demethoxycurcumin

Demethoxycurcumin is a naturally occurring **curcuminoid** derived from turmeric (*Curcuma longa*), structurally related to curcumin but lacking one methoxy group on the benzene ring. It exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antitumor properties, and is being researched for neuroprotective effects in neurodegenerative diseases (such as Parkinson's disease) and various cancers. Mechanistically, demethoxycurcumin promotes apoptosis in cancer cells by activating intrinsic (mitochondria-mediated) and extrinsic (death receptor-mediated) apoptotic pathways, modulating caspase activity, upregulating pro-apoptotic factors (such as Bax, Bad, FasL, cleaved caspase-8, -9, -3), downregulating anti-apoptotic factors (Bcl-xL, Bcl-2), and inhibiting the nuclear translocation and phosphorylation of NF-κB. It has demonstrated the ability to reduce inflammation by down-regulating the expression of inflammatory cytokines (including IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, iNOS, COX-2) and protecting against neurotoxicity and oxidative stress. Demethoxycurcumin is commonly present in dietary curcumin supplements, and clinical trials have explored its efficacy as part of curcuminoid mixtures for various indications, including hematologic, inflammatory, and oncologic diseases[1][2][3][5].

Other names

DMC