Curcuminoids (acyclic diarylheptanoids) are natural polyphenolic constituents present in five plant families and are particularly abundant in the rhizome of species belonging to the Curcuma genus (Zingiberaceae). Among them, curcumin has been extensively studied with respect to many aspects of human medicine, and has been present for decades in the field of cancer research. The number of published studies on its in vivo efficacy has been increasing exponentially since 2001. During the last four years, approximately 150 articles per year have been published. This growing interest has led to a continuous rise in the number of clinical trials since 2006. At the same time, various strategies aimed to overcome its poor bioavailability have been developed, resulting in various curcumin-based formulations. These include its synthetic analogs, nano-formulations and/or new routes of administration. New sets of data strongly point to the role of gut microbiota in forming biologically active curcumin metabolites. It is crucial to validate data obtained in these research studies in a setting of various experimental and clinical data, including various animal tumor models and cancer patients. This approach would allow for understanding new findings and shedding the light on some common phenomena observed by numerous researchers world over. These include curcumin’s potential to target multiple molecular targets, modulate key signaling pathways, modify tumor microenvironment and enhance the host’s immune response.
The proposed research will have three main objectives. First, to present new insights on the in vivo efficacy of curcumin and its synthetic analogs, developed through innovative technologies for enhanced delivery to target molecules. Secondly, to improve our knowledge of their complexity, which is based on a pleiotropic way of action. Those numerous mechanisms of action will be considered through establishing strong functional and logical connections between experimental data obtained on animal tumor models and data obtained in numerous cancer clinical trials. Thirdly, to address as many as possible remaining unsolved issues and to suggest rational and scientifically based solutions for resolving them.
This Research Topic will cover many aspects related to the effects of curcuminoids in vivo, complementing common observational and rare mechanistic studies performed in vitro, using cancer cell lines of different origin. The Editorial Board will particularly welcome studies focused on the value of these molecules alone, or in combined treatment, in translational medicine and in mechanistic studies in vitro.
Important Note: Extracts and functional foods will be considered if at least one active compound has been detected and quantified. Anti-cancer modalities of natural products demonstrated using in vitro models must be supported in at least two well-authenticated cancer cell lines (ideally originating from distinct organs/tissues).
Curcuminoids (acyclic diarylheptanoids) are natural polyphenolic constituents present in five plant families and are particularly abundant in the rhizome of species belonging to the Curcuma genus (Zingiberaceae). Among them, curcumin has been extensively studied with respect to many aspects of human medicine, and has been present for decades in the field of cancer research. The number of published studies on its in vivo efficacy has been increasing exponentially since 2001. During the last four years, approximately 150 articles per year have been published. This growing interest has led to a continuous rise in the number of clinical trials since 2006. At the same time, various strategies aimed to overcome its poor bioavailability have been developed, resulting in various curcumin-based formulations. These include its synthetic analogs, nano-formulations and/or new routes of administration. New sets of data strongly point to the role of gut microbiota in forming biologically active curcumin metabolites. It is crucial to validate data obtained in these research studies in a setting of various experimental and clinical data, including various animal tumor models and cancer patients. This approach would allow for understanding new findings and shedding the light on some common phenomena observed by numerous researchers world over. These include curcumin’s potential to target multiple molecular targets, modulate key signaling pathways, modify tumor microenvironment and enhance the host’s immune response.
The proposed research will have three main objectives. First, to present new insights on the in vivo efficacy of curcumin and its synthetic analogs, developed through innovative technologies for enhanced delivery to target molecules. Secondly, to improve our knowledge of their complexity, which is based on a pleiotropic way of action. Those numerous mechanisms of action will be considered through establishing strong functional and logical connections between experimental data obtained on animal tumor models and data obtained in numerous cancer clinical trials. Thirdly, to address as many as possible remaining unsolved issues and to suggest rational and scientifically based solutions for resolving them.
This Research Topic will cover many aspects related to the effects of curcuminoids in vivo, complementing common observational and rare mechanistic studies performed in vitro, using cancer cell lines of different origin. The Editorial Board will particularly welcome studies focused on the value of these molecules alone, or in combined treatment, in translational medicine and in mechanistic studies in vitro.
Important Note: Extracts and functional foods will be considered if at least one active compound has been detected and quantified. Anti-cancer modalities of natural products demonstrated using in vitro models must be supported in at least two well-authenticated cancer cell lines (ideally originating from distinct organs/tissues).
