Phase I clinical trial of oral curcumin: biomarkers of systemic activity and compliance
Sharma RA, Euden SA, Platton SL, Cooke DN
Published in Clinical Cancer Research
Methodology
Open-label dose-escalation phase I trial; curcumin 0.45-3.6 g daily for up to 4 months in patients with advanced colorectal cancer; leukocyte glutathione S-transferase activity, M1G adducts and ex vivo PGE2 production measured
Key Findings
No dose-limiting toxicity occurred; 3.6 g/day curcumin reduced inducible PGE2 production by 57-62%, while leukocyte glutathione S-transferase activity was not significantly altered.
Conclusions
Oral curcumin is systemically detectable and safe, but did not demonstrably induce phase II glutathione S-transferase activity in blood leukocytes.
Limitations
Small uncontrolled phase I sample, advanced-cancer population, surrogate leukocyte biomarkers.
Supplements Studied
Its efficacy appears to be related to induction of glutathione S-transferase enzymes, inhibition of prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) production, or suppression of oxidative DNA adduct (M(1)G) formation.
Curcumin, a polyphenolic antioxidant derived from a dietary spice, exhibits anticancer activity in rodents and in humans.
Outcomes Measured
Its efficacy appears to be related to induction of glutathione S-transferase enzymes, inhibition of prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) production, or suppression of oxidative DNA adduct (M(1)G) formation.
Study Details
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Disclosures
Funding
Non-commercial cancer research funding
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