ruthenium(II)-curcumin

**Ruthenium(II)-curcumin** is an organometallic compound consisting of a ruthenium(II) ion complexed with curcumin, designed primarily for **anticancer** applications. It is a member of the class of ruthenium-based metallodrugs that seek to combine the favorable pharmacological properties of curcumin (a natural polyphenolic compound with known antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-tumor activities) with the promising anticancer profile of ruthenium(II) complexes. Ruthenium(II)-curcumin complexes exhibit significant **cytotoxicity and selectivity toward cancer cells**, particularly against cisplatin-resistant cancer cells, and show reduced toxicity toward non-tumorigenic cells[1][2][3][5]. Mechanistically, these complexes induce cancer cell death by several pathways, including activation of **p53** (wild-type or mutant), induction of **oxidative stress**, modulation of the **NRF2** pathway (nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2), and inhibition of proteasome function and PCNA expression, depending on the specific complex[2][4][5]. They are under preclinical investigation and have not yet reached clinical development or approval.

Other names

ruthenium(II)-curcuminRuCURruthenium(II)-curcumin complex