Intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) have been known to produce galactose-alpha1,4-galactose-beta1,4-glucose ceramide (Gb3) which plays a pivotal role in the mucosal immune response. In particular, Shiga-like toxins (Stx) can induce apoptosis of IECs in the development of hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) through binding on Gb3. Therefore, it has been hypothesized that down-regulation of Gb3 (or binding of Stx) prevents Stx from damaging in IECs. This study investigated whether curcumin, having various biological properties such as being anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-cancer, could decrease binding of Stx and the related signal pathway. Curcumin significantly inhibited the binding of Stx and the production of Gb3 synthase (GalT6) mRNA in HT29 IECs stimulated with TNF-alpha and IL-1beta. Additionally, curcumin was able to inhibit mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), such as p38 and JNK, but not ERK1/2, degradation of IkappaB or translocation of NF-kappaB p65. Furthermore, curcumin significantly attenuated Stx-1 induced cell death and IL-8 expression. In summary, these data link Gb3 expression in HT29 cells stimulated with TNF-alpha and IL-1beta and suggest that blocking of Stx-binding by curcumin may prevent the Stx-associated HUS.