Inhibitory effect of curcumin on epidermal growth factor receptor kinase activity in A431 cells

We explored the mechanism of antigrowth action of Curcumin by investigating its effect on epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor intrinsic kinase activity in the human epidermoid carcinoma A431 cells. The short-term treatment of cells with Curcumin inhibited EGF receptor intrinsic kinase activity up to 90% in a dose- and time-dependent manner, and also inhibited EGF-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of EGF receptors. The observed early effects of Curcumin were mediated via a cellular mechanism(s), and preceded the period when inhibition of cell growth occurred.