Curcumin
(1E,6E)-1,7-bis(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)hepta-1,6-diene-3,5-dione
Chemical Class
Curcuminoid / Diarylheptanoid
Molecular Formula
C21H20O6
Molecular Weight
368.38 g/mol
Half-Life
Biological half-life approximately 1–2 hours in plasma following oral administration. Tissue distribution includes liver, kidney, and brain (at low levels).
Bioavailability
Poor oral bioavailability (~1%) due to low aqueous solubility, rapid intestinal metabolism, and systemic elimination. Bioavailability can be enhanced up to 20-fold with piperine, or via liposomal, nanoparticle, and phytosome formulations.
Known Effects
Potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, neuroprotective, hepatoprotective, cardioprotective, and antimicrobial activity. Demonstrates chemopreventive and chemosensitising properties in multiple cancer models.
Mechanism of Action
Pleiotropic effects: NF-κB pathway inhibition, COX-2 and 5-LOX inhibition, Nrf2/ARE pathway activation, AMPK activation, mTOR inhibition, modulation of cell cycle regulators, and inhibition of growth factor signalling pathways including EGFR and VEGF.
Safety Data
Generally recognised as safe. Clinical trials up to 8 g/day for 3 months showed no significant toxicity. Mild GI side effects (nausea, diarrhoea) at high doses. No established LD50 in humans.