Curcumin in Cancer and Inflammation - An In-Depth Exploration of Molecular Interactions, Therapeutic Potentials, and the Role in Disease Management

Sep 21, 2026

This paper delves into the diverse and significant roles of curcumin, a polyphenolic compound from the Curcuma longa plant, in cancer and inflammatory diseases. With a distinctive molecular structure, curcumin shows anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and potential anticancer activities. The review examines curcumin’s molecular interactions with proteins central to cancer progression and inflammation, using molecular docking as a key approach. It also synthesizes in vitro and clinical evidence to clarify binding mechanisms, pharmacological effects, and therapeutic applications.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages34

Reading Time1 h 26 min

AccessFree to download

Introduction

Molecular identity and traditional use

Contemporary research and challenges

Bioavailability and delivery strategies

Review Curcumin in Cancer and Inflammation: An In-Depth Exploration of Molecular Interactions, Therapeutic Potentials, and the Role in Disease Management Dong-Oh Moon Citation: Moon, D.-O. Curcumin in Cancer and Inflammation: An In-Depth Exploration of Molecular Interactions, Therapeutic Potentials, and the Role in Disease Management. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25, 2911. [https://](https://)[ ](https://)[doi.org/10.3390/ijms25052911](doi.org/10.3390/ijms25052911) Academic Editor: Lucia Panzella Received: 30 January 2024 Revised: 28 February 2024 Accepted: 29 February 2024 Published: 2 March 2024 Copyright: © 2024 by the author. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license ([https://](https://)[ ](https://)[creativecommons.org/licenses/by/](creativecommons.org/licenses/by/)[ ](creativecommons.org/licenses/by/)[4.0/](4.0/)) . Department of Biology Education, Daegu University, 201, Daegudae-ro, Gyeongsan-si 38453, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Republic of Korea; [domoon@daegu.ac.kr](domoon@daegu.ac.kr); Tel.: +82-53-850-6992 Abstract: This paper delves into the diverse and significant roles of curcumin, a polyphenolic compound from the Curcuma longa plant, in the context of cancer and inflammatory diseases. Distinguished by its unique molecular structure, curcumin exhibits potent biological activities including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and potential anticancer effects. The research comprehensively investigates curcumin’s molecular interactions with key proteins involved in cancer progression and the inflammatory response, primarily through molecular docking studies. In cancer, curcumin’s effectiveness is determined by examining its interaction with pivotal proteins like CDK2, CK2α, GSK3β, DYRK2, and EGFR, among others. These interactions suggest curcumin’s potential role in impeding cancer cell proliferation and survival. Additionally, the paper highlights curcumin’s impact on inflammation by examining its influence on proteins such as COX-2, CRP, PDE4, and MD-2, which are central to the inflammatory pathway. In vitro and clinical studies are extensively reviewed, shedding light on curcumin’s binding mechanisms, pharmacological impacts, and therapeutic application in various cancers and inflammatory conditions. These studies are pivotal in understanding curcumin’s functionality and its potential as a therapeutic agent. Conclusively, this review emphasizes the therapeutic promise of curcumin in treating a wide range of health issues, attributed to its complex chemistry and broad pharmacological properties. The research points towards curcumin’s growing importance as a multi-faceted natural compound in the medical and scientific community. Keywords: curcumin; cancer; inflammation; docking 1. Introduction Curcumin, the vibrant yellow compound found in the root of the Curcuma longa plant, stands out as the primary curcuminoid in turmeric, belonging to the ginger family. Its molecular identity is characterized by unique polyphenolic elements, specifically twoferuloyl groups linked via a methylene chain. This molecular configuration plays a crucial role in its biological and chemical properties [1,2] . For generations, curcumin has been a key component in the traditional medicinal practices of various Asian cultures. Its use in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine, along with other herbal systems, has been extensive. Curcumin has been applied to treat a wide range of ailments, from inflammation and pain to more specific conditions such as jaundice, menstrual issues, bleeding, dental pain, bruises, and cardiac pain [3] . In the realm of contemporary science, curcumin has sparked considerable interest due to its potential health benefits. Studies have delved into its effectiveness against chronic illnesses like cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, heart diseases, and inflammatory conditions

FAQs

What biological activities does curcumin exhibit in cancer and inflammatory diseases?

Curcumin is discussed for anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and potential anticancer effects, supported by its molecular structure and biological activity across disease-related targets.

Which molecular targets are highlighted for curcumin’s effects in cancer and inflammation?

The review emphasizes interactions with proteins such as CDK2, CK2α, GSK3β, DYRK2, and EGFR for cancer, and COX-2, CRP, PDE4, and MD-2 for inflammation.

Why is curcumin’s medical use limited, and how can delivery improve it?

Its practical application is hindered by limited bioavailability due to low water solubility and rapid breakdown. Research focuses on delivery systems like nanotechnology-based approaches, liposomal encapsulation, and phytosomal formulations to enhance absorption and efficacy.

Sep 21, 2026

Uploaded by Lucas Martin