Most women experience changes in their breasts at some point in their lives in the form of lumps, bumps and discharge. Several conditions such as fibroadenomas, fibrocystic breast condition, clogged milk ducts and tumors can lead to these changes. You must consult a doctor if you experience any changes in your breast to determine the underlying cause. The symptoms and treatments vary. Certain supplements and herbs such as turmeric also may help prevent or treat some breast diseases, especially breast cancer.
Turmeric
Turmeric, or Curcuma longa, is a short perennial plant native to Southern Asia. The roots and underground stems of the plant are boiled, dried and made into the characteristic yellow powder. Turmeric contains an antioxidant compound known as curcumin, which is responsible for its immense medicinal value. It has been used traditionally to treat several conditions including ulcers, heart disease, osteoporosis and certain types of cancer. Turmeric and curcumin supplements are available as capsules, powders, liquid extracts and tinctures. The recommended dose is different in different people. Your doctor may help determine a form and dose that is appropriate for you.
Role in Breast Health
The curcumin found in turmeric inhibits the growth of breast cancer cells by down-regulating the expression of inflammatory chemicals, according to a study published in the April 2008 issue of the journal “Carcinogenesis.” Another study in the August 2008 issue of the journal “Cancer Letters” reveals that curcumin may help treat several types of cancer, including those of the breast, by inhibiting proliferation of cancer cells and promoting apoptosis, or programmed cell death, of the cancer cells. The Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center states that turmeric prevents the growth of breast cancer cells and can be used safely in combination with docetaxel, a chemotherapy drug commonly prescribed to treat breast cancer. Turmeric also possesses significant antioxidant activity and thereby protects the cells of the breast tissue against the harmful effects of the free radicals formed as a result of various metabolic processes in the body, according to the Center's website.
Side Effects
Turmeric is commonly used as a spice and coloring agent in Indian cuisine, and is considered safe when used in moderate amounts. High doses of the spice may, however, lead to upset stomach and diarrhea. Turmeric may also interfere with certain diabetes, antacid and blood pressure medications.
Precautions
Talk to a doctor before using turmeric supplements to prevent or treat breast cancer. Remember that some benefits of turmeric have been tested in the laboratory only, and more research and clinical trials are needed to prove the benefits conclusively. Also, the Food and Drug Administration does not regulate the turmeric supplements sold in the United States. So make sure that your supplements have been tested for safety. You may seek a pharmacist’s help, or look for the USP logo that is awarded by the U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention to products that have been tested for safety.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Turmeric
- "Carcinogenesis"; Curcumin Downregulates the Inflammatory Cytokines CXCL1 and -2 in Breast Cancer Cells Via NFκB; Beatrice E. Bachmeier et al; April 2008
- "Cancer Letters"; Curcumin and Cancer: An "Old-Age" Disease With an "Age-Old" Solution; P. Anand et al; August 2008
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Turmeric
