Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, 1365 Clifton Road, C-3094, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA.
Cancer Prev Res (Phila). 2013 May;6(5):387-400. doi: 10.1158/1940-6207.CAPR-12-0410. Epub 2013 Mar 6.
Numerous natural compounds have been extensively investigated for their potential for cancer prevention over the decades. Curcumin, from Curcuma longa, is a highly promising natural compound that can be potentially used for chemoprevention of multiple cancers. Curcumin modulates multiple molecular pathways involved in the lengthy carcinogenesis process to exert its chemopreventive effects through several mechanisms: promoting apoptosis, inhibiting survival signals, scavenging reactive oxidative species (ROS), and reducing the inflammatory cancer microenvironment. Curcumin fulfills the characteristics for an ideal chemopreventive agent with its low toxicity, affordability, and easy accessibility. Nonetheless, the clinical application of curcumin is currently compromised by its poor bioavailability. Here, we review the potential of curcumin in cancer prevention, its molecular targets, and mechanisms of action. Finally, we suggest specific recommendations to improve its efficacy and bioavailability for clinical applications.
几十年来，人们广泛研究了许多天然化合物在癌症预防方面的潜力。姜黄素是从姜黄中提取的一种极具前景的天然化合物，可作为多种癌症的化学预防药物。姜黄素通过多种机制调节参与漫长致癌过程的多个分子途径，发挥其化学预防作用：促进细胞凋亡、抑制存活信号、清除活性氧（ROS）、减少炎症性癌症微环境。姜黄素具有低毒性、可负担性和易获得性等特点，符合理想化学预防剂的特征。然而，姜黄素的临床应用目前受到其生物利用度低的限制。本文综述了姜黄素在癌症预防中的潜力、其分子靶点和作用机制。最后，我们提出了具体建议，以提高其疗效和生物利用度，用于临床应用。
