Turmeric

Turmeric is a spice commonly used in the Middle East, India and South East Asia. It is bright yellow in color and comes from the root of the Curcuma longa plant.

Turmeric has been used for many centuries in Ayurvedic medicine (traditional medicine of India) for a variety of ailments. It is well-studied for its anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. In integrative medicine, in addition to use in cancer, it is used for joint pain and other inflammatory conditions. Most research has focused around curcumin, which is one of the biologically active constituents of the turmeric root. Even though curcumin has been well-studied and many health benefits well-established, there are other curcuminoids and other components of turmeric that are also medicinal.

Cancer Research

There are several studies that support the anti-cancer properties of turmeric / curcumin, including beneficial effects on colon, breast and pancreatic cancers. Other studies that show that curcumin can improve response to chemotherapy and radiation (called chemosensitization, or radiosensitization).

Supplement - Drug Interactions

As a supplement, turmeric is likely safe and well-tolerated, but drug interactions should be considered.  Although it is likely safe with most types of chemotherapy, it has the potential to interact with a few of them, including doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide. Turmeric and curcumin supplements may also interact with blood thinners such as coumadin.

Doses

Many turmeric formulations on the market have been standardized to curcumin. To enhance the absorption of curcumin is best in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, it may be combined with black pepper (biopiperine), fat, phosphatidylcholine, or gum ghatti among other preparations.

Dosing for turmeric and standardized curcumin preparations vary widely depending upon the type of preparation. Powdered turmeric root has shown anti-cancer effects at 8g daily. In contrast, many of the concentrated curcumin extracts have shown clinical benefits at dosages between 1g to 3g daily.

Warnings

There are growing concerns about the interaction of turmeric or curcumin supplements with a variety of chemotherapy drugs, including doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide as well as with blood thinners.  For this reason, during the active phase of cancer treatment, it is advisable to discuss turmeric or curcumin supplementation with an integrative medicine provider who is familiar with the chemotherapy or other anti-cancer medications you are receiving to ensure safety and decrease potential drug-herb interactions.  Turmeric cooked with food is considered to be safe during any phase of cancer treatment and is probably beneficial. Additionally, turmeric or curcumin in large doses can result in gastrointestinal (GI) upset in some people.