Curcumin may inhibit the proliferation of HT-29 colon adenocarcinoma cells by inducing cellular starvation
Abstract
We showed that several phytochemicals, but not nutrients, significantly decreased intracellular ATP levels in HT-29 human colon adenocarcinoma cells. Curcumin, one of the active compounds, markedly inhibited the proliferation of HT-29 cells, which was exaggerated in low-glucose media and lipase-downregulated cells as well. In addition, curcumin significantly induced lipolysis. Collectively, curcumin may inhibit cancer cell growth by inducing energy starvation.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Curcumin's Biomedical Applications
Flavonoids in Medical Research
Chemotherapy-induced organ toxicity mitigation
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Bioscience Biotechnology and Biochemistry
- Volume
- 90
- Issue
- 4
- Pages
- 571–575
- Publication date
- 9 January 2026
- Language
- EN