A perspective on the chemical structures and molecular mechanisms of curcumin and its derivatives and analogs in cancer treatment (Review)

Curcumin is a polyphenolic nutraceutical compound, which has a variety of pharmacological properties that may prevent or treat cancer, chronic inflammation, depression, anxiety and nerve damage. However, due to the poor solubility of curcumin in water and instability, it has limited applications. Therefore, a series of curcumin derivatives or analogs have been designed and synthesized to optimize the physicochemical and therapeutic properties and pharmacokinetic features of curcumin. Curcumin derivatives or analogs have been shown to possess beneficial biochemical effects, thus have been considered as potential medications. The present review summarized the structural characteristics and classification of available curcumin derivatives or analogs, and described the molecular mechanisms of curcumin and its derivatives as potential pharmaceutical drugs in various types of cancer, such as lung, prostate, breast and colorectal cancer. The present review also discussed the adverse effects and limitations of curcumin and its derivatives/analogs in preclinical and clinical trials. Analysis of the existing studies on curcumin may potentially contribute to the design and synthesis of innovative curcumin derivatives or analogs as drugs and tools in therapeutic, preventative and diagnostic medical applications in associated diseases.