Exploring Curcumin and Its Derivatives: Insights into Their Structure–Activity Relationship as Anticancer Agents

Purpose: Curcumin, a bioactive compound from turmeric (Curcuma longa), exhibits multiple therapeutic properties such as anti-inflammatory, antimalarial, antifungal, antibacterial, antioxidant, and antitumor effects. To highlights the Indian origin medicinally important plant and its extract, this review is carried out. Methodology: On the basis of literature availability data, this review has been carried out and structural activity relationship is illustrated on the basis of variation of activity with structural changes. Analysis/Results: The two methoxy phenolic groups in curcumin are essential for its bioactivity. Modifications of curcumin's β-diketone and methylene α-hydrogen groups are a focus to enhance its stability and efficacy. Derivatives with electron-withdrawing groups like fluorine or nitro groups enhance bioactivity. Modifications such as substituting phenolic groups or reducing the flexibility of the molecule show improved therapeutic profiles. Originality/Value: In the present article, importance of the curcumin and its derivatives in the field of anticancer agent is extensively discussed on the basis of literature available reports. Type of Paper: Review Paper.