Protective effects of curcumin and quercetin in studies on cancer; a meta-analysis study

Year 2024, , 314 - 320, 27.05.2024

Buket Akcan Altınkaynak , Yahya Altınkaynak

https://doi.org/10.32322/jhsm.1454820

Abstract

Aims: Polyphenolic chemicals, such as quercetin and curcumin have anti-cancer properties due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Quercetin and curcumin aids in detoxification by boosting enzyme function and eliminating free radicals. We aimed to conduct a detailed meta-analysis of research articles reporting the protective effects of curcumin and quercetin in cancer studies.
Methods: The study was selected all studies over time carried out to date within the framework of our concept ,using various medical subject headings and databases like Elsevier, National Library of Frontiers, ResearchGate, Scopus Medicine, and Google Scholar. PRISMA guidelines was performed. The data management system played a significant role in locating and evaluating relevant articles, ensuring the accuracy and precision of the findings.
Results: From a total of 85 articles accessed in this analysis, 4 studies on quercetin and 3 studies on curcumin were included. The analyzed studies show that quercetin and curcumin have anti-cancer benefits through various cellular pathways. Quercetin inhibits Twist in breast cancer cells, while curcumin reduces Akt/mTOR cellular signaling, enhances Bax expression, and triggers cell death. It also prevents cell growth in human lung cancer cells and bladder cancer. Curcumin control reactive oxygen species levels, inhibit cancer cell proliferation, and stimulate apoptotic pathways. They also influence cancer development by altering cellular signaling pathways and affecting non-coding RNAs.
Conclusion: Our meta-analysis reports that quercetin and curcumin have the potential to be used in the treatment and prevention of cancer, it may be useful to investigate their synergistic effects.

Keywords

antioxidants, cancer, dietary intervention, functional food

Ethical Statement

This material is the authors' own original work, which has not been previously published elsewhere.

Supporting Institution

None

Project Number

None

Thanks

None

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