Curcumin and its analogues: Potential anticancer agents

Abstract

This review chronicles the exploration of the curcumin in terms of development of analogues for the anticancer activity over the last century. Curcumin is a natural phytochemical obtained from dried root and rhizome of Turmeric (Curcuma Longa). It has been shown to interfere with multiple cell signaling pathways, including apoptosis (activation of caspases and downregulation of antiapoptotic gene products), proliferation (HER-2, EGFR, and AP-1), angiogenesis (VEGF), and inflammation (NF-kappaB, TNF, IL-6, IL-1, COX-2, and 5-LOX). In the last decade it has been much explored and various synthetic analogues have been prepared and evaluated for various pharmacological activities. Most of the analogues have shown very good anticancer activity in various models and various cell lines. However, some analogues have also shown antioxidant, anti-HIV, antimutagenic, antiangiogenic, antimalarial, antitubercular, antiandrogenic, COX inhibitory activities. Few analogues have shown very potent results and may be considered as clinical candidates for the development of future anticancer agent. This review contains 728 curcumin analogues and covers the literature from 1815 to mid 2009 and 93 references are cited.

Codelivery of SH-aspirin and curcumin by mPEG-PLGA nanoparticles enhanced antitumor activity by inducing mitochondrial apoptosis

“…[7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16] Until now, many studies have been performed to uncover its multiple cellular targets and molecular mechanisms. [17][18][19][20] Molecular targets in cancer treatment by Cur were gradually revealed, including transcription factors, growth factors, kinases, inflammatory cytokines, adhesion molecules, and apoptosis-related proteins. 21 Besides, it has been reported that Cur has potential in overcoming multidrug resistance.…”

Effects of Curcumin Analogues for Inhibiting Human Prostate Cancer Cells and the Growth of Human PC-3 Prostate Xenografts in Immunodeficient Mice

“…Numerous studies have demonstrated the anticancer activity of curcumin and curcumin analogues in animal models [2][3][4][5][6][7] as well as growth inhibition and apoptosis induction in a variety of cancer cell lines in vitro. [8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16] However, the clinical efficacy of curcumin is limited, which is likely due to its low bioavailability. [17][18][19] We have previously reported on the synthesis and evaluation of sixty-one curcumin-related compounds for inhibitory effects on cultured prostate cancer cells, pancreatic cancer cells and colon cancer cells.…”

Alternative Therapeutic Approach for Cartilage Repair

“…Apart from that, curcumin has been shown to inhibit the activity of several kinases related to the degradation of the cartilage, including a tyrosine Cartilage Repair and Regenerationkinase, p21-activated kinase 1 (PAK1), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and protein kinase C (PKC). Figure 3 shows the process of cartilage inflammation and the effects of curcumin in the healing process [29,31,32].…”