Herbs and spices have long been touted for their medicinal properties, with some more effective than others. Curcumin may be effective in helping treat bladder cancer but research is still in its early stages. If you have bladder cancer, check with your doctor before taking curcumin supplements to make sure it is safe and appropriate for you.
Bladder Cancer
The bladder is an organ that stores urine and when cancer cells form in its tissues, bladder cancer is diagnosed. More than 70,500 individuals were diagnosed with bladder cancer in 2010, resulting in more than 14,000 deaths, according to the National Cancer Institute. Although bladder cancer can occur at any age, the disease is typically diagnosed in older adults, says MayoClinic.com. Bladder cancer carries a high risk of recurrence, even when diagnosed at an early stage; thus, it is important to get regular follow-up checkups and tests.
Curcumin
Curcumin is the active substance in the herb turmeric. Turmeric is the coloring that makes curry yellow and gives it its flavor but this herb has also been used medicinally for over 4,000 years, states the University of Maryland Medical Center. Curcumin is known to be an antioxidant, which helps protect cells from damage due to free radicals. Curcumin has also been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties, helps reduce the risk of blood clots and helps treat liver and digestive problems. You can take curcumin in capsules containing the curcumin powder or you can consume a fluid extract or tincture.
Curcumin and Cancer
Although more research is necessary, curcumin may help fight various kinds of cancer, including bladder cancer. Curcumin increased the effectiveness of a common bladder cancer treatment called Bacillus Calmette-Guerin, BCG, according to a 2009 study by A. Kamat et al., published in "Cancer Research." While even curcumin alone reduced the tumor, when combined with the BCG, the effects were even greater. Depending on what chemotherapy drug you are taking, curcumin may enhance the effects of the drug or it may inhibit the effects of the medication, as it may with cyclophosphamide, according to Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. If you are receiving treatment for bladder cancer, talk with your doctor about whether you should take curcumin.
Warnings
Do not use curcumin as a substitute for bladder cancer treatment. During treatment, ask your health care team if it is safe for you to consume this herb. Curcumin can interfere with several types of medication, including blood thinners, diabetes drugs and medications for stomach acid. Thus, to avoid any adverse interactions, tell your doctor about any medications you may be taking before using curcumin.
References
- National Cancer Institute: Bladder Cancer
- MayoClinic; Bladder Cancer; Mayo Clinic Staff; April 2010
- "University of Maryland Medical Center"; Turmeric; Dr. David Zieve, et al.; August 2010
- "Cancer Research"; Curcumin Potentiates the Antitumor Effects of Bacillus Calmette-Guerin Against Bladder Cancer Through the Downregulation of NF-kB and Upregulation of TRAIL Receptors; A.M. Kamat, et al.; 2009
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center; November 2010
