Research progress on the impact of curcumin on immune responses in breast cancer

The Latin scientific name of turmeric is Curcuma longa L., and it belongs to the Zingiberaceae plant family. Curcumin is a yellow compound extracted from the rhizomes of turmeric, known for its various biological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. This study presents a comprehensive review of the relationship between curcumin and the immune response in breast cancer (BC). Specific therapeutic approaches of curcumin for BC treatment are summarized. The anti-tumor activity of curcumin has garnered significant attention, with unique immunomodulatory effects on inhibiting cancer cell proliferation, inducing autophagy, affecting the cell cycle, and regulating cell apoptosis. Curcumin enhances immune cell-mediated actions against cancer cells through modulation of immune response pathways, alteration of the tumor microenvironment, and influencing immune cell function. Curcumin, via multiple pathways such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, apoptosis-inducing, and immunomodulatory effects, holds important clinical value in BC therapy.