Title:Curcumin and Curcumin-like Molecules: From Spice to Drugs
Volume: 21
Issue: 2
Author(s): A. Marchiani, C. Rozzo, A. Fadda, G. Delogu and P. Ruzza
Affiliation:
Keywords:
Amyloid, anti-inflammatory molecules, antioxidant, cancer, curcumin, neuroprotective.
Abstract: Curcumin is the major yellow pigment extracted from turmeric, a commonly used spice in Asian cuisine and
extensively employed in ayurvedic herbal remedies. A number of studies have shown that curcumin can be a prevention
and a chemotherapeutic agent for colon, skin, oral and intestinal cancers. Curcumin is also well known for its antiinflammatory
and antioxidant properties, showing high reactivity towards peroxyl radicals, and thus acting as a free radical
scavenger. Recently, experimental studies have demonstrated that curcumin might be used in the prevention and the
cure of Alzheimer’s disease. Indeed, curcumin injected peripherally in vivo into aged Tg mice crossed the blood-brain barrier
and bound to amyloid plaques, reducing amyloid levels and plaque formation decisively. The present review will resume
the most recent developments in the medicinal chemistry of curcumin and curcumin-like molecules.
