School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Science and Technology, Techno City, Killing Road, Baridua, Ri-Bhoi, Meghalaya-793101.
*Corresponding author: rofiqul52940@gmail.com
Background: Cancer is a primary cause of morbidity and mortality globally, defined by uncontrolled cellular proliferation, genomic instability, and the evasion of programmed cell death. Although there have been advancements in chemotherapy and radiotherapy, these modalities frequently exhibit limited selectivity, significant toxicity, and the emergence of resistance. As a result, naturally derived bioactive compounds have garnered significant interest due to their multitargeted mechanisms and enhanced safety profiles.
Objective: Embelin, a benzoquinone derivative from Embelia ribes, and Curcumin, a polyphenolic compound from Curcuma longa, demonstrate significant potential in modulating oxidative stress and apoptotic pathways, which are critical processes in cancer pathophysiology. This review examines the effects of Embelin and Curcumin analogues on redox homeostasis and the regulation of apoptosis in cancer models.
Methods: Literatures were sourced from PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and MDPI utilising pertinent keywords, with inclusion criteria centred on oxidative stress modulation and the activation of apoptotic pathways.
Findings: Research demonstrates that both compounds exhibit dual redox behaviour, functioning as antioxidants in normal cells while creating pro-oxidant conditions in tumour cells to initiate apoptosis. Embelin functions by inhibiting the X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP), which leads to the activation of caspase-9 and caspase-3. In contrast, Curcumin modulates both intrinsic (mitochondrial) and extrinsic (death receptor) pathways by influencing reactive oxygen species (ROS), NF-κB, and Bcl-2 family proteins. Their combination exhibits synergistic effects by augmenting ROS-mediated apoptosis and inhibiting tumour survival signalling.
Conclusion: The findings collectively underscore the potential of Embelin and Curcumin analogues as promising candidates for next-generation anticancer therapeutics. Future research should focus on nanoformulations strategies and clinical validation to address the challenges of solubility and bioavailability.
Keywords: Embelin, Curcumin analogues, Oxidative stress, Apoptosis, Cancer, ROS modulation.
How to cite this article: Islam R, Mehjabin N, Islam S, Alam A, Abbas S, Rahman M, Kalita P, Modulation of Oxidative Stress and Apoptotic Pathway by Embelin And Curcumin Analogues In Cancer. Int J Drug Deliv Technol. 2026;16(12s): 684-693. DOI: 10.25258/ijddt.16.12s.81
Source of support: Nil.
Conflict of interest: None