Detailed work on the pharmacology and mechanisms of chemoprevention of various types of cancer was performed by several research groups globally. Valuable data on the synergistic antioxidant effects of curcuminoids with other natural antioxidants were obtained.
Studies on the hepatoprotective action of turmeric and curcuminoids against chemicals and fungal toxins also formed part of the global research effort. Significant reports validating the use of curcuminoids in the management of degenerative secondary complications of diabetes mellitus in animal models, were also published.
Several mechanisms were postulated for the beneficial actions of curcuminoids. These included inhibition of the metabolic pathways of arachidonic acid, nitric oxide formation and the inhibition of specific phospholipases. The National Cancer Institute is currently developing curcumin as a drug for the treatment of cancer. |
