Evidence for the use of curcumin in radioprotection and radiosensitization

Curcumin has antineoplastic properties and is considered a chemotherapeutic and chemopreventive agent. Curcumin may be associated with radiation therapy (RT) as a radiosensitizer for cancer cells and a radioprotector for normal cells. In principle, it may result in a reduction of RT dosage for the same therapeutic effect on cancer cells, and further reduced damage to normal cells. Though the overall level of evidence is modest, limited to in vivo and in vitro experiences and practically no clinical trials, as the risks of adverse effects are extremely low, it is reasonable to promote the general supplementation with curcumin during RT targeting the reduction of side effects through anti-inflammatory mechanisms.

Automated summary

Curcumin, an agent with antineoplastic properties, can serve as both a radiosensitizer for cancer cells and a radioprotector for normal cells during radiation therapy. Although the evidence is limited to in vivo and in vitro experiences without clinical trials, promoting supplementation with curcumin during RT is reasonable due to its low risk of adverse effects, aiming to reduce side effects through anti-inflammatory mechanisms.