[Molecular and cellular mechanisms of curcumin action--beneficial effect on organism]

Curcumin is a natural compound derived from rhizome of Curcuma longa. It is an active compound of turmeric used from millennia in traditional medicine. At present there is a very rich scientific documentation describing curcumin as an anticancer, antioxidative and antiinflammatory compound. Research on animal models revealed its not only anticancer activity but also potency as a drug against many other diseases of low grade inflammatory origin. Curcumin also counteracts many induced organ injuries. On the cellular level curcumin inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis, however it is less cytotoxic for cancer than normal cells. There are many molecular targets of curcumin but stress signaling pathways and inhibition of NF- kappaB transcription factor seems to be the most common. Despite its low bioactivity curcumin can exert beneficial influence on organism, thus confirming its hormetic propensity.