Role of the Dietary Phytochemical Curcumin in Targeting Cancer Cell Signalling Pathways

The diarylheptanoid curcumin [(1E,6E)-1,7-bis(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)hepta-1,6-diene-3,5-dione] is one of the phenolic pigments responsible for the yellow colour of turmeric (Curcuma longa L.). This phytochemical has gained much attention in recent years due to its therapeutic potential in cancer. A range of drug delivery approaches have been developed to optimise the pharmacokinetic profile of curcumin and ensure that it reaches its target sites. Curcumin exhibits numerous biological effects, including anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective, antidiabetic, and anti-aging activities. It has also been extensively studied for its role as a cancer chemopreventive and anticancer agent. This review focusses on the role of curcumin in targeting the cell signalling pathways involved in cancer, particularly via modulation of growth factors, transcription factors, kinases and other enzymes, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and pro-apoptotic and anti-apoptotic proteins. It is hoped that this study will help future work on the potential of curcumin to fight cancer.

Automated summary

Curcumin, a diarylheptanoid compound found in turmeric, has gained attention for its potential therapeutic effects in cancer. Various drug delivery approaches have been developed to optimize its pharmacokinetic profile and enhance its efficacy. Curcumin exhibits multiple biological activities, including anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective, antidiabetic, and anti-aging effects, and has been extensively studied for its role as a cancer chemopreventive and anticancer agent. This review focuses on curcumin's role in targeting cancer-related cell signaling pathways, including modulation of growth factors, transcription factors, kinases, enzymes, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and apoptotic proteins.