Curcumin

A natural phenolic compound. Potent anti-tumor agent having anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Induces apoptosis in cancer cells and inhibits phorbol ester-induced protein kinase C (PKC) activity. Reported to inhibit production of inflammatory cytokines by peripheral blood monocytes and alveolar macrophages. Potent inhibitor of EGFR tyrosine kinase and IκB kinase. Inhibits inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cycloxygenase and lipoxygenase. Easily penetrates into the cytoplasm of cells, accumulating in membranous structures such as plasma membrane, endoplasmic reticulum and nuclear envelope. Curcumin is currently being examined as a possible therapeutic for the treatment of Alzheimers disease. Neuroprotective. Dyes and metabolites.