The spice turmeric has been widely considered to have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancerous properties, but its precise mechanism of action is unknown. This project investigates the effects of turmeric on various cancer cell lines. Soluble compounds were extracted from turmeric using different solvents, and then characterized using UV/Vis spectroscopy in order to compare their compositions. Various cancer cell lines were then treated with the turmeric extracts to provide an initial analysis of their effect on cell viability and metabolism. Toxicity was evaluated by measuring the conversion of resazurin to resorufin, which can only occur in living cells. Extract effects in cellular metabolism were determined by measuring ATP levels in the cell using the CellTiterGlo assay. A similar analysis was carried out using curcumin, which is believed to be the biologically active ingredient in turmeric. Based on these results the anti-cancer properties of turmeric extracts were analyzed in conjunction with the known metabolic inhibitors 2 deoxy glucose and rotenone. Results indicate that turmeric alone or in combination with other drugs has the ability to inhibit cancer cell metabolism, and thus might serve as a useful starting point for the identification and development of novel therapeutic compounds.

Characterizing anti-cancer activities of the spice turmeric

Macromolecular Chemistry: The Second Century

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ACS Spring 2020 National Meeting & Expo

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.