Curcumin is the most active part of turmeric (Curcuma longa L.), a widely used spice (curry). Curcumin exhibits a variety of drug effects against tumors, inflammation and infections. It is now being tested for treating AIDS in human patients. This study looked at how curcumin affected the enzyme, integrase, of the virus, human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) that causes AIDS. Integrase places HIV-1 DNA into the host chromosomal. This step is needed for the virus to multiply. Curcumin blocked the connection of a piece of viral DNA (40 micro Meters in length) to the human chromosome. When the integrase enzyme was shortened to only the amino acids number 50 to 212 curcumin still stopped the enzyme action. This means that curcumin interacts with the parts of the enzyme called the catalytic core. Two chemical that have shapes and chemistry similar to curcumin, methyl cinnamate and chlorogenic acid, did not block integrase. These results suggest how curcumin works against HIV-1; by inhibiting integrase. HIV-1 integrase is an important target for new drugs against AIDS. So Curcumin could be one the first drugs that block this enzyme, which is a new way of treating AIDS.
Inhibition of human immunodeficiency virus type-1 …[Biochem Pharmacol. 1995]