Curcumin is known as a strong antioxidant.In some papers, it is reported that curcumin can kill cancerous cells via reactive oxygen species (ROS). Also, curcumin can improve the activity and toxicity of some Chemotherapy Drugs like DOX that produces ROS. I'm confused. How can an antioxidant produce ROS or enhance the activity of ROS producers?
Yes, that can happen. Attached two papers will give you better insight.
Hope that helps.
may i kindly add that it also has much to do with how these compounds can alter the redox status of the cell and mitochondria i.e. affecting MMP, oxidative phosphorylation and hence free radical generation.. we worked on many sulphur containing natural and synthetic compounds which have different redox potentials and influence cell viability differently...for example their ability to stimulate glutathione(GSH) recycling to a certain extent can play a role in determining between cytoprotection and toxicity
Curucmin as such does not produce ROS, rather it is an excellent free radical scavenger, therfore it is an antioxidant under conditions where oxidative stress is mediated by ROS. Curcumin in selectively taken up by the cancer cells. This increase curcumin concentration in cancer cells. In cancer cells, curcumin interact with glutathion and make a irreversible complex which activiates the pro-oxidant activity. Cancer cells have higher temperature as compared to normal cells because of high metabolism. At higher temperatures curcumin behaves as pro-oxidant.
- Badges
- Science topic