Curcumin may inhibit the proliferation of HT-29 colon adenocarcinoma cells by inducing cellular starvation

We showed that several phytochemicals, but not nutrients, significantly decreased intracellular ATP levels in HT-29 human colon adenocarcinoma cells. Curcumin, one of the active compounds, markedly inhibited the proliferation of HT-29 cells, which was exaggerated in low-glucose media and lipase-downregulated cells as well. In addition, curcumin significantly induced lipolysis. Collectively, curcumin may inhibit cancer cell growth by inducing energy starvation.