Anticarcinogenic effects

Its potential anticancer effects stem from its ability to induce apoptosis in cancer cells without cytotoxic effects on healthy cells. Curcumin can interfere with the activity of the transcription factor NF-κB, which has been linked to a number of inflammatory diseases such as cancer.[45]

A 2009 study suggested curcumin may inhibit mTOR complex I via a novel mechanism.[46]

Another 2009 study on curcumin effects on cancer states it "modulates growth of tumor cells through regulation of multiple cell signaling pathways including cell proliferation pathway (cyclin D1, c-myc), cell survival pathway (Bcl-2, Bcl-xL, cFLIP, XIAP, c-IAP1), caspase activation pathway (caspase-8, 3, 9), tumor suppressor pathway (p53, p21) death receptor pathway (DR4, DR5), mitochondrial pathways, and protein kinase pathway (JNK, Akt, and AMPK)".[47]

A 2010 study in malignant brain tumors showed curcumin effectively inhibits tumor cell proliferation, as well as migration and invasion, and these effects may be mediated through interference with the STAT3 signaling pathway.[48]

When 0.2% curcumin is added to diet given to rats or mice previously given a carcinogen, it significantly reduces colon carcinogenesis.[49]

Curcumin has recently been shown to have phyto-estrogenic activity that might contribute to activity against breast cancer.[50] In the murine model of breast cancer metastasis, curcumin inhibits the formation of lung metastases [51] probably through the NF-kappa-B dependent regulation of protumorigenic inflammatory cytokines.[52]

Curcumin might be potentially useful in some kidney diseases by preventing renal inflammation.[53]