TITLE:
Multiple Actions of Curcumin Including Anticancer, Anti-Inflammatory, Antimicrobial and Enhancement via Cyclodextrin
AUTHORS:
Aaron J. Smith, John Oertle, Dino Prato
KEYWORDS:
Curcumin, Cancer, Chemotherapy, Anti-Inflammatory, Antimicrobial, Cyclodextrin
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Cancer Therapy,
Vol.6 No.3,
March
17,
2015
ABSTRACT: Curcumin is a naturally occurring
phytotherapeutic that has broad uses including the treatment of cancer and as a
potent antimicrobial agent. Its dynamic ability to treat very different kinds
of disease has spawned a significant increase in inquiry on how curcumin
accomplishes these feats. Thousands of peer reviewed papers were published in
the past few years regarding the various functions of curcumin. Unlike most
pharmaceuticals, curcumin has a multi-range of different targets that it
interacts with. Since curcumin’s bioavailabilty is limited, methods of
increasing curcumin’s bioavailabilty are discussed. Mechanisms of action
regarding curcumin’s ability to effect cancer are discussed including upstream
and downstream mechanisms starting with epigenetics to its effect on signal
transduction pathways and apoptosis. Curcumin also works adjuvantly with
chemotherapy to reduce resistance and enhance the mechanism of certain
chemotherapeutic agents. Curcumin’s antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral
capability is also discussed with regard to curcumin’s dynamic ability to treat
infections. Curcumin use in cancer adjunctive care and its anti-infectious capabilities
make it a unique phytotherapeutic agent with promise.