Colorectal cancer, also known as bowel cancer, is the second most common cancer in the United States, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. However, it is highly treatable if caught early enough. If you are diagnosed with colorectal cancer, you will likely need surgery to remove cancerous tissue from the colon and rectum. You may also need radiotherapy or chemotherapy. Some herbs, including turmeric, are sometimes used as complementary cancer treatments, although evidence to prove they work is inconclusive. Do not use turmeric in place of treatments your doctor prescribes and get medical advice before adding it to your treatment plan.
Properties
Turmeric is commonly used to flavor cooking, particularly curry dishes. However, it is sometimes used as a medicinal aid for a number of ailments, including stomach problems, infections and cancer. It contains a number of active compounds, including ascorbic acid and carotene. It also contains a compound called curcumin, which according to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, is likely responsible for the majority of turmeric's therapeutic effects and may induce cancer cell death.
Administration
Turmeric is often supplied as a loose powder, but you can also take it in capsules. UMMC suggests taking 300 mg of a standardized extract of turmeric three times daily. However, this is only intended to be a guideline -- ask your doctor or oncologist what is right for you. The amount you need to take may depend on several factors, including other medicines you may be taking and your age.
Effectiveness
The results of a laboratory study published in "Anticancer Research" in August 2009 show that turmeric's active ingredient, curcumin, inhibits the growth of colorectal cancer cells. An article by B.B. Patel and A.P. Majumdar published in "Nutrition and Cancer" adds that curcumin may also heighten the effects of anti-cancer drugs, including oxaliplatin and gemcitabine. As such, the authors suggest that combining curcumin with chemotherapeutic drugs may be an effective treatment strategy for gastrointestinal cancers.
Side Effects and Contraindications
RxList states that turmeric is likely safe for most people but adds that it may cause mild side effects like nausea or diarrhea. However, this does not mean turmeric is a suitable complementary medicine for everyone. Don't use turmeric if you have gallbladder disease or a bile duct obstruction. Also avoid turmeric if you take anti-coagulant drugs. It may increase your risk of bruising and bleeding.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Colorectal Cancer
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Turmeric
- "Anticancer Research"; Curcumin Inhibits Proliferation of Colorectal Carcinoma by Modulating Akt/mTOR Signaling; S.M. Johnson et al., August 2009
- "Nutrition and Cancer"; Synergistic Role of Curcumin with Current Therapeutics in Colorectal Cancer: Minireview; B.B. Patel and A.P. Majumdar; November 2009
- RxList: Turmeric
