Curcumin inhibits human leiomyoma xenograft tumor growth and induces dissolution of extracellular matrix.

BACKGROUND: Current medical therapies for uterine leiomyomas have substantial side-effects and therefore are not commonly used for the treatment of pre-symptomatic disease. Highly tolerated therapeutic options are required to provide options for women who will likely progress to symptomatic disease. Curcumin efficacy in supportive care of various clinical conditions have been well documented. Pre-clinical, in-vitro studies have demonstrated decreased proliferation and extracellular matrix protein production In uterine leiomyoma.

PURPOSE: The main objective of our study was to determine if a curcumin supplemented diet would prevent and/or treat uterine leiomyoma growth in our mouse xenograft model.

DESIGN: Animal study INTERVENTION: Curcumin supplemented diet RESULTS: We found that curcumin was well tolerated as a dietary supplement, that free curcumin and its metabolites were detected in the serum, and that exposure resulted in approximately 60% less leiomyoma xenograft growth as well as dissolution of the peripheral extracellular matrix architecture of the xenografts. Matrix proteins, including collagens, were decreased, while there was an increase in apoptotic cells in the xenografts. Additionally, when xenografts were placed in a uterine intramural location, we found a significantly increased apoptotic response to curcumin in the diet.

CONCLUSION: Mice on a diet supplemented with curcumin could achieve serum levels sufficient to regulate human leiomyoma xenograft growth and play both preventive and curative role in treatment of uterine leiomyoma as an oral nutritional supplement.