Lung cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer, according to the U.K. National Health Service's website, NHS choices. Symptoms include coughing, chest pain and weight loss. Several types of lung cancer exist, the most common known as non-small cell lung cancer. It is usually treated with a combination of surgery and chemotherapy or radiotherapy but survival rates are poor. Curcumin, a compound found in the spice, turmeric, might have anti-cancer effects, although evidence is lacking that it is an effective preventive treatment for cancer. Thus, talk to your doctor before using curcumin.
Properties and Potential Benefits
Curcumin is the active ingredient of turmeric, a type of ginger commonly used to flavor curry and dye clothing. It is used in traditional Indian medicine to boost energy levels and as an alternative treatment for osteoarthritis, menstrual pain, high cholesterol and cataracts, according to Mississippi Baptist Health Systems. It might also prevent cancer cell growth, according to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.
Sources and Administration
Turmeric is most commonly supplied as a loose powder, although it is also available in capsules or tablets. Guidance regarding the amount required to help prevent lung cancer is lacking. However, Mississippi Baptist Health Systems states that a typical medicinal dose of turmeric supplies 400 mg to 600 mg of curcumin and is taken three times daily. This dosage is only intended as a guideline. Check with your doctor that this dose is suitable for you.
Effectiveness
Clinical trials evaluating curcumin's capacity to prevent or treat lung cancer are lacking. However, the results of a laboratory study published in the September 2008 issue of "Cancer Research" shows that curcumin inhibits lung cancer cell invasion, leading the authors to suggest that it might have a role in lung cancer treatment. Findings from an animal-based study published in the November 2009 issue of "Carcinogenesis" found that curcumin might also inhibit lung cancer progression. However, studies are needed to confirm these effects in humans.
Safety Considerations
Turmeric is included on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's "generally recognized as safe" list and, according to Mississippi Baptist Health Systems, is likely to be non-toxic. However, it might cause a mild stomach upset. Taking high doses of turmeric or using it for long periods might not be safe because it could cause liver toxicity. Do not use curcumin if you have gallbladder disease or a liver condition.
References
- NHS Choices: Lung Cancer
- Mississippi Baptist Health Systems: Turmeric
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Turmeric
- "Cancer Research"; Curcumin Inhibits Lung Cancer Cell Invasion and Metastasis Through the Tumor Suppressor HLJ1; H.W. Chen, et al.; September 2008
- "Carcinogenesis"; Curcumin Inhibits COPD-Like Airway Inflammation and Lung Cancer Progression in Mice; S.J. Moghaddam.; November 2009
