Curcumin: an adjuvant therapeutic remedy for liver cancer

Abstract

The molecular signalling pathways for hepatocellular carcinoma and hepatoblastoma have been extensively studied. The treatment of these highly vascular tumors mainly revolves around chemotherapy and surgery. Yet there is a high associated morbidity and mortality due to advanced stages, adverse effects owing to chemotherapy and recurrence. The role of Curcumin as an adjuvant remedy is explored in this article. Curcumin stimulates apoptosis of cancer cells, acts as anti-proliferative agent, has anti-angiogenic action, prevents tumor invasiveness and metastasis and prevents recurrence. It also has been proven to decrease the adverse effects of chemotherapeutic agents and has a synergistic anticancer action. It acts at the molecular level and affects the various metabolic pathways involved in tumorigenesis. It also promotes healing and has anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and anti-infective action. This natural phytocompounds has immense anti-cancer potential and holds future promise as an adjuvant remedy to treat liver cancer.

Keywords

Curcumin / hepatoblastoma / hepatocellular carcinoma / diferuloylmethane

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