Curcumin effect on encystation under nutrient starvation.

Background: Curcumin is an active compound derived from turmeric, , and is known for its benefits to human health. The amoebicidal activity of curcumin against was recently discovered. However, a physiological change of intracellular pathways related to encystation mechanism, including autophagy in the surviving amoeba after curcumin treatment, has never been reported.