Curcumin Can Help Fight Cancer
Curcumin Can Help Fight Cancer – A new study found that curcumin, a chemical found in turmeric, a common spice in Indian cooking, can be used to fight some cancers and inflammatory diseases.
Researchers at Curtin University in Australia, led by Gautam Sethi, conducted a review of past clinical trials that used curcumin to treat cancer patients, and found that it offers a safe and effective option, and can be used as part of a multi-targeted agent. Since cancer and many other diseases are caused by a deregulation of multiple genes, an approach that targets these multiple genes would be more successful than a mono-tartgeted agent.
According to Sethi, curcumin probably works by regulating genes that boost the immune system. Turmeric’s anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and immune-boosting properties are well-known.
Researchers found curcumin to be extremely effective in multiple myeloma patients as well as those suffering from pancreatic cancer. But the compound was not effective in breast cancer patients who were being treated with cyclophosphamide. They found that curcumin counteracts the effect of cyclophosphamide.
Sethi also points out that curcumin is probably the only drug that can be given in high doses without any toxicity. The only known side-effect of turmeric is blood thinning, hence, Sethi advises against taking curcumin if undergoing surgery. He recommends using more turmeric (curcumin) in cooking.
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