Curcuma longa Curcuma domestica

Tumeric for Cancer ReductionZingiberaceae family

About the PlantAbout the Plant Perennial

Relative of Ginger

Trumpet shape, dull yellow flowers

Can grow 5-6 feet

Native to South Asia. Often grown in India, Nepal and China.

Active Ingredient: Active Ingredient: CurcuminCurcumin

The root and rootstock, or rhizome, of the plant contain the active ingredient. 

3%-5% of the root has active ingredient1

It is an antioxidant

Studies have been done with 3.5-10 grams to inhibit and prevent cancer cell growth1

Anti-inflammatory effects have been shown to be comparable to the potent drugs hydrocortisone and phenylbutazone as well as over-the-counter anti-inflammatory agents such as Motrin

Curcumin Extraction Curcumin Extraction 66

Plant is grown

Rhizome harvested

Solvent is created using polar solvent (acetone, methanol, ethanol, ethyl acetate)

To remove color: Freeze Centrifuge or vacuum filtration

Purified with a hexane wash

Cancer PreventionCancer Prevention Neutralizes substances and conditions that cause cancer. 3

Helps cells retain integrity if infected by carcinogen. 3

Curcumin can destroy tumor growth. 1,3

Possibly inhibits synthesis of protein that causes tumor growth and preventing development of additional blood supply necessary for cell growth.1

Tumors of esophagus, mouth, intestines, stomach, breast and skin In animal testing, cancer growth is slowed, inhibited and mass reduced1

Can inhibit enzyme growth of Topoisomerase.3

Topoisomerase works within the nucleus of the cell, where it first binds to supercoiled DNA and then catalyzes the passage of one DNA helix through another via a transient double-stranded break. This splits the DNA and thus allows cell replication to occur. Stopping Topoisomerase stops replication which stops the spread of the problem. 4

Natural COX-2 inhibitor3

Block an enzyme called cyclooxygenase-2. This is beneficial because the COX-2 enzyme helps make carcinogens more active in the body and allows cancerous cells to survive by growing new blood vessels. 5

Colon cells protected from free radical that damage DNA because of curcumin's antioxidant actions. 3

Effects on the BodyEffects on the Body Stimulates galbladder

Stimulates circulatory system

Reduces cholesterol levels

Dissolves blood clots

Stops external and internal bleeding

Relieves painful menstration and angina

Remedy for IBS, colitis, Chron’s disease

Reduces illness from toxins and parasites and bacteria

Curcumin enhances liver function

Effects on the BodyEffects on the Body In colon, cells turn over ever 3 days, making this a high risk for

cancer cell reproduction.1

When used in combination with phenethyl isothiocyanate (found in cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, kale, kolhrabi and turnips) reduced tumor growth and the ability of prostate cancer cells to spread in test animals.

Nagabhushan has shown that the curcumin in turmeric can2: inhibit the mutagenicity of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)

(carcinogenic chemicals created by the burning of carbon based fuels including cigarette smoke)

inhibit radiation-induced chromosome damage prevent the formation of harmful heterocyclic amines and nitroso

compounds, which may result in the body when certain processed foods, such as processed meat products that contain nitrosamines, are eaten

irreversibly inhibit the multiplication of leukemia cells in a cell culture

Drug InformationDrug InformationAvailable Forms

(dose) Root or rhizome (1.5-3 g/day)

Traditional Powder (often used for cooking) (1-3g per day)

Capsuels containing standardized powder (400-600mg, 3 times per day)

Fluid extract (antibacterial oil) (1:1 30-90 drops/day)

Tincture (1:2 15-30 drops 4 times/day)

Topical (as needed)

Bromelain (from pineapples) often used in combination

Turmeric or Curcumin with Cruciferous Vegetables or their sprouts is very effective.

Drug Interactions Blood thinning medications

Warfarin (Coumadin) Clopidogrel (Plavix) Aspirin

Drugs that reduce stomach acid Cimetidine (Tagamet) Famotidine (Pepcid) Ranitidine (Zantac) Esomeprazole (Nexium) Omeprazole Lansoprazole (Prevacid)

Diabetes medication Make effects stronger –

lowering blood sugar

Additional Research Additional Research OpportunitiesOpportunities

1. Holistic health studies on nutrition and cancer prevention.

2. Food combinations and maximum cancer prevention.

3. HIV and AIDS reduction research.

4. Holistic plant treatment vs. curcumin use (whole rizome versus extract).

5. Other ways to extract curcumin.

6. Reducing impact of cancer causing external influences.

Other UsesOther Uses Rheumatoid Arthritis Cystic Fibrosis Sufferers Alzheimer's Stomach Ulcers Studied to prevent ‘bad

cholesterol’ Used to improve kidney

transplants Pain relief Food preservation Toothache Bruises Lower Cholesterol

500 mg of curcumin taken for 7 days with a oxidized cholesterol drop of 33% in blood, with total cholesterol drop of 11% and HDL increased by 29% 2

Interferes with some viruses: Hepititus

HIV Inhibition When HIV cells were fed in a

laboratory in Bangalor, India, cells stopped reproducing. Harvard Medical School Study showed that curcumin blocked a specific gene that activates virus and causes it to spread. Antimicrobial properties protect maleffects from HIV (NPD in Vermont). 3

Flatulence Jaundice Menstrual difficulties Bloody urine Hemorrhage Chest pain Colic

20 reasons to add 20 reasons to add turmeric to your diet:turmeric to your diet:

1. It is a natural antiseptic and antibacterial agent, useful in disinfecting cuts and burns.2. When combined with cauliflower, it has shown to prevent prostate cancer and stop the growth of

existing prostate cancer.3. Prevented breast cancer from spreading to the lungs in mice.4. May prevent melanoma and cause existing melanoma cells to commit suicide.5. Reduces the risk of childhood leukemia.6. Is a natural liver detoxifier.7. May prevent and slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease by removing amyloyd plaque

buildup in the brain.8. May prevent metastases from occurring in many different forms of cancer.9. It is a potent natural anti-inflammatory that works as well as many anti-inflammatory drugs but

without the side effects.10. Has shown promise in slowing the progression of multiple sclerosis in mice.11. Is a natural painkiller and cox-2 inhibitor.12. May aid in fat metabolism and help in weight management.13. Has long been used in Chinese medicine as a treatment for depression.14. Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, it is a natural treatment for arthritis and rheumatoid

arthritis.15. Boosts the effects of chemo drug paclitaxel and reduces its side effects.16. Promising studies are underway on the effects of turmeric on pancreatic cancer.17. Studies are ongoing in the positive effects of turmeric on multiple myeloma.18. Has been shown to stop the growth of new blood vessels in tumors.19. Speeds up wound healing and assists in remodeling of damaged skin.20. May help in the treatment of psoriasis and other inflammatory skin conditions.(From: http://www.healthdiaries.com/eatthis/20-health-benefits-of-turmeric.html)

ReferencesReferences[1]

http://www.cancer.org/Treatment/TreatmentsandSideEffects/ComplementaryandAlternativeMedicine/HerbsVitaminsandMinerals/turmeric

[2] http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=78

[3] http://www.ayurvedacollege.com/articles/students/turmeric

[4] Cancer Research , Article: “Chemopreventive Effect of Curcumin , a Naturally Occurring Anti-Inflammatory Agent, during the Promotion/Progression Stages of Colon Cancer ” Cancer Research 59, 597-601, February 1, 1999

[5] Whole Health MD.com , Article: “Cancer Fighters in Your Spice Rack,” 3/21/2001. http://www.wholehealthmd.com/news/viewarticle/1,1513,844,00

[6] Plotto, Anne, Article: “Tumeric: Post Production Management” 22/04/2004 http://www.fao.org/fileadmin/user_upload/inpho/docs/Post_Harvest_Compendium_-_Turmeric.pdf

[7] Weiss, E.A. 2002. Spice Crops. CAB International publishing, Oxon, UK