Ecofriendly management of root rot tropical sugarbeet
(Scleoritum rolfsii (Sacc)) by organic amendments

Abstract :

Curcumin, a polyphenolic compound (diferuloylmethan), is one of the most important ingredients of turmeric (Curcuma longa). Its pharmacological properties are known since 600 BC, and it has long been used in Indian medicines such as Ayurveda and Siddha, Chinese medicine and Unani. Although the role of curcumin in the treatment of various ailments has been extensively studied and documented, major attention has been paid to its therapeutic properties against various cancers only during the past three decades. The anti-cancer actions of curcumin are varied and multiple that include, prevention of origin of cancer and curing of cancers of various stages. Its cancer prevention actions include anti-inflammatory and tumor suppression and, its cancer fighting/curing actions include its influence on a variety of metabolic pathway and gene expression. In spite of its well documented anti-cancer properties, it is not being used extensively for the treatments of cancer mainly because of its poor absorption and very low bio-availability in human body systems. In addition, limited and inconclusive clinical trials on its usage against cancer in human, make it ineligible for prescribing as a medicine in the treatment of cancer by the authorities of the conventional medical systems. The present review analyses the various scopes for using curcumin in cancer therapy based on various research findings and latest developments.