Curcumin Alone and in Combination for Prevention of Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major health concern. It is the third most common type of cancer and cause of death by cancer. Chemoprevention is a promising approach for reducing morbidity and mortality from CRC. The search for a chemoprevention agent with mild side effects has led to particular interest in curcumin. In-vitro and in-vivo studies indicate that curcumin can interfere with multiple cell signaling pathways involved in carcinogenesis, including inhibition of cell cycle progression, induction of apoptosis, slowing of proliferation, and reduction of angiogenesis, invasion, and metastasis formation. Curcumin is also a very potent antiinflammatory agent and anti-oxidative agent. Curcumin has no adverse effects on normal cells, making it a very promising chemopreventive agent.