Prostate cancer affects the gland that produces the liquid component of semen. Symptoms usually include urinary problems, such as bloody urine, or frequent or painful urination. Although prostate cancer is the third leading cause of cancer deaths in men, it is highly treatable if caught in the early stages. Treatment usually involves minimally-invasive surgery to remove the prostate gland; hormone therapy or chemotherapy may also be used. The spice known as turmeric may have anti-cancer effects and may support conventional cancer treatments, although evidence to prove that it works is lacking. Do not use it in place of medical treatments and get a doctor's advice before using it.
Properties and Potential Benefits
Turmeric is a common cooking spice often used to flavor curry dishes. However, it may help to alleviate symptoms associated with a number of conditions including ulcerative colitis, osteoarthritis, kidney stones and Alzheimer's disease. It may also play a role in the treatment of several forms of cancer. Although it contains a number of active compounds, including ascorbic acid and polysaccharides, a substance known as curcumin is likely responsible for any medicinal effects that turmeric may have.
Administration
Turmeric is supplied as a brightly-colored loose powder derived from the root and underground stems of the turmeric plant. For ease of administration, it is also available in capsules or tablets. Guidance regarding the amount required to help support prostate cancer treatment is lacking, although your doctor or oncologist may be able to advise you.
Evidence
Clinical studies evaluating the role of turmeric in the treatment of prostate cancer are lacking. However, the results of a laboratory study published in the September 2009 issue of "Cancer Science" show that a synthetic form of turmeric's active ingredient, curcumin, induces prostate cancer cell death, leading the authors to conclude that it may have potential as a therapeutic agent for prostate cancer. Research published in the January 2003 issue of "Molecular Cancer Therapeutics" also found that curcumin may induce prostate cancer cell death.
Safety Considerations
MedlinePlus notes that medicinal quantities of turmeric may be safe, but adds that it may cause nausea or diarrhea. Don't use turmeric if you are due for surgery within the next two weeks as it may heighten the risk of bleeding. Also avoid it if you have gallbladder problems. It may inhibit the action of chemotherapeutic agents, so do not use it if you are undergoing chemotherapy.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Prostate Cancer
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Turmeric
- "Cancer Science"; New Curcumin Analogues Exhibit Enhanced Growth-Suppressive Activity and Inhibit AKT and Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 Phosphorylation in Breast and Prostate Cancer Cells; L. Lin, et al.; September 2009
- "Molecular Cancer Therapeutics"; Curcumin (Diferuloyl-Methane) Enhances Tumor Necrosis Factor-Related Apoptosis-Inducing Ligand-Induced Apoptosis in LNCaP Prostate Cancer Cells; D. Deeb, et al.; January 2003
- MedlinePlus: Turmeric
