Does curcumin from turmeric have the ability to slow cancer growth?

This is an automatically translated article.

At this time, while studies on the effects of this turmeric extract on cancer cells are still underway, there is not enough evidence to recommend the use of curcumin. in cancer prevention and treatment.

1. What is Curcumin?

Curcumin is a substance found in the root of the turmeric plant and has long been used by Asians as a medicine to treat a variety of ailments. Now, there is a small study that suggests this substance is effective in preventing and treating cancer.
Curcumin is believed to contain high amounts of antioxidants, which means it may be able to help reduce swelling and fight inflammation. The study suggests that with curcumin's anti-inflammatory properties, this substance will be very useful in the treatment of cancer because inflammation plays a large role in the development of this disease.
An animal study shows that curcumin can help repel cancer cells, slow the spread of the disease, make chemotherapy more effective and potentially more effective. protect healthy cells from damage caused by radiation therapy.

2. Research on Curcumin

Academic studies on the effects of curcumin on humans are still in the early stages. Clinical trials are underway to investigate curcumin's ability to prevent precancerous conditions as well as its potential as a therapy to reverse signs and symptoms of post-cancer treatment. letter of this substance.
Studies are still ongoing and there is not enough evidence yet for doctors to recommend the use of curcumin. And as always, always consult your doctor before taking any herbal supplements, including turmeric. This is because curcumin is known for its ability to interfere with certain drugs, including cancer chemotherapy drugs.
Several studies have looked at whether curcumin could be a new direction in cancer treatment. These have had some promising results.
One of them in 2013 was an international laboratory study of bowel cancer cells, on the effects of combined treatment with curcumin and chemotherapy. The researchers concluded that combination treatment may be better than chemotherapy alone.
One problem highlighted by several review studies is that curcumin is not readily absorbed. This makes it work less well as a treatment. Researchers are looking at ways to overcome this problem.
We need more clinical trials in humans before we know it works well as a cancer treatment.

3. Side effects of turmeric

It is important to remember that turmeric used in cooking is very safe. But we do not know how safe curcumin is when used for medical reasons. So far, research seems to show that it causes little or no side effects. But we don't know much about the side effects of taking it in large amounts to treat or prevent cancer.
People have reported stomach pain from eating too much turmeric. They have also reported skin problems when taking it for a long time. So if you use curcumin for reasons other than cooking, talk to your doctor first.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has warned about Fortodol (also sold as Miradin). It is a turmeric-based food supplement.
Fortodol contains the powerful anti-inflammatory drug nimesulide. Nimesulide can cause serious damage to the liver. Signs include:
Jaundice Dark urine Feeling or being sick Unusual fatigue Stomach or abdominal pain Loss of appetite It is not licensed as a medicine in the UK. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) in the United States states that products with unknown amounts of nimesulide can be very harmful.

4. Dangers and warnings

4.1. Drug interactions Some evidence suggests that turmeric may interfere with chemotherapy drugs. This is especially true of the drugs doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide. If you're having chemotherapy, you should talk to your doctor before using turmeric or curcumin.
Turmeric can increase the amount of stomach acid in your body. So it may reduce the effectiveness of acid reducers. This includes acid reflux medications.
If you have diabetes and are taking medication to lower your blood sugar, turmeric may amplify the effects of the medication. Taking turmeric can cause your blood sugar to drop to dangerously low levels.
Spices can also amplify the effects of blood thinners. This can increase the risk of bleeding.
4.2. Gastrointestinal Most people can use turmeric as a culinary spice without any side effects. However, consuming large amounts of the spice or its extracts can cause indigestion or stomach upset. You may also feel nauseous or bloated. Using turmeric for a long time can cause ulcers. This is due to an increase in acid in the stomach.
4.3. Aggravating existing medical conditions If you already have gallstones or another obstructive condition, you should talk to your doctor before adding turmeric to your treatment plan. This spice can cause kidney stones, especially in people who are already at risk of kidney stones.
Turmeric may also affect medications, treatments or conditions not listed here. Check with your doctor and discuss any possible risks before including turmeric in your treatment plan.

5. Usage

Turmeric has many uses, including:
Turmeric Capsule Extract Tea Powder You can also skip the turmeric and just use a curcumin supplement. Most people tolerate turmeric and curcumin well. There aren't any officially recommended dosages for turmeric or curcumin. You should consult your doctor or natural health professional for dosage recommendations. Neither turmeric nor curcumin is well absorbed unless taken with black pepper. When choosing turmeric or curcumin products, make sure the ingredient list includes black pepper or piperine.
You should consult your doctor before giving your child turmeric or curcumin.

Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.

Reference source: cancerresearchuk.org