Merck, 08511-10MG, Curcumin

General description
Curcumin is an anti-inflammatory agent extracted from the roots of Curcuma longa Linn.
Application
Curcumin may be used as a reference standard for the determination of curcumin in rat plasma by high-performance liquid chromatography method.
Biochem/physiol Actions
A natural phenolic compound responsible for the yellow color of turmeric. Potent anti-tumor agent that acts against highly diverse tumor-specific pathways. Anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant. Induces apoptosis in cancer cells and inhibits phorbol ester-induced protein kinase C (PKC) activity. Reported to inhibit production of inflammatory cytokines by peripheral blood monocytes and alveolar macrophages. Potent inhibitor of EGFR tyrosine kinase and IκB kinase. Inhibits inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase (COX-2) and 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX).
A natural phenolic compound. Potent anti-tumor agent having anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties. Curcumin has been cited as a potential chemopreventive agent, in addition to its chemotherapeutic activity. Induces apoptosis in cancer cells and inhibits phorbol ester-induced protein kinase C (PKC) activity. Reported to inhibit production of inflammatory cytokines by peripheral blood monocytes and alveolar macrophages. Potent inhibitor of EGFR tyrosine kinase and IκB kinase. Inhibits inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cycloxygenase and lipoxygenase. Easily penetrates into the cytoplasm of cells, accumulating in membranous structures such as plasma membrane, endoplasmic reticulum and nuclear envelope.
Packaging
Bottomless glass bottle. Contents are inside inserted fused cone.
Other Notes
This compound is commonly found in plants of the genus: curcuma