Abstract

MOLECULAR MECHANISMS OF CANCER CHEMOPREVENTION MODULATED BY CURCUMA LONGA

Dr. Anupam, Dr. Suneeti Chaudhary, Dr. Rajni Bala and *Dr. Vijay Kumar

Abstract

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) has been used as a spice and a cosmetic in Indian culture traditionally and has been a component of Indian Ayurvedic medicine since 1900 BC. As a medicine, Curcuma longa is used mainly for various allergic and inflammatory respiratory conditions, as well as for liver disorders, anorexia, rheumatism and wound healing. Turmeric has nearly 20 molecules with antibiotic property, 14 molecules with cancer preventive potential, 12 with antitumor effect. Curcumin [diferuloylmethane (C21H20O6)], a polyphenol, is an active principle of the perennial herb Curcuma longa and derived from the roots (rhizomes) of the plant. Curcumin, the principal curcuminoid of turmeric, has been intensely studied as a cancer protective agent. Its potential has been tapped in head and neck cancers, breast, lung, gastro-intestinal cancer, ovarian cancer, melanoma, neurological cancers, sarcoma, leukemias and lymphoma.

Keywords: .