Turmeric is also known to help ailments including arthritis to anxiety. And some people consume turmeric in the hope that it will prevent or treat cancer. While various internet accounts profess that turmeric can cure cancer, current research doesn’t support these bold claims. There’s some evidence that substances in turmeric kill cancer cells, but more studies need to be done. RELATED: 8 Flavor-Packed Turmeric Tea Recipes to Try
What Exactly Is Turmeric?
Turmeric comes from the root of the turmeric plant, which is related to the ginger family and is grown throughout Asia and parts of Africa. The flavorful spice is a staple in many Indian dishes, especially those that include curry and mustards. There are more than 100 different compounds in turmeric. One of them, curcumin, is the active ingredient that produces most of the spice’s health benefits. RELATED: Can Turmeric Help Prevent or Treat Type 2 Diabetes?
What Does the Research Say About Turmeric and Cancer?
Some research has shown the curcumin in turmeric may play a role in preventing cancer growth, killing cancer cells, and alleviating treatment side effects. One way that curcumin is thought to work is by lowering levels of inflammation in the body. “Chronic inflammation underlies most chronic diseases, cancer included,” says Lise Alschuler, ND, a professor of clinical medicine and an assistant director for the fellowship in integrative medicine at the Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine in Tucson, Arizona. “Along with the lowered inflammation, quality of life improves.” Studies have suggested that curcumin can inhibit enzymes such as cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), which are important for regulating inflammatory processes in the body. Abnormal levels of COX-2 or iNOS are associated with inflammatory disorders and certain cancers. Lab studies have shown that curcumin uses various mechanisms to kill cancer cells and reduce the growth of new blood vessels in tumors. Authors of a review published in the AAPS Journal concluded that “its ability to kill tumor cells and not normal cells makes curcumin an attractive candidate for drug development.” Other research reveals that adding curcumin to a chemotherapy regimen might make the treatment more effective. A study published in the journal PLoS One looked at the effects of curcumin and chemotherapy in a laboratory study on bowel cancer cells. The scientists found that the combined treatment was better than chemo alone. While much of the research on curcumin and cancer has been done in the lab, there are some promising results in humans. In a study published in Clinical Cancer Research, investigators examined the effects of curcumin in people with pancreatic cancer. The participants received 8 grams (g) of curcumin by mouth daily. Results showed that the compound had “biological activity” in some patients. One individual even experienced a brief, but significant, tumor regression. Turmeric may also protect healthy cells from damage caused by radiation therapy. In a study published in Radiation Research, scientists observed the effects of curcumin in 30 patients with breast cancer. They found that 6 g of oral curcumin taken daily during radiotherapy reduced the severity of radiation dermatitis (damage to the outer layers of the skin caused by radiation). RELATED: 12 Scientific Health Benefits of Turmeric and Curcumin
Limitations of Turmeric
Not all research has produced positive results when it comes to turmeric. Some studies have shown long-term use of turmeric didn’t have any effect on certain types of cancer. One potential downside that several studies have highlighted is that curcumin isn’t absorbed easily by the body. Researchers are working to identify ways to resolve this problem. Though turmeric is being studied as a cancer fighter, recent experiments have shown that the spice may interfere with how some chemo drugs work. “It is important to always inform your doctor about your interest in curcumin so that they can make sure that there is no risk of interaction between the turmeric and the cancer treatment — this is increasingly the case with targeted molecular therapies,” Dr. Alschuler says. RELATED: Can Eating Too Much Turmeric Pose Negative Side Effects?
How Do You Take Turmeric?
Turmeric comes in raw form and as a powder, paste, extract, or oil. “For general health promotion, adding turmeric powder to your daily diet as a spice or even added to daily smoothies is appropriate. It is a key ingredient in curries, so this is a great way to ingest turmeric,” Alschuler says. “To obtain specific and more pronounced anti-inflammatory effects from turmeric, curcumin extracts are generally recommended.” Exact dosages of curcumin for cancer prevention or therapy haven’t been established. In clinical studies, participants typically take supplemental doses of between 1 g and 6 g. Some research has shown curcumin is safe to take at doses as high as 12 g per day over three months. “It is recommended to consult with a knowledgeable healthcare provider to discover which form of curcumin would be best and what dose would be most helpful,” Alschuler says. RELATED: Can Turmeric Help Prevent or Treat Type 2 Diabetes?
Turmeric Side Effects and Warnings
Although turmeric is generally safe, there are precautions you may want to take. The spice can interfere with certain medications, such as blood thinners and blood-sugar-lowering drugs. Additionally, it may impact the effectiveness of chemotherapies. Some people who take turmeric have reported stomach pain or an allergic reaction. Tell your doctor about all health conditions you have and medicines you use before taking a turmeric supplement. RELATED: 13 Herbs and Spices for Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptom Relief
The Bottom Line
Turmeric is a potent spice that could offer health benefits. While some research shows it may be a cancer-fighter, more studies need to be done to confirm turmeric’s role in cancer prevention and treatment. “An anti-inflammatory diet (such as the Mediterranean diet), regular exercise, sufficient restful sleep, stress management, and certain supplements, such as turmeric, are important components of risk reduction and as a part of an overall cancer treatment plan,” Alschuler says.
