Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 26, 2026
12:55
Assay for Phosphorylation and Microtubule Binding Along with Localization of Tau Protein in Colorectal Cancer Cells
Published on: October 10, 2017
9.5K
Curcumin: An age-old anti-inflammatory and anti-neoplastic agent.
Matthew C Fadus1, Cecilia Lau2, Jai Bikhchandani3
1Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States.
Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine
|July 21, 2017
Summary
Curcumin, a natural anti-inflammatory compound, shows promise for treating chronic diseases and cancers. Further research is needed to bridge gaps and enable its wider medical application.
Area of Science:
- Natural product chemistry
- Pharmacology
- Medical research
Background:
- Curcumin is a natural compound derived from turmeric, widely recognized for its anti-inflammatory properties.
- Historically used in traditional medicine, curcumin has demonstrated efficacy in various experimental and pharmacological studies.
- Its potential therapeutic applications span chronic inflammatory conditions and several types of cancer.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and analyze existing scientific literature on the medical applications of curcumin.
- To identify and understand the knowledge gaps hindering the widespread clinical adoption of curcumin.
- To evaluate curcumin's potential as a simpler therapeutic agent in complex medical landscapes.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature review of experimental and pharmacological trials.
- Analysis of data concerning curcumin's efficacy in treating inflammatory diseases and malignancies.
- Identification of barriers to clinical application.
Main Results:
- Curcumin exhibits significant anti-inflammatory effects.
- Evidence supports its efficacy in managing rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and Alzheimer's disease.
- Studies indicate potential in treating various cancers, including colon, stomach, lung, breast, and skin cancer.
Conclusions:
- Curcumin possesses considerable therapeutic potential as an anti-inflammatory agent.
- Addressing current research gaps is crucial for its integration into mainstream medical practice.
- Curcumin represents a promising, potentially simpler, therapeutic option for complex medical conditions.
Related Concept Videos
02:59Cancer Prevention
8.2K
Several factors can increase the risk of cancer in an individual. About 50% of cancer cases can be prevented by adopting a healthy lifestyle, regular exercise, eating healthy, and following a modest cancer prevention diet. Epidemiological studies have consistently shown that populations with vegetable and fruit-rich diets have reduced the incidence of cancer. On the other hand, populations who have a diet rich in animal fat, red meat, junk food, or high calories are predisposed to cancer.
Some...
Some...
8.2K
01:15Drugs that Stabilize Microtubules
2.8K
Microtubules are dynamic structures that undergo cycles of catastrophe and rescue. The microtubules play a central role in cell division by forming the spindle apparatus for segregating the chromosomes. This makes them ideal targets for regulating dividing cells in tumors and malignant cancer cells. Microtubule stabilizing drugs help stabilize the microtubule formation and promote its polymerization. Paclitaxel was the first microtubule stabilizing agent used as anticancer drug in chemotherapy...
2.8K
02:34Inhibition of Cdk Activity
6.1K
The orderly progression of the cell cycle depends on the activation of Cdk protein by binding to its cyclin partner. However, the cell cycle must be restricted when undergoing abnormal changes. Most cancers correlate to the deregulated cell cycle, and since Cdks are a central component of the cell cycle, Cdk inhibitors are extensively studied to develop anticancer agents. For instance, cyclin D associates with several Cdks, such as Cdk 4/6, to form an active complex. The cyclin D-Cdk4/6 complex...
6.1K
01:29Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Immunomodulatory Agents
602
Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel disorder marked by chronic inflammation of the GI tract. Various treatment strategies for Crohn's disease are employed, such as immunomodulatory agents, glucocorticoids, and biologics or anti-TNF therapy. Azathioprine (Imuran), a commonly used immunomodulatory drug for Crohn's disease, is converted in the body to mercaptopurine, which inhibits purine biosynthesis and cell proliferation. Both are utilized in severe cases of Inflammatory Bowel...
602
01:10Drugs that Destabilize Microtubules
4.1K
Microtubules are dynamic structures and can be regulated by microtubule targeting agents (MTAs). Microtubule destabilizing drugs are a class of MTAs that destabilize and prevent microtubules' polymerization. Both natural and synthetic chemicals can be found under this class of drugs. Vincristine and vinblastine, two vinca alkaloids, and colchicine were among the first to be discovered. These drugs can affect cells in various ways, either by inducing a change in cell morphology, preventing...
4.1K
01:21Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: Cannabinoids
848
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is a phytocannabinoid that primarily interacts with the CB1 receptor, a type of G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) predominantly in and around the chemoreceptor trigger zone (CTZ) and emetic center. THC also blocks the serotonin receptor activity in the dorsal vagal complex (DVC) by inhibiting serotonin release. THC exerts its anti-emetic effects through these interactions, which are beneficial for patients undergoing chemotherapy.
Two synthetic agonists of THC,...
Two synthetic agonists of THC,...
848