Nutraceuticals as new treatment approaches for oral cancer--I: Curcumin

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Natural Product Chemistry
• Oral Medicine

Background:

• Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) presents a significant global health challenge with stagnant survival rates.
• Existing therapies for OSCC have limited efficacy, necessitating novel treatment approaches.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review in vitro and in vivo studies on curcumin's anti-cancer potential in OSCC.
• To explore the mechanisms of action of curcumin in oral cancer.
• To highlight curcumin's potential as a therapeutic agent for OSCC.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of in vitro and in vivo studies examining curcumin's effects on OSCC.
• Analysis of curcumin's impact on oral cancer cells and the tumor microenvironment.
• Investigation into curcumin's mechanisms of action.

Main Results:

• Curcumin exhibits anti-neoplastic activities relevant to OSCC treatment.
• Studies indicate curcumin's potential efficacy, both as a standalone agent and in combination therapy.
• Current research primarily focuses on cancer cells, with less attention to the tumor microenvironment.

Conclusions:

• Curcumin is an emerging nutraceutical agent with significant therapeutic potential for oral cancer.
• Overcoming curcumin's poor bioavailability is crucial for its successful clinical translation in OSCC treatment.