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Curcumin and the cellular stress response in free radical‐related diseases
Author(s) -
Calabrese Vittorio,
Bates Timothy E.,
Mancuso Cesare,
Cornelius Carolin,
Ventimiglia Bernardo,
Cambria Maria Teresa,
Di Renzo Laura,
De Lorenzo Antonino,
DinkovaKostova Albena T.
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
molecular nutrition and food research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.495
H-Index - 131
eISSN - 1613-4133
pISSN - 1613-4125
DOI - 10.1002/mnfr.200700316
Subject(s) - curcumin , medicine , clinical trial , human studies , cancer , pharmacology , bioinformatics , traditional medicine , biology
Free radicals play a main pathogenic role in several human diseases such as neurodegenerative disorders, diabetes, and cancer. Although there has been progress in treatment of these diseases, the development of important side effects may complicate the therapeutic course. Curcumin, a well known spice commonly used in India to make foods colored and flavored, is also used in traditional medicine to treat mild or moderate human diseases. In the recent years, a growing body of literature has unraveled the antioxidant, anticarcinogenic, and antinfectious activity of curcumin based on the ability of this compound to regulate a number of cellular signal transduction pathways. These promising data obtained in vitro are now being translated to the clinic and more than ten clinical trials are currently ongoing worldwide. This review outlines the biological activities of curcumin and discusses its potential use in the prevention and treatment of human diseases.