Anticancer Molecular Mechanisms of Curcuminoids: An Updated Review of Clinical Trials

Curcuminoids are bioactive polyphenols, mainly extracted from <i>Curcuma longa</i> (turmeric), and have received much attention due to their pleiotropic anticancer properties. Recent evidence suggests that curcumin and analogs prevent the activation of a variety of signaling pathways, including the MAPK, PI3K/Akt, and NF-kB pathways, resulting in the induction of apoptosis, prevention of proliferation, and suppression. In addition to these processes, curcumin has been shown to enhance the efficacy of the conventional anti-cancer modalities such as radiation and chemotherapy. By suppressing the expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), which are enzymes that break down the extracellular matrix and promote cancer cell invasion and metastasis, curcumin also demonstrates anti-metastatic qualities. Inflammation and the advancement of cancer are linked to the NF-κB signaling pathways, which are also suppressed by curcuminoids. Along with these processes, curcumin has demonstrated the ability to improve the effectiveness of traditional cancer treatments, including radiation and chemotherapy. It increases the sensitivity of cancer cells to various therapies, which enhances the therapeutic results. However, curcumin's low bioavailability limits its therapeutic use. Its anticancer potency may be increased, and this restriction may be overcome due to recent developments in drug delivery technologies, such as curcumin-loaded nanoparticles. Since they can target several different molecular pathways and improve the effectiveness of current treatments, curcuminoids are a promising family of chemicals for the prevention and treatment of cancer.