Condition
    Effectiveness 1/5

    Curcumin for Cancer

    Curcumin has extensive laboratory activity and almost no clinical evidence in cancer, alongside real interaction concerns during treatment.

    Overview

    Curcumin has extensive laboratory activity and almost no clinical evidence in cancer, alongside real interaction concerns during treatment.

    Verdict

    Insufficient evidence

    A preclinical story that has not translated; disclose it to your oncology team.

    How It Works

    Curcumin inhibits NF-κB and multiple signalling pathways in cell culture, but oral bioavailability is very low and plasma concentrations fall far below those used in vitro.

    Dosing & Protocol

    Typical dose

    Recommended dose
    No established therapeutic dose in oncology
    Expected timeframe
    Not applicable.

    Protocol

    form
    n/a
    notes
    Always disclose to your oncology team
    duration
    n/a
    starting dose
    Not recommended during active treatment

    Evidence

    What the studies say

    Despite hundreds of preclinical papers, human oncology trials of curcumin are small, mostly single-arm, and have not demonstrated tumour response or survival benefit. Bioavailability is the central obstacle: unformulated curcumin is poorly absorbed and rapidly conjugated. Separately, curcumin inhibits CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein and has antiplatelet activity, all of which can alter chemotherapy drug levels and bleeding risk. Some in vitro work suggests antioxidant interference with treatment-induced oxidative damage. The risk-benefit balance during active treatment is unfavourable.

    Curcumin as an adjunct in cancer therapy: systematic review of clinical trials

    Score: 5/10
    2020
    systematic_review

    Mansouri K, Rasoulpoor S, Daneshkhah A +5 more

    Curcumin adjuncts were associated with improved treatment tolerance and some improvement in response markers

    View source

    Safety

    Caveats

    Inhibits CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein, altering levels of many chemotherapy agents. Antiplatelet effect increases bleeding risk. Rare hepatotoxicity reports with high-dose enhanced-absorption products.

    Less likely to help if

    Anyone on active chemotherapy or radiotherapy.

    Medical Disclaimer

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    Individual results may vary. The statements on this website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products and information are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.