Curcumin is an antitumor, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agent. Downregulates expression of reactive-oxygen-generating enzymes (cyclooxygenase, lipoxygenase, iNOS), TNFα, IL-1, IL-6, PKC, EGFR, NF-κB, IκB kinase and more. Upregulates expression of PPARγ, p53, Nrf2. Also displays antimicrobial, antidiabetic neuro- and cardioprotective properties in vivo.

Curcumin is the major yellow pigment in turmeric and curry and has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antitumor activities.It inhibits nitric oxide (NO) production (IC₅₀ = 6 μM) and reduces inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) activity in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Curcumin inhibits release of histamine and the inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-8 from HMC-1 mast cells. In vivo, curcumin decreases serum levels of histamine and TNF-α, inhibits histopathological changes of nasal mucosa, and decreases the number of sneezes and nasal rubbing in a mouse model of ovalbumin-induced rhinitis. Curcumin (100 or 200 mg/kg) prevents ovalbumin-induced accumulation of 3-nitrotyrosine (3-NT), a marker of oxidative stress, in mouse heart. Topical administration of curcumin (1-10 μmol) reduces the number of tumors induced by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate in mouse skin. Dietary administration of curcumin reduces the number of tongue neoplasms and preneoplastic lesions induced by 4-nitroquinoline 1-oxide (4-NQO) in rats.