Curcuma longa, or turmeric, is a relative of ginger most commonly known as the spice that gives Indian curries its yellow color and strong flavor. Recently scientists have started to look at the plant for its medicinal properties, including its potential as a cancer-fighting drug. They are also researching its potential to shrink tumors, an abnormal growth of body tissue, which may be cancerous or benign. Always discuss taking herbal supplements with your physician before use.
Turmeric
Turmeric is a flowering perennial found most commonly in the tropical climates of Southern Asia and India. Turmeric grows five to six feet in height and produces trumpet shaped yellow blooms. Herbalists have used the bulbs, roots and rhizomes of turmeric medicinally for over four centuries. Turmeric's active ingredient, curcumin, is a powerful antioxidant. Antioxidants move throughout the body seeking out and neutralizing free radicals, which can damage and kill cells and affect DNA. Herbalists believe curcumin may have antiviral and antibacterial properties and researchers are currently testing its use on many ailments including uveitis, diabetes, stomach ulcers, ulcerative colitis and indigestion, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Tumors
Tumors typically grow where cells divide abnormally. In a typical cellular life cycle, cells are formed, carry out their function and then die so that new cells can take their place. The New York Times Health Guide explains that if there is a disruption in the life cycle, tumors may form. This often occurs due to a problem with the immune system, such as viruses, excessive drinking, inactivity, obesity, radiation, chemical exposure, excessive sunlight and genetics. Though tumors may be cancerous, many are often benign. Tumor symptoms vary depending on location but may include fever, chills, fatigue, loss of appetite, malaise, weight loss and night sweats. If a tumor is benign, physicians may choose to do nothing, but if the tumor is cancerous, treatments may include surgery, radiation and chemotherapy.
The Science
Researchers believe that curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, may help treat certain cancers such as those of the breast, prostate, colon and skin. Though research for turmeric is in its infancy, laboratory-testing shows that curcumin kills cancer cells in a lab dish and slows growth of remaining cells. The American Cancer Society states that curcumin has been shown to shrink tumors in animals. Researchers believe this is because curcumin may interfere with the tumors blood supply, causing the tumor to shrink and die. Further clinical testing is needed before researchers can draw any definitive conclusions and, as of 2011, no human clinical trials have released data stating that turmeric shrinks tumors. Always discuss turmeric or any herbal supplement with your doctor before use.
Warnings
There is little data on the side effects of turmeric when used for medicinal purposes. Turmeric can interact with antiplatelet and anticoagulant medications such as warfarin and aspirin, increasing your risk for excessive bleeding. It may also interfere with medications that reduce stomach acid such as omeprazole, increasing stomach acid and potentially exacerbating a preexisting condition.
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