Turmeric Curcumin and Cancer: What Studies Actually Found

Introduction

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This article is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. It’s essential to consult with your oncology team before making any changes to your diet or supplement routine, especially if you have cancer or are undergoing treatment.

Research on turmeric curcumin and cancer has been ongoing for several years, with some studies suggesting potential benefits in cancer therapy (A Unlu et al., 2016; K Mansouri et al., 2020). However, it’s essential to understand the current state of knowledge and the limitations of the evidence. This article will review the research on turmeric curcumin and cancer, including its mechanism of action, potential benefits, and limitations.

What the Research Actually Shows

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Several studies have investigated the effects of curcumin on cancer cells and animal models (Gunnink LK et al., 2016; E Burgos‐Morón et al., 2010). These studies suggest that curcumin may have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, which could potentially enhance cancer therapy. For example, a study published in the journal Biochimie found that curcumin directly inhibits the transport activity of GLUT1, a protein involved in glucose uptake (Gunnink LK et al., 2016). Another study published in the Journal of Buon found that curcumin inhibited the growth of cancer cells and induced apoptosis (A Unlu et al., 2016).

However, it’s essential to note that the evidence is not yet conclusive, and more research is needed to fully understand the effects of curcumin on cancer. A systematic review published in the journal BMC Cancer found that while curcumin may have potential benefits in enhancing cancer therapy, the quality of the evidence was generally low (K Mansouri et al., 2020).

Mechanism of Action

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Curcumin is a polyphenol compound that has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects (S Shishodia et al., 2008). It’s thought to work by inhibiting the activity of various enzymes and proteins involved in inflammation and cell growth. For example, curcumin has been shown to inhibit the activity of COX-2, an enzyme involved in inflammation, and to induce apoptosis in cancer cells (E Burgos‐Morón et al., 2010).

What We Know vs. What We Don’t Know

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While some studies suggest potential benefits of curcumin in cancer therapy, there are several limitations to the evidence. For example, most studies have been conducted in animal models or cell cultures, and more research is needed to confirm the findings in humans. Additionally, the optimal dose and duration of curcumin supplementation for cancer therapy are not yet established (JG Devassy et al., 2015).

Practical Takeaways

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Based on the current evidence, here are some practical takeaways:

• While turmeric is a rich source of curcumin, the amount of curcumin in food may not be sufficient to achieve potential therapeutic benefits. Supplements may be necessary, but consult with your healthcare provider before taking any.
• Curcumin may have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, which could potentially enhance cancer therapy. However, more research is needed to fully understand its effects.
• If you’re considering taking curcumin supplements during cancer treatment, consult with your oncology team first.

References

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Gunnink LK, Alabi OD, Kuiper BD, et al. “Curcumin directly inhibits the transport activity of GLUT1.” Biochimie, 2016. PubMed | Full Text PDF | DOI

A Unlu, E Nayir, MD Kalenderoglu, et al. “Curcumin (Turmeric) and cancer.” J buon, 2016. PDF

E Burgos‐Morón, JM Calderón‐Montaño. “The dark side of curcumin.” International Journal of Cancer, 2010. PDF

JG Devassy, ID Nwachukwu, PJH Jones. “Curcumin and cancer: barriers to obtaining a health claim.” Nutrition reviews, 2015. PDF

K Mansouri, S Rasoulpoor, A Daneshkhah, et al. “Clinical effects of curcumin in enhancing cancer therapy: A systematic review.” BMC cancer, 2020. PDF

S Shishodia, K Misra, BB Aggarwal. “Turmeric as cure-cumin: promises, problems, and solutions.” Dietary modulation of cell …, 2008. PDF