• The Role of Nanocurcumin in Cancer Therapy: A Review of Preclinical Efficacy Across Different Malignancies
  • Sana Rahimian,1,* Hossein Najafi,2
    1. Department of Nanobiotechnology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
    2. Department of Industrial and Environmental Biotechnology, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (NIGEB), Tehran, Iran


  • Introduction: Curcumin, a polyphenol derived from Curcuma longa (Turmeric), exhibits potent anti-cancer properties but is hindered by extremely low bioavailability. This review aims to synthesize the extensive preclinical literature on nano-formulations of curcumin (nanocurcumin) as a strategy to overcome this limitation and to evaluate its therapeutic efficacy across various types of cancer.
  • Methods: Therefore, a systematic search was conducted in databases including PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. Search terms included "nanocurcumin", "cancer therapy", "breast cancer", "colon cancer" and "drug delivery." Studies detailing the anti-neoplastic effects of nanocurcumin in vitro and in vivo were prioritized.
  • Results: The literature provides overwhelming evidence that encapsulating curcumin into nanoparticles significantly enhances its aqueous solubility, stability, and systemic bioavailability. This leads to potent anti-cancer activity through multiple mechanisms, including the induction of apoptosis, inhibition of cell proliferation, and suppression of angiogenesis. In breast cancer models, nanocurcumin has been shown to downregulate pro-survival proteins like Bcl-2. In colon cancer, it effectively inhibits the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.
  • Conclusion: In conclusion, nano-formulations successfully unlock the therapeutic potential of curcumin, establishing it as a powerful multi-targeted agent in oncology. The consistent positive results in preclinical models for various cancers strongly support the translation of nanocurcumin formulations into clinical trials as a standalone or adjuvant therapy.
  • Keywords: Nanocurcumin, Cancer Therapy, Drug Delivery, Apoptosis, Angiogenesis