Adenomas, or adenomatous polyps, are abnormal mushroom-shaped growths in the lining of your colon. Most colorectal cancers, or cancers originating in the colon or rectum, are thought to develop from adenomatous polyps. Since adenomas are a risk factor for colorectal cancer, therapies or dietary interventions that reduce the incidence or recurrence of adenomas are of critical importance in colorectal cancer management. Numerous diet-derived compounds, including curcumin and quercetin, are being evaluated as clinical prevention agents in many cancers or cancer-predisposing conditions. Always consult your doctor about the benefits and harms of curcumin or quercetin specific to your health.
Adenomatous Polyps
Polyps are fleshy growths in the lining of the colon. Most polyps are benign; however adenomas, a particular type of polyp, can become cancerous over time. In fact, most cases of colorectal cancer are thought to arise from adenomas. The risk of developing colorectal cancer increases with the size and multiplicity of adenomatous polyps, and personal or family history of the same. Some people have a rare genetic condition called familial adenomatous polyposis. If you suffer from FAP, you may develop hundreds of adenomas and are at a greater risk of developing colorectal cancer. Adenomatous polyps can be detected by screening methods, like colonoscopy, and are typically removed during colonoscopy, flexible sigmoidoscopy or surgery.
Curcumin
Curcumin is a natural compound found in the spice turmeric. Turmeric is a yellow powder, popular in India and south Asia, made from the ground rhizomes of Curcuma longa, a plant in the ginger family. Studies on lab-grown cells and animal models of colorectal cancer, and in human patients, have recently been reviewed in the "World Journal of intestinal Oncology" in 2010. Curcumin can arrest the growth of cancer cells, reduce cancer metastases -- spreading of cancer to other body parts -- and inhibit angiogenesis -- blood vessel formation in tumors. Moreover, clinical trials on cancer patients indicate that curcumin is generally safe and has minimal side effects, in doses up to eight grams a day.
Quercetin
Quercetin is a natural antioxidant found in many foods, including apples, onions, leafy vegetables and tea. Quercetin belongs to a class of compounds called flavonoids. The cancer-specific effects of quercetin and other flavonoids, abundant in diets rich in fruits and vegetables, are still in early stages of investigation. A clinical trial, called the Polyp Prevention Trial, evaluates the relationship between a diet high in fiber, fruits and vegetables and low in fat and the risk of recurrence of adenomas. An analysis of this trial, published in "Cancer Prevention Research" in 2010, concluded that the risk of recurrence and likelihood of more advanced adenomas was lowest in people with the highest intake of some flavonoids, including quercetin.
Effect on Adenomas
To date, one clinical study, conducted by researchers at Johns Hopkins University and the Cleveland Clinic, has evaluated the effect of curcumin and quercetin on adenomas. The results, published in 2006 in "Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology," showed that 480 milligrams of curcumin and 20 milligrams of quercetin orally, administered three times a day, reduced the size and number of adenomas in all five patients in the study. The mean reduction in number and size of polyps was 60 and 50 percent, respectively. The small size of the study cautions against broad conclusions about curcumin and quercetin use in the prevention of adenomas. However, the results show promise for further development of curcumin and quercetin as colorectal adenoma and cancer prevention agents.
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