Affiliation:
1. University of Science and Technology of Hanoi, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, Vietnam
2. VNU University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vietnam National University, Vietnam
Abstract
Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in the world. Curcuma longa, also known as turmeric, has been traditionally used for the treatment and prevention of various conditions. There has been a growing interest in exploring the potential anticancer properties of C. longa and its bioactive compound, curcumin. Curcumin has been found to exhibit a broad spectrum of anticancer effect by inducing programmed cell death, inhibiting the growth and proliferation of tumors, and suppressing angiogenesis. Its anticancer effect has been reported in many different types of cancer. However, the effectiveness of curcumin is hampered by its poor bioavailability when administered orally. This chapter reviews comprehensively about the anticancer properties of C. longa, mechanisms of anticancer activity of curcumin and update knowledge on the anticancer effect of curcumin in various cancers. Moreover, this chapter discusses about the challenges and future prospects of curcumin in cancer treatment.