Thalidomide and Indian spice turmeric combined can kill cancer cells, say scientists

摘要

Structural features from anti-nausea drug thalidomide combined with kitchen spice turmeric can create hybrid molecules that effectively kill multiple myeloma cells, say researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University Massey Cancer Center, who carried out a preclinical study. Due to previous laboratory studies, it is known that curcurnin, an active ingredient in turmeric, interferes with several important molecular pathways and inhibits the formation of cancer-causing enzymes in rodents. However, it is limited because of its poor water solubility. It is also known that thalidomide disturbs the microenvironment of tumour cells in bone marrow, but that it also disintegrates in the body. "But the combination of thalidomide and curcurnin in the hybrid molecules enhances both the cytotoxicity and solubility," said study lead researcher Shijun Zhang, assistant professor in the Department of Medicinal Chemistry at the VCU School of Pharmacy.