hexahydrocurcumin

Hexahydrocurcumin is a natural diarylheptanoid compound and a major active metabolite of curcumin. It is found in plants such as Zingiber officinale (ginger). Hexahydrocurcumin acts as a selective and orally active cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitor with no significant activity against COX-1. It exhibits potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. Mechanistically, it reduces prostaglandin E2 production by downregulating COX‑2 expression and modulates oxidative stress pathways by activating nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2), enhancing cellular antioxidant defenses. Preclinical studies suggest potential therapeutic applications in cancer (notably colon and breast cancer), retinal degenerative diseases such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and other conditions associated with inflammation or oxidative stress[1][3][4][5][7][8][10].

Other names

5-hydroxy-1,7-bis(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)heptan-3-onecurcumin, hexahydro-3-heptanone, 5-hydroxy-1,7-bis(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-HHC