Curcumin Conjugates as Potential Therapeutics for Breast Cancer

Abstract

Breast cancer, the target of this study, is one of the most salient forms of cancer in the United States. Among U.S. women, 1 in 8 are diagnosed each year. Current treatment for breast cancer includes dichloroacetic acid (DCA), which is a prescribed for cancer therapy and is primarily effective at a specific high dosage, which leads to side effects such as neuropathy. In a search for an alternative solution with lesser negative effects, curcumin was studied. Curcumin is a component of the turmeric and has an array of health properties including the alleviation of gastrointestinal complications and certain pulmonary diseases and the inhibition of cancer growth. However, curcumin�s main drawback lies in its low bioavailability, thus allowing little to be absorbed into the body upon ingestion. The objective of this study is to design the synthesis for the improvement of DCA as well increased bioavailability of curcumin by conjugating the two components with an amino acid linker in between DCA and curcumin. Prior to synthesis of the amino acid-linked hybrid conjugates, the preceding procedures are standardized. Upon conjugation, it is anticipated that the overall bioavailability would increase, and the effective dosage would decrease, resulting in a potentially more effective breast cancer . The final synthesized compounds will then be analyzed and subsequently studied in breast cancer line cells and animal tests.