Curcumol Attenuates Human Uterine Leiomyoma Cell Development

Abstract

Curcumol is a major terpenoid compound derived from Curcumae Rhizoma, the rhizome of the plant Curcuma wenyujin. It has been studied for its potential therapeutic properties, including its effects on human uterine leiomyoma cell development. Yu and colleagues investigated the impact of curcumol on uterine leiomyoma cells and found that it may attenuate their development. Uterine leiomyomas, also known as uterine fibroids, are benign tumors that develop in the smooth muscle layer of the uterus. They are the most common type of uterine tumor in women of reproductive age and can cause various symptoms, including heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, and reproductive issues. The study aimed to explore the effects of curcumol on the development of human uterine leiomyoma cells. Curcumol was selected due to its potential anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative properties. The results of the study indicated that curcumol treatment attenuated the development of human uterine leiomyoma cells. It achieved this effect by inhibiting the activation of the p38MAPK/NF-κB pathway. The p38MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase)/NF-κB (nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells) pathway is a signaling pathway involved in various cellular processes, including inflammation and cell proliferation. Dysregulation of this pathway has been implicated in the development and progression of various diseases, including uterine leiomyoma. Curcumol was found to suppress the phosphorylation (activation) of p38MAPK and subsequently inhibit the nuclear translocation of NF-κB. These actions resulted in decreased production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and reduced cell proliferation in uterine leiomyoma cells. It's important to note that while these findings suggest a potential therapeutic effect of curcumol on uterine leiomyoma cells, further research, including in vivo studies and clinical trials, is needed to validate these findings and determine the optimal use of curcumol in the management of uterine leiomylomas. J Ethnopharmacol. 2023 Jun 28;310:116311.  doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.116311.