuko
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Deguchi
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000972:Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001682:Biological Availability; D003474:Curcumin / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D018836:Inflammation Mediators / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors* / Q000378:metabolism; D058990:Molecular Targeted Therapy; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000187:drug effects
chemical_list: D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D000972:Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; D018836:Inflammation Mediators; D003474:Curcumin