Biological and Anticancer Effects of Curcumin

Document Type : Review Article

Authors

1 Department of Biology, School of Sciences, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran

2 Associate Professor, Department of Biology, School of Sciences, University of Isfahan AND Department of Cellular Biotechnology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, Isfahan, Iran

3 Associate Professor, Department of Biology, School of Sciences, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran

Abstract

Turmeric is the general name for Curcuma Longa, an Indian spice belonging to the ginger family. Due to its various applications as a spice, coloring agent etc., turmeric has been used widely for the treatment of various illnesses such as arthritis, ulcers, jaundice, wounds, fever, trauma and skin diseases. The medicinal properties of turmeric are mainly due to presence of a component in the rhizome termed curcumin. The mechanisms by which curcumin exerts its anticancer effects are discussed in this paper. Curcumin has antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative, and proapoptotic effects. Especially, it has therapeutic applications against different cancers and could be used as a preventive agent. Curcumin induces anticancer activities by prevention of inflammation and proliferation of cancerous cells. Furthermore, it induces apoptosis and prevents metastasis. 

Keywords

References

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Journal of Isfahan Medical School
Volume 31, Issue 265 - Serial Number 265
November and December 2014
Pages 2097-2112

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History

  • Receive Date: 11 August 2013
  • Revise Date:
  • Accept Date: 06 April 2022

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