A cyst is a sac containing air, fluid or other material that can form anywhere in the body. Although cysts are usually noncancerous, complications can arise. For instance, an ovarian cyst can become twisted and cause tissue death. Most cysts resolve on their own, however. Some herbs, such as curcumin, are shown to help reduce cyst formation in clinical studies. You should consult your doctor before taking curcumin.
Cysts
Cysts are common on the skin, but can develop in any of your bodily tissues. Cysts that form in your lungs are generally air-filled, while kidney cysts are typically fluid-filled. Cysts vary in size from microscopic to large enough to push other organs aside. Inflammatory conditions, parasites, infections, genetic conditions and fluid blockages are all causes of cyst development. Most cysts do not cause symptoms and are typically discovered on a CAT or MRI scan.
Curcumin
Curcumin is the active substance in turmeric, an Indian spice. Turmeric is a common spice used to color and flavor foods such as curries. Curcumin exhibits anti-inflammatory properties, according to the Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. Both turmeric and curcumin are used in herbal medicine to soothe inflammation in the gastrointestinal system. Curcumin and turmeric are also used to treat kidney stones and infections and provide digestive support.
Curcumin's Benefit for Cysts
Researchers at Peking University in China conducted an in vitro study to examine curcumin's effect on kidney cyst development. The study, published in the March 2011 issue of the "European Journal of Pharmacology," found that curcumin inhibits kidney cyst development and enlargement. Curcumin slowed kidney cyst growth by 62 percent. The study concluded that curcumin shows promise for the treatment of polycystic kidney disease, which is characterized by an enlarged fluid-filled cyst that can cause kidney failure.
Precautions
You should always consult your doctor before taking herbs or supplements. The U.S Food and Drug administration has given turmeric a GRAS rating, meaning it is generally recognized as safe. Curcumin is available as a turmeric supplement and on its own as curcumin extract. Doses up to 12 grams are considered safe, according to the Linus Pauling Institute. Curcumin may exert an additive effect when combined with blood-thinning medication, which increases your bleeding risk. Curcumin may also cause your gallbladder to contract, which can cause pain if you have gallstones. Take turmeric or curcumin as the label, or your health care provider, directs.
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