Modulatory properties of curcumin in cancer: A narrative review on the role of interferons

• Published in: Phytotherapy research Vol. 37; no. 3; pp. 1003 - 1014
• Main Authors: Chamani, Sajjad, Moossavi, Maryam, Naghizadeh, Ali, Abbasifard, Mitra, Kesharwani, Prashant, Sathyapalan, Thozhukat, Sahebkar, Amirhossein
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Chichester, UK John Wiley & Sons, Ltd 01-03-2023; Wiley Subscription Services, Inc
• Subjects: Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Cancer; Cardiovascular diseases; Chemical compounds; Curcuma - chemistry; Curcumin; Curcumin - pharmacology; Dementia disorders; Health risks; Herbal medicine; Homeostasis; Humans; Immune System; Immunomodulation; Inflammation; Interferon; Interferons; Neoplasms - drug therapy; Prevention; Risk management; turmeric; immunomodulation; cancer; turmeric; curcumin
• ISSN: 0951-418X; 1099-1573
• DOI: 10.1002/ptr.7734

The immune network is an effective network of cell types and chemical compounds established to maintain the body's homeostasis from foreign threats and to prevent the risk of a wide range of diseases; hence, its proper functioning and balance are essential. A dysfunctional immune system can contribute to various disorders, including cancer. Therefore, there has been considerable interest in molecules that can modulate the immune network. Curcumin, the active ingredient of turmeric, is one of these herbal remedies with many beneficial effects, including modulation of immunity. Curcumin is beneficial in managing various chronic inflammatory conditions, improving brain function, lowering cardiovascular disease risk, prevention and management of dementia, and prevention of aging. Several clinical studies have supported this evidence, suggesting curcumin to have an immunomodulatory and anti‐inflammatory function; nevertheless, its mechanism of action is still not clear. In the current review, we aim to explore the modulatory function of curcumin through interferons in cancers.