Review on curcumin bioactivity as a potent therapeutic prospect for the treatment of cancer

Abstract

Cancer is a leading cause of mortality that is characterized by uncontrolled cell proliferation above hay-flick limit (tumor growth), hypoxia in affected tissue and resulting to angiogenesis, apoptosis and metastasis. It adversely affects patients: psychologically, socially as well as economically. It results due to interplay of risk factors like; chemicals, viruses, genetic predisposition and environmental factors. There is global quest for safer, effective and cheaper strategies in cancer treatment which include use of phytochemicals obtained from plants. Turmeric has a very potent component, curcumin that has greatly contributed towards the effective treatment of cancer. Curcumin possesses some properties that inhibit cell proliferation and simultaneously induce apoptosis as well as provide positive results in management of oxidative stress and inflammation. It has been reported in animal cell line and clinical trial to be highly effective in cancer treatment due to its availability, bioactivity and no observable adverse effect. The use of curcumin in cancer treatment needs to be encouraged by promoting its use in preparation of regular cuisines and as adjuvants in cancer treatment.