Tetrahydrocurcumin (THC), a major metabolite of curcumin (CUR), has been demonstrated to have potent anti-cancerogenic activity. The anti-carcinogenic effects of this compound is demonstrated by its ability to inhibit tumour initiation by azoxymethane (AOM).
The anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic activities of CUR have been studied by research groups and the action mechanism of CUR is found to be complicated. Tetrahydrocurcumin, a partially reduced derivative of Curcumin found in turmeric, appears to be the major active metabolite formed when Curcumin is administered in mice.