Role of Curcumin as Anticancer Agent

Turmeric contains a major component called curcumin that borrows from the ginger family which is a member of ginger family of Zingiberaceae, which is used for ayurvedic medicines, in beauty products and as food. Curcumin acts as a powerful medicine, which relieves inflammation and pain. Curcumin is obtained from in Curcumin longa plant. Curcumin is a natural polyphenol molecule, which exhibits anticancer, chemo preventive, chemo and radio-sensitization properties. It has been known to have beneficial effects on patients undergoing treatment for cancer as it reduces inflammation caused by cancer. Curcumin’s widespread availability, safety, low cost and multiple, cancer fighting functions justify its development as a drug for cancer treatment. The current review explores the various studies done Curcumin with special reference to anticancer property. Method: Extensive electronic search was done on PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane database for relevant studies and selected studies were summarized, analyzed and compiled. Result: Several studies worldwide have demonstrated the anticancer properties of this very potent agent.