Get Yellow! Turmeric Helps Fight Cancer - It's Official
It’s official. The spice turmeric (Curcumae longae
rhizoma), that bright yellow spice that is found in curries
and a popular ingredient in local “Jamu” (herbal
drink) remedies, contains a chemical that may help stop breast
cancer from spreading.
“Researchers from the University of Texas M.D. Anderson
Cancer Center presented the findings in Philadelphia at the
U.S. Defense Department’s “Era of Hope”
Breast Cancer Research Program. (Their study involved mice,
not people, so they’re not advising anyone to depend
on curcumin for cancer treatment yet). Curcumin could be of
“tremendous value” if it’s shown to be effective
in humans, “but we’re a long way from being able
to make any recommendations yet, says researcher Bharat Aggarwal,
PhD, in a news release”. (WebMD October 14th 2007)
Regardless of the results of this latest study, Curcumin,
an antioxidant that gives turmeric its yellow color, has shown
both in vitro (test animals) and in vivo (in human subjects)
pharmacological studies that turmeric and its active constituents
have antioxidant, anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial
effects. According to in vivo research, turmeric extracts
displayed anti-tumor activity against skin cancer, breast
cancer, and oral cancer cell lines. WebMD has also reported
results of another curcumin study, which showed that curcumin
helped cut Alzheimer’s-related brain plaque in mice.
Turmeric is also an agent that stimulates the flow of bile
from the duodenum. It enhances bile secretion by the liver
as well as promoting gallbladder contraction, as well as being
an anti-liver-toxin agent. Curcumin, even in small doses,
have been shown to reduce cholesterol levels.
Turmeric extracts produced anti-mutagenic (anti-cancer) action
against several mutagens in test animals. In clinical studies,
smokers administered oral doses of 1 to 5 g turmeric daily
for 30 days showed significantly lower levels of mutagens
in their urine when compared to nonsmokers given placebo.
Turmeric is a native of Indonesia and other regions of southern
Asia. It is widely used as a yellow food color and spice,
including an ingredient in curry powder. It is also popular
in Asian traditional medicine (Jamu), even though there is
no known basis for all of its many varied uses in folk healing.
Dosage Ranges and Duration of Administration
Standardized powder (curcumin): 400 to 600 mg tid (1.5 to
3.0 g daily)
Tincture (1:2): 3 to 5 ml tid
Note: Curcumin should be taken on an empty stomach 20 minutes
before meals or between meals. Oral doses of curcumin are
not readily absorbed; 40 to 85% of the compounds may never
be absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract. Combinations of
curcumin and bromelain (contained in pineapples) may increase
the absorption of curcumin.
Turmeric may decrease fertility in females (although I wouldn’t
rely on it for contraception), so it may be wise to avoid
it in large doses if you are trying to all pregnant.
Herbal remedies are not necessarily a substitute for correct
medical diagnosis and treatment. If you are suffering from
symptoms that concern you, seek medical advise from a recommended
medical practitioner (Suggest Dr Ristie Darmawan 08123818570),
and / or a recommended qualified naturopath Suggest Dr Frederique
0361-766259)
Kim Patra is a qualified registered nurse and midwife who
has been living and working in Bali for almost 20 years. She
now runs her own private practice and medical referral service
from her Kuta office. Kim is happy to discuss any health concerns
with you and she may be contacted via e-mail at info@chcbali.com
or Hp. 081 2366 0000.
