The Therapeutic Potential of Curcuma longa (Turmeric) in the Management of Breast Cancer in Female Rats: Mechanisms and Molecular Targets

Authors

  • Maytham T. Qasim Department of Radiology, College of Health and Medical Technology, Al-Ayen Iraqi University, Thi-Qar, 64001, Iraq.
  • Hayfaa A. Thijail Department of Pathological Analytics Science, College of Applied Medical Science, Shatrah University, Thi-Qar, 64001, Iraq.
  • Lina A. Hameed College of Agriculture, University of Thi-Qar, Thi-Qar, 64001, Iraq.
  • Zainab I. Mohammed Department of Basic Science, College of Dentistry, Al-Ayen Iraqi University, Thi-Qar, 64001, Iraq. Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of AL Qadisiyah, Iraq.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31557/apjcb.2025.10.3.633-637

Keywords:

Curcuma longa; Breast cancer; NF-κB; p53; Oxidative stress; Apoptosis.

Abstract

Background: Curcuma longa (turmeric), a traditional medicinal plant, has demonstrated significant antitumor properties in various cancer models. This study investigates the therapeutic efficacy of turmeric extract in the treatment of breast cancer in female rats, focusing on its mechanisms of action and molecular targets.

Methods: Female Wistar rats were induced with mammary tumors using 7,12-dimethylbenz [a] anthracene (DMBA). The treated group received standardized doses of turmeric extract orally for six weeks. Tumor volume, histopathological changes, apoptosis markers (e.g., caspase-3), and oxidative stress biomarkers (e.g., MDA, SOD) were evaluated.

Results: Rats treated with Curcuma longa showed a significant reduction in tumor size compared to the untreated group (p < 0.05). Histological analysis revealed increased apoptosis and reduced angiogenesis. Molecular assays indicated downregulation of NF-κB and upregulation of p53 expression.

Conclusion: Turmeric demonstrated potent antitumor effects in breast cancer–induced rats through modulation of oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis pathways. These findings support further investigation into Curcuma longa as a complementary therapeutic agent in breast cancer management.

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Published

2025-08-06

How to Cite

1.
Qasim MT, Thijail HA, Hameed LA, Mohammed ZI. The Therapeutic Potential of Curcuma longa (Turmeric) in the Management of Breast Cancer in Female Rats: Mechanisms and Molecular Targets. Asian Pac J Cancer Biol [Internet]. 2025 Aug. 6 [cited 2026 Jun. 4];10(3):633-7. Available from: http://waocp.com/journal/index.php/apjcb/article/view/1824

Issue

Vol. 10 No. 3 (2025)

Section

Research Articles/ Original Work

License

 West Asia Organization for Cabcer Prevention retain copyright and grant the journal right of first publication with the work simultaneously licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License 4 (This permits anyone to copy, distribute, transmit and adapt the published work, provided the original work and source are appropriately cited).