Curcumin
From Free net encyclopedia
| Curcumin | |
|---|---|
| Image:Curcumin keto form.png Keto Form Image:Curcumin.png Enol Form | |
| General | |
| Systematic name | (1E,6E)-1,7-bis(4-hydroxy- 3-methoxyphenyl)-1,6- heptadiene-3,5-dione |
| Other names | curcumin diferuloylmethane C.I. 75300 Natural Yellow 3 |
| Molecular formula | C21H20O6 |
| SMILES | ? |
| Molar mass | 368.38 g/mol |
| Appearance | ? |
| CAS number | [458-37-7] |
| Properties | |
| Density and phase | ? g/cm3, ? |
| Solubility in water | ? g/100 ml (? °C) |
| Melting point | ? °C (? K) |
| Boiling point | ? °C (? K) |
| Acidity (pKa) | ? |
| Hazards | |
| MSDS | External MSDS |
| Main hazards | ? |
| NFPA 704 | |
| Flash point | ? °C |
| R/S statement | R: ? S: ? |
| RTECS number | ? |
| Related compounds | |
| Related compounds | ? |
| Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa) Infobox disclaimer and references | |
Curcumin is the active ingredient of the Indian curry spice turmeric. It is a polyphenol with a molecular formula C21H20O6. Curcumin can exist in at least two tautomeric forms, keto and enol. The keto form is preferred in solid phase and the enol form in solution.
Curcumin is known for its antitumor, antioxidant, anti-amyloid and anti-inflammatory properties. For the last few decades, extensive work has been done to establish the biological activities and pharmacological actions of curcumin. Its anticancer effects stem from its ability to induce apoptosis in cancer cells without cytotoxic effects on healthy cells. Curcumin can interfere with the activity of the transcription factor NF-κB ( NF-kB ), which is often highly overexpressed in many cancer cells, according to a talk given by Dr. Dennis Liotta at Davidson College in January 2006.
A 2004 UCLA-Veterans Affairs study involving genetically altered mice suggests that curcumin might inhibit the accumulation of destructive beta-amyloid in the brains of Alzheimer's disease patients and also break up existing plaques associated with the disease. It was published that curcumin inhibits cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) as well as lipoxygenase (LOX), two enzymes involved in inflammation.
It is used as a food coloring (it is what colors curry yellow). As a food additive, its E number is E100.
References
Chemopreventive properties of curcumin. Campbell, Frederick C.; Collett, Gavin P. Future Oncology (2005), 1(3), 405-414.
A potential role of the curry spice curcumin in Alzheimer's disease. Ringman, John M.; Frautschy, Sally A.; Cole, Gregory M.; Masterman, Donna L.; Cummings, Jeffrey L. Current Alzheimer Research (2005), 2(2), 131-136.
Curcumin derived from turmeric (Curcuma longa): A spice for all seasons. Aggarwal, Bharat B.; Kumar, Anushree; Aggarwal, Manoj S.; Shishodia, Shishir. Phytopharmaceuticals in Cancer Chemoprevention (2005), 349-387.
Turmeric and curcumin: biological actions and medicinal applications. Chattopadhyay, Ishita; Biswas, Kaushik; Bandyopadhyay, Uday; Banerjee, Ranajit K. Current Science (2004), 87(1), 44-53.