Curcumin for Treating Breast Cancer: A Review of Molecular Mechanisms, Combinations with Anticancer Drugs, and Nanosystems

SARCOPENIA AND GASTROINTESTINAL CANCER: NUTRITIONAL APPROACH FOCUSING ON CURCUMIN SUPPLEMENTATION

BACKGROUND

Sarcopenia is a syndrome characterized by decreased strength, quantity and/or quality of skeletal muscle mass. When associated with cancer, it correlates with poorer clinical outcomes. Cancers of the gastrointestinal tract, prevalent globally and in Brazil, are associated with a greater nutritional risk. Early detection and intervention for nutritional risks are critical in this population. Recent studies on turmeric/curcumin have demonstrated beneficial effects in cancer patients. Specifically, curcumin have shown promise in reducing muscle depletion, oxidative stress, and improving strength and fatigue, factors related to sarcopenia. This review aims to elucidate sarcopenia and sarcopenia secondary to cancer, emphasizing nutritional management and the role of curcumin supplementation. Effective cancer management, whether with or without sarcopenia, demands comprehensive public health strategies and multimodal interventions within healthcare institutions. Nutrition is pivotal across the cancer care journey, encompassing screening, guidance, and provision of nutrients that support maintaining or recovering body composition. Curcumin supplementation emerges as a potential adjuvant to the standard cancer treatment and sarcopenia management. Nevertheless, further clinical studies are warranted to substantiate these findings.

BACKGROUND

• Sarcopenia is a syndrome characterized by decreased strength, quantity and/or quality of skeletal muscle mass.

BACKGROUND

• Sarcopenia when associated with cancer, it correlates with poorer clinical outcomes.

BACKGROUND

• Curcumin has shown promise in reducing muscle depletion, oxidative stress, and improving strength and fatigue, factors related to sarcopenia.

BACKGROUND

• Curcumin supplementation emerges as a potential adjuvant to the standard cancer treatment and sarcopenia management.

Nanoparticle-based delivery systems for phytochemicals in cancer therapy: molecular mechanisms, clinical evidence, and emerging trends

OBJECTIVE

This review examines recent advancements in nanoparticle-based delivery systems for phytochemicals, focusing on their role in overcoming multidrug resistance, improving therapeutic efficacy, and facilitating clinical translation.

SIGNIFICANCE

This review highlights recent advances in nanoparticle-enabled phytochemical delivery to enhance bioavailability, improve therapeutic outcomes, and enable targeted applications. By comparing various nanoparticle systems, formulation methods, and efficacy data, it identifies gaps in current research and guides the development of more effective, next-generation phytochemical-loaded nanocarriers.

METHODS

A systematic review of literature published between 2000 and 2024 was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Articles focusing on nanoparticle-based phytochemical delivery in cancer therapy were included.

KEY FINDINGS

Compounds such as curcumin, resveratrol, quercetin, and epigallocatechin gallate demonstrate enhanced anti-cancer efficacy when encapsulated in nanoparticles, leading to improved bioavailability, increased tumor cell targeting, and reduced toxicity. Clinical trials indicate tumor regression and fewer adverse effects. Emerging approaches-such as nanogels, hybrid nanoparticles, and combination therapies with immune checkpoint inhibitors-further refine treatment efficacy.

CONCLUSIONS

Nanoparticle-based delivery systems significantly improve the therapeutic potential of phytochemicals, making them promising candidates for safer, more effective cancer treatments. However, challenges related to regulatory guidelines, scalability, and long-term safety must be addressed to fully realize their clinical potential.

Utilizing Indigenous Flora in East Africa for Breast Cancer Treatment: An Overview

BACKGROUND

Breast cancer is a significant global health challenge, contributing substantially to cancer- related deaths. Conventional treatment methods, including hormone therapy, chemotherapy, surgical interventions, and radiation, have long been utilized. However, these traditional treatments are often associated with serious side effects and drug resistance, limiting their efficacy.

AIM

This review aims to explore the potential of medicinal plants used in breast cancer management in East Africa, focusing on their bioactive compounds and anticancer properties.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search was conducted to examine the effectiveness of medicinal plants in treating breast cancer across Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda, Tanzania, and Rwanda. Relevant studies published between 2003 and 2023 were identified using keywords related to breast cancer and medicinal plants. The search was performed across multiple databases, including Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science Core Collection, and Science Direct.

RESULTS

Numerous natural compounds found in East African medicinal plants including Cymbopogon citratus (Lemongrass,) Tabebuia avellanedae, Prunus africana (African Cherry), Euclea divinorum, Berberis holstii, Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha, Curcuma longa (Turmeric), Garcinia mangostana (Mangosteen, Vitis vinifera (Grapevine), Eugenia jambolana (Java Plum), Moringa oleifera (Drumstick Tree), Camellia sinensis (Tea), Glycine max (Soybean), Catharanthus roseus, Madagascar Periwinkle), Rhus vulgaris (Wild Currant) exhibit significant anticancer properties. These compounds have demonstrated the ability to reduce breast cancer aggressiveness, inhibit cancer cell proliferation, and modulate cancer-related pathways. Current research focuses on these natural and dietary compounds to develop more effective strategies for treating breast cancer.

CONCLUSION

The findings suggested that East African medicinal plants hold promise as complementary treatments for breast cancer, offering potential benefits such as affordability, cultural appropriateness, and sustainability. Further research into these plants and their bioactive compounds could revolutionize breast cancer treatment, improving survival rates and addressing the rising incidence of breast cancer-related fatalities. Other: The review underscores the importance of continued research, conservation, and the integration of ancient healing methods to fully harness the potential of East African flora in breast cancer management.

Curcumin Administration Routes in Breast Cancer Treatment

Breast cancer is a public health concern worldwide, characterized by increasing incidence and mortality rates, requiring novel and effective therapeutic strategies. Curcumin is a bioactive compound extracted from turmeric with several pharmacological activities. Curcumin is a multifaceted anticancer agent through mechanisms including the modulation of signaling pathways, inhibition of cell proliferation, induction of apoptosis, and production of reactive oxygen species. However, the poor water solubility and bioavailability of curcumin create important barriers in its clinical application. This review elaborates on the therapeutic potential of curcumin in breast cancer treatment, focusing on the efficacy of different administration routes and synergistic effects with other therapeutic agents. The intravenous administration of curcumin-loaded nanoparticles significantly improves bioavailability and therapeutic outcomes compared to oral routes. Innovative formulations, such as nano-emulsifying drug delivery systems, have shown promise in enhancing oral bioavailability. While intravenous delivery ensures higher bioavailability and direct action on tumor cells, it is more invasive and expensive than oral administration. Advancing research on curcumin in breast cancer treatment is essential for improving therapeutic outcomes and enhancing the quality of life of patients.

Common Mitochondrial Targets of Curcumin and Cinnamic Acid, the Membrane-Active Natural Phenolic Compounds

Background: Research has shown the multiple actions of curcumin on different cell systems, including enzymes and mitochondria. The detected effects of curcumin on mitochondria are diverse, ranging from protective to toxic. Objectives: In this present work, the influence of curcumin, as well as cinnamic acid, which is a microbial metabolite and a possible product of the microbial breakdown of curcumin, on isolated mitochondria, was investigated. Methods: Membrane potential, swelling, respiration, and calcium retention capacity were studied using selective electrodes, fluorescence and spectral methods. Results: It was found that curcumin at low concentrations (10-20 μM) activated the opening of the calcium-dependent permeability transition pore (mPTP) and decreased the calcium retention capacity and threshold concentrations necessary for the mPTP opening. Moreover, curcumin caused a concentration-dependent stepwise decrease in the membrane potential, accompanied by the activation of respiration and a decrease in oxidative phosphorylation, which indicates that curcumin is a typical mitochondrial uncoupler. The uncoupling effect strongly depended on the concentration of curcumin, which also increased, stepwise, from weak uncoupling at 25 µM to complete uncoupling at 75-100 µM. Cinnamic acid had similar effects, with the exception of the depolarizing effect, at concentrations that were an order of magnitude higher. Conclusions: Presumably, the uncoupling action of curcumin is a priming event that modulates any energy- and redox-dependent mitochondrial functions, from positive stimulation to toxic disorder. This effect can also underlie the curcumin-induced changes in different cellular processes and be achieved by targeted delivery of curcumin to certain cells, bypassing the microbiota.

Potential of Curcumin in the Management of Skin Diseases

Curcumin is a polyphenolic molecule derived from the rhizoma of Curcuma longa L. This compound has been used for centuries due to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. These make it ideal for preventing and treating skin inflammation, premature skin ageing, psoriasis, and acne. Additionally, it exhibits antiviral, antimutagenic, and antifungal effects. Curcumin provides protection against skin damage caused by prolonged exposure to UVB radiation. It reduces wound healing times and improves collagen deposition. Moreover, it increases fibroblast and vascular density in wounds. This review summarizes the available information on the therapeutic effect of curcumin in treating skin diseases. The results suggest that curcumin may be an inexpensive, well-tolerated, and effective agent for treating skin diseases. However, larger clinical trials are needed to confirm these observations due to limitations in its in vivo use, such as low bioavailability after oral administration and metabolism.