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Photocytotoxicity of curcumin
T A Dahl1, P Bilski, K J Reszka
1Department of Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics, School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, Boston, MA 02111.
Photochemistry and Photobiology
|March 1, 1994
Summary
Curcumin, a compound from turmeric, is phototoxic to mammalian cells, requiring oxygen for its effect. This finding expands on its known antibacterial phototoxicity, revealing new potential applications.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Photochemistry
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Curcumin is a natural dye from Curcuma longa.
- Curcumin exhibits phototoxicity against bacteria under aerobic conditions.
- The photophysical properties of curcumin are environment-dependent.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the phototoxicity of curcumin on mammalian cells.
- To elucidate the mechanisms underlying curcumin's photodynamic effects.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a rat basophilic leukemia cell model.
- Assessed cell viability following curcumin exposure and light irradiation.
- Analyzed spectral and photochemical properties of curcumin.
- Detected reactive oxygen and carbon-centered radicals.
Main Results:
- Curcumin demonstrated phototoxicity to mammalian cells in an oxygen-dependent manner.
- Curcumin photogenerated singlet oxygen, reduced oxygen species, and carbon-centered radicals.
- These reactive species, potentially including oxidation products, contribute to cell damage.
Conclusions:
- Curcumin's phototoxicity extends to mammalian cells, mediated by oxygen.
- Multiple photodynamic pathways involving reactive oxygen and carbon-centered radicals are implicated.
- Further research into curcumin's photochemistry is warranted for therapeutic applications.