Chemistry Reference
In-Depth Information
OH
O
MeO
OMe
HO
OH
J1,
Curcumin
OH
O
MeO
OMe
MeO
OMe
J2
OH
O
MeO
OMe
HO
OH
CO
2
Et
J3
H
OH
O
H
J4
Curcumol
Figure 14.10
Structures of curcuminoids and curcumol.
is used traditionally in India to treat biliary disorders, anorexia, cough, diabetic
wounds, liver disorders, rheumatism, and sinusitis and in China for abdominal
pains and jaundice. Turmeric has a protective effect on the liver, stimulates bile
secretion in animals, and is recommended for use in liver disorders.
The major pigment in
Curcuma
species (Zingiberaceae family) is the yellow
phenolic diarylheptanoid curcumin (
J1
). Curcumin and its analogs have potent
antioxidant and anti- inflammatory effects, cytotoxicity against tumor cells, and
antitumor-promoting activity (96). The biologic effects and targets of curcumin,
as well as its possible roles in cancer prevention and therapy, have been reviewed
recently (97, 98).
Several synthetic curcumin analogs, including
J2
, showed potent antian-
drogenic activities against two human prostate cancer cell lines, PC-3 and
DU-145 (99). In expanded
in vitro
testing, these synthetic curcumin derivatives
showed antiprostate cancer activity superior to that of hydroxyflutamide, the
currently available and preferred anti-androgen for treating prostate cancer
