Vascular endothelial growth factor: An important molecular target of curcumin

ABSTRACT

The discovery of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF), the key modulator of angiogenesis, has triggered intensive research on anti-angiogenic therapeutic modalities. Although several clinical studies have validated anti-VEGF therapeutics, with few of them approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), anti-angiogenic therapy is still in its infancy. Phytochemicals are compounds that have several metabolic and health benefits. Curcumin, the yellow pigment derived from turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) rhizomes, has a wide range of pharmaceutical properties. It has also been shown to inhibit VEGF by several studies. In this review, we elaborate the effect of curcumin on VEGF and angiogenesis and its therapeutic application.

KEYWORDS:

• Curcumin
• vascular endothelial growth factor
• breast cancer
• age-related macular degeneration
• angiogenesis

Conflict of interests

Niki Katsiki has given talks, attended conferences and participated in trials sponsored by Amgen, Angelini, Astra Zeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim, Galenica, MSD, Novartis, Novo Nordisk, Sanofi and WinMedica. Muhammed Majeed is the Founder & Chairman of Sabinsa Corporation and Sami Labs Limited.